HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
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9/16/09 Help for School Children, Vegetable Recipes, Freezer, Child Discipline with Love, Crafts, Recall, Kids
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IN THIS ISSUE:
WARNINGS FROM THE SERVER I USE TO SEND "HEART TO HEART" & WHAT TO DO
MATH HELP FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, WHETHER THEY ARE TAUGHT AT HOME OR AT SCHOOL
MORE LEARNING TIPS
SPELL CHEQUE
BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
POTATO, CARROT AND SQUASH RECIPES:
PARMESAN POTATOES
BAKED POTATO SOUP
CARROT PANCAKES
CARROT CASSEROLE
TASTY SQUASH CASSEROLE
WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT DISCIPLINE AND LOVE
TO SPANK OF NOT TO SPANK
HOW DR. SPOCK DESTROYED AMERICA
10 WAYS TO CORRECT BEHAVIOR WITHOUT CRUSHING CHARACTER
CREATIVE CRAFTS
MORE FUN CRAFT IDEAS FOR KIDS
THE MOST IMPORTANT RECALL EVER
ADORABLE KIDS!
BABY CONGRATULATIONS
WARNINGS FROM ASSOCIATE, THE SERVER USE TO SEND "HEART TO HEART" & WHAT TO DO
Ladies are telling me, "I received an e-mail that the Heart to Heart newsletters were being bounced from my e-mail address. I have received the newsletters for years and did not try to cancel them. I would like to continue receiving Heart to Heart!"
These messages are being sent by the server I use to send these newsletters to a large group of you - not sent by me. This is the message some are receiving:
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I'm working for my owner, who can be reached at [email protected].
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4) If you are not receiving at least two newsletters per month, I will be glad to check to see if you are still on the Master List. Something can be worked out so you will still receive the newsletters, even if I have to send them to you directly.
MATH HELP FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, WHETHER THEY ARE TAUGHT AT HOME OR AT SCHOOL
We all know the parental involvement necessary with homework, whether your children are taught at home or at school!
These tips are from a wonderful homeschooling mom in Florida, Debbie Klinect!
In learning your multiplication tables I find it easier to learn them backwards from the 12 times tables down to 1. When we used to do it starting at 1, we would get to the six tables and my kids would freeze. Then I decided to try an experiment and started at 12 and by time we got down to 6, they knew them all because all they had to do was the reverse: 12 x 6 = 72, 6 x 12= 72.
Here are some other tips for the times tables:
1 times any number is that number.
2 times any number is like adding that number twice.
5 - look at a clock and remember how many minutes that is. 5 x 6 is 30 because on a clock it is 30 minutes.
9 times any number - just subtract one from the number you are multiplying, and that is your first number in your answer. Then make sure the second number you write down makes your answer add up to 9. 9x6 is 54 because 5 is one less than 6 and 5+4=9.
10 times any number, add a zero to the end of the number 5 x 10, just add a zero to the back of 5 to make it 50.
11 times any number up to 9 is two of those numbers, 9 x 11 is 99.
One summer I wanted to get my youngest son to know his multiplication facts before we started the new school year. So, I got a deck of flash cards at the Dollar Store and starting with the 12 times cards we went over them. I played this game with him where I would hold up the card and slowly start lowering it face down to the table. He was to try to get the answer before it hit the table. I also told him when he got all of the 12 times cards memorized, I would give him a dollar. We did that each week of the summer, adding one more set of cards to the mix each week. By week two he had the 12 and 11 times cards to go through. By the end of the summer he had $12.00 to spend on whatever he wanted! I also taught him those tips I listed above to help him memorize them. For some kids the 7 and 8 tables are very hard, so we got out a jump rope and he would jump to those answers. For some reason saying the answers and the jumping together helped make the answers stick in his brain.
Eventually our kids will memorize their times tables, especially if you use a curriculum that is heavy on drilling like Saxon Math.
MORE LEARNING TIPS
The Great Lakes ~ When I was teaching my kids the Great Lakes, I told them to remember the word, "HOMES" (Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior). They learned them in quick time. ~ A great tip from Debbie Klinect in Florida!
If you want to learn them in order from west to east, learn the sentence, "Sam's Horse Must Eat Oats." (Lake Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario).
SPELL CHEQUE
Author unknown (The English language can be confusing with different spellings and meanings! Just read this and see!) Please read the complete left column first, then the second column. I try to squeeze everything into less pages if possible. For a great test of the proper use of the English language, have your children correct this poem. Or do it yourself!
Eye halve a spelling chequer As soon as a mist ache is maid
It came with my pea sea It nose bee fore two long
It plainly marques four my revue And eye can put the error rite
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea. Its rare lea ever wrong.
Eye strike a key and type a word Eye have run this poem threw it
And weight four it two say I am shore your pleased two no
Weather eye am wrong oar write Its letter perfect awl the weigh
It shows me strait a weigh. My chequer tolled me sew.
BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
By Rachel Webb Copyright ©2001 ~ Used by permission
From a relaxing summer with no definite schedule to tight schedules - often the whole back to school experience becomes a juggling act for both kids and parents. In my crazy household it all stems from un-organization. Here are some preventative medicine and time saving tips that may help you avoid hearing, "Mom, where is my homework?"
1. Mark the Stuff!
Put your child's name on the back of everything...most of you probably figured this one out and already mark the backpack, books and jackets but what about their shoes? Last year my 7 year old daughter wore 4 different pairs of shoes home that were not hers and couldn't figure out why they didn't fit right! I gave up trying to figure out how that could possibly happen and just started writing her name on the bottom of the shoes!
2. Notes from Home
A friend of mine who is an elementary school secretary, spends most of her morning sorting through a "ga-zillion" unmarked notes and wads of lunch money. She suggests that before the school year starts, pre-mark envelopes with your child's name and grade on it. You may want to get a rubber stamp made up or order personalized address labels. Get Free labels at http://www.FreeAddressLabels.com. You can use them for lunch money envelopes, identifying books, returning field trip permission slips, etc.
3. Photocopy Parental Release Forms
How many times are you going to fill out the emergency medical form, you know, the one required by every school? One for every child. I have 4 children x 13 years of school = 52 times! What a waste of time! This tip was shared by Anita from Ohio. She pointed out that it can be very tedious looking up addresses and phone numbers of the doctor, dentist, hospital, and family friend to call in an emergency, etc. Do it once, and file photocopies on hand for the next year.
4. Magnetic Fridge Calendar
As the kids bring home a note about an event, transfer the information to a Fridge Calendar where everyone in the household can see planned activities and one that is easy to write-on/wipe-off. Last year I wanted one that included a notes area that would match my kitchen so I made my own. You can see examples at : http://www.Note-Ables.com. Calendars should be made entirely of flexible magnetic material so it won't slide off when the kids slam the fridge door!
5. Pre-Pick Daily Clothes
90% of our school morning battles take place regarding what to wear. Laying out clothes the night before helps, but if that hasn't solved your problem, try this idea from Tandy, a mom of four. She bought a 5 compartment sweater hanger for the closet and helps the child choose the wardrobe for the whole week. Even socks and underwear get put in each day's "cubby" Sunday afternoon. OK Moms, that creates your deadline for getting the laundry all caught up!
6. File System for School Papers
In preparing for the multitude of papers your kids will be bringing home, keep a three tired wire basket by their bedroom door, or your kitchen counter. Teach your kids basic organizational skills by having them sort through their own backpacks and put papers that need "To Be Signed" by mom in the top basket. Another basket is for "Important Stuff Mom Needs" (PTA info., fund-raisers, school policies, etc.) and a basket for "Art & Awards" to be used as scrapbooking ideas and keepers. One mom has a rule for the top basket: "If it's not in the top basket by bedtime, it doesn't get signed that night." This eliminates the last minute papers waving in Mom's face as you rush out the door and gives you a chance to actually READ what you are signing! Rachel Webb is a WAHM of 4 and designs write-on/wipe-off Magnetic Fridge Calendars. Made entirely of flexible magnetic material, her organizational calendars are guaranteed no to slide off when the kids slam the fridge door! Visit her site: www.Note-Ables.com or E-mail and ask for a $2 off coupon: [email protected]
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POTATO, CARROT AND SQUASH RECIPES
PARMESAN POTATOES
6-8 large potatoes 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/3 cup real butter 3/4 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
A sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning
Peel and cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Melt butter in a 9x13 pan. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bag and shake a few potatoes at a time to coat with cheese mixture. Place potatoes in a single layer on a bar pan. Sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning. Bake at 375° for 1 hour, turning once. Yields 6-8 servings.
BAKED POTATO SOUP
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Potato-Soup/Detail.aspx?src=etaf
GREAT CARROT PANCAKES
If your toddler is not eating well, try this recipe! It worked for my daughter-in-law, Rachael Breneman, and me last week! Little Daniel packed them away! There was no need for butter or syrup, and for children who refuse to eat vegetables, carrots or sweet potatoes, they can be sneaked into pancakes! These pancakes were delicious (plain) and a great finger food. If you have a large griddle, bake these in large quantity to freeze. Then simply pop them in the freezer to heat them up. This is a revised recipe from the cookbook, Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. It is more than a cookbook - has everything you need to know about making baby food, nutrition, food info and recipes.
1 beaten egg
1 cup carrot puree (Blend cooked carrots in blender with a little water)
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup Super Flour (We used oat, millet, soy & whole wheat pastry flour, plus brewer's yeast for extra nutrition)
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Mix in bowl and cook on medium hot griddle.
CARROT CASSEROLE
This has been a favorite family recipe ever since a sweet lady, Mary Robertson, shared it with me years ago!
6-8 carrots, cut diagonally in bite-sized pieces 1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 cup water 1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. dried minced onions 1/3 cup Ritz (or whole wheat) crackers, finely crushed
2 Tbsp. horseradish 1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 cup Duke's mayonnaise
Cook carrots. Mix water, onion, horseradish, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Arrange carrots in shallow casserole dish and pour mixture over carrots. Top with mixed cracker crumbs and butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through.
VERY TASTY SQUASH CASSEROLE
A great freezer meal that our family has enjoyed many times! A tasty way to use an overabundance of squash! If you have more squash than you know what to do with right now, make a large dishpan full of this dish to freeze in multiple casseroles for easy and carefree meals later! When freezing, do not bake now, but when removing from the freezer, thaw and bake for a delicious meal.
2 lb. yellow or zucchini squash, cooked with 1 onion - remove from stove before mushy (to be cooked in oven also)
2 carrots, grated fine
2 Tbsp. chopped pimiento
1 can cream of chicken soup (You can use soups without MSG or make your own cream soup with flour, butter & milk)
1 cup sour cream
1 small pkg. Pepperidge Cornbread Dressing
1 stick of butter (Melt with dressing)
Drain cooked squash. Add all ingredients except dressing and butter. Add salt and pepper. Put half of dressing in casserole dish, all of squash and onion mixture, and remaining dressing on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.
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11 WAYS TO USE YOUR FREEZER AS A MONEY-SAVER
Copyright © 2009 Mary Hunt. All rights reserved. Used by permission
If you like this article by Mary Hunt, you'll find lots more in the "Everyday Cheapskate" archives.
Whether you have a stand alone freezer unit or yours is part of your refrigerator, your freezer is either costing a lot in wasted energy or it's saving you a bundle in food costs. Here's how to make sure your freezer is saving you money:
1. Get a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to check the temperature. The closer to zero degrees Fahrenheit your freezer stays, the better. Food kept at zero degrees will last months longer than, say, 20 or 31 degrees.
2. Trapped air causes freezer burn. Make sure you select a container small enough so the contents fill it. You can remove a great deal of the air from a freezer bag without a fancy vacuum sealing machine. Seal all but enough space to slip in a drinking straw. Now inhale on that straw to pull all the air out of the bag. Quickly zip the last bit. Pop it into the freezer.
3. It takes a lot more electricity to keep an empty freezer at zero degrees than a full one. Pack it as tightly as you can. If you don't have enough food to do that, fill empty milk cartons with water and freeze them. The square shape is better than round jugs because you can stack them like bricks. Bonus: You'll have plenty of fresh water in the event of a power outage.
4. The simplest way to preserve fresh tomatoes is to freeze them whole. Just rinse, dry and spread them out on a cookie sheet. Freeze overnight. When frozen, put them in a freezer bag and return to the freezer. To use, remove from bag and thaw. When thawed, slip the skins off, and use in your favorite recipes. A thawed tomato will not be like a fresh tomato, but it is great for making sauces and chili.
5. You can freeze fresh zucchini. Choose young squash with tender skin. Wash and cut in 1/2-inch slices. Drop into boiling water for three minutes. Cool promptly, drain and package in zip-type bags or containers leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and freeze.
6. To freeze fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, etc.), wash, drain and pat dry with paper towels. Wrap a few sprigs or leaves in wax paper. Seal in a freezer bag. Freeze. While still frozen, whack the bag on the counter top and the herbs will shatter. Chopped herbs in an instant! Use as you would fresh ones.
7. To freeze onions, chop them and spread into a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze. Once frozen, pour them into zip-type bags or containers and replace in freezer.
8. Take inventory. The worst thing for your electricity bill is to keep opening the freezer. Post an Inventory List on the door. As you use something, mark it off. That way, you can "shop" the list not stand there with the door open.
9. To ward off freezer burn in an opened container of ice cream, place a piece of plastic wrap over the top of the ice cream before you return it to the freezer.
10. Cheese freezes well, but it changes consistency. Once frozen, you won't be able to slice it. Instead of freezing a large block, grate the cheese before freezing and freeze in smaller portions.
11. Before freezing bread and bakery items, slip a paper towel inside the bag to cover the item. Re-close, pressing out as much air as possible. It will be fresh months from now.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CHILD DISCIPLINE AND LOVE
When our first child was seven, I put made a picture book on discipline to read to our children. She saw the title, "What God Says about Discipline" on the cover, and said to me, "Why don't you add, 'And Love' in the title?" A great idea, which I followed, by the way. She knew we were using that method of discipline and love in our home.
The book consisted of scripture verses about discipline from the book of Proverbs using the scripture verse and an appropriate picture. I've saved all kinds of pictures through the years for this purpose. This book has been a treasured book through the years, and is now laminated to preserve it.
Some illustrated scriptures in that book are the following: Proverbs 29:19, 6:20-23, 3:11-12, 13:24, 17:14, 19:19, 20:30, 20:20, 22:6, 22:15, 19:26, 23:13-14, 26:21,29:15, 29:17 There are many more good ones in Proverbs and Ephesians!
In our family, we had been using "controlled spanking," but only for willful and defiant behavior. When a child crossed the line, we privately explained to that child how we as parents needed to obey God in all things, even in disciplining our children, as He gave us instructions in the Bible. We wanted to follow what God said, because all of His rules were for our own good - to make us better and happier people, as we obeyed Him. So we'd ask the child why he or she thought discipline was necessary, making sure they understood why they were being corrected. The child was then told to bend down and hold his knees or lay across the edge of a bed. A few swats were administered to their posterior with a wooden spoon, enough to hurt, but nothing violent. Next we would love the child, tell him he was forgiven, give hugs and kisses, talk and pray with him. Part of the talking was lovingly reviewing with him how he should behave the next time a similar situation came up. Biblical discipline does take some time, but then it is over and done with, and with good results.
On the other hand, I know parents who discipline by using "time outs," having to hold the child in a seat, as he screams violently and the parent has to raise his or her voice to be speak to the child. When this method was used, it was agony for all those in the house. I do not believe in swatting or beating a child, nor do I believe in spanking and just leaving the child to pout. It is a process as explained above, and only for defiant behavior.
Spanking does not produce violent children, as some may think. Our three children and countless other children I know who have been raised in this manner are very well adjusted and loving adults today, with wonderful relationships with their parents.
By the way, Dr. Dobson only believes in spanking for willful and defiant disobedience as well - not for every little thing, and certainly not for accidents. He wrote the New Dare to Discipline book, in which he has mellowed a bit on his approach. I highly recommend his book.
TO SPANK OF NOT TO SPANK?Excerpted from "Moments Together for Couples" by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used with permission. Copyright 1995 by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. To purchase the book, visit store.familylife.com/detail.asp?id=1170
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
Proverbs 22:15
What can make a child cry and a group of parents tense up like they are about to receive a shot at the doctor's office? It's the S word-spanking.
Most of us know that the book of Proverbs affirms using "the rod of discipline." Because some parents have physically abused their children, an increasing number of people consider spanking to be synonymous with child abuse.
However, I believe properly administered spanking is a positive, biblical approach to raising children. Here are two simple guidelines:
First, clarify the boundaries and the punishment for the offense. Decide what behavior is "worth" a spanking, and be sure your child understands it. We have six children, and we only have half a dozen issues warranting a spanking. We have used spanking sparingly, as a last resort in the training of our children. But we have used it.
Second, it should not be administered in anger but out of love, and in the context of a relationship with the child. The purpose is to help the child understand that his or her wrong choices have consequences. We always loved on our children before and after they'd been disciplined. I didn't get that many spankings as a child, but I can tell you this-I always felt loved, and I definitely needed the correction!
As parents, we are in the process of producing a harvest of character, helping our children learn to be responsive to God and themselves for their lives. As parents, we can't gloss over flagrant disobedience and pretend it didn't occur. If we do, we allow foolishness, rather than wisdom, to have a foothold in our children's hearts.
Discuss: Are you and your spouse in agreement when it comes to disciplining your child? What are your boundaries and the penalties for crossing them?
Pray: Ask God to give you the courage to follow the Scriptures in your family. Ask Him to help you achieve that blend of authority and love that tells your children that you really care about them.
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HOW DR. SPOCK DESTROYED AMERICA
by Reb Bradley © 2009 - This author describes how conservative parents are raising liberal children today.
He is not a political expert, but a parenting expert.
In the last 50 years, our nation has taken a moral nosedive.
Since 1960, the rate of violent crimes has more than tripled. Every day there are news reports of heinous crimes unheard of in America a generation ago. Children murder their playmates, their teachers and their parents. Teenage mothers abandon their newborn babies in trashcans, and every year students commit carnage on their classmates. Our culture has sunk so low that children are no longer safe with their teachers in school or at church scores of men and women are arrested every year for preying on the children under their care.
The sexual revolution that started in the '60s continues with many casualties. Promiscuity has become so rampant that 1 of every 4 teenage girls now has a sexually transmitted infection. In the last five decades, practices have become so deviant that the number of distinct STDs had risen from five to more than 50 a sudden increase of a thousand percent. Obsession with sexual violence has brought a 318 percent increase in sexual assault.
Our nation is in severe moral decline, and the descent is not slowing.
The root cause of decline in America is not that difficult to deduce. When a society becomes out of control, it is because its members elevate self-indulgence and lack self-control. It really is that simple.
In the last 50 years, human nature has not changed. Selfishness, lust, covetousness and all other passions are in the human heart at birth. It is only a trained proclivity to say NO to our natural drives that keeps our passions in check self-control is what stops us from stealing, murdering and committing adultery. It is parents who must instill this important quality in each generation. History and common sense teach us that the society in which children are not taught to keep control of their passions is destined to moral disintegration.
In America the reason that baby boomers and their children have grown up with less mastery over their passions than previous generations is because in the late '40s a new voice of authority on parenting rose to prominence, and parents of the '50s and '60s began to raise children differently than before.
In 1946, Dr. Benjamin Spock first published his infamous book "Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care," which was unlike any that came before it. Instead of stressing the importance of teaching self-denial and respect for authority, Spock discouraged directive training and emphasized accommodating children's feelings and catering to their preferences. No longer did children learn they could endure Brussels sprouts and suffer through daily chores. Using Spock's approach, parents began to feed self-indulgence instead of instilling self-control homes were becoming child-centered. As parents elevated children's "freedom of expression" and natural cravings, children became more outspoken, defiant and demanding of gratification. In fact, they came to view gratification as a right.
Spock wrote his book in response to a cold, authoritarian philosophy of parenting that had been dominant in America. For years, parents had been told to withhold affection from their children not to touch them too often not to respond to their tears. Understanding of children had not been encouraged, and fathers had held a minor role in their nurture and care. These things distressed Spock, and they would have upset me had I been born back then. Children need our tender affection, understanding and respect. However, Spock's solutions reflected total ignorance of the hedonistic bent of human nature and fostered an over-exalted sense of self-importance in children. Homes became hotbeds for narcissism, entitlement and victim thinking.
In the early '60s, under Spock's influence, parents were watching their children become sassy and contentious, and increasing numbers were seeing them become juvenile delinquents and criminals. As the crime rate started to crawl up, SAT scores began to drop. Teenagers began to exercise less moral restraint and revealed an increasing contempt for authority. The free-love hippy movement and student protests were inevitable for children who had been raised to think too highly of themselves. Is it any surprise that Spock himself participated in protests and was arrested in 1968 because of his contempt for governmental authority?
In 1972, Spock's imbalanced view of child rearing became greatly apparent when he entered the presidential race as the candidate for the socialistic People's Party. Anyone who embraces socialism is clueless to a key element of proper parenting personal responsibility.
What Spock's actions reveal about the weaknesses of his philosophies is obvious, but some doubt that Spock's influence was that pervasive. However, in the first year, his book sold 750,000 copies, and within six years it sold more than 4 million. It has since sold over 50 million and has been translated into more than 40 languages. According to Dr. Spock's website, it is second in sales only to the Bible. Life magazine certified the depth of his influence, naming Spock among the 100 most important people of the 20th century.
Even Dr. Spock was aware of his negative influence upon parents. In a 1968 interview with the New York Times, Spock admitted that his first edition of "Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" contributed to an increase of permissive parenting in America. "Parents began to be afraid to impose on the child in any way," he said. In his 1957 edition, he tried to remedy that by emphasizing the need for setting standards and asking for respect. Unfortunately, Spock failed to see the deeper problems of his philosophy, so subsequent editions continued to cultivate narcissism.
As Spock's radical parenting ideas grew in popularity, other "experts" jumped on the bandwagon and promoted their own versions of indulgent child rearing. Since 1946, parenting approaches that foster narcissism and contempt for authority have become the accepted norm in higher education and subsequently, in society. It is a simple matter to trace the dominant hedonism of our culture back to Spock's influence.
And since the parenting we receive in childhood develops the worldview we hold as adults, Spock influenced not only how American's conduct themselves in society, but how they approach government as well. Interestingly enough, in the 1968 New York Times interview, Spock admitted that he would "be proud if the idealism and militancy of youth today were caused by my book." Raising children to adulthood with a defiant attitude toward authority was apparently one of his goals.
Spock died in 1998, and my intent is not to malign a man in the grave it is to rescue America before we expire from moral disintegration. We must, therefore, identify and abandon the polluted well from which we have been drinking.
Those interested in repairing the damage done by Spock, both in the family and in society at large, will want to read "Born Liberal Raised Right: How to Rescue America from Moral Decline One Family at a Time." It lays out a clear analysis of the problem and a simple plan for recovery.
Best-selling author Reb Bradley is not a political expert; he is a parenting expert. As a counselor, Bradley has diagnosed and helped thousands of parents transform their lives and those of their children. In 1998, he took note of the disintegrating moral fiber of our nation and decided to apply his diagnostic skills to find a cure for what ails our society. In his book, "Born Liberal Raised Right: How to Rescue America from Moral Decline One Family at a Time," Bradley reveals how American society has grown out of control, because its members were not taught self-control as children. In fact, in his research he discovered that a liberal worldview is a direct outgrowth of various parenting styles.
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10 WAYS TO CORRECT BEHAVIOR WITHOUT CRUSHING CHARACTER Author:Jim Burns, Ph.D. - http://www.homeword.com - Used by permission Have you ever noticed how many life lessons you can learn in a garden? In a few cubic yards of dirt, rocks and bugs, you can see the whole life saga unfold before your eyes prepare the soil, plant the seeds, nourish them so the plants will grow and then harvest the crop (or enjoy the flowers). Sounds so simple, doesnt it! That is, of course, until the crabgrass creeps in or the weather turns harsh or your interest in tending wanes. How easy it is for a growing garden to turn into wasteland of weeds. At that point, the gardener has two choices either trash the garden and start again; or remove what shouldnt be there and replenish what should. If youre a parent, congratulations . . . the Creator has blessed you with a garden of sorts. The crop consists of children curious, creative creatures prone to making mistakes. When these weeds crop up in their character, however, you do not have the option of trashing the entire garden. The key is to learn how to correct the behavior and salvage the spirit of the child at the same time. Over the years, Ive developed 10 ways you can do so. They arent perfect, and they may need to be modified somewhat to adapt to certain personality types. But, by and large, theyre effective. 1. Discipline with Consistency - Remember how many times you fell off that two-wheeler before you finally got your balance? Same holds true for your kids. Little ones may repeat the same bad behavior time after time after time. Remember Ephesians 6 (especially you, Dad), and consistently show them the right behavior. No need to lose your cool doing so, either. 2. Clearly Express Your Expectations - More often than not, children generally want to please their parents. When they do, they feel a great sense of security. But when they dont, theyll react in one of two ways. Theyll either feel miserable for disappointing you, or defiant and defensive because they know youre upset. They need to know that theyve broken a rule, nothing more. Theyre in no danger of losing your love. Clearly expressing a consistent standard goes a long way toward helping a child correct bad behavior on his or her own. 3. Involve Your Child in Consequential Decision-Making - If youre already putting the first two principles in action, this ones a no-brainer. Youve established the rules. You correct bad behavior consistently (in other words, theres no getting around the consequences). Now, you give the child the opportunity to take real ownership for their actions by determining their own consequences (or helping to establish them, at least). 4. Let the Punishment Fit the Crime - As obvious as this might sound, Im always amazed to hear of a parent who grounded his daughter for a month because she forgot to set the table for dinner . . . once. A missed homework assignment might be grounds for a night without television; coming home four hours past curfew should warrant a more serious consequence. 5. Discipline Calmly Ever heard the expression, Perception is reality? Well, it is especially when you need to discipline your kids. When youre upset, youre in no shape to mete out effective discipline. Theres a difference between punishment and discipline . . . and the difference is control. The out-of-control parent punishes a child out of anger; the parent in control disciplines to correct bad behavior. 6. Draw Up a Family Contract - Having trouble getting your child to remember to keep his room picked up? Get it in writing! Family Contracts are excellent tools for helping your kids to learn what family rules are most important. You can make them for any of a number of desired responses (eg homework, curfew, television viewing, music listening, etc). Click here for a sample contract but not until you get to the end of this list! 7. Remember the 3 Rs - When it comes to keeping a childs spirit open in the midst of discipline, remember Rules without Relationship leads to Rebellion. After all . . . were trying to correct behavior without crushing character here, right? Parenting involves more than laying down the law. The kind of relationship your children have with you will determine the way they interact with everyone else they meet in this life. 8. Communication is the Key to Keeping the Spirit Open - When the discipline is done, chances are your kids will want to hole up in their rooms and sulk. Dont let em. Scripture commands us to talk about our faith with our children when were lying down and rising up. Discipline is just one part of the faith journey. While your child might need a good pout every now and again, resist the temptation to let them stew too long. (And remember, Mom and Dad no pouting from you either. I know parenting can be tough. But hang in there its worth it!) 9. Your Words Can have Power so use them wisely! Your words can either build up or destroy your children. When a childs spirit is broken because of bad or inappropriate behavior, make sure you attack the behavior not the child. 10. Choose Your Battles Wisely -- If youre finding yourself growing more and more defensive when your kids act up, chances are youre trying to manage too many battles on too many fronts. Now, Im not saying you should ease up on your kids when they really need your discipline rather, make sure you do battle over things that are really worth fighting for (eg sexual purity, performance in school, etc) instead of those where a healthy compromise will do (eg keeping the room straight, cleaning up after the family pet). Children can be unbelievably resilient . . . but theyre still precious cargo. Handle them with care. Correct behavior when necessary. Pray like their lives depend on it because, when you get right down to it, they do!
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CREATIVE CRAFTS
by Julie Druck - A Heart for Home Newsletter -
[email protected] - Used by permission
* Slithery Snakes These simple-to-make snakes are made with a metal coat hanger and an old tie. Untwist a wire hanger, making it as straight as possible. Feed the wire hanger through the entire length of a necktie. (Check yard sales or thrift shops for some fun, vintage ties!) Push small bunches of polyester filling into the tie from both ends. Using a stick or pencil, push the filling deep into the center of the tie. Keep stuffing evenly until the tie is filled. Sew both ends closed. Cut eyes and a tongue from felt scraps and glue them onto the wide end. Shape snake by twisting as desired. (Caleb made his without a wire which you can do, but then, of course, it doesnt bend.)
*
Lavender Votives For a simple favor or hostess gift, fill a clear glass votive holder two-thirds of the way full with dried lavender.
Put a tea light on top of the lavender.
You can tie or glue a narrow ribbon around the holder if you wish.
* Sachet Glove This is another possibility for a hostess gift. Using an old pair of white or cream-colored gloves, stuff them with dried lavender or potpourri. Tie the top closed with a pretty ribbon. The recipient can put in a drawer as a sachet. (Try looking at thrift shops for inexpensive pairs of lovely gloves.)
* Felt Finger Puppets When my nephew was three, I made a set of sweet rabbit, mouse, elephant, pig, cat and dog puppets for him for Christmas. Cut two tongue-shaped pieces of felt for each body (approx. 3 in length). Experiment with different shapes and sizes of felt for ears, beaks, nose or trunk. Position the animal ears in between two body layers. Sew together around outer edge, leaving the bottom open. Position nose, trunk, etc., and glue in place. Draw eyes, whiskers, etc., on with a fine permanent marker.
MORE FUN CRAFT IDEAS FOR KIDS
THE MOST IMPORTANT RECALL EVER
Author unknown - Thanks to Barbara Price in Texas for sending this!
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail.'
ADORABLE KIDS!
From Sarah Escalera in Virginia:
This morning while I was in the shower, Natalie,2, came in the bathroom and asked me if she could get dressed. I said, Sure, you can have clean clothes in the laundry basket in Ben's room."
After a few minutes I heard her fussing and we had the following conversation:
Me: "Natalie, what's the matter?"
Natalie: "No, Mommy, not matter ..."
Me: "OK, what's wrong?"
Natalie: "I can't get dressed."
I offered to help her when I was done with my shower and she replied, No Mommy instruct it."
It took me a minute
..what in the world was instruct it and then I understood what she wanted.
Me: "Do you want Mommy to give you instructions?"
Natalie: YES!!!"
So I gave her play by play instructions on how to put on her dress
..and she followed them and in the end her dress was on and she was a happy instruct it camper!
From Sharon Suhr in California ~ I'm laughing at Monica, 2, who has a sudden fascination with wanting to be a ballerina, except that she keeps saying "diarrheena."
From Julie Karsten in Washington ~ My office is on the other side of the dining room, and I was hearing something being banged on the wall, so I said "Karlie, Karlie Karlie," then paused and called, "Raylie, Raylie, Raylie, is that you banging on the wall?" Then I hear a reply from Raylie, 3, saying, "No, it's Karlie!" (her 6 year old sister) What a little stinker!
According to the dentist, age six is when you lose your first tooth. My grandson, Justin, has been saying for the past half year, "I'm 6 now. Why do I have all my teeth?" Well, he got a loose tooth now, so he's happy! I wonder if he will be saying the same thing when he's 96 years old? ~ Lois
BABY CONGRATULATIONS
Ladies, if you'd like your child or grandchild's birth announce in Heart to Heart, please let me know, okay?
Alexis Dawn Short was born on September 10, 2009 to Troy and Vera Short. Alexis was welcomed by her big brother, Nathan. Bob and Sheila Jones are the proud grandparents. All are living in Virginia.
Many Heart to Heart ladies and their families need our prayers,
so please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.
(¨`·.·´¨) God bless you and your family and keep you in His loving care!
`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨) And remember, I love to hear from you dear ladies!
`·.¸.·´ Your Heart to Heart friend,
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person to Lois at jhbreneman@juno.com.
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