America Wishes You Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson
By Inspiration Report
Apr. 13, 2010
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Thomas Jefferson, born April 13, 1743, was the third President of the United States. He is one of the key creators of the Declaration of Independence, and, you may also recognize him from that two dollar bill you keep in your wallet for good luck.
Jefferson was considered one of America’s first ‘renaissance men,’ brimming with wisdom and talents, according to some. We celebrate his birthday with these 18 Thomas Jefferson quotes.
“Determine never to be idle…It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”
-Thomas Jefferson
“Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it?” -Thomas Jefferson
“Enlighten the people, generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like spirits at the dawn of day.” -Thomas Jefferson
“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” -Thomas Jefferson
“I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.”
-Thomas Jefferson
“I cannot live without books.”Thomas Jefferson
“I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it.” – Thomas Jefferson
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
- Thomas Jefferson
“It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which give happiness.”
-Thomas Jefferson
“Never spend your money before you have it.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Never trouble another for what you can do for yourself.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” – Thomas Jefferson
“Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone.” – Thomas Jefferson
“The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.” – Thomas Jefferson
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” - Thomas Jefferson
“Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.”
Thomas Jefferson
“No government ought to be without censors and where the press is free, no one ever will.”
-Thomas Jefferson
“Health is worth more than learning.” – Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson from Quotations Page
Source: Inspiration Report
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
God is the Reason One of Many Miracles: Missing Child Nadia Bloom Found Alive
By AP
Apr. 13, 2010
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – A missing 11-year-old central Florida girl with Asperger syndrome was found alive on Tuesday, four days after she disappeared into an alligator-infested swamp a half-mile from her suburban home.
Nadia Bloom was taken to a hospital in nearby Longwood, Fla., where she will be evaluated and treated for dehydration and insect bites, said Winter Springs Police Chief Kevin Brunelle.
“If I never believed in miracles, I sure do now,” Brunelle said during an afternoon news conference.
Brunelle said Nadia told rescuers two things: “I’m glad you guys found me” and “I can’t believe you guys rescued me.”
Her sister has said Bloom, who has an autism-related disorder called Asperger syndrome, may have gone into the dense woods hoping to make a nature video.
It took nearly two hours for rescuers to carry Nadia out of the thick brush and swamp. It wasn’t police who located her. James King, who goes to church with Nadia’s family, found her Tuesday morning in a dry patch in the middle of the swamp and called authorities.
King climbed a tree and unfurled toilet paper in an attempt to draw attention to where they were.
Brunelle said he dispatched a helicopter to look for King and Nadia, but it didn’t work.
Using cell phone signals, authorities found King and Nadia.
“Mr. King is a hero right now,” said Brunelle. “He led us to her.”
Brunelle added that detectives are questioning both King and Nadia for more details on the rescue and how the little girl spent her time while she was missing.
Brunelle did say that Nadia told them that she had not talked to anyone since going into the woods on Friday.
Authorities began searching for Nadia in wooded areas near Lake Jessup, one of the most alligator-filled lakes in Central Florida.
The fifth-grader was last seen riding her bike on Friday, and authorities became alarmed when they found her bike and helmet. She did have a backpack with her.
Shortly after word came that Nadia was alive; her father briefly spoke to the media.
“It all came so fast and it just shows the compassion of the human spirit. It should give everybody encouragement,” her father, Jeff Bloom, told reporters after rescue crews lifted her into an ambulance.
When asked how he felt, Bloom said: “I can’t even describe it. Let’s give the glory to God.”
Source: Yahoo News
Editor’s Note: AP – Nadia Bloom, 11, missing since Friday afternoon, is carried by rescuers after being found on Tuesday. Slide show
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Help Find Missing Child Nadia Bloom
By Wesh.com
Apr. 12, 2010
Winter Springs, Fla. A missing child alert was issued on Monday for an 11-year-old Winter Springs girl who disappeared three days ago.
Rescuers combed through wooded areas near Nadia Bloom’s home in Winter Springs after her sister said she was recently reading a book about wilderness exploration.
At a news conference on Monday, Winter Springs Police Department Chief Kevin Brunelle said the search so far has turned up nothing.
No clothing, backpack, shoes or any other items have been recovered.
“It keeps me hopeful, and a lot of the searchers I’ve talked with are hopeful. Even though we understand the length and we understand the conditions, we need to maintain a positive outlook on it,” Brunelle said.
Brunelle said during the news conference that until his experts tell him otherwise, he and his team are continuing the search for Nadia.
Seminole County alert helicopters patrolled through the night for any sign of the missing girl.
The helicopters are equipped with heat sensors, but Brunelle said they detected no movement except wildlife.
Crews will expand their search Monday near Black Hammock Trail and Lake Jessup in light of the new lead.
Thirty police dogs, amphibious vehicles, divers and officers on the ground are looking for the autistic girl who disappeared Friday.
Nadia is 5 feet tall and weighs 85 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.
Police said she was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt and blue shorts, and she was carrying a black backpack with a horse on it.
“A bicycle at the end of a cul-de-sac (was found) with one home off to the right-hand side and nothing but dense woods in front of you, on its kickstand, helmet taken off and placed on the handle bars, just like somebody got off the bike to take a walk or to go into a house or anything like that. That’s the scene that we have right now,” Brunelle said.
“I’m really sad because she’s my friend and I’ve known her for a really long time, and I really hope that we find her,” friend Sophia Sarabasa said.
The Metro Church congregation prayed for Nadia and her family on Sunday. Her former Sunday school teachers shared a little more about the girl, who has become a familiar face on the news and on fliers around town.
“She’s pretty independent,” Robert Meeks said. “She gets focused on a certain thought process and she gets pretty determined.”
Crisis counselors will be at Nadia’s school, Lawton Elementary School, Monday helping students cope.
“I just pray every minute that they come out of the woods with Nadia,” parent Linda Sarabasa said.
Brunelle said during the news conference that the next phase of the search of a heavily wooded area near the police command post will continue with dog teams, authorities will compile and review all the information so far that they have obtained and authorities will continue to check sex offender and sexual predator Web sites county-wide.
It was earlier reported that Nadia may have a survival manual with her, but Brunelle said Monday morning that authorities now know the book she has is called “Meet Lanie Holland,” which is part of the American Girl series. The book explores a love of nature and science.
Anyone with information should contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tip Line at 866-282-0672, the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-1000 or 911.
Copyright 2010 by WESH.COM.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: Wesh
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Food For Throught: “No King But King Jesus!”
By Jeffery S. Colter
YC/Staff
Apr.4, 2010
The evil of man knows no bounds. It is genetically programmed since the fall of man. Since that time civilizations have risen and fallen; kings have been crowned and dethroned; countless millions have known the agonizing consequences of how evil man can be.
All the suffering and pain known to mankind throughout the ages have a common link, and that is man’s fall from God’s Grace.
This was not God’s will for us, we took it upon ourselves. Our own pride blinded us from seeing His Holiness; therefore, God sent us His Light and Word in the form of the Son of Man.
A Man who would change the course of history and the course of people’s lives for all eternity.
A Jewish man born from the seed of David, prophesied about over three hundred times in the Old Testament about how He was to come, what He was to do, and why.
This man, Jesus, had to contend with the same things we have to contend with today. Not the wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 5:12-13)
These are things that cannot be seen but are known to be there.
In the same way one cannot see Faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)
However, what were seen by countless people were His crucifixion; the complete pardoning and removal of mankind’s sins. He became the embodiment of our sin so we may have a fresh start to know Him who created us in His image.
No longer enslaved by the trappings of the world and our own desires, but free from the bondage of slavery that keeps each one of us from the liberty of knowing Him and His desired blessings for us.
True liberty is the ‘declaration of independence’ from sin. No king or law can grant this gift or steal it from us. Jesus sealed this declaration by His resurrection.
The King of Kings and King of the Jews conquered death it’s self. He is the Conquering Hero for all time. Breaking open the gates of hell it’s self so that no one may be held captive, sacrificing Himself so that all may receive the underserved gift of eternal life.
John Milton Hay, an ambassador and Secretary of State under President McKinley, and President Lincoln’s personal secretary, wrote a poem called Sinai and Calvary.
His poem allows us a window into his personal relationship with the Savior. An excerpt from his poem reads as this:
But Calvary stands to ransom
the earth from utter loss,
in shade than light more glorious,
the shadow of the Cross.
To heal a sick world’s trouble,
to soothe its woe and pain,
On Calvary’s sacred summit
The Paschal Lamb was slain.
Almighty God! Direct us
to keep Thy perfect Law!
O blessed Savior, help us
Nearer to Thee to draw!
Let Sinai’s thunders aid us
to guard our feet from sin;
And Calvary’s light inspire us
the love of God to win.
We must understand that though the price of our sins our paid in full there will never be true peace in the world until Christ’s return. Man will continue his defiance towards God, and as a result the suffering of man will continue.
Samuel Adams says it best:
“I conceive we cannot express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world…
That the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the Holy happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.”
So let us remember as patriots to first and foremost be peacemakers and be the light so desperately needed in a dark world during dark times. Let us be like the patriots of old who were not ashamed of the Gospel but who made the idea of eternal liberty the very foundation of our Republic. Make the battle cry of our Forefathers yours today…”NO KING BUT KING JESUS!”
IN GOD WE ENTRUST THE REPUBLIC!
Source: NCP
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
This Easter Morning
By John Tydlaska Jr
YC/Staff
Apr. 4, 2010
Our Lord Jesus this Easter morning rose gloriously from the dead who I worship as my living Savior.
He has redeemed me and all those called by His name to be Thine own eternally. I give thanks and adore Thee as Conqueror of Satan, sin, and death.
Joy fills my heart as I come into Thy presence. Thy resurrection proclaims to all believers forgiveness of our sins, which brings peace to our hearts and songs of praise to our lips.
I know that through the bitter sufferings and blood of my Savior on the cross that we are reconciled to God, our Heavenly Father.
My Faith fills my heart with joy as I this Easter morning join with all Thy people to praise Thee. I know that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Thy Church.
Thy power and strength goes on from victory to victory as we bear witness of Thee and confess Thy name to the ends of the earth.
I pray that God takes full possession of our hearts today. Cleanse us in hearts, minds, and our beloved America from the evil that resides in our nation.
I pray that God continue his love and protection for all those called by His name and for America as one Nation under God.
I pray that His people across America increase in number from day to day. Gather Christians from East to West, from North to South of Thine own elect and help us with courage to re-establish America in Thine honor and glory throughout our land of freedom and liberty under Thy domain once more.
For my family and friends, Happy Easter, Amen
Source: John Tydlaska Jr
Editor’s Note: If you have a message that you would like to share. You can sent it to dan@youngchronicle.com
True Meaning of Easter
By Denise Willms
Apr. 4, 2010
As a Christian mom, Easter means much more to me than filling baskets with chocolate treats and watching children hunt high and low for their presents each year. Although those activities are a lot of fun!
More importantly for me, though, Easter is the time of year where I can talk with my children about Jesus’ death on the cross, His resurrection, and what it means for them – eternal friendship with Jesus!
For young children, the concept of salvation can be very difficult to understand. There are a lot of tools that can help you explain God’s gift to us and why His Son had to die on the cross.
You can make salvation bracelets out of colored beads or salvation books out of colored paper, and explain the significance of each color.
You can also purchase toys from your Christian bookstore to help explain God’s plan of salvation in a child friendly way.
At Easter time, with so much yummy candy around, why not use jellybeans to teach your children the true meaning of Easter?
Here are some suggestions of what the different colors can represent.
Black – This color represents sin. Sin is what separates us from God.
Red - This represents the blood Jesus shed when He died for us. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can erase our sin.
White – The white jellybean represents how clean our hearts are after Jesus’ blood removes our sin.
Green – Green is the color of grass and growing things. Now that Jesus has cleaned our hearts, we can grow to become more like Him.
Purple – This is the color of royalty. We need to remember that Jesus is the King of Kings. Now He is the king of our hearts.
Yellow – This represents the streets of gold that are in heaven. When we die we will live with Jesus in Heaven forever.
Pink and Orange- You can be creative with these colors! Perhaps one is to give to a friend, and tell them the Good News of Jesus too.
Source: Ezine Articles
Editor’s Note: Denise Willms is a freelance writer and virtual assistant, and a work at home mom to two teenagers. Do you want to know more about being a successful work at home mom? Denise publishes free work at home information at http://www.wahm-articles.com/ .
While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her weekly newsletter, WAHM Tips. It’s the weekly email that helps moms earn more from home!
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Scientists Solve a Murder Mummy Mystery
by Laura Leigh Davidson
Mar. 8, 2010
What killed King Tut? Historians and scientists have long believed that ancient Egypt’s most famous king was probably murdered.
But a recent scientific study claims to have found a different solution to this more than 3,300-year-old mystery.
A team of researchers now say that King Tut, the boy ruler, died of complications from a broken leg and as a result of foul play.
The team released their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in February.
A Boy King
Tut’s full name was Tutankhamen (too-tahng-KAH-mun). He was just 9 years old when he became pharaoh, or ruler, of Egypt in 1348 B.C. His treasure-packed tomb was revealed to the world almost a century ago.
It made him one of the best-known Egyptian kings of all time. Tut’s burial chamber was filled with royal riches, including a solid-gold coffin, a gold mask, and piles of jewelry.
But Tut did not have much time to enjoy his vast wealth. His reign was cut short at the age of 19.
Many experts have thought that Tut was killed by one of his advisers, named Ay, who wanted the throne for himself.
But thanks to a major modern science project, it seems Ay is off the hook.
Science Solves History Mystery
Researchers set out to solve the mystery of King Tut’s death by using the tools of science. They began their investigation of Tut’s well-preserved mummy by conducting an autopsy, which is an in-depth medical examination to determine how someone died.
The king’s autopsy included DNA tests and electronic scans of his remains.
Scientist Carsten Pusch conducted the tests on Tut for the new study. He thinks a broken leg contributed to the young king’s death.
A scan of Tut’s mummy showed an unhealed fracture in his thigh bone. This confirms that the Egyptian leader broke his leg sometime close to his death.
The DNA also indicates that the pharaoh had an illness that causes bones to become frail and brittle.
More than 100 walking sticks were found in King Tut’s tomb. This supports the autopsy findings. Many of the sticks were well-worn, showing regular use.
“It is very likely that a bone [disease] required King Tut to use canes,” Pusch told Discovery News. “Maybe he just fell and broke his leg.”
But how could a person die from a simple broken leg?
Pusch also found DNA evidence in Tut’s remains that indicates he had malaria (muh-LAIR-ee-uh), a disease carried by mosquitoes. Malaria severely weakens the immune system.
Pusch and his fellow researchers believe the malaria and the bone disease together caused the king’s fracture to become life-threatening. Ultimately, the young pharaoh was just too weak to heal.
So the effects of disease combined with the bad luck of a broken bone—not a jealous adviser—are likely the real culprits in King Tut’s death.
Mummies Tell Us More
Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan, says the study does more than solve a history mystery.
The information gained by studying these mummies could give us valuable insight into the diseases they had.
“This is very exciting that we can take modern technology and learn more about Egyptian history,” Markel told CNN. “Mummies are very powerful tools. We can learn a lot from the dead, [like] how illnesses evolve.”
TELL ME WHY
Read Mummy Murder Mystery Solved? and use what you learn in this cause and effect activity.
Source: Scholastic News
Editor’s Note: The feet of King Tut’s mummy are shown here in a photo taken during an examination of Tut’s remains in his underground tomb in Luxor, Egypt, on November 4, 2007. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP Images).
The gold covered-coffin of ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen is seen in this undated photo released by the Museum Of Antiquities, Basel, Switzerland. (Photo: Andreas F. Voegelin/Museum Of Antiquities Basel/AP Images).
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Fall of the Berlin Wall 20 Years Later: Remembered by Florida High School
By A.J. Plourde
YC/Staff
Mar. 5, 2010
Berlin, after World War II was separated into two Germany’s, West Berlin, and East Berlin. A wall was erected as a border between the two that came to be known as the Berlin Wall. 20 years ago this wall came down and East and West were now once again just Berlin, and all the citizens were just Germans.
In a small town in Florida, called Osprey, High School students at Pine Mountain school decided to take a real lesson in history. They erected a wall on their campus that simulated the Berlin Wall and half of the students were taught on side while the rest were taught on the other side.
The ones on the side simulating East Germany, were taught just like they were in Communist territory, with teachers playing the parts of the educators of East Berlin.
On the other side of the wall the students were free to move about freely, but had no contact with the other side without permission to cross just as it was in Berlin at the wall.
This one day history lesson gave the students an opportunity to see what life was really like in the divided Germany’s. Everyone in this experiment found it useful to learn from and to remind them that this should never happen again where families, friends, and relatives are not allowed to see each other because of where they lived in a city.
This was a one day exercise and it will be remembered by all who participated.
This type of reality teaching is good because it allows the students to really feel the part of history they are studying.
For more on this see the following:
To learn more about the Berlin Wall go here:
Source: Americans Beware
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
New Program by USO Helps Military Families
By Henry Dunkelberger
Mar. 4. 2010
Military families sacrifice a lot when a loved one is overseas fighting for his or her country. The USO (United Service Organization) wants to show appreciation to those families, says Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. Biden joined a group of volunteers to pack and ship 3,000 care packages to families with loved ones in Iraq or Afghanistan.
“I have seen firsthand just how much a small act of kindness can mean to a service member,” Biden said. Biden’s son Beau is a member of the Delaware Army National Guard and has served in Iraq.
The event at the National Armory in Washington, D.C., kicked off the Military Family Care Package program. The first packages are destined for families of 3,000 Florida National Guard Soldiers who will deploy in the coming weeks.
“The items in these packages will make life just a little bit easier for them,” said Biden. “Whether it’s a disposable camera, a grocery-store gift card, or a pre-paid phone card, for the service members serving abroad and missing their loved ones, these packages will bring some comfort, knowing that their families have not been forgotten.”
Other items in the packages include a journal to record events and memories they can share once the service member gets home, Hallmark greeting cards, and gift certificates.
Two colorful inflatable characters known as Hoops and YoYo joined in at the care package event. Designed by Hallmark, the whimsical, colorful blow-ups are highlighted on cards included in the packages.
Hoops and YoYo are aimed at bringing smiles to the faces of kids missing a loved one.
Kids can also help show appreciation to these families, Biden told the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
“You can find out who are the military and the National Guard families in your neighborhood so you could maybe take over a movie one night and popcorn,” she said. “Or you can help your mom bake cookies and take them over to the family.”
The USO is a bridge between the American public and the U.S. military, both in times of peace and war. Currently the USO can be found in more than 130 locations around the world, including Kuwait and Afghanistan. For more information about the organization and how you can help, check out the USO website.
Source: Scholastic News Online
Editor’s Note: Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden stuffs care packages at the USO Military Family Care Package event on February 24, 2010 at the DC National Guard Armory. (Photo: USO Photo by Mike Theiler)
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Should You Be Allowed to Discipline Other People’s Kids?
By Logan Ward
Mar. 2, 2010
When it comes to disciplining someone else’s child you don’t want to offend the kid’s parents, but if his behavior is dangerous or harmful you can’t simply ignore it either.
“It’s not intruding on another parent’s turf when you’re protecting your own child,” says Michele Borba, EdD, a Parents advisor and author of No More Misbehaving’: 38 Difficult Behaviors and How to Stop Them. Still, the right response depends on the circumstances — we’ll tell you how to respond here.
Playground Bully
Your 3-year-old is drawing with sidewalk chalk when two 5-year-old boys ask to borrow some. You give them a few pieces, but then they return asking for more. Your son says “No,” but they pull the chalk away from him.
What you’re tempted to do: “You want to say, ‘Hey, stop that — don’t you kids know better?’” says family therapist Hal Runkel, author of Scream Free Parenting: the Revolutionary Approach to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool. But if you lash out, Runkel cautions, you’ll only scare the children and put their parents on the defensive.
What you should do: “Your first step is simply to make your presence known,” says Dr. Borba. “Often, that’s enough to stop aggressive behavior.” If it isn’t, address the boys calmly but sternly:
“We don’t grab things from other people. Somebody might get hurt.” Let them know your son is happy to share his things, but they need to share too — and to stop grabbing. If their behavior continues, put the chalk away and head for another area of the park.
When Ellen Morris’s 5-year-old son, William, was being pushed around by an older child at a playground near their Louisville, Kentucky, home, she felt she had to intervene.
“I said, ‘Fighting is not okay,’ then asked the boy nicely to play in another area, which he did,” says Morris.
Bad Play date
Your 4-year-old daughter’s friend bosses her around during dress-up, hogs all the toys, and then refuses to help clean up the mess she made.
What you’re tempted to do: Put her in a time-out or send her home.
What you should do: Your house, your consequences. Right? Well, yes, but restrain yourself — maybe your little guest is just having a bad day.
Reiterate the rules (”In our house we take turns, and everyone cleans up her own mess”), then offer a reward (”When you’re done cleaning up, we’ll have cookies and lemonade”).
If she still won’t play nicely, you might try having the kids play separately for a while and see whether that helps. Steer clear of time-outs unless you’ve gotten the mom’s permission to give one.
Even then, save it for more egregious behavior, such as when a child is throwing toys or being defiant. If necessary, ask if she’d like you to call her mother to see whether she has any suggestions (the mere threat might change her tune). Be up-front about the problems at pickup: “We were having a little trouble with getting along and sharing today.”
In most cases, a visiting child will want to win your approval. Christy Majors, of Waynesboro, Virginia, hosts play dates all the time for her kids, Tess, 6, and Max, 3.
“When someone misbehaves, I talk to them at eye level and treat them with respect,” she adds. “Kids know when they’re being dealt with fairly, and they’ll usually cooperate in return.”
Biting
Your son comes home from class with a bite mark on his arm from another child.
What you’re tempted to do: Confront the child’s parents, and shoot off an angry e-mail to the teacher.
What you should do: Preschools exist in part to help children learn which social behaviors are acceptable and which aren’t. Hitting and biting are common at this age.
Although that doesn’t make them acceptable, your son’s teacher is the right person to handle the problem.
Feel free to set up a conference where you can express your concern: “Would you please keep an eye out when our son plays with Max, so this doesn’t happen again?” Also, make sure the teacher has spoken to the boy’s parents.
There’s no reason for you to contact them directly, though, unless you’re friendly with them and feel that not mentioning the incident would be awkward.
Bad Table Manners
While having dinner with your family, your daughter’s 5-year-old friend eats her Mac ‘n’ cheese with her fingers.
What you’re tempted to do: Tell her to use a fork — she’s old enough to know better.
What you should do: Hold your tongue. “Give kids a little leeway with certain kinds of manners,” says Daniel Buccino, a clinical social worker at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in Baltimore.
The child’s bad table habits might be the result of her cultural background, or she could have a manual dexterity problem. By overlooking the poor manners, you’re teaching your children to be gracious hosts.
But if the sloppy dining leads to truly bad behavior, like throwing food or belching intentionally, it’s fine to (gently) correct the child. Later, praise your own kids for using their utensils and eating properly, so they’re not confused by the apparent double standard.
Dirty Words
Your 8-year-old nephew starts teaching your kindergartner dirty words, and your brother doesn’t notice (or pretends not to).
What you’re tempted to do: Cover your child’s ears, and scold your potty-mouthed nephew.
What you should do: Calmly ask the boy to clean up his act. Say, “You’re older, and it’s not appropriate to use these words in front of Matthew.” This will make the child and his dad aware of the problem without offending anyone.
When they leave, talk to your child about the naughty words: “We don’t use that language in our family. Those words can upset people, and they’re inappropriate.”
Passive Parent
Your friend’s daughter constantly interrupts your conversation, but your friend ignores this impolite behavior.
What you’re tempted to do: Tell the child she’s being rude, and then suggest your friend teach her some manners.
What you should do: Address your friend, not her kid. “Ask, ‘Do you need to go help Lauren? Because I’d be happy to continue this conversation in a few minutes,” says Peggy Post, coauthor of Emily Post’s The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Respectful, Kind, And Considerate Children.
This is a subtle but clear way to send the message that you’re frustrated by the behavior and feel she should correct her child.
When You Lose Your Cool
The playmate is out of control. Kids are spilling drinks, throwing toys, and fighting. Finally, when one child leads your son up the outside of the stair railing, you yell at them to get down — now. And when they don’t, you send them to separate rooms.
An overreaction? Probably. But what’s your damage-control strategy? “My advice is the same as it is for wayward politicians,” says social worker Daniel Buccino. “Disclose all, and do it early.” Call the child’s parent right away and give your side of the story:
“Kyle and Joey were climbing the stairs on the outside, and I was scared they might fall and get hurt. I spoke sharply to them and gave them time-outs. I realize I lost my cool, and I just wanted you to know.” Fess up, and chances are you’ll get sympathy on the other end of the line.
Keep quiet, and you risk having Kyle complain about Joey’s mean ol’ mom when he gets home.
6 Discipline Strategies for Other Kids
Follow these guidelines when you’re in charge of someone else’s kid.
- Tread lightly. Don’t ever spank or yell, even if the child does something dangerous or destructive. Your goal is to correct his behavior, not to punish him.
- Plan ahead. Discuss the rules with the child’s parent (for example, how much TV she can watch and what she can eat for a snack) and agree on consequences in advance.
- Explain your expectations. A child isn’t likely to obey boundaries unless you set them. Take a few minutes to go over the house rules: “No running or playing ball indoors, everyone must share, and toys go away when you’re done playing with them.”
- Let the little things go. If a child knocks down a block tower or doesn’t say thank you for the homemade cookies and lemonade you made, don’t correct him. Remember: Every parent has a different set of expectations about acceptable behavior.
- Don’t embarrass her. Never discipline a child in front of her friends. Address her as part of a group: “I can see everyone’s tired of playing this game. Let’s all take a break and sit down for a snack.”
- Accentuate the positive. When you have to remind another child to share, clean up, or stop throwing things, make a point of praising your child (in private) for being good.
What’s your take on disciplining other kids?
Source: Parents
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
