The "Yes, I Can" Child

Young Man w/Autism Making a Tremendous Difference in Sports

 This is such an inspiring story of what sports do for our kids. How the communities we live in make such an impact in the lives of our youth as we reach out to let their gifts shine.  It moves my heart every time. Enjoy!!

Jason McElwain Still Courting Success -- Back Porch FanHouse.

1 in 6 Girls are Mothers by age 20 in the U.S. (See movie The Pregnancy Pact)

I saw a movie tonight on Lifetime that's based on true events of a group of high school girls making a pact with each other to become pregnant at 15/16 years old. See the public sevice announcement by well known actress Camryn Manheim here... http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-pregnancy-pact/previews/video/camryn-manheim-from-the-pregnancy-pact-on-teen-pregnancy .

This is quite scary to see niave teen girls making a pact with one another to get pregnant at this age not having a clue what this entails for responsibility. As parents what are we doing to educate and BE REAL with our children to set them up with as much knowledge as possible to make good decisions.

The movie will air again Monday, Jan 25th at 9 p.m. Might want to watch it, record it, tivo it. Possibly even have quality parent/teenager time watching the movie to promote discussion. For an overview of the movie to  http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-pregnancy-pact.

Let me hear from you what your thoughts are on the issue and the movie?

You get the new book application FREE, just download from itunes before Feb 15th

Parenting? We have an app for that!

Leading parenting experts have entered the App-age with new offering for iPhone and iPod Touch from Wyatt-MacKenzie.

PARENTING THE FUTURE: Tips for Raising the Next Generation is available now in the iTunes App Store (http://tinyurl.com/parentingapp) and it's free until February 15, 2010.

Tap into the collective wisdom of over 30 parenting experts in this insightful app, filled with fresh inspiration and practical advice for raising conscientious, connected, and successful kids.

Dealing with a toddler tantrum? Struggling with teen angst? Or maybe you've got a few quiet moments to focus on empowering yourself as a parent. Wyatt-MacKenzie has gathered the best of the best: well-known authors, leading parenting coaches, and world-renowned luminaries in parenting education.

The app, programmed by TapStacks (http://tapstack.com), is comprised of 60 digital cards. Rotating your device allows you to spin through a fan of cards for fast access to any tip. Shake the device and the cards scatter to reveal the experts just a click away - reach their website, blog, podcast, twitter or email with one tap, or purchase their books quickly and easily. Visit http://parentingthefuture.com to watch a video of the app in action.

Expert Tip Highlights   

Vanessa Van Petten of http://radicalparenting.com, most recently seen on Housewives of Orange County as a Youthologist, gives the teens' perspective with "Reason Your No."

Michael Mendizza, founder of Touch the Future (http://ttfuture.org) and co-author with Joseph Chilton Pearce of MAGICAL PARENTING ~ MAGICAL CHILD contributed "Are You Growing As Fast As Your Child?" "Never Feel Embarrassed" and "The Intelligence of Play."

Lu Hanessian, former Discovery Channel host of Make Room for Baby and author of LET THE BABY DRIVE (http://letbabydrive.com) gives powerful pointers in "Authentic Apology," on "Taking Things Personally" and "Missed Behavior."

Elizabeth Pantley, author of THE NO-CRY DISCIPLINE SOLUTION shares "How to Stop Tantrums" and Scott Noelle (http://enjoyparenting.com) lifts us up with "Yes-Energy," "It's All About Power - Inner Power" and "Worry Less, Love More."

Lawrence J. Cohen, author of PLAYFUL PARENTING (http://playfulparenting.com) gives us the "Ten Principles of Playful Parenting" plus tips to "Re-Energize Yourself" and the secret to "No More Dirty Looks."

Dr. Caron Goode, author of RAISING INTUITIVE CHILDREN, and her parent coaching team from around the world at ACPI (http://academyforcoachingparents.com) pass on many great tips including "For the Child with Intuitive Intelligence" and "Nurture Healthy Ambience."

About the Publisher
Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc. in Deadwood, Oregon is an award-winning indie press. Founder, designer, and mom to Wyatt and MacKenzie, Nancy Cleary has been providing an unparalleled author experience since 1998. http://wyattmackenzie.com

3500 Sex Fiends Booted From Facebook & MySpace

Yeah for the state of NY! This gives us hope that things are moving forward for the safety of our children...NY Boots 3500 Internet Predators from Facebook & MySpace.

Dad's Getting Praise in the NY Times

Great to see Dad's getting praise in the NY Times...Go Dads!! NY Times: Fathers Gain Respect From Experts (and Moms)

Rocket Fuel Found in Most Powdered Infant Formulas

See article by Dr. Mercola Rocket Fuel Found in Infant Formulas

Our Hearts are Moved More by Great Effort than Winning Championships

I just watched a girls jump roping team perform for our soldiers. My heart was jumping with all kinds of emotions as I watched the girls work in sync together to perform this 10 minute routine. The soldiers were yelling cheers of approval and excitement as they watched these phenomenal girls. This wasn’t a competition. They were there to honor our soldiers and say thank you for their service to the U.S.A.

Watch the video…

 

Girls Jump Rope Team Performance

 

Can you imagine the dedication to practice these young ladies had to have to be soooooo great in working this routine. They had to think about the team as a whole and sync together in each move in order to make it work. One individual couldn’t have a mindset that “it’s all about me.”

It got me thinking about what really moves people to cheer, encourage, and give support to others. It usually isn’t about “being the best” as much as it is “doing your best”. Sometimes we can get so caught up in telling our kids that they have to be the best when we should be more concerned about reinforcing them to do their best based on their gifts and talents. Think about the child on a team who is giving it everything she’s got and still not the top player. You feel for this person. You want her to rise to the top. You want her to be recognized. You can’t help cheering for her. You want her to succeed. Am I right?

 

Think about how often you see people rooting for the “underdogs” when watching anything competitive. Rocky movies, the Karate Kid, The Mighty Ducks or Rudy. Why do we do that? Well I’m of the belief that it’s because of the “heart”. You’ve made a connection and can relate to the person your watching. You see their determination, their setbacks, their willingness to take the next step and you want to see them victorious. It also gives you hope and inspires you to take that next step forward. It gives you that ounce of belief you need to say I’ll try one more time because if they can do it, I can do it. If they go through the pain and succeed, I can too.

 

So if great effort moves the heart of people to connect more so than being the best shouldn’t this be the focus with our youth today. Why does the child in Manhattan taking violin have to be sitting in the first chair of the orchestra if he’s doing his best and truly enjoying the art of making music with this instrument? Why does the young man playing football receive so much pressure to gain the most yards when those who know him see his passion and willingness to give it all he’s got for the team but doesn’t rank as #1? Why is the girl who’s been taking ballet for 10 years at age 15 pressured to practice everyday for hours on end because others want her to be the “prima ballerina”?

 

I’m of the belief that if we can focus on teaching our youth to put forth their greatest effort in all they do vs. being #1 they will succeed in all areas of their life rather than feeling like failures. Think about it? A mentality of being number one carries big egos, arrogance, and being self-centered. It establishes a mindset of “it’s all about me”. How are they going to succeed when they start working for companies? When it requires building teams of employees to complete a project? Or even starting their own companies and finding the right talent needed to make the company successful? Can you imagine your child starting in the work force today looking for employment and having an attitude that they are the best at what they do and should get the job? There’s more to it than that. Are they willing to be dedicated to work with others, doing whatever it takes to make the company better? Think about how easy is has been for you to cheer for the underdog? Why? If you were hiring somebody which person would you most likely hire? The one with above average talent with a determination and passion to succeed at the job or the person who has the high credentials that appears arrogant and has possible difficulty working with others?

 

I know that what I’m saying is not new, but somewhere we’re forgetting this principle. How do I know that? Because of reports that come out with schools moving students around in certain districts to create championship teams. I see parents pressuring their child to do certain activities and practice, practice, practice for the #1 spot so they can boast about it rather than thinking about what their child really wants. How is this going to affect them as they go into adulthood?

I’m urging all of us to think about what we are teaching our children? How are we preparing them for the future? I’ll give you three tips to follow that you can start incorporating into their lives today…

1.    What matters most is they are doing their best and give them praise for doing so.

2.    How they treat others will determine how well they will function in society no matter what they pursue for a career. Start teaching them these principles now by your example as a parent, caregiver or mentor.

3.    Uncover those areas they are gifted in and stir that passion in them with activities, resources, and other individuals who can relate to them.

 

They are our future leaders and we have a choice in how we mold them to become the wonderful individuals they are called to be. Let’s take responsibility as people who influence them and assist them in their growth by being examples of good character and their greatest supporters.

 

How to Get Your Child to Say, Yes! I Can! & I Will! is Award Winning Finalist as Top Parenting Book for Families!

Have you ever wished YOUR child came with an instruction manual?
Have you ever looked down at your little angel, standing there in defiance or perhaps throwing an incredible fit, and wondered how this little person could leave you - an accomplished, educated adult - feeling completely lost in knowing what to do? Do you know how to create a consistent plan in building character while opening lines of communication, as well as infusing it all with compassion? My new book, How to Get Your Child to Say "Yes!", "I Can!" and "I Will!", shares wisdom that can make a dramatic difference in how you perceive and mold your child through their day-to-day routines. As a parent, you naturally want to instill positive values in your child, encouraging and helping them to become a well-adjusted, productive adult. You want to nurture them to develop:
* Good Character * Self Confidence * Respect * an Attitude of Responsibility * and a SOLID Foundation But how do you do that with a busy schedule that gets more hectic every year?   "Lesa came into our lives a few months after our son (8 years old) was diagnosed with ADHD. She has done a fantastic job working with him to ensure that he has a structured before and after school routine so that he can become reasonably self sufficient. James - Chicago, IL
Who I am I'm Lesa Day, and after nearly 20 years as a respected Nanny and Family Coach, I understand the problems parents face with raising their children to be responsible, respectful individuals - and still let them be kids along the way! Through the years, I have coached both individuals and families (and all types of personalities), as well as those with special talents and disabilities. In each setting, I've been able to help them step up to the plate, face the challenge ahead of them and succeed. I cheer them on while helping them focus on the positive, not the negative - honing in on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. "For our two children ages 6 and 9 Lesa created an environment of positive attitudes, a loving respect for others and worked with the children to do the best that they can while all the time allowing them to be children." Dave - Alpharetta, GA About the New Book My new book, How to Get Your Child to Say "Yes!", "I Can!" & "I Will!" will assist parents and caregivers to set up structure in your homes and life to nurture your children to be responsible, respectful individuals.
You will be able to incorporate this in your home in 10 DAYS or less!
This book will give you the Structure, the Guidance and the Techniques busy parents need to give children the proper foundation needed - that is lacking in so many of our young adults today. Many moms and dads have encouraged me to write this book - knowing that it can revolutionize the child-care and child-development industry! My structure, techniques and methods that I've been successfully using for nearly 20 years, are all right here in my new book, How to Get Your Child to Say "Yes!", "I Can!" & "I Will!" "Lesa helped us get a better understanding of how to motivate the children and work with them so that they met our family and their personal goals. She is a unique individual that helped create a sense of achievement and confidence within the children. I cannot imagine anyone understanding our kids better". Dad -- Manhattan, NY
One of the Most Successful Techniques ever used in the child-development field are now available, including - The 5 ½ C's. Do you know what the 5 ½ C's are and how to consistently incorporate them into your child's daily routine?

Building upon the 5 ½ C's, the book acts as a WORKBOOK for you to easily and immediately begin implementing the process! Not only do my system and techniques work (along with a lot of love and nurturing), but it sets the stage for leaving the right kind of LEGACY for your children.

During nearly 20 years of coaching, I've worked with many, many families who are concerned with - and doing something about - the Legacy they're leaving with their children. What Legacy are YOU leaving for your children? Is it one of Honor, Love, Responsibility, Respect & Self-Confidence? Isn't that kind of legacy the most important thing you can leave for your children? I think it's far more important than money and fame! She takes you step-by-step as you build character in your children. In addition, you are being taught to build a strong relationship between you and your child. You find yourself becoming more trustworthy, as your child believes in what you say. Dottie - GA How to Order   to get your Copy TODAY of How to Get Your Child to Say "Yes!", "I Can!" & "I Will!" Feel free to contact me at[email protected] for any questions regarding ordering the book. Money-Back Guarantee Also, I'm confident that you and your family will get such GREAT RESULTS from my new book, that I'd like to offer you my MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE: If this book doesn't give you EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS and you find it didn't provide you with DRAMATIC BENEFIT within 90 days of consistently implementing the system provided in the book, send me your paid receipt for your purchase, and I'll immediately send you back 100% of the cost of the book!

Nothing Can Compare to the Bond Between a Mother & Son

 
Tonight I went to see a team of junior high students play basketball. Yes, I was partial to one of the players, but I'm all for team sports and the principles they teach.   As I walked in I witnessed this wonderful scene between a mother and son.

I was walking up the bleachers to find a place to sit for the game and this 9 year old is laid out on the bench (not taking anybody else's spot to sit, there was plenty of room) with his head in his Mom's lap with her arms wrapped around him. I melted and thought to myself, what Mom doesn't want that? This was a precious moment of me witnessing the special bond between a mother and son. I know this young man as a natural athlete and very competitive, yet loves being around little kids.

Many nine year olds wouldn't be caught seen wrapped in their mother's arm at a public event, but what a precious boy this is who is confident enough to show his mom love and receive it.  This Mom was in her element and experiencing complete contentment as she held her son and watched her other son play in the game cheering him on.

The basketball player I went to see played a great game and his team won. Hooray! Although I am of the belief that winning isn't everything and all the kids I work with know it. It's about doing your best and being part of the team. It was a great night and I was touched!!

This Mom has made a vested interest in her son's life and you can see it when you witness the love I did tonight. My eyes get all teary every time I think I about it.

How are you connecting with your child? Are you spending quality time with your son or daughter to laugh, play, or teach? Is the communication loving and respectful to build a strong foundation for the relationship? 

Imagine yourself as making deposits into your child's life each day. What kind of deposits are they? They can be simple acts that will matter for years to come. Is it a hug to greet the morning? A hug before sleeping at night? A show of appreciation for helping with dinner? A good job for a paper they wrote for school?

Each day you are building a bond with your child. Is it is getting stronger or weaker? Is it positive or negative? I urge you to take those small steps of giving love and encouragement, yet setting boundaries with your child to allow them to feel safe and secure with you.