R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This characteristic trait, value, symbol, word has been coming up repeatedly in life these days, so I thought this would be a great topic for Tuesday. In fact, my daughter and I talked about the importance of this yesterday when I picked her up from school. She apparently had an incident with another girl (a 2nd grader) in which the little girl was pushing her under the water in the pool when nobody was looking. My daughter doesn't understand how someone can be your friend one minute, then so cruel the next. Later in the day, this girl (we'll call her "Sara") asked if she could be her best friend when my daughter's best friend isn't around. The only thing I could think of on the spot (it takes me time to process usually) is that this little girl, while older than my daughter, may feel a bit envious of the friendship Paige & her little best friend have? As an observer, I've seen Sara often bully other children which is common at that age while learning how to navigate the world especially if nobody redirects the energy.

In an article by Elizabeth Hamilton (The Importance of Teaching Respect to Kids), she tells us that, "Like most of us, bullies want to be admired. They want people to think they have great worth - that they are important. They seek recognition. The trouble is that they go about their pursuit of recognition in the wrong way. They employ tactics such as name-calling, fighting, and stealing to make others seem small and insignificant. Subconsciously, they appear to decide that the more people they bring down, the more they will raise their own worth."

Instead of seeking attention or self value from bullying others, there are ways for children to gain esteem in positive ways. That's OUR job as parents, teachers, counselors, staff members....to role model respect to the children, our leaders of tomorrow.

With that, I leave you with a challenge for today. Do something good that makes you smile today - self respect is the starting block.

“Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different.” -- Stacey Charter

Happy Easter

We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful day than we've had so far. The girls woke up just before 7AM and were extra excited to find the spring gifts from Mom & Dad (American Girl Bitty Twins). The best part is that they weren't expecting them, but were certainly surprised! Next they were off to find their Easter baskets from the great Easter Bunny and then the egg hunt ensued! The E.B. left a note telling them to look outside...in years past there's still been snow on the ground, it was a great surprise to have a sunny, 60 degree morning. We've enjoyed the day and now we're off to the park. Happy Easter!

Interesting Article

For today, from an article by Jeff D. Opdyke, "The 15 Money Rules Kids Should Learn":



This is a very important topic to me as an adult learning daily how to be a good parent (they do NOT come with an instruction manual!). Since I didn't have the best example growing up (financially speaking), I don't always have a 'healthy relationship with money' as the author states as an essential of becoming a successful adult. He states that amongst other responsbilities as a parent, "...you also have a new obligation to teach your children about money so that they grow into adults who are at home in the financial world and who have a healthy relationship with money."

We've been talking about starting a small allowance for our children, tied into small tasks/chores around the house. They're 5 & 7, so we figured we'd start with things like helping Mom and Dad load/unload the dishwasher, feed the cat, and put clothes in their hampers.

From the list above, I especially like #8. It states that you should only spend 50% of what you've put into the Piggy Bank at any time. Love it! This will be a tough lesson for 7 year-old. Money definitely burns a hole in her pocket and she loves to get the most for her money (e.g. she'll buy 5 things at the dollar store with $5). The 5 year-old is going to be my miser. She'll save until she can save up enough to buy the gadget she's had her eye on. Parenting is so exciting!

It's a start.

Spring Saturday

The naked earth is warm with Spring,
And with green grass and bursting trees
Leans to the sun's kiss glorying,
And quivers in the sunny breeze.
~Julian Grenfell



On today's agenda:

on the deck coffee sipping;
singing bird listening;
egg coloring;
sidewalk chalking;
park visiting;
bike riding;
essences of Spring enjoying.

"The secret to a rich life is to have more beginnings than endings.”
--David Weinbaum

A good place to begin a new blog amongst other new beginnings. The transition from Summer has been a bit challenging, but we will make it through! Staying true to the quote, life is rich.