We can’t stop violence, if we continue to assume guns are the problem. Columnist Tammerlin Drummond’s article, “Abundance of guns is root issue” (Contra Costa Times, 12-26-10), does NOT address the root cause for violent behavior.
Many adults feel threatened and buy guns for family and home protection. Disconnected angry teens buy guns to feel powerful. The proliferation of guns is a symptom of bigger issues.
Root causes for destructive behavior.
1. Spiritual ignorance – Many children are growing up with mental, physical or sexual abuse at home (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). Children learn the biggest bully wins! Without any spiritual understanding of self and lacking self-confidence, teens can be sucked into gangs for a sense of belonging and support.
2. Social isolation fuels violence – When young people lack a network of support from family, neighbors or a religious family, children do not learn self-discipline or how to handle their anger. When responsible adults create a network of support around children, families will welcome guidance and correction from friends, teachers and neighbors. As neighbors connect with each other, they build trust, stop tolerating bad behavior and often become mentors for children on the block. Children need a sense of community to develop respect for others and their property. Caring neighbors and community support teaches children how to become contributing members of the community.
A goal for the future… There are 463 churches in Oakland CA. (4th most dangerous city in US) If churches would adopted just one block and help neighbors connect with each other, city life would gradually become healthy, happy places for children to grow strong and resilient. Neighbors would not feel the need to buy guns for protection.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
FAQ's - From Stephanie, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
14. Violence is spreading throughout the world with religious leaders blaming and attacking free societies. What can be done?
Our freedoms are in jeopardy because our religious tolerance is being used against us. “Freedom of Religion” has never been an excuse to abuse women, control others or silence individuals.
What can we do?
America must become the role model by growing strong from within and working together. There is a huge difference between people controlled by religious leaders or government and a democratic society with people who are connected to each other to make their community safe. Know and respect your neighbor is critical in a free society. Americans must stop tolerating local crime and violence if we are to remain a free society.
A united community can keep gangs; hate groups, drug dealers, predators and potential terrorists in check, as they serve the needs of their children.
Remember: Every juvenile delinquent, bully, abused victim, drug dealer, gang member, potential terrorist, school drop-out and child struggling to grow up with domestic violence…lives in somebody’s neighborhood. Involved neighbors create safe, healthy neighborhoods for families to live and grow.
For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com
Read all questions and answers on the website.
Our freedoms are in jeopardy because our religious tolerance is being used against us. “Freedom of Religion” has never been an excuse to abuse women, control others or silence individuals.
What can we do?
America must become the role model by growing strong from within and working together. There is a huge difference between people controlled by religious leaders or government and a democratic society with people who are connected to each other to make their community safe. Know and respect your neighbor is critical in a free society. Americans must stop tolerating local crime and violence if we are to remain a free society.
A united community can keep gangs; hate groups, drug dealers, predators and potential terrorists in check, as they serve the needs of their children.
Remember: Every juvenile delinquent, bully, abused victim, drug dealer, gang member, potential terrorist, school drop-out and child struggling to grow up with domestic violence…lives in somebody’s neighborhood. Involved neighbors create safe, healthy neighborhoods for families to live and grow.
For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com
Read all questions and answers on the website.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
MICHAEL JACKSON: The Tragic Consequences of Child Abuse
Millions of people enjoyed Michael Jackson’s genius as a showman, however, his legacy is even greater if we learn from his life story.
During a TV interview, “Living with Michael Jackson,” Michael stated he was beaten by his father. He was so terrified he became physically ill when he saw him. When asked about his mother, he said he could hear her screaming, “Stop you’re going to kill him.”
Physical, mental and sexual child abuse is a family secret that must be exposed. All forms of abuse leave life long scars on victims. I experienced this tragedy within my own family.
To outsiders, my family looked the picture of success. My father was captain of the yacht club and we mingled with the rich and famous. As a small child, my older brother loved to play the piano. At age six, he was composing songs. But my father thought his talent was a curse and berated him, saying, “Only sissy boys play the piano!” He wanted his son to be a man’s man and excel in sports. As a result, my brother’s love of music was beaten out of him. Seeking to break free of controlling men, he ran away from several military schools. At age 19, he escaped by marrying a woman who was 38-years-old. During his life, he married six times and developed serious health problems as he ballooned to 350 pounds. He lived an unfulfilled life and died too soon. My father became an alcoholic and our family fell apart.
As an adult, I learned my father had been a victim of child abuse himself. He was repeating the cycle by abusing his sensitive, creative son. Then later in life, I became aware of the enormity of child abuse when I spent four years volunteering to help the homeless with the Mother Wright Foundation in Oakland, California. I heard horror stories about beatings, incest, molestation and neglect of children at the hands of the people who were supposed to love them. Without guidance and support, many of the homeless had never learned how to handle their emotions, connect with other people and grow strong from within. As victims of abuse, they often turned to drugs to escape their inability to cope with life.
One Saturday while serving lunch in the park, we needed another helper and James, a homeless man, stepped out of the line to volunteer. We got acquainted and during the next month, I learned his methadone drug treatment program was ending. James, who had been abused early in life, didn’t know what to change in order to stay out of prison and he asked for help. Since I didn’t know how to help him, I just listened to his story and offered the motherly advice I had given my own children.
During one of our meetings, James asked if his friends could join us. We talked to a pastor who agreed to let us meet at a nearby church. The meetings were challenging. At the first meeting, twenty men showed up. Some were high on drugs, two fell asleep on the floor and the men were angry and didn’t know how to listen to each other. We set down rules and the group dwindled to a core group of eight. Within three months, four men got jobs and two joined a drug rehab program.
This experience made it clear to me: child abuse is one of the major factors that lead to drug abuse, teen runaways, school dropouts, prostitution, violence and many other destructive behaviors. If the cycle is not broken, it continues with the next generation.
That is not just my opinion. A long-running study on the “Cycle of Violence” by the National Institute of Justice found that “being abused or neglected as a child increased the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 59 percent, and an adult by 28 percent, and for a violent crime, by 30 percent.” And that is just one report among many over the years which shows the connection between child abuse and crime – and which demonstrates how the cycle of abuse continues turning in destructive ways in the lives of adults who were mistreated and neglected early in their lives.
This cycle can be stopped and it must be. It is critical that parents and caring adults create circles of support around children to help them grow and learn how to connect with others.
The awesome talent of pop star, Michael Jackson, will be remembered. However, if you listen to his music his dream was to “heal the world” and “bring people together.” His legacy is a message to every parent, love your children and give them the emotional support they need to live a productive life without any fear of abuse.
By Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
During a TV interview, “Living with Michael Jackson,” Michael stated he was beaten by his father. He was so terrified he became physically ill when he saw him. When asked about his mother, he said he could hear her screaming, “Stop you’re going to kill him.”
Physical, mental and sexual child abuse is a family secret that must be exposed. All forms of abuse leave life long scars on victims. I experienced this tragedy within my own family.
To outsiders, my family looked the picture of success. My father was captain of the yacht club and we mingled with the rich and famous. As a small child, my older brother loved to play the piano. At age six, he was composing songs. But my father thought his talent was a curse and berated him, saying, “Only sissy boys play the piano!” He wanted his son to be a man’s man and excel in sports. As a result, my brother’s love of music was beaten out of him. Seeking to break free of controlling men, he ran away from several military schools. At age 19, he escaped by marrying a woman who was 38-years-old. During his life, he married six times and developed serious health problems as he ballooned to 350 pounds. He lived an unfulfilled life and died too soon. My father became an alcoholic and our family fell apart.
As an adult, I learned my father had been a victim of child abuse himself. He was repeating the cycle by abusing his sensitive, creative son. Then later in life, I became aware of the enormity of child abuse when I spent four years volunteering to help the homeless with the Mother Wright Foundation in Oakland, California. I heard horror stories about beatings, incest, molestation and neglect of children at the hands of the people who were supposed to love them. Without guidance and support, many of the homeless had never learned how to handle their emotions, connect with other people and grow strong from within. As victims of abuse, they often turned to drugs to escape their inability to cope with life.
One Saturday while serving lunch in the park, we needed another helper and James, a homeless man, stepped out of the line to volunteer. We got acquainted and during the next month, I learned his methadone drug treatment program was ending. James, who had been abused early in life, didn’t know what to change in order to stay out of prison and he asked for help. Since I didn’t know how to help him, I just listened to his story and offered the motherly advice I had given my own children.
During one of our meetings, James asked if his friends could join us. We talked to a pastor who agreed to let us meet at a nearby church. The meetings were challenging. At the first meeting, twenty men showed up. Some were high on drugs, two fell asleep on the floor and the men were angry and didn’t know how to listen to each other. We set down rules and the group dwindled to a core group of eight. Within three months, four men got jobs and two joined a drug rehab program.
This experience made it clear to me: child abuse is one of the major factors that lead to drug abuse, teen runaways, school dropouts, prostitution, violence and many other destructive behaviors. If the cycle is not broken, it continues with the next generation.
That is not just my opinion. A long-running study on the “Cycle of Violence” by the National Institute of Justice found that “being abused or neglected as a child increased the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 59 percent, and an adult by 28 percent, and for a violent crime, by 30 percent.” And that is just one report among many over the years which shows the connection between child abuse and crime – and which demonstrates how the cycle of abuse continues turning in destructive ways in the lives of adults who were mistreated and neglected early in their lives.
This cycle can be stopped and it must be. It is critical that parents and caring adults create circles of support around children to help them grow and learn how to connect with others.
The awesome talent of pop star, Michael Jackson, will be remembered. However, if you listen to his music his dream was to “heal the world” and “bring people together.” His legacy is a message to every parent, love your children and give them the emotional support they need to live a productive life without any fear of abuse.
By Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Monday, November 1, 2010
FLDS Polygamists Aid and Abed Sexual Predators
SHOCKING ABUSE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN! Rebecca Kimbel grew up in the same cult shown on TV's "Sister Wives." Oprah interviewed this "loving" family. Was Oprah manipulated to make the public think polygamy is okay?
Watch Rebecca's videos at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-TYNqqhXp0
Video 2. Cult Survivor: The rape of my soul.
Video 3. How kindness changed a child's view (age 4) of the world.
If you would like more info about polygamy, check links below.
Submitted By Rebecca Kimbel Mscd CEO DTM
Web links for documentation and verification are provided;
The AUB polygamist group noted several members accused of child molest: Joseph Thompson in 1994, (my brother in law), George Maycock in 1998 and Shevroll Palacios in 2002. www.mormonfundamentalism.com/ChartLinks/AUB.htm
The Apostolic United Brethren "released" those accused of child molestation. They "released" others who may bring down their name. They DID NOT report them; send them away OR INFORM THEIR FAMILIES. My sister, who complained about the molestation, was "released" from Joe and given to another cult member. My sister was devastated that SHE was ousted from her sister wives BECAUSE SHE TOLD, and nothing was done to Joe.
These men and others like them STAYED RIGHT WERE THEY WERE and continued too affiliate themselves heavily with the FLDS leaders. My sister remains loyal and dependent on those who subordinate her. The price of truth is very high, especially when your family, your home and your survival depends on your loyalty.
AUB web sites were created for AUB protection, not the protection of the women and children, but they are a good source of information on how they handle the criminals who are discovered in all types’ crime.
After the polygamist raids in 1953, Life Magazine featured polygamist Clyde Mackert as the “poster child” of wonderful religious polygamy. The title was “Heroes of the 1953 Raid.” Clyde Mackert’s wives included two of my sisters. His daughters have gone public about the incest in the family.
Kathleen Mackert; www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-5377-feature-stripped-bare as flds-children-in texas. Find the article in the archives or see www.vjmgatewaytofreedom.com/Biographies for the glorification of Clyde and verification from his daughters.
Also Rowena Mackert’s words, “My father had been molesting me,” and “Two of the treats came from Warren Jeffs”. www.rickross.com Look under Polygamist groups for the title "Former Polygamists tell of isolation and brain washing." Threats of renunciation reference/polygamy/polygamy 789.html follow these link sections in order, not as one.
Laurene Jessup and twelve of her sisters reported being molested by her polygamist father Jack Cook. Title: "Women Who Escape Polygamist Sects Revisits Past" www.rickross.com/references/polygamy/polygamy 419.html Again log onto www.rickross, go to polygamist groups and look for the title of this article.
Sara Hannon (includes sexual abuse). See, Girl fourteen fled abuse, title; "Mind Control of Polygamy" www.rickross.com/references/polygamy/polygamy/ 704.html Again. Go to www.rickross.com go to polygamist groups and then to the title of this article.
Warren Jeff’s and ten others- wed children. Title Records Show More Texas Sect Members Wed Minors; www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy/1022html to open this article go to www.rickross.com. Then to polygamist groups, then look for the title of the article.
Tom Green; polygamist. Find him on any web search. He took his 13 year old step daughter as one of his wives. (My niece). My brother was infuriated, but would do nothing because he himself had been polygamist and he feared the outcome if he spoke out.
If crimes against children are hidden in an illegal society, do they hide other crimes as well? What do you think?
Justification for this sick behavior is blamed on;
* King David of the Bible (thousands of years ago)
* Mormon Pioneers (a hundred and fifty years ago) A church they admit they don’t belong to.
Adults are responsible for THEIR behavior. When will we stop endorsing abuse and criminal behavior in the name of religion?
Watch Rebecca's videos at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-TYNqqhXp0
Video 2. Cult Survivor: The rape of my soul.
Video 3. How kindness changed a child's view (age 4) of the world.
If you would like more info about polygamy, check links below.
Submitted By Rebecca Kimbel Mscd CEO DTM
Web links for documentation and verification are provided;
The AUB polygamist group noted several members accused of child molest: Joseph Thompson in 1994, (my brother in law), George Maycock in 1998 and Shevroll Palacios in 2002. www.mormonfundamentalism.com/ChartLinks/AUB.htm
The Apostolic United Brethren "released" those accused of child molestation. They "released" others who may bring down their name. They DID NOT report them; send them away OR INFORM THEIR FAMILIES. My sister, who complained about the molestation, was "released" from Joe and given to another cult member. My sister was devastated that SHE was ousted from her sister wives BECAUSE SHE TOLD, and nothing was done to Joe.
These men and others like them STAYED RIGHT WERE THEY WERE and continued too affiliate themselves heavily with the FLDS leaders. My sister remains loyal and dependent on those who subordinate her. The price of truth is very high, especially when your family, your home and your survival depends on your loyalty.
AUB web sites were created for AUB protection, not the protection of the women and children, but they are a good source of information on how they handle the criminals who are discovered in all types’ crime.
After the polygamist raids in 1953, Life Magazine featured polygamist Clyde Mackert as the “poster child” of wonderful religious polygamy. The title was “Heroes of the 1953 Raid.” Clyde Mackert’s wives included two of my sisters. His daughters have gone public about the incest in the family.
Kathleen Mackert; www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-5377-feature-stripped-bare as flds-children-in texas. Find the article in the archives or see www.vjmgatewaytofreedom.com/Biographies for the glorification of Clyde and verification from his daughters.
Also Rowena Mackert’s words, “My father had been molesting me,” and “Two of the treats came from Warren Jeffs”. www.rickross.com Look under Polygamist groups for the title "Former Polygamists tell of isolation and brain washing." Threats of renunciation reference/polygamy/polygamy 789.html follow these link sections in order, not as one.
Laurene Jessup and twelve of her sisters reported being molested by her polygamist father Jack Cook. Title: "Women Who Escape Polygamist Sects Revisits Past" www.rickross.com/references/polygamy/polygamy 419.html Again log onto www.rickross, go to polygamist groups and look for the title of this article.
Sara Hannon (includes sexual abuse). See, Girl fourteen fled abuse, title; "Mind Control of Polygamy" www.rickross.com/references/polygamy/polygamy/ 704.html Again. Go to www.rickross.com go to polygamist groups and then to the title of this article.
Warren Jeff’s and ten others- wed children. Title Records Show More Texas Sect Members Wed Minors; www.rickross.com/reference/polygamy/polygamy/1022html to open this article go to www.rickross.com. Then to polygamist groups, then look for the title of the article.
Tom Green; polygamist. Find him on any web search. He took his 13 year old step daughter as one of his wives. (My niece). My brother was infuriated, but would do nothing because he himself had been polygamist and he feared the outcome if he spoke out.
If crimes against children are hidden in an illegal society, do they hide other crimes as well? What do you think?
Justification for this sick behavior is blamed on;
* King David of the Bible (thousands of years ago)
* Mormon Pioneers (a hundred and fifty years ago) A church they admit they don’t belong to.
Adults are responsible for THEIR behavior. When will we stop endorsing abuse and criminal behavior in the name of religion?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tolerating Bullies!
Charlie Sheen is the poster boy for angry, out of control men. His wives accuse him of abuse but CBS raised his salary to $2 million per episode for his TV Show.
On the national news, we have seen athletes and Hollywood “stars” involved in violent behavior with little or no consequences. Michael Jackson told his tragic story of child abuse but his family failed to address the issue.
As a crime and violence prevention consultant for 35 years, I have seen many adults intimidated by ego driven bullies, abusive men, gang leaders, controlling drug dealers and demanding community leaders.
Fear creates social isolation and saps community spirit! Bullies are holding families and neighborhoods hostage. Citizens must work together and stop tolerating destructive behavior. Family members must speak up and stop protecting abusive men. Each one of us must speak up to stop bully behavior and protect victims!
Our children are learning from us! Bully behavior has increased in schools and neighborhoods. The message has become…“The biggest bully wins!” Is this the message you want for your children?
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!
On the national news, we have seen athletes and Hollywood “stars” involved in violent behavior with little or no consequences. Michael Jackson told his tragic story of child abuse but his family failed to address the issue.
As a crime and violence prevention consultant for 35 years, I have seen many adults intimidated by ego driven bullies, abusive men, gang leaders, controlling drug dealers and demanding community leaders.
Fear creates social isolation and saps community spirit! Bullies are holding families and neighborhoods hostage. Citizens must work together and stop tolerating destructive behavior. Family members must speak up and stop protecting abusive men. Each one of us must speak up to stop bully behavior and protect victims!
Our children are learning from us! Bully behavior has increased in schools and neighborhoods. The message has become…“The biggest bully wins!” Is this the message you want for your children?
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Halloween Safety Tips
Trick-or-Treating can be Safe and Fun.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Keep these in mind when you’re sending your goblin out trick-or-treating.
• Wear a costume that makes it easier for you to walk, see and be seen. Light color costumes are best.
• Select costumes, masks, wigs, or beards made of flame retardant materials (check the labels).
• Avoid flimsy, lightweight fabrics and costumes with billowing skirts or loose baggy sleeves.
• To be seen easily, use retro-reflective tape on your costume.
• Use makeup instead of a mask.
• A mask may keep you from seeing well, so make sure to take it off before crossing the street.
• Plan your trick-or-treat route ahead of time. Pick well lighted streets and tell your family on which streets you will be trick-or-treating.
• Ask a parent, older brother or sister to trick-or-treat with you.
• If someone older cannot go with you, trick-or-treat with a group.
• It’s best to trick-or-treat when it is light outside.
• Carry a flashlight with you, so you can see and be seen easily.
• Cross only at corners. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
• If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.
• Wait until you get home to sort, check, and eat your treats.
Source: Safety info from AAA
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Keep these in mind when you’re sending your goblin out trick-or-treating.
• Wear a costume that makes it easier for you to walk, see and be seen. Light color costumes are best.
• Select costumes, masks, wigs, or beards made of flame retardant materials (check the labels).
• Avoid flimsy, lightweight fabrics and costumes with billowing skirts or loose baggy sleeves.
• To be seen easily, use retro-reflective tape on your costume.
• Use makeup instead of a mask.
• A mask may keep you from seeing well, so make sure to take it off before crossing the street.
• Plan your trick-or-treat route ahead of time. Pick well lighted streets and tell your family on which streets you will be trick-or-treating.
• Ask a parent, older brother or sister to trick-or-treat with you.
• If someone older cannot go with you, trick-or-treat with a group.
• It’s best to trick-or-treat when it is light outside.
• Carry a flashlight with you, so you can see and be seen easily.
• Cross only at corners. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
• If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.
• Wait until you get home to sort, check, and eat your treats.
Source: Safety info from AAA
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Walkable Neighborhoods Fight Obesity – And Crime
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and health care costs to address this issue have now reached $14 billion a year.
But ordinary citizens have discovered an unexpected solution to this national problem: walkable neighborhoods.
By forming walking clubs, Americans are not only losing weight, they are also fighting crime and creating safer communities.
In Bakersfield, California, two mothers started a walking group, initially to improve their families’ health – and they ended up building a better neighborhood for everyone. When they first started out, however, the group ran into roadblocks: aggressive dogs, broken bottles, and broken lights as well as drug and gang activity. So the mothers, Gena Perez and Leticia Encima, stepped out of their comfort zones and contacted the police, parks and animal control departments to start tackling those problems, according to a report on the group published in Children’s Advocate (March-April 2008).
While they had to be persistent, the group kept working together until the broken lights got fixed, dogs were restricted, police patrols increased, and park maintenance improved. Now, more than 60 members participate in the Greenfield Walking Group which started from the efforts of two determined mothers. Besides learning better nutrition and exercise habits, group members also got to know their neighbors and developed a network of support.
Those moms demonstrated how important it is for parents to become actively involved in their communities – and their children’s lives. Children need involved adults to role model a healthy life style to help them make healthy choices. The path to healthier lives starts at home and support can be found in the neighborhood.
.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Some children lack self-confidence and use food to feel better. Overeating and avoiding exercise, can become self-destructive habits. Obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes and an increase in asthma and heart problems. Education can help, but it will not solve the problem entirely. It is up to parents to get active with their children – and to build a circle of support around them.
When we start walking together, we encourage each other. We begin to feel better and sleep better. Life becomes more enjoyable as we develop healthy relationships. Walking is a fun way to learn about your neighborhood, so…
1. Invite one or two of your friends to join you
2. Ask more neighbors to take part and form a regular walking group
3. Plan your schedule and walk together several times a week
4. Map your neighborhood – Check out safe destinations, crosswalks, and traffic; and avoid hot spots
5. Evaluate neighborhood safety, stay alert and stay together
6. Compare notes on nutrition and share healthy recipes
7. Include children after school and on weekends
START TODAY! Be the example you want to see in your child’s life. Progress happens when we take one step at a time.
If you think good nutrition and exercise are important, so will your children. They will learn that exercise can be fun as they make connections with other adults. You and your neighbors will become a visible presence, which will help deter crime while also helping the neighborhood network of support for families grow stronger.
By Stephanie L. Mann, Family and Neighborhood Safety Consultant
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com
But ordinary citizens have discovered an unexpected solution to this national problem: walkable neighborhoods.
By forming walking clubs, Americans are not only losing weight, they are also fighting crime and creating safer communities.
In Bakersfield, California, two mothers started a walking group, initially to improve their families’ health – and they ended up building a better neighborhood for everyone. When they first started out, however, the group ran into roadblocks: aggressive dogs, broken bottles, and broken lights as well as drug and gang activity. So the mothers, Gena Perez and Leticia Encima, stepped out of their comfort zones and contacted the police, parks and animal control departments to start tackling those problems, according to a report on the group published in Children’s Advocate (March-April 2008).
While they had to be persistent, the group kept working together until the broken lights got fixed, dogs were restricted, police patrols increased, and park maintenance improved. Now, more than 60 members participate in the Greenfield Walking Group which started from the efforts of two determined mothers. Besides learning better nutrition and exercise habits, group members also got to know their neighbors and developed a network of support.
Those moms demonstrated how important it is for parents to become actively involved in their communities – and their children’s lives. Children need involved adults to role model a healthy life style to help them make healthy choices. The path to healthier lives starts at home and support can be found in the neighborhood.
.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Some children lack self-confidence and use food to feel better. Overeating and avoiding exercise, can become self-destructive habits. Obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes and an increase in asthma and heart problems. Education can help, but it will not solve the problem entirely. It is up to parents to get active with their children – and to build a circle of support around them.
When we start walking together, we encourage each other. We begin to feel better and sleep better. Life becomes more enjoyable as we develop healthy relationships. Walking is a fun way to learn about your neighborhood, so…
1. Invite one or two of your friends to join you
2. Ask more neighbors to take part and form a regular walking group
3. Plan your schedule and walk together several times a week
4. Map your neighborhood – Check out safe destinations, crosswalks, and traffic; and avoid hot spots
5. Evaluate neighborhood safety, stay alert and stay together
6. Compare notes on nutrition and share healthy recipes
7. Include children after school and on weekends
START TODAY! Be the example you want to see in your child’s life. Progress happens when we take one step at a time.
If you think good nutrition and exercise are important, so will your children. They will learn that exercise can be fun as they make connections with other adults. You and your neighbors will become a visible presence, which will help deter crime while also helping the neighborhood network of support for families grow stronger.
By Stephanie L. Mann, Family and Neighborhood Safety Consultant
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com
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