Monday, July 23, 2012

"Show Love NO Bullying"


In the past bullying has always existed in some form within our communities. Bullying is certainly an old topic that is rising due to the increased level of social media; interaction/communication between children is instantaneous. Bullying is steadily increasing and becoming an epidemic resulting in detrimental mental and emotional affects among our children and has even resulted in the increase in deaths. Each community will need to stand up, address, and take steps to build social awareness in our children and take a stand against bullying. As many as 160,000 students stay home during the day because they're afraid of being bullied. 60% of middle school students say that they have been bullied, while 16% of teachers believe that students are bullied. Bullying was a factor in 2/3 of the 37 school shootings reviewed by the US Secret Service. 1 out of 4 teens are bullied. 1 out of 5 children admits to being a bully, or doing some "Bullying." (Click here to see  http://www.funducate.net/types-of-bullying.html)

Remember the Dare America message when we were younger “Say No to Drugs”? That phrase stuck with so many children, and we remember the phrase even today as adults.    Remember McGruff the Crime Dog and the many messages we learned through the information given by McGruff; yet another awareness raising message for children?  It is truly wonderful to see the community pull together in one forum to support Karen Klein the bus monitor who was bullied.  She is now able to retire and go on a vacation. What more can we do as a community?

The powerful message given to children as a community cannot be ignored.  It takes a community to make a difference…to bring forth Show Love No Bullying change.  We want to get the message out to our children about the various types of bullying and what they can do to overcome bullying situations. Therefore, make a difference in education about bullying.  FUNducate LLC. is one company that plans to do this by putting the “Show Love No Bullying” book series in our children's hands!
  

Remember “Show Love No Bullying!”

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Parents Children need LOVE!

As a parent, I had a moment with my youngest daughter watching home videos.  Watching the videos I realized how I use to be very tentative to all her needs (ofcourse you have to when they are babies).  I am not saying now that as parents when our children get older we loose the parenting affection. As our children get older and more independent it is easy for parents to now divert our attention to seemingly more pressing needs (internet, work, phone, text, cooking, TV, etc).  No matter what age your child(ren) are at this point, they still require your tender love and care.  Moments are very precious and someday they will be adults and living their lives.  Cherish those moments with your child(ren) now while they are young.  Play dress up, games, and/or read them a books.  Spend time with them, their needs are still pressing and very much important.  Make sure to give hugs, kisses, and just a simple I LOVE YOU everyday.  Show them you (yes their parent) indeed appreciate them and their company.  Laugh alot, smile alot, and HAVE FUN!

FUNducate "Putting Fun in Education"

Monday, January 23, 2012

Winter Safety

It’s that time of year again, the time when we have to worry about travel conditions, children walking, and parents driving. There are many areas in our country where adverse weather can come at anytime. These weather changes may create very dangerous situations. Many students are commuting to their school from further distances in recent times by way of walking and several more in vehicles (that are near school areas dropping off and picking up students).

As parents, the best thing we can do for winter safety is; pre-plan and use caution. We know everyone needs to go to work, drop off their children, pick-up groceries and so on. Pre-planning is essential during the winter months, as well as, allowing additional time for commuting.

Safety Tip Bullets

     Walking/Outside safetyChildren go to school in their school clothes; those clothes may not provide much protection from the cold. Yes, children dash into a warm car, bus, or school building, but what happens if something goes wrong in between?
o   Layers under school clothing (thermals)
o   Winter Shoes : that can keep their feet warm for walking on ice or in snow (dry shoes in a separate bag)
o  Coat/Hat/Gloves/Scarf
o  Ensure your visibility while driving around schools is not poor with your headlights on, so you can see children walking and they can see you!

Ø  Vehicle safety : Ensure your vehicle is in good working order and winterized. Our intent is to help if you become stranded because of the weather, and if your vehicle breaks down. So let's grab up a few essentials to carry in the car with you!
o   Road Flares:  glow sticks (Lowes and Home Depot)
o   Cell phone with tow truck numbers in it for emergency road service
o  If stuck along the road; keep your window down a few inches for fresh air
o   Ensure the windows, headlights, tail lights, hood and roof are kept clear of snow
o    Have plenty of gas
o    Necessary Equipment: Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and jack, shovel, jumper cables, tow strap/tire chains, bag of salt or cat litter, tool kit, at least one blanket, first aid kit, drinking water, non-perishables, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, hard candy, and energy bars, exterior windshield cleaner/deicer, ice scraper and snow brush
o    if you drive with children) Children’s book, games, activities (reduce anxiety and panic)

Remember we have to ensure our children’s safety as well as ourselves.  Our children need us to help them be successful now and in the futures. Laugh a lot, smile a lot, Be Great!

FUNducate LLC. “Bringing Fun to Education!”

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Relax, it's the holidays! Don’t Stress.

Travel light with children it will save you time. Be certain to have all of your travel paperwork/information together in a baggie or envelope. When traveling by air you can print your boarding pass at home before you arrive at the airport. Passengers can reduce their time in line at the ticket counters by utilizing self-service check-in machines. Double-check for flight delays. Passengers should arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time for domestic travel and 2 hours early for international travel. Any passenger 18 and older will need a federal or state-issued photo ID at airport checkpoints, and/or passport when traveling internationally.

When traveling by road get 6-8 hours of sleep the night before a long trip. Have some drinks and snacks on hand to hold you over, and make a point of packing for automotive emergencies. Always check gas station prices and map out gas station stopping points to aid in easy traveling.

Fun ideas for Thanksgiving. Allow children to participate in making different recipes for your Thanksgiving table. Children can easily help in the early part of the cooking process. Desserts are always children’s favorite. Try cookie cutter designed themes for Thanksgiving/harvest day as a creative way to participate in the festivities. Set aside some special time for the children to decorate their table for Thanksgiving. There are several inexpensive crafts you can find on the web for napkin folding, paper centerpieces cut in the shape of turkeys, and many more.

Remember Be Great! Laugh a lot and Smile a lot. FUNducate LLC. “Bringing Fun to Education!”

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Parent involvement

Parent involvement! Parent involvement, Parent involvement is the KEY that can either sour a child’s interest in school or unlock a passion for school that can last into college.  Parents are the foundation, the first educators for children. The basic building blocks of education must start prior to entering Kindergarten. Parents drive the train of excitement and interest in learning that builds a successful framework for children to continue to build upon each school year.

Remember school is a big deal. As Parent's our interest about school helps raise our children's excitement. From birth children learn directly from their parents.  Their likes and dislikes are structured from observing what their parents like and dislike.  What children learn during the first years of life is the foundations they begin to form as their own personalities form based on early observation (learned habits).

Tips to make school interesting

Start early.  There are tools available that will help aid in keeping the learning process fun through infancy to Higher learning (Baby Einstein, icanreadsongs.org, FUNducate.net, and many more).  Search on Google for reading, and math educational tools or books to select educational aids to help your child(ren).
Playing fun games spark interest while learning with our children.  Examples: I spy with colors and/or shapes when you drive or within your home. Scavenger hunts to board games and matching/memory games for younger children.

“Bring Fun to Education”

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Education is important

We would love to hear of ways you feel education is important, and how to increase the importance of education within families (team effort to ensure children have a brighter future).