Activities to do with Your Children to Commemorate Memorial Day May 30, 2022

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” Lee Greenwood - Song ‘God Bless the USA’

       Memorial Day is a federal holiday that has been proclaimed to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces, fighting for the many freedoms that we have as Americans.   My blog post last year about Memorial Day will help you teach your children all about the history of that day.

For this Memorial Day, I would like to provide parents and others with activities for their families to commemorate this important day.  It is best that you first teach children about what that day represents, and then do the activities so that they have a full understanding and appreciation of the activities.

Some activities are:

• Visit a Veteran’s cemetery and lay flowers and put up flags.

• Send a care package to troops.   I provide the website below for Support Our Troops Care Packages, where you can purchase and send a small gift card and packages.

• Bake patriotic treats.  Note that they become “patriotic” because of the colors and decorations you put on them.

• Take cookies or other treats to a veteran whom your family knows and talk with him/her about his/her service.

• Teach your children about medals of honor.  At the links below, there is a free coloring sheet and a website for children that provides a history the medals.

• Do some crafts and projects around this theme.  There are many that are available online at no cost.  One of the crafts can be creating a card for a veteran your family knows or for veterans in general at a hospital.  The card can also be sent to a soldier overseas.

       These are just some activities, and the links below provide many more. Of course, you can still enjoy your family picnic and games!

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.military.com/memorial-day/celebrating-memorial-day-with-children.html

https://www.countryliving.com/life/g4377/memorial-day-activities/

https://kids.kiddle.co/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients

https://kids.kiddle.co/Medal_of_Honor

https://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday/

https://supportourtroops.org/care-packages

Supporting Law Enforcement Officers in Our Communities National Police Week May 15-21

The week of May 15-21, 2022 is designated as National Police Week. It is a national annual celebration and commemoration that was first established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. President Kennedy signed a proclamation establishing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Each year, many activities are planned in the U.S. capital as well as well across the states.

The original impetus was to recognize those officers who died in service to their community. Activities have expanded to recognize not only our fallen heroes but also those who dedicate themselves daily to protect us. To find what activities are being held in your community, please use google, as they vary.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund was established in 1982 and built and maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC. The purpose of the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is “to honor the role of law enforcement, in service to society, by recognizing the sacrifices and valor of law enforcement, educating the community, and making it safer for those who serve.” The Museum tells the story of law enforcement and has many educational exhibits.

There are online crafts available for children as well as sample “thank you”” notes and letters and lesson plans about various law enforcement duties and careers. Please set aside the time this week to help your children learn more about law enforcement and truly honor those who are serving.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/

https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/national-police-week-honor-the-fallen-by-training-the-living-BT5qjJSeVUS2EOXM/

https://nleomf.org/

https://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/police-week.htm

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:police%20week

The Growing Dangers of Edible Marijuana for Children

Many articles have been published over the past several months warning of the dangers of edible marijuana for children. A growing number of children are consuming these edibles. A new study has found that children, especially between the ages of 3-5 years old, are at the highest risk of accidental consumptions.

In the states that have legalized marijuana use, edible marijuana has become a popular item. It comes in the form of candies, cakes, cookies, chocolate bars, potato chips, and even beef jerky. Unfortunately, children are finding these forms attractive and accidental consumption has increased. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, and include drowsiness, trouble breathing, and increase heart rate to seizures, neurological impairment, and intense breathing issues.

Many edibles come in packages with more than one adult serving. Because children can find them attractive, they are likely to eat more than one serving and overdose. One mother went public about her child’s overdose on edibles that looked like gummies. He ate 15 of them for a total THC level of 75 mg, which was 7 times the serving size.

What is the difference between smoking a joint and eating an edible? According to the American Addiction Centers (AAC), it is important to remember that both contain THC. “Some of the more pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the longevity of the effects.” The AAC warn that since THC is present in both forms of use, the results are “the same psychoactive qualities and potentially adverse consequences no matter how it is used.”

I do not advocate marijuana use at all and in fact, have written previous blogs about its detrimental effects. I believe that it is important for parents to be aware of the seriousness of consuming marijuana, even as edibles. What can parents do? Be aware of where your children are and what they are doing – as much as possible. Who are their friends? Who are their friends’ parents? What do those parents believe about marijuana use and consuming edibles? For parents who are already consuming edibles, experts recommend that adults keep them in a secure location, just as with any toxic substance and prescribed medicine. Also, they recommend that adults not eat them in front of children.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.addictioncenter.com/news/2022/01/children-consuming-marijuana-edibles/

https://drugabuse.com/blog/joints-vs-edibles-how-marijuana-effects-the-body/

Include Your Children in Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 1-7

       On April 29, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring Teacher Appreciation Week to be May 1-7 and Teacher Appreciation Day to be May 3.  In the proclamation, President Biden said:

Our Nation’s teachers are selfless, dedicated, and caring individuals who devote themselves to the well-being and progress of our students.  During this National Teacher Appreciation Day and throughout National Teacher Appreciation Week, we honor educators who touch the lives of students across America and who are essential to building the future of our Nation.

       That is such a profound and true statement!  Consider joining with your children to show their teachers that they are truly appreciated.

       There are many resources available for you to include your children in celebrating their teachers.  You may want to organize other families with children to join your family.   Try first to find out what the teacher or teachers and support staff would like.  Decide on a budget as appreciation ideas can be small or large.

       Some suggestions for showing appreciation are:

• Organize a luncheon for the teachers and support staff

• Purchase small gifts for each

• Purchase needed supplies or a gift card for the teachers to make their own purchases

• Redecorate the teachers’ lounge

• Have a free car wash for teachers

       Of course, there are teacher appreciation ideas that do not cost anything.  These include:

• Have children write thank you notes and decorate them with their own special artwork

• Have an applause parade where children line up and clap for their teachers and support staff

• Volunteer to do class cleanups for the week

There are many more creative ideas at the links provided below.  The important criteria are planning and having your children involved so that they can show their teachers their appreciation too!

For more information, please visit:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/04/29/a-proclamation-on-national-teacher-appreciation-day-and-national-teacher-appreciation-week-2022/

https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/1407-teacher-appreciation-week-2022-resources     

https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/8030-10-teacher-appreciation-gifts-that-don-t-cost-anything

https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/6352-9-quick-and-easy-teacher-appreciation-gifts

https://www.waterford.org/resources/teacher-appreciation-week-ideas/

Inspire Your Children!

I love reading stories about people of all ages who are doing amazing things to help others.  For today’s blog post, I wanted to share what 10-year-old Dana Parella is doing and ask that you share her story with your children.  I pray that you and your children are inspired to help others!

Dana’s exceptional journey began when she was 7 years old, and her friend Mila got ill with a rare, life-threatening disease called Batten.  Dana was devastated and spoke with her mother about what she could do to help.   Since they loved to cook together, they decided to bake cookies and sell them to raise money.  They started their fundraiser baking the cookies and Dana selling them from her little red wagon.  People were so inspired by her and joined her.  They were able to eventually raise $56,000!  That money was used for Mila’s first treatment.

They turned the fundraiser into a nonprofit, Cookies4Cures.  To date, they have funded research for five pediatric diseases.  Her and her friends have baked over 18,000 cookies and raised over $100,000!  Her slogan is “We fund hope one cookie at a time.”

To learn more about Dana and her wonderful nonprofit, please visit https://www.cookies4cures.com/

Why Children Should Learn Good Manners

I recently attended a homeschool convention in Greenville, South Carolina and had the pleasure of meeting Monica Irvine who is the founder and president of The Etiquette Factory. I have written about the importance of teaching our children etiquette before. Since I love to feature others who are doing impactful things for our children, I wanted to share Monica’s information and tell you a bit about The Etiquette Factory.

On the website www.theetiquettefactory.com, Monica shares how her love for etiquette began and why she is so passionate about sharing it. When she was homeschooling her son many years ago, she came across a document titled "George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior." It was a list of 110 rules that President Washington had copied out of a French book so that he could learn and practice chivalry skills.

In Monica’s own words, she describes what motivated her to create her company:

As I read these precious rules, something pricked my heart and I was so drawn to them. I saw the great beauty in each one and thought to myself, What if I had my son memorize these rules? Surely, that would benefit him in many ways. I could imagine that if our society truly lived by these simple 110 chivalry rules, our world would be such a more kind and more generous place to be. We began to do just that, learn these rules, but while we were learning them, a new idea flooded my mind.

Monica also states: “Sometimes, God steps in and just takes you by the hand and leads you down a path where you can use your talents and your gifts to bless His other children. I believe with all my heart that that is exactly what He has done with me.”

I love the definition that Monica has for etiquette – it is helping those around you to feel valued and comfortable. I would add that it is also helping others to feel appreciated and respected. Importantly, it helps us to achieve the second greatest commandment given to us by Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 NLT

She has created workbooks and videos centered primarily around parents teaching their children etiquette, which are “life-changing skills, including the skills of kindness.” Please visit her website where she offers a variety of programs and curricula for parents as well as other educators and professionals.

The Importance of Pets for Children

             Did you know that there is a day dedicated to celebrating pets?  It is April 11 - National Pet Day.  It was established in 2006 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige to celebrate all the joy that pets bring to our lives and to bring public awareness to the plight of certain pets. 

            I have written a prior blog titled Should My Children Have A Pet? It lists some of the important benefits of your children having a pet, such as they make life happier, they teach companionship and responsibility, and some pets encourage your children to be active.  Of course, it is up to each family to decide if a pet should be brought home and the type of pet.

            There are many activities that your children can do this week to celebrate National Pet Day, as it should not just be one day!  There is a link to a website below with some of those activities.  There are also many children’s books about children and their pets, as well as cartoon books.  Some of my sons’ favorites are the cartoon series of Calvin and Hobbes, about a mischievous 6-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger that comes to life in his imagination.  They have many hilarious adventures together.  

For some fun activities for children, visit:

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pet-day-april-11/

Tips for Teaching Your Children About Good Health and Well-being

     April 7 is designated as World Health Day by the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency within the United Nations composed of 193 countries.   According to its Constitution, the WHO’s main objective is "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health".  The theme this year is “our planet, our health”, and the WHO’s website states that it “will focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.”

     There are health and well-being resources that parents can access to share with their children.  Some resources include the following:

• A WHO PowerPoint that introduces children to health and well-being;

• A PowerPoint on “Depression-Let’s Talk” as a child’s mental health is critical for the child’s development: 

• An emotions board game to help teach children about their emotions;

• A resource pack with recipes for healthy eating; and

• A self-care printable pack.

     Be sure to spend some time this week discussing these issues to help your children learn about the WHO and the importance of having and promoting good health, not only in your family or community, but also throughout the world.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

https://www.who.int/

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2022

https://nationaltoday.com/world-health-day/

Comic Books for Boys and Girls That Plant the Seed and Spread The Gospel

       Both my sons grew up reading comic books and I think that it is a wonderful way to promote reading as well as teaching about the Gospel.  At a recent homeschool convention where I was an exhibitor, I met Brian Bradley, the president of Kingdom Comics, which is a Christian outreach ministry.  I was very impressed by the comic books he had and his desire to spread the Gospel through this unique form of ministry.

       On its website, www.kingdomcomicsonline.com, Brian wrote the mission of Kingdom Comics:

Through the publication and distribution of our printed materials, it is our mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By presenting the Gospel in comic book format, we are able to reach a culture that may otherwise be unreached. While this includes adolescents and young adults, it has also included those incarcerated. In addition, our books have been used as teaching tools for youth ministries.

        If you would like additional reading materials for your children, please visit this website and consider purchasing some of the comic books.  Brian has comic books for boys and just published one for girls.  They are filled with all types of adventures as well as exciting illustrations from artists all over the world.  And, most important, they promote the Gospel!

Teach Your Children About Successful and; Courageous Women Today, in Our Past History, and in the Bible

Women’s History Month started off as just a weeklong celebration of the contributions of women in history. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation that the week of March 8 would be dedicated to honoring women as National Women’s History Week. Congress later expanded the celebration to one month. The National Women’s History Alliance selects the theme for each year and this year’s theme is “women providing healing – promoting hope”, which focuses on all the women who have been dedicated to their families and communities during the Covid pandemic and the hope women have brought.

Let us spend time this month teaching our children about the important contributions that women have made and continue to make. There are many websites with lesson plans and lots of activities for children as well as recommendations of books. I have provided some for you below.

Also, the Bible has stories of many women who were very faithful and courageous, accomplishing great things for the Lord. Author Lauren Nelson wrote a children’s book titled Sheroes of the Bible which is beautifully illustrated and tells the stories of heroines for God. A link to her website is provided below. I recently interviewed Lauren for my podcast Be Convinced! Sharing Stories of Hope. She has an inspiring story to share that will bring you hope! Please visit this link to listen to the interview Ep. #61.

 To learn more, please visit:

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/2022-theme/

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month#women-s-history-month-

https://www.learningforjustice.org/the-moment/march-1-2022-happy-womens-history-month?gclid=CjwKCAiAprGRBhBgEiwANJEY7KdW-MHC3Lz8FitOpzP4urE-i3tcQD9UN1e1DGkT3mlYi8KUAzQsFRoCYJMQAvD_BwE

https://www.parentmap.com/article/brilliant-new-books-celebrate-womens-history-month-2022

https://www.laurenlnelson.com/

Helping Your Children To Take Criticism Constructively

Proverbs 15:32 instructs us: “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” (NLT) That is easier for most adults to accept and understand than children. Criticism is too common nowadays. In this blog post, I would like to discuss ways that parents can help their children to learn to become better receivers of criticisms and take them constructively rather than personally.

When parents give criticism to children, we should do all we can to deliver it with love, patience, and understanding as this will help them to better understand and accept what is being said. Our goal is not to be cruel but rather to correct or improve a behavior. Be honest and straightforward about the unacceptable behavior and do not make it personal to the child. Ensure that your children understand the reprimand. Look for ways to praise them for other things that they do as well. It will go a long way if you phrase your criticism with love.

When others criticize our children, we are usually not there to help them handle the emotions involved. But what parents can help their children with at home is to learn not to accept criticism personally, no matter who gives it to them. In an online article titled Helping Kids Take Criticism Constructively (Even When It Isn’t Constructive), author Jessica Lahey suggests that we help our children to adopt the “growth mindset” which focuses on what a person does rather that who he is. She writes that “kids with a growth mindset will be able to focus on their own effort and progress rather than the expectations and limitations other people place on them.” Your children can learn to turn criticism around and rephrase it in their minds so that they do not take the criticism as a personal attack and adversely react.

Parents can teach the “growth mindset” by doing the following:

• Offer feedback. Don’t try to protect your children from criticism or pain but instead help them to listen and understand feedback. Help them to rephrase it so that it is not personal.

• Don’t offer constant praise.

• Empower them for change by helping them to look forward. Ask questions such as “How do you think you could have done better with this project?”

• Assist them in forming new goals in moving forward. Importantly, the goals should be those of your children, not you.

To learn more, please visit:

https://biblereasons.com/dealing-with-criticism/

https://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/helping-kids-take-criticism-constructively-even-when-it-isnt-constructive/

Teaching Your Children Skills to Become Problem Solvers

When your children encounter problems, do you immediately go into problem-solving mode and try to solve them? Many parents do this out of love and concern. We believe that we need to step in and do what we can to bring about a solution because, after all, our children are too young to understand the full ramifications of their choices. While this might be helpful in some situations, we should be teaching our children the skills to allow them to learn to solve problems on their own.

Why does learning problem-solving skills matter to a child? These skills assist in improving mental health issues. Researchers have found that children who do not know how to problem solve can be more at risk of being depressed and suicidal.

Also, some children who do not have problem-solving skills tend to avoid and procrastinate rather than deal with a problem. Other children can act suddenly and impulsively, not understanding or realizing that they have choices. For example, they may hit other children or walk away suddenly from a discussion.

Experts agree that the earlier children learn problem-solving skills the more ready they will be to meet bigger challenges as they grow older. These skills have proved to be critically important for improved academic performance and for building confidence.

The basic 5 problem-solving steps are:

1. Identify the problem;

2. Develop many different solutions;

3. Identify the pros and cons of each solution;

4. Select what is believed to be the best solution;

5. Test it out and analyze the results.

When your children encounter a problem, assist them in using these 5 steps. They will learn as they practice. For example, if your child leaves a change of clothing at home, when he needs it after a sports event, talk with him about how that problem can be solved so it does not happen again in the future. Give your child the opportunity to come up with solutions. I am certain that you will be pleasantly surprised at how creative they can be!

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/teach-kids-problem-solving-skills-1095015

https://www.marlborough.org/news/~board/health-and-wellness/post/why-is-problem-solving-important-in-child-development

Teaching Your Children About Integrity as Part of Godly Character

      What is integrity?  The Cambridge Dictionary defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change”.   Does God care about a person’s integrity? Yes, He does!  Part of a godly character is having integrity and as parents, we are called to raise children of integrity.

      There are two Bible verses that I would like to share about integrity.  Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) states “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Being a person of integrity, therefore, brings direction from God and security.  On the other hand, a person who does not have integrity will take all sorts of different, easier, and quicker paths because there is no foundation of honor and respect toward God or anyone else – just self.

     According to Psalm 25:21 (NIV), integrity offers a person protection because all our hope is in God: “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.”  Again, this verse emphasizes the protection and security that comes from integrity.  The person’s hope is in the Lord, not in himself or anything that he can do to achieve his own goals.

     How do we teach integrity to our children?  First and foremost, we must walk in integrity ourselves and lead by example.  Our foundation must be based on God’s Word, not anything else.  If your child has a question about what should be done, take him to the Bible and find out what the Bible says.  Second, we should attend church regularly together as a family; have family devotional time; and talk with our children, truly listening to them.  Point out people in the Bible and in our times who have walked in integrity.  Children need good role models so we can help them find ones.  A child will not develop integrity as part of his character on his own.  The seeds of integrity must be planted, developed, and nurtured.

Being an Active Listener When Your Children Talk

      American psychologist Carl Rogers once said: “ “We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.”  He and Richard Farson coined the terms “active listening”. 

       When it comes to communicating with our children, we should develop and incorporate active listening skills.  It allows them to collect their thoughts and then express them.  And, importantly, it forces us to stop and listen to what is being said and truly show our love and compassion.  Inevitably, it can slow things down before they get out of hand.

      Try incorporating some of the following active listening techniques the next time your child wants to talk or you would like to encourage your child to talk:

• Stop what you are doing and give your full attention to your child.

• When your child is talking, respond with outward motions such as nodding your head and  saying “ahh” “ok”.  All of these show that you are listening.

• Try not to interrupt when he/she is speaking.

• Respond back to your child to show you are listening and trying to understand.  For example, you can say  “I think I understand from what you are saying … Is that right?”

         As parents, we are continually lecturing our children, expecting them to listen to us and do what we ask.  It would be a wonderful change to start actively listening to them!

To learn more about active listening, visit:

https://parents.actionforchildren.org.uk/behaviour/active-listening/

https://www.peacefulparent.com/active-listening-improves-the-parent-child-relationshi/

The Importance of Families

        I recently read a blog post by author, columnist and speaker Lori Borgman about the importance of the family in our society, and I wanted to share it with you because I believe that the family unit is not as strong as it should be.  The blog is titled Why Family is Key to Our Nation’s Recovery.   She asks and answers the question:

Why is the family key? Because families are the parts that compose the whole.             

Families are microcosms of the pillars that sustain cultures, communities, and nations.

She raises some key points:

• The family is where economics are taught to children - how to save, how to spend, and how to give;

• The family is where a child learns about respecting other people and their rights;

• The family is a child’s first school;

• The family is where a child learns to worship; and

• The family is where a child learns about good health habits, taking care of those who are ill and dying, and how compassion and love are intertwined.

        Instead of complaining about what is happening in our society, we should be doing all we can to promote families.  They are the backbone of our society and as they fail and fall apart, so goes the country.

To read the entire blog, please visit:

https://www.loriborgman.com/2022/01/09/why-family-is-key-to-our-nations-recovery/

Help Your Children To Learn About Black Health And Wellness

            Black History Month was established in 1976, shifting from Black History Week, as promoted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.  President Gerald Ford started the tradition that year proclaiming February as Black History Month to advance the achievements of African Americans, both past and present.  The theme for this year’s celebration is “Black Health and Wellness” which according to the Association explores "the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well."

            Guide your children to learn about African Americans involved in the health and wellness fields.  I provide below some website links to assist you.  There is a plethora of information so please take your time during this month to truly dig deep into African American history and celebrate its diverse culture and achievements.  I am certain that you will learn a lot too!

To learn more, please visit:

https://asalh.org/

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month#origins-of-black-history-month

https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory

https://www.education.com/activity/black-history-month/

https://www.chicagoparent.com/things-to-do/guides/black-history-month-activities-for-kids/

The Many Benefits of Fathers Reading to Children

       I came across a very interesting article recently on the website moms.com about what experts are saying are the benefits associated with fathers reading to children.   As the Stars of the Sky Foundation promotes literacy, as the ability to read well is such an important foundation for success.  At early ages, children learn a variety of skills by being read to.   Their brain is developing and soaking in all that they hear and see.

       The following are some of the benefits of fathers reading to children:

• Improved language development – According to an Australian study, researchers found “that fathers reading at two years promoted better language development by age four.

• A more well-rounded development – Experts have found that when mothers read to their children, they focus on the content of the books.  When fathers read, they talk about many different things and ask questions about the story.  Children should have both methods of reading to be more well-rounded.

• More gender equality – Oftentimes, women are associated with reading to children – whether they be mothers, grandmothers, or teachers.   By having fathers read, children widen their perspectives of gender role models and see reading as an activity that men enjoy and do as well.

• Stronger bond with children – A father taking the time to read to his children shows his love and commitment to their well-being.  It tells his children that they are important to him.  No one can take the place of a father as his love for and relationship with his children are extremely special and unique. 

• Enables relaxation – After a long day, a father who takes the time to read to his children can simultaneously relax.  At bedtime, he can close the door, get out a book, and read to his child.  By shutting out the world and the worries of the day, he can enjoy this time with his child.

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.moms.com/dads-read-kids-more-reasons-experts/

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/early-learning/why-reading-with-dad-matters#:~:text=%E2%80%9CResearch%20has%20clearly%20demonstrated%20that,age%20four%2C%20but%20not%20literacy

The Importance of Mentors for Children

            The life story about Olympic champion Billy Mills is indeed inspiring as well as demonstrates the importance of mentors in our children’s lives.  Who is he and how did he become an Olympic champion?

            Billy Mills is the only American who has ever won the gold medal in the 10,000-meter race in the Olympics.  He did that back at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.  He was an underdog who ran at amazing speed from behind to win that race, which is being remembered as one of the greatest miracles in Olympic history. 

            He grew up on a Pine Ridge Native American reservation in South Dakota for the Oglala Lakota people.  His mother died when he was 8 years old.  He started to run and enjoyed it.  For his first race, he wore jeans and basketball shoes and lost.   His father told him “It takes a dream to heal a broken soul.”  Then, his father died when he was 12.  Since he was an orphan, he was sent to attend a boarding school for Native Americans in Kansas. 

            Depressed and lonely, he did not run again until he was in high school with the encouragement of his coach: “One of you can do something magical in sport. One of you can become a great athlete,” the coach said.  “I felt it was my dad speaking to me,” Billy remembers.  He learned that running helped him handle racism and depression. He ran the 4th fastest mile in the nation while in high school, eventually earning a scholarship to run at the University of Kansas and then later ran in the U.S. Marine Corps.

            His mentor for training for the Olympic Games in the Marine Corps was a retired U. S. Naval Academy track coach who was deaf and read lips – Earl “Tommy” Thompson.  Billy and Tommy forged a strong relationship.  He qualified for the 10,000-meter race and the marathon at the Tokyo Games in 1964.  He always remembered his father’s words to him, encouraging him to have a dream. His winning the 10,000-meter race is heralded as a tremendous achievement. 

            Billy has given back to his community by becoming a spokesman for Christian Relief Services and co-founding the foundation Running Strong for American Indian Youth, which awards grants to help those youth achieve their dreams.  President Obama awarded Billy the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal for his efforts in Native American causes.

To learn more about Billy, please visit:

https://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog/105-olympic-champions-secret-to-success

https://usopm.org/spotlight/billy-mills-plenty-of-motivation/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XnflA-ho3s

In Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday: Help Your Children Learn More About His Life's Story

*Image by Dreamstime.com

            The third Monday each year is a federal holiday that has been set aside for us to honor the amazing life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  It was created a national holiday in 1983 after 32 years of campaigning. 

            Please have your children involved so that they can learn more about him! There is so much information available for children that is absolutely free, from suggested activities to printouts and crossword puzzles to coloring pages as well as YouTube videos designed just for children.  And, of course, there are many children’s books too.  I have researched and compiled some websites for you to review and share with your children.  Even if your children have done some studies about him last year or in school, there is such a vast amount of information available that they can always learn something new.

Please visit:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/martin-luther-king-jr

https://www.education.com/resources/martin-luther-king-jr-day/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuP-OBhDqARIsAD4XHperOyQ_KZuPez79Jp1qoVuyK1ojYdZJvd7OrOKtTLF2V7d9QLuNg-IaAj_KEALw_wcB

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/beyond-martin-luther-king-jr.html

https://coloursofus.com/14-childrens-books-about-martin-luther-king-jr/

All-American Football Player Kaelin Clay's Story of Overcoming Failure is Very Inspiring for Children

             I enjoy the stories and quotes shared by The Foundation for a Better Life as they are very encouraging and inspiring.  The story about football player Kaelin Clay is one of the stories recently shared by the Foundation and I want to share it with you.  It is a story that Clay actually loves to share with children to help them to overcome failures and discouragements as he candidly talks about fumbling a play, allowing the opposing team to score and win the game. 

            Clay played football for the University of Utah.  In a game against Oregon, Clay caught the ball and ran almost all the way to the goal line.  He started to celebrate before he actually crossed the line and dropped the ball close to the goal line.  A player for Oregon caught the ball and ran all the way to score a touchdown.

            It is important to learn about what Clay did after that.  He did not blame anyone or anything for what happened – he readily admitted it was his fault.  His team lost the game, and he candidly acknowledges that it was because of what he did. 

            He learned an important life lesson: do did not give up!  He said: “Life is crazy. Things change. That moment right there helped me realize that no matter what happens, just keep pushing, because something good will happen in the end.”  When Clay speaks to children, he tells them “Things are going to happen; you just have to keep pushing. It’s going to be all right, and it happens for a reason.”  Despite this failure, he went on to become an All-American and play professional football. 

            To read the entire post, please visit https://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog/102-overcoming-our-own-worst-mistakes