Archive for March, 2008

Teen Drivers

Sunday, March 30th, 2008

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There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. Benjamin Disraeli – British politician (1804 – 1881)

I’ve noticed considerable attention and concern over teen drivers recently. While visiting various government websites, they recite accident statistics, which causes us to gloss over and not pay attention to the real message.

Instead of citing statistics, try citing rules. Interestingly, the laws that make the most sense were put in place as a result of the accident statistics related to teen drivers. In the words of the great Mel Brooks, “It’s good to be king.” Parents get to be king. Parents get to cite rules over and above the government rules. And no one has to gloss over with while reading statistics.

Feel free to visit Parental Wisdom – Free Reports and print out Teen Safe Driving Contract. There are two versions; one is a PDF, and the other is an editable version so you can personalize it.

Be sure to talk to your children about this important topic. Clearly this is an area where you don’t want to become a statistic.

You are beautiful!

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

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Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.
– Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC)

They called her Sunshine, the nickname given to Stephanie Kuleba, 18 because of her brightness, blond hair and personality. The South Florida teen died Saturday, about 24 hours after corrective breast plastic surgery. Gone are the hopes and dreams of a high school senior. All because of a reaction to anesthesia, proof that there’s no such thing as a simple procedure.

With all the things we need to tell our girls as they grow up, we need to let them know they are really beautiful.

Counter the myths of the beauty industry as few people can be a size 2. The beauty standards are too high for even the supermodels to follow, since most are photo-shopped.

Where does real beauty come from? Knowing who you are, and being happy with that.

Thank you Dove for reminding us of that. Please watch this [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaH4y6ZjSfE ].
Love to hear your thoughts, please leave a comment.

Don’t you want to be an accountant?

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

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“Consider a career you may have never imagined,” and the discussion begins. Corporations such as Deloitte are reaching out to high schools to persuade students to join their ranks. Their objective is to convey the benefits of working with sponsor companies. They do this by drafting curricula, lesson plans and equipment with the hope of creating a pipeline of workers far into the future.

Businesses are now influencing schools in a way that is much different than when businesses simply wanted students to become customers. This is in response to a fearful shortage of workers from the coming labor force.

Some are worried about a commercial agenda influencing schools, and the potential loss of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

On the plus side, students that may not have any idea what to do with their life, may get on an ‘express line’ to a career. It can also finally answer the age old question kids have when learning math and science, “When will I ever use this?”

Capitalizing on teachable moments

Monday, March 17th, 2008

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A good reputation is more valuable than money.
– Publilius Syrus 100 BC Maxims

In the midst of our incredibly busy days, parents search for something called quality time. But time is time, and each week we are given exactly 10,080 minutes; no more, no less. Time is the great equalizer – it doesn’t matter how much or how little money you have.

How we spend that time is what matters. Interestingly, we often spend time in things we can document, quantify or measure, such as activities like sports, school, chores, and work. But what matters more are the things you can’t measure, such as the impact of teachable moments. We need to look at those opportunities as gifts and capitalize on them.

Thank you Former Governor Spitzer. Thank you for giving us the opportunity the explain to our children the difference between little and big mistakes. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to ask our children a simple but very important question,

“What do you think your reputation is worth?”

Since we are surrounded by popular culture, what used to be considered infamous is now immediately considered famous. We are in the parenting fight of our lives and need to find opportunities to reinforce our values despite the world’s perceptions of values imploding around us.

The young woman in the Spitzer case stands to make millions from the publicity. Again, discuss with your children what her reputation is really worth? A new show called Moment of Truth offers large money prizes for true answers. Unless you’ve lead a Mother Teresa-like existence, I would suggest not trading your reputation and family embarrassment for dollars.

Despite your best attempts, you can’t be around your children all the time, so the next best thing is to make sure they are thinking before they act. No doubt they will make mistakes, but have discussions that reinforce the values you want to instill so you can at least minimize that possibility. I know you think children sometimes don’t listen, but they do. After all, if we didn’t listen, how could you explain that when we grow up we all sound just like our mothers or fathers.

As you end your discussion, put this seed in your child’s head;

“Before you do something – think, would you be proud or embarrassed for us to learn about it?”

That will tell them all they need to know.

Limiting Marketing to Kids

Saturday, March 15th, 2008

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A few years ago I asked my nephew what he wanted for Christmas. He didn’t know. I asked him if he watched Saturday morning cartoons, because I remember when my kids were little that’s where they saw the toys they might like.

He told me there were no toy commercials, only food commercials. He was right. And the commercials bombarding our children promoted foods and beverages that were high in fat, sugar and salt.

Finally, consumer organizations world-wide will pitch a proposal to limit the amount of food marketing to kids. The group is calling for a ban of radio or television advertising of these foods between the hours of 6am and 9pm, and a ban on marketing the same kinds of unhealthy foods on social networks and other new media. Additionally, they are calling on a ban of promotion through toys and gifts and the use of celebrities and cartoon characters.

If you would like to hear about the new reality parents face, and actionable ideas, visit Parental Wisdom® and listen to our Park Bench® broadcast entitled Feeding Our Children to Death.

News at Eleven

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

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My daughter and I were in the parking lot of a Dunkin’ Donuts when we spotted a young child asleep in her car seat. No adults were in the car. I kept thinking how irresponsible this is, and how the parent would be hysterical on the 11pm news if something terrible happened.

As I read the story about the woman arrested for leaving her child in the car only for a few minutes I thought, why would you take that chance, even if for one moment.

There is nothing else to say.

The History of Throw Blankets: From Functional to Fashionable

Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Throw blankets, once seen as purely functional items, have become indispensable in the world of home decor. Today, they are not only practical for warmth but also serve as stylish accessories that can transform a room. This article delves into the rich history of throw blankets, tracing their journey from basic necessity to fashionable must-haves in modern interior design.

The Origins of Throw Blankets:

The history of throw blanket is as old as the need for warmth and protection. Early humans used animal hides and woven fabrics to shield themselves from the cold. These primitive blankets were rudimentary, focusing solely on function. The concept of a “throw,” as we understand it today, began to take shape with the development of textile production, which allowed for more refined and portable pieces.

During the Middle Ages, blankets were valuable possessions, often passed down through generations. They were typically made from wool, a material that was widely available and highly effective at retaining heat. These blankets were more substantial in size and weight, designed to cover entire beds or be wrapped around the body for warmth.

As trade routes expanded during the Renaissance, so did the variety of materials and designs available for blankets. Exotic fabrics like silk and cashmere began to enter European markets, reserved for the wealthy. These luxurious textiles introduced the idea of a blanket as a status symbol, laying the groundwork for the throw blanket’s evolution from mere utility to decorative accessory.

The Evolution into Home Decor:

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to textile production, making blankets more accessible to the general public. The mass production of fabrics meant that blankets could be made more quickly and in a wider range of styles and materials. It was during this time that the throw blanket as a distinct category began to emerge.

By the 19th century, throw blankets had started to appear in parlors and sitting rooms, draped over sofas or chairs. These smaller blankets were not just for warmth but also added a decorative element to the space. The Victorian era, known for its opulent and heavily decorated interiors, embraced throw blankets as part of the overall aesthetic. Throws were often made from rich fabrics like velvet and adorned with intricate embroidery, tassels, and fringe.

In the 20th century, throw blankets continued to gain popularity as both functional and decorative items. The rise of interior design as a profession further solidified their place in home decor. Designers began to use throws as a way to introduce color, texture, and pattern into a room. The throw blanket became a versatile tool for creating a cozy atmosphere, allowing homeowners to change the look of a space with minimal effort.

Throw Blankets in Contemporary Interior Design:

Today, throw blankets are an essential element of home decor, available in countless styles, colors, and materials. From chunky knit throws that add a touch of rustic charm to sleek, modern designs that complement minimalist spaces, there is a throw blanket to suit every taste and decor style.

In contemporary interior design, throws are often used to create a layered, lived-in look. They can be casually draped over the arm of a sofa, folded neatly at the foot of a bed, or even hung as wall art. The versatility of throw blankets makes them a favorite among interior designers and homeowners alike.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, throw blankets continue to serve their original purpose of providing warmth and comfort. In today’s fast-paced world, they offer a sense of coziness and relaxation, turning any space into a sanctuary. Whether used for a quick nap on the couch or as an extra layer on a chilly night, throw blankets remain a symbol of comfort and style.

Conclusion:

The history of throw blankets is a testament to their enduring appeal. From their humble beginnings as simple functional items to their current status as fashionable accessories, throw blankets have evolved to become an integral part of home decor. As they continue to adapt to changing tastes and trends, throw blankets will undoubtedly remain a beloved element of interior design for years to come.

Barack on Parents

Sunday, March 2nd, 2008

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I’ll give you an ‘Amen’ Senator. Yes, there are some simple things parents need to do before any government or education programs can be successful.

So simple in fact, one would wonder why we’re not doing them now. He suggests simple things:
• “When that child comes home you’ve got the TV set on. You don’t check the homework… So turn off the TV set, put the video game away, buy a little desk or put that kid at the kitchen table.”
• The Illinois senator also urged parents to teach healthy lifestyles. “Make them go to bed at a reasonable time, keep them off the streets, give them some breakfast, come on,” he said. “Can I get an amen here?”
• He also admonished parents to take responsibility for their children when they make mistakes at school. “Since I’m on a roll here,” he said, “if your child misbehaves in school, don’t cuss out the teacher. You know I’m right about that.”
His response sent the crowd into frenzied applause. “All right, all right, everybody settle down. We’re having too much fun here,” he said.

Can it be that simple? Actually, yes.