I hope regardless where you're spending you'll a wonderful Canada Day Fourth July just plain old summer

Well folks that's another month usual any suggestions contributionsParentsWorld Monthly -- August 2003

AUGUST 2003 It's August -- hard accept official summer winding up I'm sure how happened because I swear just started August time figure out back school yes ..even work way towards Christmas planning Too bad because I just getting lazy summer days Don't miss what's new o­n website a single parent money often tight we can't afford buy our kids latest greatest clothes you've got a closet full baby clothes toddler o­nly two pairs pants going Visit ParentsWorld Swap that's Our new area where parents can trade clothes toys other items free use here's how works First off need created logged free ParentsWorld account o­nce you've done go ParentsWorld Swap area browse ads place own o­ne ever allowed charge items posted o­nly cost shipping can't find need own area Let's face $20 shipping fees much cheaper buying new a whole box clothes Also get decide receiving party pay shipping -- ever works best parties want can also specify swap only people own area Take a moment today offer items someone need post own message requesting things you're short Let's build up list we a database brimming items people can use MONTHS ISSUE: Teen Driving Crazy Ramblings DonorsChoose org -- our new Christmas Project   Teen Driving Crazy Teen Driving Crazy Written by: Bill Knell Web Site: Life Work Teen Driving Crazy Teens test limits any parent’s sanity It’s easy parents overreact find fault teen there’s plenty blame go around Start nature A recent series tests shown teenagers experience a certain amount electrical disarray brain functions may account parents notice unusual irrational behavior times A parent’s overreaction teen’s annoying behavioral swings can add insult injury bring out worst any child Don’t worry still charge A teen’s assertiveness prepares life apart parents How deal troublesome years likely tone any relationship hope maintain child when adults Reacting behavior strictly o­n emotion a challenge authority unlikely produce results want also produce a wall teen end any useful communication a dad seven kids it’s my experience parenting requires walking a tightrope balance a desire children grow responsible fulfilled adults a need allow develop own personality want Fortunately me none taken up guitar started playing ear-shattering music biting heads off canaries hoping next Ozzie Osbourne happens Growing up 1960s 1970s I had then a few friends had garage bands wanted fame parents tolerated considered a brief fling music kept pressure o­n kids stay school pursue other career avenues waiting big break Most teens ended up adults other careers appreciated guidance parents provided tells me way parents handled things reasonable worked teen a desire move a path doesn’t suit it’s time serious decision making shut off opportunity express themselves may shut out might tolerate loud guitar playing time time order retain a certain level influence over other cases might a few trips doctor because teen loves skating skateboarding sustained injury three understand ability enjoy personal interests may may lead a career hinges o­n ability allowed input choices It’s o­ne thing encourage self-expression another provide negative influence parents allow underage teens drink alcoholic beverages smoke home Sometimes culture come other cases it’s allowed because parents did when teens Before allow child something essentially illegal consider ramifications When allow teens break law whatever reason teaching situation ethics means can obey disobey law depending o­n situation that’s o­nly consequence A family a teen star school sports team likely host a victory party o­ne time another parents tolerate even encourage consumption alcoholic beverages event buy a keg beer everyone balk idea o­ne beer going hurt anyone think precedent sets lesson learned teens anytime anything exciting good happens it’s time a beer old “ I say don’t I do” defense doesn’t hold water Children learn example always Even self-expression it’s limits I met a family long ago two teen boys fourteen sixteen years old moved a home around corner where we lived talking father I out boys completely obsessed backyard wrestling parents had even purchased old boxing ring fixed up allowed kids use wrestling matches a friend o­ne teens had seriously injured himself backyard wrestling someone else’s house parents second thoughts when said YES now need say a youth I had my own experiences wrestling got idea Most injuries occur backyard wrestling matches happen because there adult supervision I suggested parents hit books find out everything possible Greco-Roman style wrestling most kids watch o­n TV way wrestling a perversion Real wrestling can just satisfying standpoint a physical challenge two people trying hit other folding chairs throw other person out ring drew up a list rules neighborhood kids could take part matches practice o­nly when agreed abide rules Responsible adults need present referee matches practice sessions Taking steps a better choice then simply cutting kids off something grown love Giving teens room stretch very important Treating a teen a little kid a terrible mistake key understand personal freedom involves showing personal responsibility decide extend a curfew example give teen a cell phone insist o­n preset check times sure ready willing able tell where times reasonable limits Teens left themselves cruise around aimlessly accidents looking happen Help learn importance time use being able focus o­n things insisting create itinerary Explain new freedoms entirely dependent o­n ability use without putting themselves risk getting trouble violate trust send a message cutting back privileges Things usually get ugly most families when a teen doesn’t get want stand ground Giving whims reducing punishments restoring privileges before preset time send a bad message Instead take sting out time reflect going out teen See a movie together go bowling participate any sport a common interest Spending time teen important much want get away also need know still love Nothing sends message better then being involved life Most parents spend better part a teen’s years trying protect themselves Body piercing tattoos a good example When comes doing things permanent consequences parents important decision Even parents tattoos body piercing doesn’t mean allowing a teen a wise move I cannot tell how times I come across people children said later life “Why world did let me ” Due physical mental changes they’re undergoing seems a rational decision today may prove regrettable later life I recommend parents urge teens put off any decisions involve permanent alteration personal appearance until move out o­n own reach twenty-first birthday out out rebellion goes much deeper then just self expression my view real question “How much rebellion too much ” kid decides want go gothic a long story short going Gothic usually means looking kind well a vampire bad sounds it’s probably worse then pompadour haircuts leather jackets flower power tie dyed stuff punk disco looks other generations Ever seen a vintage 1940’s Zoot Suit might a problem gothic teens cut other actually drink blood best response a teen’s request any major changes wardrobe probably “Why ” Most teens major changes lives because feel left out can invitation cults negative influences step take over Help child step back take a look why might want associate o­ne group another Give options worst case scenario biggest cause teen suicides when a teen feels options teens today far important then yesterday tomorrow It’s can see Show things get better involve alternative activity positive aspects Being a parent isn’t a spectator sport especially when comes teens involved teenager’s life less likely fall common teenage traps drug abuse teen pregnancy problems begin when allow fall off radar screen Allowing teens freedom means watching closely Talk teens don’t preach explain consequences poor choices did things less then desirable a teen never light brag choices message send message teen receive a positive o­ne AUGUST'S RECIPES Snickerdoodles There's barely a child alive doesn't love classic recipe Finding lunch box a treat any child 1 1/2 C Sugar 1 C Margarine ( 1/2 Margarine & Butter) 2 Eggs 2 3/4 C Flour 2 tsp Cream Tartar 1 tsp Baking Soda 1/3 tsp Salt 3 TBSP Sugar 1 TBSP Cinnamon Preheat oven 400 degrees large bowl combine sugar margarine eggs mix well until blended Add flour cream tartar baking soda salt blend well Combine sugar cinnamon separate small bowl cup Form dough small balls roll cinnamon sugar Place o­n ungreased cookie sheet 2 apart Bake 8-10 minutes until light golden brown Remove cookie sheets wire rack immediately cool Makes 4-6 dozen cookies Tortilla Rolls Simple fun eat a great change plain old sandwiches   Tortillas   Sliced Meats   Sliced Cheese   Lettuce   Anything else Create any combination A few examples are: Ham Swiss cheese lettuce mustard Spread cream cheese jam BLT Tortilla Spread mayonnaise o­n tortilla add 4 slices bacon lettuce tomato(works best when cubed). making tortilla fold end closest 1/4 way up then roll side DECORATING CHILDREN'S ROOMS -- HIGH CHAIRS High Chairs Eventually little bundle energy able sit a grown-up chair table even takes a little longer him able appropriate conversation guests know fork use escargot high chair friend years a better friend o­nes available when a baby Just ergonomics taken account desk chairs keyboards too influenced design high chairs now there factors consider when looking course main concern whether chair safe; want sure chair well-constructed enough there's chance collapsing taking Baby his mashed peas down main consideration wider base stable TIP: add a measure reassurance look a chair that's certified Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association look every imaginable aspect chair demand folding chairs locking devices there sharp edges properly labeled come appropriate literature operation maintenance importance safety can't overemphasized Cosco o­nce recalled a million high chairs getting reports babies being injured when seats separated frame fell higher positions lowest o­n seats restraint anchor slipped seat When shopping should look carefully restraint system adults we think restraint table third helping pasta puttanesca Baby "restraint just keeping him his seat meal There should a sturdy yet comfortable strap attaches waist belt then passes Baby's legs Baby doesn't slide down under feeding tray We know feeling a satisfying meal just wanting slip a reclining position it's better can stop habit Baby before starts Another factor consider material chair olden days we babies adults alike sat o­n wood almost we punishing ourselves sitting down Now high chairs sofas other furnishings came cushy padded fabrics sure o­ne choose a removable washable cover plastic tray easy clean choice different colors patterns gives a chance harmonize high chair overall kitchen decor –Sarah Van Arsdale Copyright © 2003 Sheffield School Interior Design 211 East 43rd St New York NY 10017 (212) 661-7270 Fax: (212) 867-8122 Email: RAMBLINGS matter children already back school they're going time next thirty days -- August always back school prep time It's usually well timed -- kids bored there's "nothing they're sitting around whining enough actually a wee bit excited go back school My family lucky We take granted children go a good school good programs Can imagine school couldn't even afford crayons children colour everyone didn't see remarkable teacher o­n Oprah need check out he doing his time his money last two years founder DonorsChoose, Charles Best supported organization’s operation most his teacher’s salary Here's how works go DonorsChoose website browse projects need funding I've seen everything $50 crayons $50 000 lights there can chose a project fully partially fund DonorsChoose staff does verify teachers’ identities; confirms existence materials requested; negotiates discounts materials before attaching a cost proposal; reviews proposed student project When a proposal funded DonorsChoose purchases materials (teachers don’t handle any monies), sends donor a feedback package photographs student/teacher thank- notes sponsored project year we've decided fund a project Christmas Though we enjoy "adopting a family way we can a difference lives 40 people cost took us adopt a family two three project we chose fund obviously depend o­n type money we can raise I'm hoping everyone even sends a dollar towards we'll money finance a project time happens we don't get any money donated I'll still fund a project personally ParentsWorld com Watch site information I'll up area where can donate money see how much donated date Also o­nce a project funded I'll post details pictures there Again information check out DonorsChoose website don't want take part our group project consider funding a project o­n own Well folks that's another month usual any suggestions contributionsNow        Anyone just dealt blow a separation a divorce find themselves sitting there wondering "now " matter why a relationship ends there going a lot issues deal emotional issues work though seem a never-ending pile shock depression It's forever does last know going matter how bad feel now future go away time Think build up meeting ex marriage ( steady relationship didn't marry) did happen overnight built slowly raised when got serious vein thought marriage did fall apart o­nce eroded over time (sometimes o­nly o­ne party) until yourself where today Even a bad marriage you're glad get out bring grief loss a flurry unexpected emotions Recovery recovery shock hurt disappointment a failed relationship get better also get worse It'll a roller coaster ride emotions a Luckily bad days get fewer fewer good days norm time goes o­n Guilt blame o­ne biggest feelings deal when a relationship ends Typically when break up choice o­ne person whatever reason decides marriage over other person feels guilt break up Guilt Yes does usually take two people end a relationship person ultimately wants out often exaggerate problems 'faults' other person themselves feel right decision doing already devastated other person feel even responsible happened feel had better they're done things right they'd just met needs fine leaves a crushed state constantly wondering could done better Let me tell there's nothing could done When o­ne person decides want out it's possible another person force stay matter how much love Stages Grief Read grief effects o­n separation o­n pages .. STAGES GRIEF There five general stages grief Don't mislead word 'grief' - anyone can go does just involve a death Grief felt a loss loss could loss a job loss a home loss a marriage A loss a relationship a huge loss You've lost hopes dreams future Everything had planned life now changes any sort loss go though stages grief when a relationship breaks up Just keep mind can go any given stage o­nce - back track speak There real stone order grief take though yes can hit final stage suffer a back emotional time life DENIAL first reaction any loss denial can't believe happening believe just temporary everything work out end Maybe partner going stage 'mid life crisis' they'll come back when they're done simply cannot end Ok sure signs there a now able get Divorce isn't going happen matter people say mind does accept happening Often stage might walk around numb though days Shock setting feeling nothing takes a register o­n emotional level people might shocked ability go day nothing happened - when fact going day a robotic state daily functions o­n auto pilot can complete most daily tasks much Also around stage might feel guilt Guilt did didn't could things better yourself magnify human mistakes cause evil parties person left person left feel guilt point time