We Should Have Taken More Vacations

I would have taken more vacations with my family, except for one thing - lack of vacation funds. I was a stay-at-home mom with three young children under six. We stretched every penny out of my husband's paycheck just to stay in peanut butter and diapers. But we still could have taken many exciting and fun-filled vacations for practically no money.

We would have started by choosing a destination. Maybe we would have started with the United States, choosing a particular state we wanted to visit. We would have gone to the library and chosen books about that state. We could have learned the location of the state, the distance from our home, and how long it would take us to reach that state via car.

We would have chosen places to visit in that state and attractions we would want to explore. We could have written the Chamber of Commerce and received brochures. We could have asked for pen pals in that city. We would have learned about foods and recipes native to that area. We would have perused pictures of the area's landscape and compared it to our own. We could have learned customs and even idioms particular to that area. We would become so familiar with our destination that we could hardly wait for our "vacation day."

On vacation day, we would have a room in the house designed as our "destination spot." We would draw and hang posters picturing the terrain or cityscapes of our vacation locale. We would prepare the recipes we had received, and enjoy them the way the natives do. We would be entertained by participating in some of the local customs of that area. We would even create our own postcards to send relatives telling of our adventure. Our vacation would be complete with our photos and scrapbook of our mini vacation.

We wouldn't have stopped with just exploring the United States. We would have ventured beyond our borders, to the other continents of the world. We could have ventured beyond the confines of our planet, even to destinations that existed only in our imaginations.

By the time our family had extra funds for vacations, my children were heading into teenager-land. Everything they were learning about geography was in school. It was a lesson to be learned, not the experience of a family adventure.

My children are grown, and are becoming well-traveled. They all have stamps in their passports. I wish I had started their passports earlier, even if they were made of construction paper and crayons. We could have traveled together and made our own unique adventures in our own home. After all, it's not always where you go that matters, but who goes with you that truly makes the memory.

About the Author:

Luanne Davidson is the proud mother of three adult children and wonders what might have been if she had done a thing or two differently. She writes her "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda" column each Thursday.

Courage: My Child's Being Bullied

Read on ways we can help our children face bullies with courage and speak to other about being bullied.

Face it. We moms can be intimidating. I don't know how or why it happens, but there are certain things another mom at the soccer field or ballet class can say or do that makes me feel like a loser. It's like being back in high school, each one vying to be popular. I'm sure I'm guilty of this too. But now instead of being a loner, I'm trying something new. Reaching out, smiling and sharing my story. Being a mom is tough work, and we need all the encouragement we can get. C'mon, ladies. Let's stick together!

Definition
Humility is not thinking too much or too little of yourself

Quick Tip:
In addition to talking to your child’s teacher about the situation, teach your child how to deal with a bully.

• Always tell an adult.
  
• Stay in a group.
  
• If it feels safe, try to stand up to the person who is bullying you.
  
• Join clubs or take part in activities where you will meet other kids.
  

Information provided by Stop Bullying Now.

Read:
A Picture Book of Jackie Robinson
by David A. Adler

Talk:
When have you had to stand up for what is right? Was it an easy or difficult thing to do? What happened as a result?

Act:
Research the life of a person of courage. Use your newspaper, library or internet as your resource for information.

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

No such thing!

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. One mom tells a story about how her child's birth defect and ways we can be more conscientious.

The other day in a store, my husband was holding my then 4-month old daughter and a woman walked by, looked at her, and said "Oh, she's tarnished!" My husband, in all his wonderful humor, explained that he just didn't know where to put his cigarette out. My husband doesn't smoke and the "tarnished" spot the woman referred to was a red birthmark on our daughter's face.

In honor of National Birth Defects Prevention Month, let me just say a little about my daughter's "birth defect." It's funny how you dread and fear that awful statement: birth defect. You wonder if you will love your child any less, or if you'll feel you have to cover up and make excuses for it. I'm lucky.

My daughter will probably outgrow her little strawberry hemangioma, even though right now it is just growing along with the rest of her body. I have seen horrible pictures on the internet of these birthmarks that completely take over a face, impairing a child's eyesight or mouth development. I am so, so lucky. My precious little daughter has a precious little "ladybug" dot on her cheek. I never even think of it as a problem.

I originally thought she had scratched herself, but I've steadily watched it grow and grow, and although it's small, it's definitely not going away anytime soon. In reading about these birthmarks; they get bigger and bigger but usually max out and fade away anywhere between the ages of 5 and 10. Oftentimes the treatment to remove them sooner is more detrimental then beneficial. Yet in our era of cosmetic consciousness, we worry how other kids will treat our child.

Wow! First off, I know of the trauma of having a fatal defect, or something that creates a disability for life. I've always had a heart for children with anything that brands them as "not normal." Yet then I think about how I have such a passion for unique things.

In our culture we crave to "stand out," yet when it is something we don't know about (something as scary as a defect), we want to hide it or excuse it. Why not embrace it? We can’t erase it, and many times, it's not something we can prevent. Sometimes, because of genetics or the way the wind blows, these things happen. Yet I look at my daughter and know that there is NO WAY I could love her any more than I already do. I love every piece of her (even down to the big red dot on her cheek). It's a minor, minor detail, but I've seen how cruel people can be even with such a small thing.

What if I had a child with Down’s syndrome or Cerebral Palsy? Imagine the looks I would get. I can get so mad to see how people can be so hypercritical of these children! These children are unique! I can't begin to count the number of inspirational stories I've heard about people with disabilities, birth defects, handicaps (whatever label gets put on them) and how they have inspired us to look at what all we take for granted. These children help us to see beauty in things we normally pass by. They overcome and do great things.

While many of us sit and moan because we have to walk from the farthest parking spot, someone else just wishes they could walk. While we badger the child who bounces off the walls, we don't tend to see that the famous painting we have on the wall was created by a child just like that.

My child is learning sign language. Not because I have a deaf family member, or even because I'm determined to make her a genius and get her started early. She’s learning because, one day, she's going to know what it's like to be teased since she looks different then other kids. I have always admired signed language, and have made it a point in my education to learn about the deaf world. I have really enjoyed learning about not only the defects and medical statistics, but the Deaf culture and the community they have created. They have taken what some people see as a "handicap" and have empowered themselves to do anything they want.

About the only limitation a deaf person has is that the rest of the world doesn't know sign language. But I've learned of the beauty of communication, and how even people with different languages can still communicate through basic signs. I've been with my deaf friends and seen the ogling looks we get, and how people steer clear of us. On the day my daughter sees a deaf person for the first time, she's NOT going to be one of ones who just stares. She will be able to talk to them just like everyone else.

Birth defects happen. Sometimes we do everything in our power to have the perfect child, and it ends up that our perfect child is different than what we imagined. Yet even with this "flaw," they still have the ability to grasp our hearts and hold on tight. And we start to see that our child is different, but not in a bad way. They are unique. They have the gift of showing us something we may take for granted. They have the ability to feel for the underdog. They have a chance to step up and be in charge of their own attitude, and push that positively to everyone they meet. Because of the cruelty of the world, they can understand and hopefully help to lift up and put a stop to cruel comments like this as we embrace the beauty of all the unique people in this world. Because, although someone may say they're "tarnished," we know that they are precious, beautiful children who shine even brighter because they are unique.

Natural Healing: Tip 3

Garlic is not just a strong flavor for your Italian food. It also has so very strong healing properties!

So we took a week off last week to talk about a great man, but now we are back. You have seen Tip 1 and Tip 2. This week, we are going to talk about some things that may help if your little one DOES get sick. Once again, these are things I have used, so make sure and do your research before trying anything out.

Tip 3: Garlic and Willow/Garlic Ear Oil

A little about Garlic

1. Garlic is presumed to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.
   
2. Garlic is very strong raw, so be careful in eating it.
   
3. Garlic was used while building the pyramids as an energy booster.
   
4. Garlic was used in World War I to treat various infections and in World War II to ward off poisoning and gangrene in battle wounds.
   
5. Garlic was studied by Dr. Irwin Zimet and found to work wonders with respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu and bronchitis.
   
6. Garlic is said to be the second oldest medication.
   

Fresh garlic is the best way to go when using it for medicinal purposes. Crush it, chop it or press it into your spaghetti sauce to add some healing agents to your families meals. Studies have shown that garlic acts as a decongestant and expectorant and helps to regulate mucus. If you can tolerate it (and some can) you can eat a whole clove of garlic (but it is really spicy). Most kids will not eat one whole, but if you work to have about one clover per adult serving and about a half for each child's serving, you will get more benefit. Learn more about Garlic.

Additionally, if your child appears to have an infection of any kind, Garlic should not be a substitute for calling your physician.

A little about Willow/Garlic Ear Oil (for kids)

1. Ear Oil usually is EVOO or pure garlic oil based.
   
2. Ear Oil helps to support the natural function of the ear.
   
3. Ear Oil is in safe doses to protect the sensitivity of the ear drum.
   
4. Ear Oil should always be used warm. To warm, place entire bottle in warm water. Test on inner wrist before administering in your child's ear for safe temperature.
   
5. Ear Oil smells very strong, so do not be alarmed if your child smells.
   

We used Ear Oil anytime our little one shows signs of ear problems. I used it multiple time on myself prior to trying it with her. I found that the warmth helps to sooth any pain. When I feel like I have fluid in my ears, the rememdy really helps.

My little girl was said to have a minor ear infection at her last doctor's appointment. The doctor gave me the option to give her the antibiotic or not since it was just a little swelling. Mine was not showing signs of discomfort, so I used the Ear Oil for five days at nap and bedtime. The infection was completely gone. Make sure it is warm when you use it and only follow instructions. We made a game out of it to get her to lay on her side to get the drops in. Jiggling their ear gently helps to get the oil into her ear canal.

Other tips we have used when the ear aches come:

• Put books under the head of the bed to elevate their heads and relieve some pressure.
• Warm wash cloths pressed to each ear.
• Lots of cuddling and sometimes a trip to the doctor! Ear infections can get really nasty if not watched, so if you do not see a difference in your child's disposition or see fever of any kind, please call your pediatrician!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Read some more about the benefits of Ear Oil.

U and I Trade

Have you tried "U and I Trade" yet?

We have talked about new ways you can get rid of those old items like clothing your kids have outgrown or toys no one plays with anymore. We always encourage donations, but there are other places where you can trade what you do have for what you do need.

U and I Trade is a place that was created to connect people to one another who have needs and wants that may be able to supplement each other. Rather than dumping those items into the landfill, make a conscious effort to look for items you need in exchange for items you don't need anymore.

You search items you want, find the perfect one, and "Take It." You get to "Take" items with points. Every time you post two items, you get 10 points that can be used after one items trades. You can get more points by referring friends and posting more items. You will receive points when someone else trades your item, however many points you allocated it worth. And so it continues.

I just signed up and awaiting my first trade! Try it out and let us know what you think!

Read More With My Children

Time together is time well spent (no matter how old our kids are).

I started reading with my children from the time they were infants. We read everything from Dr. Seuss to The Berenstain Bears to "The Happy Man and His Dump Truck." During potty training, we had stacks of books in the bathroom. We went to the library together and each checked out books they chose. When my children were pre-schoolers, we read and read and read together.

By kindergarten, my children were reading by themselves. Some school assignments would require that they read aloud at home. We dutifully listened, and still continued to read a book or two to them. But as the reading material became more advanced, our read together time diminished.

I could have continued to read aloud to my children, regardless of their age or reading ability. I could have continued to read the books they knew by heart, or introduced other children's classics to them. I should have found new books to explore, to share with them.

I could have insisted that we read together for a short period every night, no matter their ages or grade levels. Imagine reading the latest Berenstain Bear adventure (which continue to be published) to a teenager.

When my children were tweens and teenagers, we went on our first cruise. I would have loved to have read "Walter, the Farting Dog Goes on A Cruise." It would have been a great start for a new adventure.

I should have spent more time reading magazines and newspapers with my children. I could have searched for those articles that would make a difference in their perceptions of this world. We could have discussed current issues that impacted their lives.

I could have spent more time reading parts of their textbooks. I could have asked them to read me a bit of what they were reading. I would have understood a little more of what they were experiencing scholastically.

I should have spent more time reading with my children. Those early years certainly prepared them for reading. But once they started reading by themselves, I backed away. I could have kept it up.

I would have kept it up, if I had realized the most important part of our reading time. It wasn't all about learning words or learning to read. It was about our time together, and showing my children I believed spending time with them was important. Reading time could have been a time to read, but also a time to listen, to communicate, and to grow closer. What a great time that could have been.

About the Author:

Luanne Davidson is the proud mother of three adult children and wonders what might have been if she had done a thing or two differently. She writes her "Coulda, Woudla, Shoulda" column each Thursday.

Humility – Mom Politics

How can we teach humility in our families?

Face it. We moms can be intimidating. I don't know how or why it happens, but there are certain things another mom at the soccer field or ballet class can say or do that makes me feel like a loser. It's like being back in high school, each one vying to be popular. I'm sure I'm guilty of this too. But now instead of being a loner, I'm trying something new. Reaching out, smiling and sharing my story. Being a mom is tough work, and we need all the encouragement we can get. C'mon, ladies. Let's stick together!

Definition
Humility is not thinking too much or too little of yourself

Quick Tip:
Join a book club or other women's group. You'll find comfort and strength in sharing your common mom experiences.

Read:
Yertle the Turtle
by Dr. Seuss

Talk:
What happens when you act like you are better than other people?

Act:
Assign each family member a partner. Say, "Sometimes the way to remember that you are not better than anybody else is to do something to serve somebody else. Each one must be his/her partner's special helper for one day with chores, homework or responsibilities. Then we'll switch roles for the next day."

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

Permission to Fail

What can you try today without fear of failure? How can we teach our children to do the same?

Have you ever ventured out to try something new and intriguing only to stop mid-stream in the adventure? Why do you think it is we all seem to have these pockets of dropped adventure? I wonder if, in the excitement of trying, we freeze because it might not turn out to be a successful endeavor and we don't want to make mistakes or look foolish or be so presumptuous as to think we could even do it in the first place. Have you given yourself permission to do something badly?

Do you know it is alright to be a beginner? If we have a desire to do something new, maybe we should be presumptuous people, even if it is presumption in the desire rather than in the product. The only way to really learn is to try and to fail.

Thomas Edison understood this well. He said, "Results? Why, man, I have gotten lots of results. If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt is often a step forward." The journey is what brings joy and freedom. The product is merely a fruit of the narrative. Let your new beginnings tell a story. Understand that your "failings" are a catalyst for better work tomorrow.

If our children see us refusing to try and fail, they will think not to try. When our kids see us trying things, they will feel inspired to try themselves. Even when they fail, encourage them to try again or try something new. Ask them why it may not have worked. Ask them how they feel about the failure. Give them permission to fail and they will do it so gracefully!

One mom says, "I heard my little girl say, 'Mommy, I can't' and wondered how she could think such a thing before she even tried. I then realized that just a few days earlier I had said the same thing in a similar situation. I then told her that she can try anything. Maybe it will work; maybe it will not. At least she is now trying things and I am making a conscious effort to encourage it."

Remember: Trying something new is like learning to ride a bike. No one ever just rides a bike; we get a lot of do-overs before we take off.

Try this: What is that thing you've always said you wanted to learn how to do? Paint? Play the piano? Crochet? Act? Pick the one thing and sign up for a class.

Ask your kids if they have something they would like to learn. Maybe their desires are similar to your own. Take a class together. If it is something different, take the time to see a new side of your child. Participate with them and encourage them along the way. Take a painting class at the local YMCA. Find a piano teacher. Sign up for local acting classes. Audition for the musical that the community theater is putting on - maybe they have roles for children, too. Do it! And don’t be afraid to fail!

40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community

Make a 40-Day commitment to nonviolence.

Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. You may be off work; you may not, but today is a day of action.

In Dr. King's honor, the Corporation for National and Community Service began the "40 Days of Nonviolence: Building the Beloved Community" initiative. This initiative was created to offer resources and tools to get people closer to the message that Dr. King spoke of and bring about more change.

The principle is self-explanatory from the title -- 40 days in nonviolence, but there is more. The Corporation says,

"On the King Holiday and during the 40 days that follow, individuals and organizations participating in the initiative would:

• Study, discuss, and reflect upon the principles of nonviolent action as a strategy for bringing about stronger communities;
  
• Examine the structures in their communities that lead to violence and engage in projects that address those underlying issues;
  
• Plan for 40 days beginning with the King Holiday and implement sustainable service activities to extend throughout the year and beyond.
  

These elements reflect the fundamental steps in Dr. King’s vision for nonviolent social change: information gathering, education, personal commitment, negotiations, direct action, and reconciliation. What better learning mechanism can there be than one in which everyone can be actively engaged in their community?"

I propose we do this in our families.

Study and talk about the principles of nonviolence with our children. Learn about Dr. King's message. This world already presents too many distorted images of problem solving. Cartoons present violence and negative responses. For the next 40 days I want to take back my child's exposure to these things and give her the messages that I believe in: positive conflict resolution.

We need to look at our own communities and see if there are underlying issues that are leading to violence. Maybe you live in a community that lacks support from its civilians. Find a way to serve. Maybe you could volunteer at an organization that read to the kids of YOUR community or help organize clean-ups for your local parks.

Make a commitment as a family to volunteer for the next 40 days at one location. Check out resources that can guide you in your movement towards a peaceful community.

Can We Do Lunch?

How do you make your lunches more friendly for the Earth?

I want to make Earth-friendly, creative lunches for my family. The boring brown-bag-PB&J has gone out the window in our home. Here are a few things I have tried:

The Wrap-n-Mat

The Wrap-n-Mat is a pretty nifty product (although I feel like if I could sew, I could make one myself). It is great for keeping sandwiches fresh while giving your kids a clean surface to eat on (under $12 with shipping). They are great for being outside and on-the-go.

We have also tried grapes, apples, and cookies. It is made from cloth and either PEVA or PVC. PEVA provides an alternative to PVC, although they are both said to be safe to contact food, PEVA is more environmentally friendly in its production (which we are a fan of!). I really like the idea and feel like it does give my child a cleaner place to eat. It was easy to clean (I just put it in with the hand-wash dishes and allowed it to air-dry on the oven door handle). All in all, it is a little expensive for what it is, but it really is a neat idea and I will keep using it. Check out their specials to save a couple bucks.

The Cool Totes

The Cool Tote - Medium Insulated Lunch Bag, Fun Prints that we got is made from recycled plastic soda bottles into high-quality Thermo Tek insulation, which is really great! It is also 100% lead-free and included an 8 oz freezer pack, Velcro closure and adjustable strap. It is made in the USA, with fair wages and fair labor. I really love the design and my little girl loves the butterflies.
The price ($22.90 with shipping) seemed high for a lunch tote, but it is expensive to do more environmentally friendly practices. I thought it would be larger. I do not use sandwich bags, so with multiple reusable containers it gets filled up really fast.

It is GREAT at keeping things cold. I do love using it when my little one is going to a friend’s house and needs snacks and such or when we are out and about for the day and need a few things kept cold. I washed it in the laundry on cold water (I have a front-loader, so it is more gentle) and allowed it to dry on my drying wrack – it did great! It is recommended to hand-wash, though. All in all, I wish I had a larger tote, but I love the great insulation, how eco-friendly it is and the overall aesthetics of it.

Sunbutter

Sunbutter is an alternative to peanut butter. It is processed in a nut-free facility. So many children (and adults) have allergies to peanuts and this alternative is a healthy and delicious alternative. I got it at my local grocery store in the health food section for about $5 for a 1 lb jar. You can order it online, and get a discount for buying more, but remember shipping costs. Although it is a little more expensive then store-brand peanut butter there are some great benefits.

Sunbutter benefits (compared cream sunbutter to creamy peanut butter): - Peanut FREE
- New taste (trying new things never hurt anyone)
- 1/3 less saturated fat
- Less calories from fat
- Less sodium
- More vitamin E and protein
- More calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc and iron

Nutritionally, this product is great, and for me I have found I am more confident about sunflower seed, with all the talk about 1 in 80 children have peanut allergies. We slice a banana in half, then down the center, spread some sunbutter and place raisins on it, then put the half back on top. We use All Fruit and this on Gluten-Free bread for a nice alternative to the classic PB&J. LOVE IT!

Buy in Bulk

Buying items in bulk cuts down on the packaging used for the quantity bought. There are two kinds of bulk I think of: buying from the loose, bulk ilse at the grocery store and going to places that sell larger quantities at discount prices.

Bulk Isle
Bring your own bags from home and fill up on by-the-pound items like nuts, flour or sugar (if the price comes out to be more advantageous for you). You save a great deal of packaging with this method and can store items at home in those great containers you already have for SUGAR, COFFEE or TEA.

Wholesale or Co-Ops
Try not to buy items that are individually wrapped, because that is more plastic that goes into the landfills. Decide it you want to buy organic, as there are many studies that show benefits of buying or not. My rule is, if it has a peel that we do not eat (like a banana) I usually buy conventional products (non-organic) to save money; if it has a peel we eat (like an apple) I try to buy organic.

For larger families, check your budget and see if it is advantageous to join a wholesaler like CostCo. Many of these places are carrying more and more organic items.

Reusables

Replace your disposables with reusable containers. Invest in some plastic containers that are recyclable, if needed (look on the bottom to see the recycle triangle and go for #2, #4 or #5). This investment will cut down on the amount of waste we generate each day. Go for great plates and utensils that can be washed or recycled. Send a cloth napkin instead of paper in lunches.

Created a Family Piggy Bank

Teach our children from any age the importance of saving and make a family event out of it.

In our family, we each save (or not save) our money in different ways. Some of us deposit our extra pennies in a traditional bank account. When my daughters were car hops, they used an empty pickle jug to save their tip money. My sister has a secret coin purse. My husband had a giant plastic soft-drink bottle. There have been baseball banks, princess banks, and small safes with locks. But as many individual banks as we have had, we never had a family bank. We should have had a family piggy, a community jug, a group shoe box, or anything tangible in which all of us could have physically put in money.

My children were not child laborers and did not earn an income until they were teenagers. But even as toddlers, they could have contributed to our family bank. They could have earned money by completing simple chores and then deposited a portion in our family bank. They could have watched as Daddy and Mommy put in their portions. We could have discussed where the money came from, what it took to receive the money, and then tallied the total money saved.

We would have had a purpose for our family bank. This purpose could have been a short-term or long-term goal. The bank could have been used to donate money to a shelter for Thanksgiving dinners or support a cause overseas. It could have been savings for a family vacation or a weekly trip to a fun center. It could have been for a shopping trip for the family or for a Christmas Angel. We could have even divided the money between several different goals.

If a goal were long-term, we could have watched our family bank grow, then empty it and take it to our institutional bank. We would have made a family trip, deposited the money, and talked about the interest it would receive. My children would have learned the benefits of saving on a larger scale.

When it came time to take the money out of the family bank, we would have had a family event to count the money. A few years ago, my adult children actually did this with my husband's spare change jug. We had a contest of estimating the total amount of his savings, with prizes for the winners. It was a fun night, watching them count and roll quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies. While they were well-versed in recognizing and counting money, I should have started the practice when they were younger. As they grew, they would have learned to sort and count in many different ways.

I would have started a family bank earlier, had I known all the benefits. My family would have learned the value and benefits of money, but could have learned a more important lesson. We should have learned that as a family, our money could benefit our family, our community, and our world.

What a great way to make every penny count.

Fairness - Beauty of Difference

How can we teach fairness to our children? How can we actively display acceptance of diversity?

Our family moved to the suburbs in 2006. After almost seven years in the city, suburban life was a shock. What we missed most was diversity. Although some of our neighbors felt safe in the all white neighborhood, I felt like I was in danger…in danger of forgetting the beauty of difference. We only stayed in that neighborhood for nine months. We moved to a community where there are trailer parks, mansions, government housing and single family dwellings within walking distance of each other. The architecture reminds me what I believe.

Definition
Fairness is treating every person the same; playing by the rules

Quick Tip:
Be intentional about exposing your children to other cultures. Visit a church or community event celebrating another culture.

Read:
Sneetches
by Dr. Seuss

Talk:
Is their Sneetch behavior going on in your school? Your home? Your neighborhood? What can you do about it?

Act:
Like the Fix-It-Up Chappie, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King tried to help people see that people of all colors are equal. Show pictures of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King and talk about what people have learned from him. How can each of us carry on what Dr. King taught?

About the Author:

Tamara Batarseh, Executive Director of Love In A Big World (LBW), is a singer/songerwriter/performer with over fifteen years of performance experience. She is co-founder of LBW and has been the creator of the organization’s programs and materials. Batarseh has recorded two albums, written LBW’s character education curriculum, trained LBW’s performers, and performed live for thousands of kids.

BE the Change

Be the change you wish to see in the world!

Martin Luther King, Junior would have been 79 years old today, but he only made it a few months past his 39th birthday. He was a man firm in his convictions and lived the principles of peace and justice he so powerfully presented. He was a man of action!

We talk about changing the world. When I hear more and more about injustices in the world I can sometimes wish I was just ignorant. Sometimes I can feel so immobilized by the thought, "What can I do?" because I feel so small in the midst of the rest of the world. There are so many injustices in the world and although people like MLK, Jr. spoke such great change there are still prejudices, unexplainable things, and hatred that exist.

I read an article written by his wife, Coretta Scott King, in reference to the holiday (which is this coming Monday). It is a very compelling piece about the meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. She speaks of all of us having the chance to love unconditionally, leave barriers like race and religion out, and truly be the change.

Our poster's last line says, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." So today, I want to not just be a mom who loves her little girl, a wife who adores her husband, or a woman who desires change; I want to BE the change. I want to BE more than I am; I want to BE someone who speaks out. I want to BE a positive influence to those around me; I want to BE more loving. I want to BE gentler with myself and others; I want to BE kinder. I want to BE the one who speaks out against injustice; I want to BE the one who takes action.

So if I start small with things like being more compassionate for five minutes today and then try to put those five minutes in a row, I have a new day. Then, if you take a change you want to BE and put your five minutes together, we have a New Day Revolution.

How are you going to BE the change today?

Natural Healing: Tip 2

Grapefruit Seed Extract, good hydration and limited sugar may be some alternatives you might not have considered for your child's overall immune function.

You already read Tip 1 about antibiotics, probiotics and homeopathy. This week, we are going to talk about preventative measures we can take as parents to help KEEP out kids well, rather than always fighting things off. Once again, these are things I have used, so make sure and do your research before trying anything out.

Tip 2: Grapefruit Seed Extract, Water, and Sugar

A little about Grapefruit Seed Extract

1. Grapefruit Seed Extract is used by many as a natural antibiotic.
   
2. Grapefruit Seed Extract is used in very small doses.
   
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract is also often called GSE and it a dietary supplement.
   
4. Grapefruit Seed Extract can be found diluted in disinfectant sprays used in food preparations.
   
5. Grapefruit Seed Extract tastes horrible, so make sure and add it to large volumes of water or juice.

Read some more things about Grapefruit Seed Extract and see all the great benefits they have.

No studies have been officially conducted on these products, but I can say I have personally seen it work. During peak sick-seasons I place 2-3 drops into my little girl's cup of water each day. I originally began with one drop and eventually got up to three to get her used to the taste gradually. I have also used it to clean fruits and vegetables before consumption (just make sure to rinse it really well).

Additionally, if your child appears to have an infection of any kind, GSE should not be a substitute for calling your physician.

A little about water

1. Water helps to flush out toxins in the body, especially in the digestive tract.
   
2. Water in the United States is some of the safest in the world.
   
3. Water is one of the most basic elements of life; it makes up 60-70% of our bodies.
   
4. Water can reduce your chances for infection.
   
5. Water can aid in controlling a fever, replenish lost fluids, and help to thin mucus.
   

The old saying of "Get some rest and drink plenty of fluids" is still a key factor in health. Keeping hydrated can help us stay well as well aid if we DO get sick. Make sure and drink plenty of water.

Read some more about the benefits of drinking water.

A little about sugar

1. Sugar decreases you bodies natural immune system.
   
2. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, nervousness, crankiness, and concentration problems in children.
   
3. Sugar can cause adrenaline levels to rapidly rise in children.
   
4. Sugar causes food allergies.
   
5. Sugar causes severe problems in bowl release (keeping all those toxins in the intestines).
   
6. Sugar cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.

Learn more and get the facts about sugar. Besides increasing our chances for obesity, sugar is extremely dangerous to our bodies. Sugar presents itself in many ways: sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn syrup. So many things have sugar in them, from bread and cereals to juices and chips. Our society has gotten so accustomed to sweeter things and therefore our children are seeing the effects of it. Teaching our kids that sugar can be limited and using spice instead of sugar will truly authenticate your child’s health.

So maybe try some preventative measures to help keep your kids well this season. Reduce their sugar in-take, increase their fluids and look into some other forms of treatment. When we sleep at night our bodies naturally rejuvenate themselves and can truly revive what may have been exhausted in us from a given day. Sleep can help with keeping us well, and sugar in-take definitely effects sleep patterns.

Observe. See if these tips work for you!