Educating for a Global Economy

Preparing feature leaders for a Global Economy is exactly what Fairfax County Public Schools are up to! Upon clicking on the schools web link: http://www.fcps.edu/index.shtml, view the video located at the upper right hand corner of the school's web page, and you're sure to watch in amazement at the schools foreign language program.

What's most intriguing is unlike past one year - two year required foreign language courses, this new foreign language model for schools is implemented from 1st through 12th grade! Insuring marketable foreign language skills, upon completion of high school.

Enjoy the video, and remember to have your child select a language to learn, grow and enjoy.

We'd love for our blog parents to do their part to create citizens of the world, and spread the word! bwrightparents.

Is your child’s school stifling innovation?

According to Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D, schools worldwide are failing to cultivate a child’s natural insightfulness and talent. The reason for such a linear approach to education, is do the fact that current educational paradigms are industrial, and we are now living in an information age, with an uncertain future.

Sir Robinson notes that the waste of talent by our educational institutions isn't deliberate, rather it is systematic. As we merge towards globalization in the market place, this is indeed a dreadful and insightful prospective. Hampering a child’s natural borne innovation creates an environment of standardization, as demonstrated by the current model. As a result, Sir Robinson notes that a “revolution” in the culture of education is needed. A strategy likely to benefit all parties according to Sir Robinson is not to standardize education, but to personalize and customize it to the needs of each child and community.

Via our blog, we urge you to become vocal about your educational experience to effect change. If you're not much into blogging try conversing with a friend, at your place of worship, or with family members. The challenges we face today, and how we overcome them, are co-dependent upon the relevant capabilities of insight, creativity and innovation, and we need our educational institutions to prepare students to meet the demands of these challenges. Continued stagnation will have negative implications for all future generations, so there is no time to waste . . .start blogging/talking. bwrightparents

Let's Talk

The month of October is vastly coming to a close. We hope that all of our blog parents are enjoying the autumn season. And we certainly hope that our prescholars are enjoying their school semesters! With one month into the fall semester all ready gone bye, we would love to hear how your child’s semester is shaping up.

As you can see via the gap in my blog posts, we’ve been very busy. Aside from engaging in cross cultural communication with our Mandarin studies, we’ve enjoyed field trips, and Open House kindergarten visits. But most of all, we’ve enjoyed the vast array of communication we’ve experienced with teachers, students and other parents.

Networking with other parents facilitates the social lives of our prescholars as common ground is unearthed, and expectations are conveyed. In addition, surprisingly enough, networking with parents can perhaps increase employment prospects, if you’re currently in the market. We encourage you to keep blogging parents, and to keep conversing with your children, and the parents of their classmates! bwrightparents

Back To School!

As our little pre-scholars, pre-kindergartners, and kindergartners return to school, what better way to outline good character for the school year, than with the Girl Scout Oath, and/or the Scout Law. The benefits of good character as outlined in the Girl Scout Oath and the Scout Law, will benefit your little one, as well as their classroom at large. So just in case your Girl Scout and/or Scout Law needs some dusting off, I noted an abbreviated version for you to share with your children:

Girl Scout Oath
I will do my best to be:

Honest and fair,

Friendly and helpful,

Considerate and caring,

Courageous and strong, and Responsible for

what I say and do,

And to respect myself and others,

Respect authority,Use resources wisely,

Make the world a better place . . .
______________________

The Scout Law
A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal,

Helpful, Friendly,

Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful,

Thrifty, Brave, Clean,

and Reverent.

Teachers everywhere will love such bright smiling faces! So let’s promote classroom scouts. BWrightParents

Marriages Not For Kids

According to Andrew Cherlin, a Johns Hopkins sociologist and author of the new book The Marriage-Go-Round, in the United States, "We [Americans] divorce, re partner, and remarry faster than people in any other country." Many of the people racking up multiple marriages are also parents, which means, American kids are more likely than those in other developed countries to live in a household with a revolving cast of parents, step-parents, and live-in partners moving in and out of their lives—a pattern that is definitely not good for children.

Cherlin says he was particularly stunned to discover that American kids born to married couples experienced 6 percent more household disruption by age 15 than Swedish kids born to unmarried parents. When researchers broadened the categories, they were further surprised to find that American families were less stable: 40 percent of American children born into a two-parent family experienced a parental breakup by age 15, compared with 30 percent of Swedish kids. And American kids are 47 percent more likely than Swedish kids to have a stepparent move into their home within three years of a divorce. The bottom line is that while marriage is good for kids, it's best when it results in a stable home. Cherlin further notes in his book that "Many of the problems faced by America's children stem not from parents marrying too little but rather too often." BWrightParents. Reference: Wingert, P., Americans Marry Too Much ,Newsweek, August 31, 2009.

Help Technology is Ruining My Family Life!

Was the subject of an e-mail that I received from a mom living in Georgia. After reading the e-mail, and informing the sender that I’d blog about it, here goes . . . I will do my best to blog about this sticky subject:
Without a doubt, technology adds to the quality of our lives, and the lives of our children. For example, distance learning programs reach out to children beyond the classroom, and e-mail helps us to communicate in rapid succession.

So what exactly is the “dark side” of technology doing to our kids, and our family life? The ill affects of being ergonomically incorrect are clearly visible. However, side affects from over engagement, and to much stimuli, appear to be less visible, as these variables slowly aid as a deterrent to dyad communication. As a result, should parents, return video games to the manufacture, or is it best to reevaluate our parenting styles to insure that time less spent with technology is time more valued with family? Of course, I am a proponent of less time spent with technology, but “easier said than done,” was the response that I received to my reply e-mail. Which leads me to plead for your support for engaging children more with family and less with technology – starting in your own home.

Aside from less communication, which inevitably will equal less moral instruction - what do parents have to loose by opting for less technology time in their homes? Take time out to further ponder the pros & cons of less technology time at your home, or ponder the ramifications of no time limit on technology at your home. . . BWrightParents

Graduating Classes of 2023, 2024, 2025

Ever stop to wonder about the prospects facing the graduating classes of 2023 and beyond?

With globalization, rising energy costs, and environmental factors to consider, it’s helpful for tiny tots to understand the need to save precious resources and to commit to doing their part to save the environment. Happily, I can report that I’ve experienced preschool celebrations for earth day.

In what ways has your family begun to prepare the graduating classes of 2023 and beyond? Have you, in addition to your child’s school, explained the need to save energy, and engineer hybrid cars? How about explaining the need to trade merchandise around the world? The latter is a particular favorite of mine. At our house, we turn matchbox cars upside down to see where they originated – Thailand, Indonesia or Malaysia, just to name a few, and then we locate the manufacturing country on our map as we sit back and visualize the trade route to the United States.

Like any parent, in 2023, we want our tot to not only get glad to be a grad , but to also feel glad about further exploring ways to improve the quality of life for all living things. BWrightParents

Avoiding the Narrow Construct Pattern

Narrow Construct reflects tunnel vision.

Recognizing parental responsibility to facilitate broadening the mental construct of our little ones, makes it essential that parents seize the window of opportunity to cultivate critical thinking skills in young children. For example, watching television provides an array of opportunity to elevate the conciseness of children by conducting program analysis right in your own living room. Additional ways parents can broaden the thinking pattern of their young ones, is by learning a new language, and/or studying geography. If budget constraints are currently limiting your travel options, oh what fun you can have teaching your child about the 7 continents! Please feel free to share some ways you increase critical thinking skills in your house, we’d love to hear from you. BWrightParents

Ethics Regulation Needed Beyond Preschool.

The abuse of Exchange Students here in the United States, brings to light the need to continuously create a system of checks and balances throughout all facets of our educational bureaucracy.

The sad misfortune of many high school exchange students living in housing amongst ex-offenders and being denied food - appears to either outweigh, or run parallel to a few unfortunate Preschool experiences.

We continuously urge parents to remain diligent with follow up regarding their child's educational experience. BWrightParents

Prayer time may not be at School - but what about prayer at your house?

Teaching children to pray is an essential way to guide them in their communication with God. Do you pray at home with your children?

Separation of church and state, and eliminating prayer in school is legal, however we would like to ask our blog parents: do you provide a separate prayer time at home; do you aid your family with including prayer in their everyday lives?

Prayer opens up a window of opportunity for young children. While prayer connects little souls with their creator, it also reinforces honesty, integrity and compassion. Compassion for spreading the love when they pray for others, honesty when confessing to God, and integrity to participate in all things working for good.

Parents, if you haven't already done so, we challenge you to start your summer off with much prayer, in an effort to give your children much power to see into an even brighter future! BWrightParents

Change was Inevitable

Many of my blog parents have perhaps, viewed the attachment below. I received a copy from my cousin in Georgia, and would like to present it to you if you have not already viewed it (please double click attachment for a readable view).

Given the fact that our society is not static, corrective measures that parents must take today, have rightfully so, and indeed changed from years past. Would a return to a more conservative approach such as indicated in the article serve as suffice for today?

My shared premise throughout discourse with my cousin, was that some adults themselves need such corrective measures as described . . . what's your view? BWrightPrarents

Stark Contrast

Did you ever notice a stark contrast between the child you presented to a school, and the child a school has presented back to you? Many of e-mails I have received asking me to blog about early child hood “teachers gone wild” or shall we say parents accusing teachers of instigating bullying among children, profanity, and discriminatory practices – all just to make their [parents] lives, and the lives of their children miserable.

I have one word which I hope would propel parents into finding a more suitable environment for their child, and that is INSTINCT. Parents we urge you to please rely on your basic parental instinct to remove your child from an environment which promotes socially unacceptable, sub culture behavior for young children. We also plead with you to expose any teacher/school for what should be deemed as child abuse. My e-mail inbox is inundated with parents indicating that their child tells them an account of what occurred in school, and the child’s teacher portrays no recollection of the event; or a teacher convincing a child that she/he did not experience, see, or hear what the child just reported to the teacher during the moment of occurrence, even though the teacher witnessed the event also. Pay attention to such a signal, and act accordingly in the best interest of your child including and not limited to finding a new school. Early childhood care provides should not be allowed to take misguiding children as a sport, and parents we urge you not to fail your child or yourself by ignoring warning signs.

On the other hand, I have a pal who is an early childhood educator, and when engaging in this topic shortly before my blog, she expressed concern that unacceptable behavior displayed in the class room, if not corrected by the teacher, will lead parents to believe that teachers are responsible and/or promoting unacceptable behavior. So my pal aims to correct unacceptable behavior as fast as she can to avoid the element of suspicion being placed on her school. Good strategy . . . parents is this strategy deployed at your child’s school?

Should you notice a very different child from your own, returning home to you after school, ask your child’s teacher what if any corrective measures are being taken to ensure that the values you send your child with, are not being eroded. And if you already have an older child, it's not to late to implement corrective measures. However, in addition to facilitating your way through school administrators, you may need to work on eroding peer pressure, if the topic of peer pressure was not addressed during the early childhood years.

As always, you can email us at brigittiw@yahoo.com for further discussion and/or a more personalized response. BWrightParents

Jealousy - A character flaw

Aside from jealousy, being the obvious character flaw, a jealous child is actually a bore. Unable to appreciate the accomplishments of others, diminishes a child’s vision not only of others, but of themselves as well. Loving parents, I’m certain, would not want to diminish their own child’s vision of themselves and the world around them, so it’s essential that we as parents, engage our children to participate in congratulatory praises for the positive accomplishments of others. Concluding that parents lavish congratulatory praises upon their children, it should be relatively simple to teach children to pass congratulatory praises along so that it extends above and beyond their family circle. Eradicating jealousy will not only extend your child’s vision of what they - like their peers, can accomplish; facilitating the art of congratulatory praises will fine tune their leadership skills as well. Preparing future leaders is reason enough to abolish jealousy. Albeit some will conjure jealousy as a right of passage among children. However, we challenge you to look at the world around you to see for yourself, how jealousy in childhood permeates adulthood. Let’s act now to abolish jealousy before it’s too late, in the lives of our future leaders. BWrightParents

Parents - DARE to CARE

Wake Up All The Children: No more sleeping in bed . . .it’s time to

teach the children to learn a new way . . .

We wish to extend a special thank you to Dr. Charles Stanley for the heartfelt message that he delivered during his sermon on Sunday. The delivery of his sermon included the harsh realty that very young children, specifically toddlers and preschoolers face when entering a school environment.

During this sermon Dr. Stanley urged parents to equip their children with spiritual armor, needed to prepare them for the unethical environment that awaits them behind school doors. He urged parents to beware, and to take time out to do what is needed to ensure their child’s well being.

We thank Dr. Stanley for his message, because his message is the very essence of why we blog to you. And we ask that our blog parents take a moment to acknowledge Dr. Stanley‘s message for themselves (click here http://www.intouch.org), and we ask that you join us as we strive to guide schools, teachers, parents and preschoolers to an ethically higher ground. BWrightParents

Compassion 101 - is it on your child's syllabus?

Generate Compassion = Compassionate Generation

Teaching toddlers compassion should be as easy as a-b-c, since most children get upset when another child is crying. Three simple words is a great start to fostering the compassion held in a child’s heart: Are you ok? Using the example of a weeping child, parents and teachers certainly do not want children to copy-cat crying behavior when there is no just cause, however we must choose our words selectively for a child who wishes to express empathy. If we do not choose our words selectively children will begin to turn a deaf ear towards a crying classmate, and others who may be in distress.

Generalizing for a moment that no one wants to teach children to have less compassion for their fellow mankind – it would be nice if children were encouraged to continue their nature of showing support for their cohorts, by at minimum, suggesting to a weeping cohort that it’s going to be all right .

If children are given permission to become less than compassionate human beings, this behavior can spiral into their adult life. Let's not allow children to have less compassion for their fellow mankind. Is Compassion 101 a part of your child’s early childhood curriculum, or are you noticing less than compassionate behavior from your child, and accepting such behavior as the norm? and further, which compassionate behavior does your child model from you? BWrightParents

Does your child believe in God?

We ask our blog parents to ponder this question: does your toddler/child believe in God? How fortunate for my son and I that friends and family members advised me that the age of two was not to early to begin teaching my son the principles of God, so shortly there after, we began weekly Bible study. Moving forward, understanding Biblical principles, has laid an astonishing foundation for understanding what we deem at home as, good habits and bad habits. This understanding enabled us to navigate the various habits on display during our daily lives, and to ponder - what would Jesus want us to do? Oh what a window of opportunity for endless communication as we explore Godly principles in our daily lives, and how very grateful I am that I set this foundation in stone early. Given what goes on in the daily lives of our children, believing in God, and at a minimum, understanding the ten commandments is the very least we can do to help them navigate the sometimes confusing and conflicting path of preschool and beyond. So believe, and encourage your child to do the same. BWrightParents

Preschool & the Recession

It's nice to think that the current economic climate would not impact early childhood education - right? However, with lean times, corporations are not the only entities trimming their budgets through attrition. Speaking candidly with parents, I've noticed that someone knows of someone who knows of an early childcare/preschool teacher who was downsized. Lacking statistical data, it's impossible to access the actual number of preschool teachers who are suddenly thrust into unemployment. However, parents should consider the ramifications teacher layoffs and school closings can have on the level of services provided. In the field of education, one would expect employee moral to sustain itself in troubled times. After all there is a much bigger picture to envision than just a particular preschool class room. Students will one day transition onto higher levels of education so let's prepare them - regardless.

Holding schools accountable for fiscal responsibility should not be considered non essential in today's climate, but holding schools accountable for moral & ethical responsibility among their staff in spite of economic downturns is vital to the well being of children. How is this attainable today? Directors and educators demonstrating a "captain of the ship" approach is a start. Captain's demonstrate selflessness and a high level of professionalism, and ethics which puts the best interests of their passengers and crew first, in spite of what may be deemed a sinking vessel. Parents and educators should demand more of themselves, even when confronted with less - less budgetary spending, less staff, should not become synonymous with low level of service provided by our educators. We challenge teachers everywhere to do the right thing and envision the greater good that their profession provides. BWrightParents

Preschool and The Code of Ethics - Does your child's school past the test?

Parents we need not look very far to see the impact - that a lack of ethics can have on society. Aside from instilling values at home, what role if any should early childhood educators play to instill a sense of ethical responsibility in children?

Researching ethical paradigms implemented for early childhood educators led me to a comprehensive framework used across the pond in Australia (Early Childhood Australia Inc.). The Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics is based on the premise that wise moral decisions will always acknowledge our interdependency; our moral choices are ours alone, but they [our moral choices] bind us all to those who will be affected by them. The world has changed for children & families, and the world has also changed for early childhood educators. Given these factors, it's essential that parents and educators conduct a point analysis to ensure that ethics is, and will remain a central part of early childhood educational programs. A few points from the Australian ethics model for early educators include: respect, honesty, integrity, courage, inclusiveness and social/cultural responsiveness. Did you conduct your check point analysis? If so, are the educators at your child's school making the ethics grade? BWrightParents

BAD Words - POTTY Mouth! @ home & @ School - #!@!?

A potty mouth coming from most sources sounds yuck, however coming from the mouths of bebes is down right frightful. Language development is a crucial element for sustaining social capital, and remains a deciding factor for increasing civility amongst us - so why are children being exposed to expletives at such an early age? According to a UK study: The poll of 3,000 11-year-olds show two out of five children were using swear words at an earlier age, admitting to using them in their everyday language because they heard their parents use them. Peter Foot, chairman of the Campaign for Courtesy said: "We need parents to be the ones to put their children right before they ever get to school with 'please' and 'thank yous', rather than leaving it to teachers (Telegraph.co.uk). We would like to ask our blog parents to take a moment for introspection and ponder, if you're doing your part to Campaign for Courtesy? Mark Twain once noted that cursing provided the same relief as prayer . . . do you feel that way at your home? Let's encourage our children to use words that heal instead of hurt. Parents and teachers should unite to stop potty mouths - because failing to do so will create a zombie style form of communication stampeding any potential for real imagination. BWrightParents

Do U Like To Share?

Do U like to share? What an important question to ask yourself even if you're not a preschooler. The ethos connected with sharing speaks volumes, so we agreed to take time out to blog about the concept of sharing and its implications:

Teaching children to share enables them to envision a world much larger than themselves, and their respective families. Sharing connects them one to the other, sharing also allows children to see first hand immediate gratification, which comes from an act of kindness.

The concept of sharing is really very simple, one for you, and one for me makes us both smile with jubilee!

Is sharing a really very simple thing to do at your house? If not, what steps are you taking to ensure that this very important concept is not overlooked? BWrightParents

First Puppy Bo

Bo the First Pup has arrived at his new home - The White House. His name Bo, was supplied by the the First daughters.

Breed: Portuguese Water Dog. Also known as Cão de Água Português (in Portuguese, natch), Portuguese Fishing Dog, Portuguese Water Spaniel, and “Portie.”

Bo was a gift to the First daughters Sasha and Malia from Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. The 6-month-old male pooch was formerly called Charlie.

Now Preschoolers everywhere - go ask mom & dad for your dog too! BWrightParents

Homeschooling v. Preschool?

Parents have asked my honest opinion, and though selective when offering my opinion, I felt compelled to do so with regard to the great debate over Homeschooling v. Preschool. Parents as primary caregivers, are the first teachers that a child encounters - so yes, I feel that parents have a moral obligation to educate their children first, including and not limited to homeschooling. Many contenders feel that parents go above and beyond, inflicting to much academia to soon. I feel it would be a grave disservice to any child, should a parent fail to get to know their child's full academic potential early on. So in my book, homeschooling works . . .pass it on. BWrightParents

Building Blocks To Success

Building blocks to academic success is vital for our lil tots. So why is their such a big debate about play play play versus academic study at Preschools? What has all play and no work accomplished? Professionals in the field of early childhood education tout the concept that learning is generated through play; and academic focus at an early age, will create a sort of boredom for children as they age. Given that play, according to experts is so vital to school success, why are academic preschool programs accompanied with such a hefty price tag? Perhaps because demand for academic Preschools, out strip supply. Surely all would agree that their should be a balance between play and academics - however, should play or scholarly structure lay the foundation for academic attainment? BWrightParents

The Politics of Preschool

Please do not fret, you are not alone. Parents have given me their input, and requested that I blog about The Politics of Preschool. What is this you might ask? Much like an office setting, maneuvering your way through the halls of Preschool can be a tricky and daunting task. Careful not to step on teachers' toes, we encourage our parents to blog about The Politics of Preschool. How is your voice heard? or is your voice heard? And equally as important, how do you convey your concerns? BWrightParents

Manners

When my very wonderful toddler is not wearing his cranky pants - we marvel at his manners.

His teachers, commuters, neighbors, and other parents have commented on the fact that my son is relentless with his yes please, thank you, you're welcome, no thank you, offering his seat to a lady who is standing, and allowing ladies to enter elevators first. Humbling enough, I have been told that I'm doing a great job, and I have been asked the question of - how I did it.

I'd love to share my tips and secretes with my blogger parents: simply enough, as my mom did with me, manners were the first words that I taught my son, so he enjoyed the use of his new vocabulary words, and we are so grateful that that remains the case two years later. We made manners a fun thing to do, and we made the yucky face when we did not hear these polite words.

However, do not despair, it is never to late to start requesting manners at home. I'd recommend just making it a fun thing to do, as we do at our house. BWrightParents

Are You Ready for Summer?

No - Not the Dog days of Summer! We mean Summer Camp. It's that time of year to start summer camp registration, and leave your deposits. Summer camp is legendary for the practice of teaching kids how to explore the wonders of nature, what it takes to be a team player, keeping them busy during slow summer months, and for giving parents some me time.

With the economy, let's say, in flux for lack of a better (Rated PG ) term, parents may consider getting creative about summer fun, or just scaling back options. If you have any creative ideas for how we should spend summer with the kids in a fun filled fantastic - yet inexpensive way, please let us know what's your alternative to summer camp?

Whatever you decide, remember to do extensive research - price should not supersede safety. BWrightParents

Understanding A Pre-Schooler's Body Language

LOL is so much fun! Especially for a toddler. However, when your child is not LOL after you bid farewell before leaving him/her at school - can you pick up on what is at issue? perhaps your bundle of joy just wants to spend the day with you. What's your take on what I call - the dreaded copy-cat behavior of exaggerated pouting? Assuming all teachers are wonderful at your child's pre-school, does the exaggerated pouting indicate a sign of missing you, or is such body language the reflection of something more cynical - like bullies in the class room?

We challenge our blog parents to take note of your pre-schoolers body language, and reveal what you come up with. Is it sleep deprivation, a bully at school, or the desire for attention - what's really behind exaggerated pouting? - let us know. BWrightParents

Parents Corner

The Impact of a Godly Parent: click here to view http://www.intouch.org/

My son and I had the great pleasure of listening to Dr. Stanley's televised sermon regarding the tremendous impact Dr. Stanley's mother had on his life, because his mother was a Godly Parent. Dr. Stanley indicated that Parents today, fail to discipline children in an effort to maintain a sense of friendship between parent and child.

Discipline was noted by Dr. Stanley as a mechanism for building character. What's your view, do you think discipline fosters character, or do you believe discipline diminishes the bond between parent and child?

Something to truly ponder . . . how do you foster character in your child/children? BWrightParents

Art & Ethics - can art create a bridge to understanding?

Artists have the power to illuminate people, and their subjects. In addition, art allows viewers to see the world in new, and different ways.

Should teachers use art creativity to shape a positive society? Like most parents, I wholeheartedly enjoy the art work from my son's pre-school. The fascination with projects such as world flags, self expression, and collaborative abstract painting created a sense of humility, empathy, and courage. Humility for the world in which we live, empathy for peers with regard to feelings, and courage for each child to express and share their emotions, and dreams. I applaud my son's teacher Ms. Rebecca, and the ethics that she has presented to her classroom via artistic expression.

Share with us: which ethics are applied to your child's art work? BWrightParents

Chores for the First Kids!

First Lady Michelle Obama aims to keep her children grounded, even while living in the White House. Yes that's right President Obama's children, in addition to making their own beds and cleaning their rooms, are expected to clean up after their new pet, a Portuguese water dog.

What an excellent way to keep kids, who can have

what their hearts desire, grounded.

We applaud you First Lady!

This sort of puts me to the task, as I feel obligated to carry my son's backpack after he has had a long day at school. In addition, because of his early schedule, I usually pick up things around the house, without my son's help. However, like the First Family, I do expect lots of help after we get our dog - the awesome Golden Retriever (see Golden Retriever club at http://www.grca.org/).

How about at your house? are chores delegated to your children to instill a sense of responsibility as opposed to entitlement? BWrightParents

Restructuring Show & Tell

Pricey Toys Are Going The Way of Dinosaurs (WSJ Report)
Thank you Wall Street Journal! WSJ your readers out number my readers by far, nonetheless I am so thrilled that perhaps it was my blog about Show & Tell during a recession that lead to your article in today's paper.

That's right, not only are my blog parents questioning their ethics about expensive toys during this recession, but parents nationwide, may face the same (although minor in comparison. . .) dilemma about what to do about Show & Tell Friday's. I stopped short of writing my son's pre-school a heartfelt letter about switching the focus of Show & Tell from materialism to humanitarian. I felt materialism v. humanitarianism may be a bit to much for 3-4 year olds.

Here are key snap shots from today's WSJ article respectfully titled: Pricey Toys Are going The Way of Dinosaurs: Kota, a $300 robotic triceratops toy released last year by Hasbro Inc., is facing extinction. Replacing the loveable dinosaur are several smaller, less-expensive toys -- including a new robotic "Hatchling" that sells for $15. Behind this toy-shelf evolution: thrifty parents. Despite conventional wisdom that parents would continue to splurge on children during the recession, families appear to be making big cuts on toy purchases this year as they balance the household budget. And beyond financial reasons, some parents are shunning pricey playthings on principle. Fancy gifts are seen by some as a symptom of excessive spending -- a bad lesson to children during an economic downturn. Erik Schultz, an architect and father whose family lives in New York City, says he wants his 3-year-old son to know that "there's a finite number of toys that you can purchase." He says: "You can't have whatever you want, whenever you want. It can't just keep going endlessly." "Parents have really pulled in their purse strings. They've been extremely selective," says Duncan Billing, Hasbro's global chief development officer.

Ahhh with this being said, perhaps restructuring Show & Tell is not such a bad idea. BWrightParents

Parents Corner

David Goldman's ex wife Bruna left for Brazil with their then 4 year old son Sean, and the two of them (Sean & his mom) never returned to the United States.

Shortly thereafter Mr. Goldman's wife Bruna filed for divorce, and eventually remarried. Saddly enough, Bruna died while giving birth to her second child. And now Mr. Goldman has resumed his quest to return his son Sean, who is now 8 to the United States.

The United States and Brazil are among 68 countries that have signed a treaty, known as the Hague Abduction Convention, which provides a mechanism for signatory countries to solve international child abduction cases. The Brazil legal system has ignored the Hague Treaty, and instead focused this case on the merits of a Family Court issue. With growing international attention, this case is now expected to be viewed under the scrunity of the Hague Treaty.

I would urge any parent in the misit of a custody dispute, with a child who has a parent who is a citizen from outside of the United States, to take note of this case, and familiarize yourself with the terms of the Hague Treaty. BWrightParents

Computer Virus

Parents - pay close attention to which website your kid downloads music from. That website, and other shared sites may contain a virus - and not a virus that you can easily detect.

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.
A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk.
Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know who it's from and you are expecting it.
Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.
Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.
To help avoid viruses, it's essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and antivirus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.
Once a virus is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not as important as removing it and preventing further infection. MicroSoft Article information

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the White House

Coming Soon

In the Interim: TOURS & EVENTS
White House Tours
Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance of the requested date. We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at 202-456-7041. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.

Show & Tell (In a Recession)

Show & Tell Friday's can be a real drag during a recession if you do not have tons of toys around the house from years past. Take it from me, a minimalist at heart - who donates toys every chance I get. In that event you hardly have many toys from years past in the toy box.

So what is a parent to do during a recession when show & tell is every Friday. Shop for a new toy of the week? or improvise?

Personally, I've learned to improvise - we are at least saving the environment from a little less plastic in our landfills right? Show & Tell about our borrowed Dinosaur library book . . . hope that works.

Tell us your creative ideas for show and tell, or as we like to say it at my house, show & share. BWrightParents

Parents Corner

(NAPSA)—Even the smartest,
most-informed parents can make
mistakes. Parenting children
through their school years requires
a balancing act between
what’s best for family dynamics
and for a child’s academic success.
Dr. Andrea Pastorok of Kumon Math and Reading Centers offers
the following tips to help parents avoid five common mistakes when
dealing with a child’s scholastic achievement:

1. Expecting Perfection Instead of Progress—If you only praise your child when he completes a task or reaches a goal, he may give up long before he ever gets there. Demonstrate to your child that you believe in him by giving genuine and frequent
praise for progress and effort.
2. Allowing Your Child to Quit Whenever the Work Gets Hard—Encourage your
child to persevere when schoolwork becomes challenging by becoming her coach to get her
through the tough spots. Help her to take a one-step-at-a-time
approach. Work with her to identify the information needed to solve problems and pinpoint
places where she gets “stuck.”

3. Underestimating Your Child’s Ability—Don’t assume your child will be weak in a subject because you were, and don’t underestimate his abilities. Expect your child to reach his potential in all subjects, not just the ones that are easiest. If your child is struggling in math but loves reading, help your child discover new ways
to enjoy math. However, keep your expectations realistic.

4. Allowing Your Child to be Disorganized—To ensure that children will become successful students, parents must help them acquire good study habits
and strong organizational skills. Start by creating a special learning area at home; set aside time
for homework and reading. For older children, teach them to
organize their time by using a calendar or planner.
5. Refusing to Admit that Your Child is Capable of Wrongdoing—Not My Kid!—
Children are individuals, and no matter how hard we try to raise smart, honest and caring children, they will make mistakes or poor decisions. If a teacher, friend or parent brings to your attention your child’s behavior—don’t deny it—listen. Depending on the situation,
speak to your child about the incident in the privacy of your home and decide the best way to
handle it.

Dr. Pastorok is an education specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centers. She has a doctorate in educational psychology. Since 1958, Kumon Math and Reading Centers has helped children strengthen math and reading skills, increase self-confidence and develop study skills that last a lifetime.

To locate a Kumon Center in your neighborhood call: 1-800-ABCMATH or visit www.kumon.com. You can encourage your child to persevere by becoming her coach to get her through the rough spots.

Taunting Classmates Is No Longer Child's Play:

Parents Demand Civility from Your Child &

Teachers Demand civility in your classrooms - PLEASE!

Could simple acts of kindness have avoided this?

Should budget cuts for mental health continue ?

for more information regarding mental health issues at school

click here:National Association of School Psychologists

According to Rech, Kretschmer . . . : "Everyone laughs at me. No one recognizes my potential. I mean this seriously. I have got a weapon here and tomorrow I am going to go to my former school and give them hell. WINNENDEN, Germany School Shooter(CNN)

March 2009 Kids go Free!

From Broadway Spotlight - Kids Go Free:


Broadway shows are throwing open their doors to the next generation of theatregoers by inviting kids to see a show for free!

Kids age 6-18 can attend a participating show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Kids' Night on Broadway® is now monthly and takes place on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. Plus, kids get to participate in pre-show educational programs. Restaurant and parking discounts make this a great event for the entire family. Look for the Kids' Night logo next to participating shows or visit kidsnightonbroadway.com for more information! The

BROADWAY SPOTLIGHT is here to help you find the best shows and get tickets. If you see something you like, just click on the link for that show to get more info and order your tickets.Take a look at what's playing right now, and for even more information or to order tickets, just visit Telecharge.com online or call us at 212-239-6200. We're your direct connection to the box office!CONTENTS:Featured ShowsGet More From Telecharge.comNow Playing on Broadway

WSJ Report

Today's Wall Street Journal reported: As Economy Slips, New Mothers Cut Short Their Maternity Leave

With this astounding fact, it will become even more imperative that parents demand a code of ethics from their child care providers. As children are thurst into daycares and pre-schools at early ages - what can we do to ensure moral instruction as parents become primary caregivers less often for their children . . .

Teaching Non Violence

Parents and Teachers - the shocking news about Rihanna's abusive relationship, gives us more incentive to reach our goal of obtaining ethics in the classroom. As research reveals, abuse becomes generational, and can spiral down for generations. Let's stop the cycle starting in Pre-school so that ethical behavior towards peers is so embedded in children, that by the time they reach high school - violence as a resolution is not an option. With fame, Rihanna has great power to bring a message to her target audience, and the message that she is sending is make a duet - as Chris Brown and Rihanna have an upcoming song. Is this the message you would like to give your child?

Please log onto T.E.A.R. http://www.teensagainstabuse.org

Parents pass along the message to your children - abuse does not = love so that your teen will not become a victim, and nor will they victimize.

Just Say NO To Drugs

Don't miss a thing! Add ParentingTips@TheAntiDrug.com to your email address book, and send a subscription request.

March 9, 2009

Conquering Stress

Gloomy global news, restricted budgets, and a long way to go until summer; it's no wonder parents are feeling stressed. But teens are feeling the strain, too, and have additional stressors to face each day, including the burdens of achieving academic success, the rush of hormones, and the pressure to fit in.

It is important to talk to your teens and provide proper guidance to help them avoid the pitfalls of stress which may, in some cases, lead to drug and/or alcohol abuse as a way to escape. Monitor your teen's behavior and become familiar with issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other harmful changes that might indicate your teen is unable to deal with stress in a healthy way.

Get expert advice on helping your teen cope with stress.
"But mom, you don't understand!"

Teens sometimes feel that no one understands what they are going through. Although the pressures teens face today are very different from those faced 20 years ago, parents can still be instrumental in the solution. Demonstrate your interest in communicating with your kids, respect their point-of-view, and provide tips on how to manage everyday pressures.
Take an active role and learn more about "What Parents Can Do."

Not sure how to put yourself in your teen's shoes while setting clear rules and expectations? Follow these simple steps:

1. Validate their feelings. Begin conversations by saying, "I understand," and follow through with a solution to help overcome the challenge.2. Provide real-life examples. Talk about ways in which you were stressed in the past, how you successfully managed it, and lessons you learned.3. Be a good role model. Model and teach positive stress management and coping skills.4. Hold them accountable. Let your teens know that they are responsible for their actions - and that there will be consequences for not following the rules, such as a loss of privileges.

More tips on how to "Help teens cope with stress."

Teens complain of feeling stressed out
A local high school in Texas encourages students to learn to cope with their daily stressors by offering face-time with counselors and a few minutes out of class for rest and relaxation

expert advice on how to keep your teen safe and check out "Conversation Tips" for more tips on talking to your teen.

Looking for FREE anti-drug information? Check out all of TheAntiDrug.com's Parent Resources

And download our comprehensive package of fact sheets, guides, and quizzes on "Navigating the Teen Years."

American School Counselor Association http://bwrightparents.blogspot.com
copyright 2007
This email was sent to: brigittiw@yahoo.com
This email was sent by: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign750 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20503 USA We respect your right to privacy - view our policy

Parents Helping Parents Links

http://www.kidsadviceonline.com/


As Parents - We Cannot Change Everything - take a moment to listen to the song: What I Cannot Change (video link below) by LeAnn Rimes.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Spring Break

Spring break is almost here. We are headed to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. How about your family? Parents what's in store for your spring vacation.

Considering the economy arts and crafts or small trips close to home seems like an attractive option. Tell us what your plans are - we'd love to hear from you and share suggestions.

Dora Dora Dora

In lieu of behavior ethics, Parents of pre-schoolers may need a lesson in casual children's attire. Marketers are marketing what they see in our pre-schools everyone. Let us know what you think of Dora's new look? http://www.bwrightparents.blogspot.com/

"Dora the Explorer's New look to Include Mini-Skirt?

(KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO) - The shorts, and kind of dumpy look, are OUT for Dora the Explorer. She's undergone a make-over, and this fall she'll have a whole new FASHIONABLE look.


The adventuresome girl with something of a tomboy flair will now sport a mini-skirt and pointy shoes, and longer hair, too. Mattel and Nickelodeon have also gotten rid of the trademark backpack. A couple of blogger moms don't like it, they're doing an online petition drive to keep the familiar-old Dora look."

Defining Ethics In the Classroom

Defining ethics in the classroom should be as simple as addressing what is good and bad behavior - with intellect and a sense of moral duty. Respecting everyone and the world around you is a fair start - would you say?

We Recognize Wonderful Teachers

Happy Wonderful Teachers Day! To all of the wonderful teachers from around the world - from our house to your house - We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Happy Wonderful Teacher's Day!

Our site is officially declaring March 4, as Parent recognition for Wonderful Teacher's Day! That's right, if you know of any wonderful teachers in your area, please list teacher's name in your comment section, and we will post a big Thank U note in that teacher's honor on our site. Of course you can then forward our site address to your Wonderful Teacher, and we will look forward to his/her comments regarding how their professional ethics earned them the title of Wonderful Teacher!