tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30453611309189885372024-03-13T07:14:23.190-04:00KG's Good FightKGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comBlogger777125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-20338313273112471022014-04-14T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-14T00:00:01.930-04:00Showing your daughter what beauty is<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/keesha-beckford/my-daughter-can-never-know-i-think-im-fat_b_5111901.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063" target="_blank">This article</a> was powerful to read. It made me sad, but also made me feel better knowing someone else feels as I do. One day, in a few years, my baby is going to have likes and dislikes. She will be exposed to outside forces to influence those tastes as well. Even more, it's horrifying to think of all the mean people that are out there who will judge and bully her if she likes things they don't. <br />
<br /><br />
Then again, she'll have to look no further than me to get her first life lessons. She'll see what I think is beautiful and it will influence her. <br />
<br /><br />
I also know, if she ever knew about what I really think about myself when I look in the mirror, I'd immediately influence her negatively. She would start to critique every little thing about her perfect little face and body. I don't want that for her. I want her to know that it's ok to acknowledge you have good physical and personality traits. I'm committed to work hard to be a good role model for her in this way. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-81102033195059949402014-04-13T13:55:00.004-04:002014-04-13T13:55:53.382-04:00Scientific evidence that smiling works<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Smiling can help you live longer. The people that smile more have better lives, and longer lives. This doesn't surprise me at all. The challenge is having the attitude and perspective to be open to those things that can inspire a smile. We have to look no farther for inspiration than kids. They do it so naturally, and apparently smile over 400 times per day, in comparison to the average adult who smiles about 30 times. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=on.ted.com-facebook-share&utm_source=direct-on.ted.com&utm_content=awesm-publisher&awesm=on.ted.com_pneK#t-157806" target="_blank">Watch:</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-83440850331488115852014-04-10T11:27:00.000-04:002014-04-10T11:27:00.338-04:00Flower Explosion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
How <a href="http://www.boredpanda.com/flower-petal-explosion-sony-4k-ultra-hd/" target="_blank">amazing would</a> it be to see this in person? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/q2DdtkDK7w0?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-28915324363882181142014-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-10T00:00:03.811-04:00State of Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/09/dove-patches-ad-real-beauty-campaign_n_5118926.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000046" target="_blank">I loved this commercial</a>. Even if it is a fake commercial, and completely baseless science, it matters. We all could use this reminder. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EGDMXvdwN5c?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-39351070163550350912014-04-09T11:25:00.000-04:002014-04-09T11:25:02.210-04:00You are great!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://hellogiggles.com/watch-tyrese-gibsons-adorable-daddy-daughterself-confidence-drill" target="_blank">This is adorable</a>. I get it. I can't tell you how many times I could have used this type of pep talk. Good dad! </div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TIuZh8p9rz0?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-4871444293570627162014-03-30T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-30T00:00:08.035-04:00Giving even if you have little to give<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I loved <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/27/dobri-dobrev_n_4867974.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063" target="_blank">reading this story</a> about a man with so little, who gives so much. It's inspirational to consider what this man is capable of, in comparison to what I am actually doing. I have a lot of work to do. <br />
<br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-65780057172948316192014-03-20T16:53:00.000-04:002014-03-20T16:53:08.260-04:00Give when no one is watching<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This <a href="http://m.mobiledia.com/news/190934.html" target="_blank">made me</a> cry. Although I was a little disappointed in the portrayal of the young boy who didn't appreciate his father until it was too late. Nonetheless, the lesson is still valuable. It's important to look beneath the surface of what's in front of you. You never know who someone really is- they may never tell you themselves. <br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1DUYlHZsZfc?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
</div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-30321357473685284122014-03-14T15:32:00.000-04:002014-03-14T15:32:25.031-04:00Is smarter better? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I saw the <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/dbimages/article/habits-worlds-smartest-people.jpg" target="_blank">info graphic below</a> and it made me question my preconceived notions about intelligent people, and their behaviors. There is more to the statistics than meets the eye. Sometimes smart people have challenges they deal with that others may not consider. Check out the anxiety, sleep disorders, alcohol and drug use: I didn't consider those numbers would be what they are. <br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<img height="640" src="http://www.entrepreneur.com/dbimages/article/habits-worlds-smartest-people.jpg" width="235" /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-79626389533628067362014-03-14T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-14T00:00:00.585-04:00Problem Solving at its best <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Something about <a href="http://www.wimp.com/helpssister/" target="_blank">this old video</a> made me feel happy. It wasn't just that it shows a big brother helping his little sister out. It was about problem solving. It was about how kind people can be when they want to be. <br />
That made me even more happy.<br />
<br /><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/w7lgllnx.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /></div>
<script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/w7lgllnx.js?w=400&h=255&ap=true&sl=false&title=false" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=W7LGLLNX">Big Brother Helps Little Sister in the Sweetest Way - ADORABLE!</a> </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-92016109365395520372014-03-12T00:30:00.000-04:002014-03-12T00:30:01.326-04:00Opposites Attract<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You never know where you'll find a <a href="http://www.reshareable.tv/something-really-cool-happening-here-take-a-look-if-you-have-2-minutes-to-go.html" target="_blank">best friend</a>. I think that's why it's helpful to stay open to all of life's possibilities.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PvNbUnB0438?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-5728806642624885442014-03-11T20:35:00.001-04:002014-03-11T20:35:26.373-04:00Adorable representation of love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CbILj_CYqno?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-16053106426006912892014-03-03T11:33:00.000-05:002014-03-03T11:33:00.257-05:00Life's not fair....again <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2014/02/27/283348422/that-s-unfair-you-say-this-monkey-can-relate?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=npr&utm_campaign=nprnews&utm_content=02272014" target="_blank">I loved seeing this video.</a> It reminded me that life not being fair is nothing new to nature. Plus, this made me laugh a little too. I've felt like that little monkey before, but then you just have to move on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-KSryJXDpZo?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-86630798234775281192014-02-28T11:28:00.000-05:002014-02-28T11:28:09.089-05:00Children See, Children Do<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Watch this- all I can think about is how I need to start really practicing what I preach, and get used doing it within the next three months:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gXjE68-_jBs?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-54280767356474394202014-02-25T10:23:00.003-05:002014-02-25T10:23:50.931-05:00How can I make sure my baby girl is never hurt?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I think about raising a teenage girl in the future, I think about all the challenges I faced growing up. A bit of bullying, a lot of self-confidence issues, and a whole lot of confusion. <br />
I've read that telling little girls they are smart, or pretty is not necessarily the best thing in the grand scheme of things. I think the point is that you should compliment your child in the details, not just the broad strokes. For example, I can tell my girl she is kind, generous, or caring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UZimx1wHYcs?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-mitchell/dont-tell-me-im-beautiful_b_4671644.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000046" target="_blank">Read this article</a> about how being pretty can be a loaded thing. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-25809699143832931572014-02-17T09:53:00.000-05:002014-02-17T09:53:06.088-05:00What does chubby look like? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This was an <a href="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/2013/11/keeping-it-real/" target="_blank">excellent article</a> which reminded me to re-examine what it means to be skinny, athletic, fat, etc. What we see in the magazines isn't reality. Almost never. We can't forget that. <br />
<br /><br />
The below is the same person, with pictures taken during the <strong>same week</strong>. Props to Lauren Fleshman for owning herself. I think she's a rock star. <br />
<br /><br />
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-26-e1384387068707.jpg"><img alt="photo (26)" class=" wp-image-4350" height="218" src="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-26-e1384387068707.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/01-oiselle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/01-oiselle.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-21574763994740926072014-02-15T00:30:00.000-05:002014-02-15T00:30:04.320-05:00Happy Couples<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm always reading about what it takes to make marriages work. I am willing to work at it every day for the rest of our lives to ensure that we are as successful as possible. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/10/happy-marriage_n_4763307.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009" target="_blank">This article is great advice</a> for us newbies. <br />
<br /><br />
The best advice I appreciated was the following instructions: <br />
-To cultivate positive interactions every day by either, giving a compliment, showing appreciation, relive a fun memory, or doing something nice for your partner. <br />
-Talk at least 5 hours a week<br />
-Have more sex (at least two times a week).<br />
-Do fun stuff together<br />
-Laugh together<br />
-Fight nice<br />
<br /><br />
When you are having a rough day, it's hard to think beyond yourself. But we have to try. If both parties do so, what's the worst that can happen? </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-28795345123712678662014-02-13T00:30:00.000-05:002014-02-13T00:30:00.834-05:00what are they really scared of?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Olc5C4SXAYM?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://happyplace.someecards.com/29278/dallas-sportscaster-has-great-response-to-michael-sam-coming-out-as-gay" target="_blank">This anchor</a>, Dale Hansen—the sports anchor for ABC's Dallas affiliate WFAA—responding to the news that University of Missouri lineman Michael Sam had come out as a gay man, as well as to some people's immediate response that the revelation would hurt the All-American player's chances in the NFL draft this spring.<br />
<br /><br />
He's right, every time something "new" comes to sports, there is a negative response. Then people get over it. It will happen soon. This is just the start. <br />
<br /><br />
My question for you is, why don't we all worry about ourselves, instead of others?</div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-21350196056684511662014-02-12T10:17:00.003-05:002014-02-12T10:17:44.858-05:00Speak up for what's right<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ynYwTU7z6BI?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br /><br />
What would you do if you heard someone saying something offensive in front of you? What would you do if it was in public and that person was a stranger? Would you stand up to a bully? <br />
<br /><br />
I know it's hard to speak up. What happens if that offensive person starts laying in on you? The reality is that this mean person is probably afraid of something they don't understand. Life is too short to let fear stand in the way of what is right. If you see something, say something. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-17181258438835012822014-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-11T00:00:03.700-05:00Prepare your babies for the crazies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been thinking a lot about the prevalence of sexual abuse, in particular, little kids. Did you know that<a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/sexabuse/sexabuseb.cfm" target="_blank"> one in four girls, and one in six boys have an experience with sexual molestation before the age of 18</a>? Now that we are having a little one, I can't help but think about all the ways I need to help protect my girl, but also teach her to be strong and confidant. I don't want her to be scared of the world, but I want her to be cautious as well. <br />
<br /><br />
It's a tall order. <br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://everydayfeminism.com/2014/02/10-ways-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-sexual-abuse/?upw" target="_blank">This article</a> has some excellent tips on how to talk to your child about sexual abuse. Read this. Be prepared. Full content below.<br />
<h2>
<strong>Ways of Approaching the Conversation</strong></h2>
<strong>1. Frame the conversation for yourself as a way of loving your child:</strong> Starting from a loving place and not a scared place will help create the calm environment for your child. This will help them really listen to the words you’re saying. If you’re frightened and stressed, they will react primarily to that fear and not register what you’re saying as much.<br />
It’s also important to not treat the subject like its taboo or dirty (which is how we often treat anything related to sex). Even when parents try to hide their feelings, children are often very perceptive and pick up on small cues telling them that something is wrong. They then may think talking about someone hurting them might be wrong even if you say it’s not. So speak from a calm, casual, and loving frame of mind when having these conversations.<br />
<strong>2. Begin talking to them as young as 2 years old:</strong> This may seem very early but <a href="http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/saycrle.pdf">children under 12 are most at risk at 4 years old.</a> Even if they can’t speak well, children at this age are busy figuring out the world. And they certainly understand and remember a lot more than adults usually realize.<br />
For example, when giving a bath, tell them where their private parts are and that the parent is seeing and touching them to clean them but that normally nobody should.<br />
<strong>3. Teach them the actual names of their private parts:</strong> When you begin teaching them parts of their body like ears, eyes, and toes, also teach them the real names of their private parts like “vagina” and “penis” and not their “cute” names. This gives them the right words to use if someone is hurting them and makes sure the person being told understands what’s happening. It’s also important to teach both female and male anatomy because the abuser can be of either gender and they need to know how to describe what happens to them.<br />
In one case, a child told her parent that her stomach was hurting. When they took her to the doctor, he informed them that her vagina showed signs of rape. Their little daughter had been trying to tell them what was happening but she just didn’t know what to call her vagina so she said stomach instead.<br />
<strong>4. Share the only instances when their private parts can be seen and touched: </strong>An age appropriate concept for a young child to understand is that nobody – including a parent or caregiver – should see or touch their private parts – what a swimming suit covers up – unless they’re keeping them clean, safe, or healthy. But also make sure they know that even in these situations, if someone is hurting them, they can still say, “stop, it hurts” and tell their parent immediately.<br />
Some examples to help them understand what you’re talking about are when you’re giving them a bath or a doctor is seeing them. Ask them if that’s an example of keeping them clean, safe, or healthy as you’re doing it.<br />
<strong>5.</strong> <strong>Teach them their private parts are special:</strong> When talking about this topic, it’s important to not create a taboo or dirty feeling around their private parts. Instead parents can teach their child that their private parts are so special that they’re just for them and no one else.<br />
Only when needing to keep their private parts clean, safe, or healthy are other people allowed to see or touch them. This is also an important step to help children develop a healthy sexuality before discussing sex itself with them.<br />
<strong>6. Teach them (and respect) their right to control their bodies:</strong> This flies in the face of what we often teach our children – that adults have absolute authority over everything and children have to do what they’re told. The problem is that this only teaches them to not speak up when they’re feeling hurt and scared because of what an adult is telling them to do. Instead, teach your child that <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/20/living/give-grandma-hug-child/index.html">their body is theirs</a> and no one has the right to hurt their bodies even when a grown up is doing it. For children, it’s very empowering to have permission to say “no” to an adult if they’re uncomfortable with the request.<br />
For example, when you’re at a social event, don’t make your child kiss or hug anyone. Instead let your child know they can give a kiss, hug, handshake, or nothing to people they see and it’s entirely up to them. And when an adult tries to make them give them a hug and they don’t want to, encourage the child to say “no” and support their decision verbally if needed.<br />
<strong>7. Explain that no one should physically hurt them, especially in their private parts. </strong><a href="http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/saycrle.pdf" target="_blank">85% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone they know.</a> It may be a parent, relative, family friend, neighbor, teacher, or religious leader. It may be a man, woman, or another child. <a href="http://rapeinfo.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/profile-of-a-child-molester/">It can be anyone.</a> No one unfortunately is on the safe list. In fact, children are <a href="http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/saycrle.pdf">most vulnerable with the family members and acquaintances.</a> So make sure your child knows that no one can hurt their bodies no matter who they’re with – even when they’re with their mommy or daddy.<br />
It’s also important that they understand you’re talking to them about this because you love them and want them to be safe. Just like you teach them about crossing the road because they might get hit by a car, you’re also teaching them that someone might sexually hurt them. It doesn’t mean it will happen. But in case someone tries to, your child will know they can say “no, stop that” and tell you what happened without you being upset with them.<br />
<strong>8. Encourage them to trust their gut around their safety:</strong> While parents shouldn’t instill a fear of people in their child, they should support their child in trusting their gut instinct. By trusting their intuition, children will both be more empowered around making their own choices about who’s safe instead of relying on a parent telling them. This is important because a parent won’t always be there with them.<br />
One way is to tell the child before social events that if they ever feel uncomfortable with someone – even if nothing has happened, they should leave the room and tell their parent. Even if it looks “rude,” they should know that they will not be punished for simply leaving the room. Their sense of safety comes before the need to be “polite.”<br />
<strong>9. Explain that a secret is still a secret when shared with the parents:</strong> Many abusers tell their child victims that what happened was a secret and to not tell anyone, especially their parents. So it’s important to teach them early on that secrets are still kept secret if they tell their mom or dad. Additionally, they should understand anyone who wants them to keep secrets from their parents shouldn’t be trusted and they should definitely tell their parents about it.<br />
<strong>10. Tell them that you will believe them if someone is hurting them and they won’t be in trouble: </strong>Many abusers tell their victims that no one will believe them and create a sense of shame around what happened. Children in general, usually blame themselves and take responsibility for things that happen in their lives, regardless of who’s actually responsible for it. Given this, children often fear what their parent will do if they tell them, including being punished. Make sure they know without a doubt that you won’t be upset, that they’ve done the right thing, and that you’re proud of them for telling them the truth.<br />
<h2>
<strong>But Here’s the Most Important Thing To Do</strong></h2>
If you remember nothing else, remember this – <strong>these conversations should be ongoing, open, and casual.</strong><br />
You wouldn’t tell your child just once to not cross the street without looking both ways. You’d tell them several times and probably even quiz them about what they need to do when they want to cross the road.<br />
It’s the same deal for sexual abuse – except you have this conversation from a much earlier age and it changes as your child grows up and becomes a teenager.<br />
While nothing can keep your child 100% safe, if you keep an open, casual dialogue with your child, <a href="http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/sexabuse/sexabusec.cfm">keep an eye out for signs</a>, and pay attention to how your child responds to people, you’ve significantly reduced the risk of someone sexually abusing your child.<br />
For more resources, please visit:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.rainn.org/get-help/local-counseling-centers/state-sexual-assault-resources">List of Organizations Serving Survivors of Sexual Violence per State </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline/">National Sexual Assault Hotline</a>at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nsvrc.org/">National Sexual Violence Resource Center</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.stopitnow.org/parent" target="_blank" title="Stop It Now">Stop It Now</a></li>
<li><a href="http://preventconnect.org/">PreventConnect</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dcrapecrisiscenter.org/">DC Rape Crisis Center</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-11914006336123261062014-02-07T10:04:00.000-05:002014-02-07T10:04:00.046-05:00Mean Kids and Bullying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I was a kid, my mom would tell me that if someone was mean to me, she would SIT ON THEM. That was her big threat/promise. It made me laugh, feel secure and protected all at the same time. <br />
<br />
<br />
I <a href="http://thescooponbalance.com/what-to-do-when-someone-is-mean-to-your-child/" target="_blank">loved reading this blog</a>, about a mom trying to help support her son who was being bullied. <br />
<br />
<br />
I'm going to hate having to help my baby through these messes that will unfortunately come its way. I will try to teach my kids not to be bullies themselves. I will try to coach them about how to be confident enough to deal with meanies in a productive way. But <strong>I will</strong> threaten to sit on anyone who gets in their way. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-34448369456897925032014-02-06T00:30:00.000-05:002014-02-06T00:30:00.087-05:00Thank you, Lena Dunham<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lena Dunham is in the news daily, it seems. With popularity like that it's hard to pay attention to what she has to say. <a href="http://jezebel.com/lena-dunham-on-dylan-farrow-these-are-not-stories-we-1516193063?utm_campaign=socialflow_jezebel_facebook&utm_source=jezebel_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow" target="_blank">When I read her tweets</a> about the recently re-discussed hot topic of Woody Allen allegedly abusing his step-daughter, I was pleased. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>"Most victims NEVER speak up. Most never feel they can. These are not stories we tell for fun, attention or revenge." -Lena Dunham</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Abuse, molestation, sexual assault of any sort, is horrendous. The few times it is proven that alleged victims have lied about their accusations gets far more attention than actual sexual abuse cases that are out there. These experiences are real, and they are vile. <br />
<br />
<br />
Dylan Farrow was a young girl who accused her step father or sexually abusing her. It was determined by prosecutors that she was too emotionally unstable to handle a court case. Since that time, famous actors have defended Woody Allen. These actors have no idea what happened. They weren't there. The professional accolades Allen received over the past forty years are the reason famous actors <em>don't want to believe</em> he is guilty. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thenewinquiry.com/blogs/zunguzungu/woody-allens-good-name/" target="_blank">Every time we assume a victim is lying, abusers escape penalty, somewhere.</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you Lena Dunham, for writing in public, what few famous people have. Thank you for using your voice and your fame to protect those that need it most. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-22276463284573723932014-02-04T09:49:00.000-05:002014-02-04T09:49:23.936-05:00Pretending to be perfect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://dugansincahoots.com/2014/01/23/we-cant-be-friends/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I read this article</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and was inspired by it's honesty. This delightful blogger gives people a heads up that she can't be friends with them if they expect her to be perfect with a perfect house, or perfect kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's be honest, that isn't obtainable. Especially if you have young kids, and you don't have professional help assisting you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It’s just way too stressful, and trying to keep my home perfectly neat in this stage in life is impossible and overwhelming. I used to be more put together, believe it or not, I am naturally organized ( and a little OCD) . But then my kids became mobile, they gained up on me, and my life and time were no longer my own."-Dugans Incahoots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stop putting pressure</span> on ourselves, or our friends to overwhelm ourselves. Raising perfect little people will be hard enough. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-78642129168209726622014-02-01T00:30:00.000-05:002014-02-01T00:30:00.909-05:00Just suck it up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is nothing more annoying in the world than someone telling you to "suck it up," when you are stuck. <br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/29/what-not-to-say-to-someon_n_4675854.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009" target="_blank">Here are some examples</a> of people thinking they are helping, but in reality are being super obtuse. <br />
<br /><br />
Depression is real, and it can't be sucked up. Mental illness deserves compassion and patience. 20 million people in our country suffer from mood disorders, every year. <br />
<br /><br />
<br /></div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-83974125927785575212014-01-30T00:30:00.000-05:002014-01-30T00:30:01.805-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If I have a daughter, I can't help but think about all the mean girls that are out there that would potentially torment my baby.<br />
<br /><br />
Girls are mean! <br />
<br /><br />
But here is a great example of some mom's doing it right. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kari-kubiszyn-kampakis/raising-a-kind-daughter_b_4661700.html?ir=Travel" target="_blank">Read about some kind girls... who are</a> NICE. </div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3045361130918988537.post-82734291807173456202014-01-24T10:42:00.000-05:002014-01-24T10:42:00.306-05:00How to feed our babies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the things I consider when I think about raising my child is how to ensure my child is healthy and happy. The healthy part is on my mind. While the baby is inside of me, everything I do, the baby does. If I don't get enough sleep, or eat enough vegetables, the baby doesn't either. It's a lot of responsibility. <br />
<br /><br />
When the baby is older, I'll have to try to ensure the same needs become habits. I have to teach the baby these things. I don't want the baby to learn baby clean plate club. That is old news.<br />
<br />Check out this article about healthy eating for kids, <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/17/263514285/why-letting-kids-serve-themselves-may-be-worth-the-mess?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=nprfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook" target="_blank">here</a>. "There's now research showing that when kids are allowed to serve themselves, they're less likely to overeat. They also tend to be more open to trying different kinds of foods."</div>
KGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212502008844227381noreply@blogger.com