Spiritual Crisis in America-Kids and Drugs-Part 3

PARENTS:  Children need a foundation of values and a spiritual understanding of self to resist drugs!  Or, they may experience a bumpy road ahead!  Empower children so they will not be easy targets for manipulation or bullies. 


Involved children can smooth out life's journey!  Parents will have less stress and anxiety because children have the tools to make good choices to help them reach their potential.
Help is available.
To review all Safe Kids Now Podcasts Click HERE

Spiritual Crisis in America! Part 2-Kids and Violence

I've condensed my 35 years of violence prevention into a few minutes.  Children can stay safe and avoid becoming bullies or victims!  Find out what I learned that keeps children safe as they learn to grow strong and resilient. 

BLUE CHILD, victim child      CENTERED (safer) CHILD      RED CHILD, bully child

We all have the power to decide how to behave if we have the emotional tools to make that decision -

Find out what you can do to empower your child!

http://www.safekidsnow.podomatic.com

Bin Laden: Primitive Men vs. Enlightened Americans

U.S. Special Forces killed Usama Bin Laden one year ago. As the 1st anniversary approaches, Americans are being warned to stay alert as terrorists may be planning violent acts of revenge. Brave American soldiers removed this ego-driven man, however, his behavior should be a wake up call for everyone. Bin Laden was part of a very dangerous worldwide movement.

In primitive societies, tribal men fight to gain control of a tribe. A new leader assumes power as followers give away their power to a stronger, smarter and wiser man. The leader can manipulate and set up secret alliances to protect his authority. With growing support and an inflated ego, he may try to gain control of other tribes to increase his dominance.

Primitive behavior begins at an early age. The schoolyard bully discovers a false sense of power when no one intervenes. The teenage boy controls his girl friend with threats (1 in 5 girls experience dating violence). The husband abuses his wife (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). 800,000 American gang members use fear and intimidation to control neighborhoods. Gangs commit eighty percent of all urban crimes as citizens hide behind locked doors. (The first four months in 2012, Chicago had 120 murders and 490 people were victims of gun violence.)

Just like tribes, gang followers are spiritually blind and band together to support their leader’s cause, which includes human trafficking, prostitution, drugs and weapons. They become destructive, driven by power and money.

Cult leaders are primitive men in disguise, often hiding behind religion. They control whole communities and brainwash followers. Jim Jones, David Koresh and Bin Laden died along with hundreds of followers rather than accept interference from authorities.

Cults do not allow freedom of thought or human rights. They write laws to control women so men have total authority. Cult extremists pass laws and cover women from head to foot. Women disappear from community participation. Their role is to give birth and take care of men. Primitive men severely punish anyone daring to challenge them. Followers lose their freedoms, in the name of a god.

Dictators have ruled for centuries! Seventy-five years ago, Adolph Hitler tried to conquer Europe. Today, Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad kills his own people to stay in power. North Korea’s Kim Jung Il began his ruthless regime 100 years ago. Kim Jung Un continues to rule as North Koreans starve. Iran’s religious dictators threaten Israel. These power hungry men feel invincible as they intimidate free people with nuclear threats. The world has an abundance of evil men willing to kill for power and control. They lie to accomplish their goal, use fear to immobilize their enemies and would rather die than lose their power.

Primitive men can only stay in power as long as people don’t understand the power of the human spirit. When citizens stand together, speak up and refuse to give away their freedoms, the people will prevail and restore their God given rights. When Americans decide to work together for home, neighborhood and community peace, we will see a gradual decline in controlling boys and men. And, cities and countries will no longer tolerate self-serving power hungry men.

A spiritual awakening is happening! Americans are getting involved to create healthy, safe communities for families. Americans, by example, can lead the way to world peace. As the awakening unfolds, nations will follow America’s lead to discover greater freedoms, new innovations and peaceful co-existence.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com

12 Ways POLICE INCREASED crime!

Do you remember when neighbors knew every child on the block and they called parents if they misbehaved? At that time, neighbors knew how important it was to correct children before destructive behavior got out of control.

Over the years, Americans lost a critical balance between police and citizen responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe. As citizens backed off, police increased visibility, involvement and technology to control behavior with limited success. Here are 12 ways police increased crime.

1. Police presented unrealistic expectations. National average approx 2.5 officers per 1000 residents. Police cannot keep your neighborhood safe.
2. Police became crime prevention “experts.” Citizens became passive “watchers.” Police and citizens lost a healthy balance of cooperation.
3. Police created dependency by assuming too much responsibility for minor problems including barking dogs, loud music, young vandals and bullies.
4. Police, in some areas, instill fear with local crime statistics. Citizens bought security systems or arm themselves fearing their neighbors.
5. Police increased anger. They received grants and staff support to “fix” neighborhoods. Neighbors backed off. When the money ran out, problems increased.
6. Police assume too much responsibility. Citizens blamed them for not doing their job. Result in some areas…hostility toward police, less cooperation and reporting.
7. Police increased neighborhood isolation. They held meetings and provided home security info. Neighbors arrived as strangers and left as strangers.
8. Police received community-policing grants. Citizens depend on police who didn’t live in the area. Policy shifts, officer leaves and crime, goes up.
9. Police, not parents or adults in the neighborhoods, became the symbol of authority and correction for youth.
10. Police assumed responsibility without understanding the benefits of neighbors solving problems and becoming role models for youth.
11. Police don’t say... it’s your responsibility to keep your neighborhood safe. Police react to crime, citizens prevent crime.
12. Police have many limitations. Residents must take back neighborhood safety if they want to keep children safe.

Americans can restore a healthy balance between police and citizen’s responsibility in the neighborhood. However, neighbors must be involved to help control criminal behavior and correct youth BEFORE they get involved in gangs, drug abuse and violence. Safe neighborhoods require mutual respect and cooperation.

For more information on what you can do to make your community safe, contact: www.safekidsnow.com

The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. -Albert Einstein

Neighborhood Test

1. Do you know all your neighbors? (10 families around you)
2. Do you talk to the youth in your neighborhood?
3. When you see youngsters misbehaving, do you speak up, and correct them or notify parents?
4. Do you accept complaints about your children?
5. Do you watch your neighbors’ home when they are away?
6. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?
7. If you hear or see something suspicious, do you contact neighbors or call the police?
8. Do you and your neighbors work together to solve neighborhood issues? (bullies, vandals, lighting, noise, etc)
9. Do you have a designated neighborhood leader?
10. Do you have your neighbors contact (phone, email) information.
11. Is your family actively involved in your community? (civic, youth, charity, religious groups)?
12. Do you know your elected officials and local police?
13. Do you know what to do in an emergency?
14. Do you know as much about your community as you know about national problems?

Rate yourself:
Are you part of the problem? Your neighborhood needs you and your ideas.
Set a goal for a YES on every question to help keep families and children safe.

For more information on what you can do. Check out:
www.safekidsnow.com or contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com

KEEP KIDS SAFE: Why you need to know your neighbors!

1. Connected neighbors respond in an emergency and create community for youth.
2. Disconnected neighbors allow negative people to corrupt kids. Connected neighbors can become great mentors.
3. To stay safe! Connected neighbors communicate by phone or email on changing conditions in the neighborhood.
4. When neighbors are connected and care, youth feel respected and they don’t vandalize property.
5. Connected neighbors don’t tolerate drugs, gangs or criminals. They work together & report. Ignorance is blind & deadly.
6. Connected neighbors speak up to solve minor problems and become role models for kids.
7. Connected neighbors care & correct destructive behavior before kids get out of control.

Add your ideas!

10 Things more important than money$$

By Scott Hammond
Author: Become A Better Father

Too often in our capitalistic society, we place too much emphasis on financial achievement and too little on the importance of living a purpose driven life.

1. Family… your spouse, your parents, and her kids should come first. Just simply providing for them does not make your family, your number one priority. There is far more you can do for them with quality and quantity time. Love is spelled…. TIME.

2. Friends… the older some of us get, the less time we have for our friends. Some people get too busy climbing the success ladder and may not even make time for friends. Big mistake. So many things in our society are disposable, and sadly, friends too often fall into that category. Take time to invest in your friendships, both old and new. How hard is it to schedule a Starbucks coffee, pick up the phone, or write an e-mail?

3. Your health… stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor relationships with you and your family… all of these can adversely affect your health. Getting caught up in your career and working endless hours can also lead to neglect of one’s health. Workaholism can be deadly. The lack of discipline in making exercise, sleep, a good diet, and a healthy lifestyle can be dangerous if not deadly as well. You get one body, take care of it and treat it with the respect it deserves.

4. Kids… investing in your kids is absolutely one of the best investments you can make. Understanding how to relate to, love, care for, and communicate with your kids is vital to becoming a more fulfilled and complete person. Our future is our children. What kind of legacy are you leaving behind? Relationships that are fully orbed or just a fat portfolio?

5. Education… being a lifelong learner is a lifelong process. It’s not about being enrolled in the school or a fancy college or receiving a piece of paper. It is, however, about being someone who is hungry to learn, willing to change, and ready to embrace new ways of looking at life and the universe. As long as you have your mental capacities, you can keep learning and building on what you already know. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste.

6. Having fun… people get so caught up in society’s money game that wealth becomes an addiction, an obsession, and the purpose for their existence. How many wealthy people aren’t healthy people who spend far too much time and energy chasing promotions, money, and possessions. We can end up with lots of toys and turn out to be pretty unhappy people… big mistake.

7. Solving social problems… how can you be a voice in society for those who do not have the ability to speak for themselves? Whether it’s poverty, divorce, suicide, teenage pregnancy, name your issue… you can have a voice and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Your community is full of opportunities for you to volunteer, donate time or money, and get involved.

8. Your neighbors… give the neighbors a chance. Don’t write them off because they aren’t the same age, race, or occupation as you. What’s the sense of neglecting neighbors, since they can be sources of friendship, if given a chance? Part of our connection to the greater society is defined by our neighborhoods, which are full of neighbors— who could be friends we haven’t met yet.

9. Appreciating/valuing what you have… right now make a list of 10 things that you really appreciate. What is on your list? Despite our overall affluence, we still lament material things we lack rather than appreciating and valuing the material and nonmaterial things we do have. Don’t forget relationships.

10. Your reputation… a good name is to be had above riches. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but only moments to lose it. We chase after many things in life, and we often de-value and under-invest in relationships which should have our focus and priority. How many men have thrown it all away in a quick but twisted attempt at some forbidden fruit?

For More information about "Become A Better Father"
www.becomeabetterfather.com/press

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.

Click on link to read my article. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Walkable_Neighborhoods_Fight_Obesity_-_And_Crime.html

Part 2 - Kids Injuries- Call the doctor?

Bee Sting:
Ice to the sting, ASAP. Try to get the stinger out once the area is numb. Let your child know, the pain will subside within a half an hour. Watch for allergic reaction: Throat swelling or body rash. If you see either of those reactions, grab the Benadryl and call the doctor. If severe, dial 911.

Twisted Ankle:
If your child can not bear weigh on it, you may need medical attention. Even a minor sprain, have your child sit down. Remember: R-I-C-E: Rest, Ice, Compression (wrap, not too tight), Elevate.

Sunburn:
This is a first degree burn. For relief: a cool washcloth is best. Child might benefit from some analgesic. Expect major peeling.

Splinter:
If you can not get it out with tweezers, get medical help. All of the splinter needs to be removed to prevent infection.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)

Drug Education

Involved PARENTS & drug educators are making a difference!
Educating kids in Middle School pays off!!
In 2004...43% of at high risk for using Ecstasy.
In 2009...Ecstasy down to 34%
In 1993...LSD use at 42%
In 2009...LSD use down to 21%
In 2001...Inhalants 46%
In 2009...Inhalants down to 34% (Source: OJJPD)

ARE YOU KNOWLEDGEABLE & DISCUSSING DRUGS WITH YOUR CHILD?
Check out...National Institute of Drug Abuse at: www.drugabuse.gov