Stop BULLY/VICTIM behavior!

BULLIES AND VICTIMS can have deadly, unforeseen consequences.  It is up to adults to give children the tools they need to stop bully behavior at an early age.

Bailey O'Neill was only 11 years old when he was attacked by two bullies.  He died after suffering seizures and other complications.


ADULTS AND PARENTS: 4 steps YOU can take to keep children safe.

Street Safe Kids Guidebook - 10 steps to help develop a spiritually centered child!
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids.html

GUN Violence: Symptom of Unmet Needs!

If we are going to stop gun violence, think like a mother (and some men). PREVENTION starts at home but if children are neglected...neighbors can help.

Find out what children need to help them overcome pain and hurtful events. For more information or to join our Safe Kids Now Network, email us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com

Spiritual Crisis - Boys and Guns - Part 6

The terrible tragedy in Newtown, CT is a WAKE UP CALL!  We must broaden the discussion beyond GUNS! 

 
Over the years...What went wrong?  Why are American young men killing innocent people and children on our streets and in our schools, malls and places of worship?

Here are my thoughts!  What do you think?

Spiritual Crisis - Domestic Violence - Part 4

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence.  The odds are...you know someone who is a victim of abuse!

Here are the 4 steps in the Cycle of Abuse. 

We can stop the cycle of abuse if... we recognize what is going on and how to help family members or friends? You can help save a child from being a future abuser or victim!

For more Safe Kids Now Podcasts,  click here.

To hear Rebecca Kimbel's story of survival on YouTube,   CLICK HERE

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 1 - SEX and the Media

Americans know that CHILDREN are greatly influenced by Hollywood, TV and the media!   How to reduce the sexualization of American youth?  What we can do!

Are you raising a Bully, "Pin Cushion" Child or a Centered child?

            Bully behavior starts at an early age!

1 in 3 children are victims of bullies!  Teach children how to speak up with self-confidence or they can become victims.   

Bullies must modify their behavior. Victims must develop self-confidence.  Listen to the "Safe Kids" series on Bullies, Parenting, Pin Cushion Kids.

Next week, "Why TEENS become self-destructive!"

We invite you to add your comments! Join us on Facebook

Podcasts available - CLICK HERE

Top 10 Alarming Facts - How Domestic Violence Impacts Kids

1. 63% of all boys, age 11-20, who commit murder kill the man who was abusing their mother
2. 75% of boys who are present when their mothers are beaten were later identified as having demonstrable behavior problems
3. Children from homes characterized by domestic violence are five to seven times more likely to experience significant psychological problems relative to children in the general population.
4. Domestic violence exposed children are four times more likely to visit the school nurse.
5. More than half of school age children in domestic violence shelters show clinical levels of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
6. Researchers have linked exposure to chronic abuse and violence with lower IQ scores, poorer language skills, decrements in visual-motor integration skills and problems with attention and memory.
7. Cognitive problems associated with exposure to violence and abuse comprises one of the most direct threats to the developmental task of school adaptation and academic achievement.
8. Witnessing violence as a child is associated with adult reports of depression, trauma-related symptoms and low self-esteem among women and trauma-related symptoms among men
9. Children in homes where domestic violence occurs are physically abused or seriously neglected at a rate 1500% higher than the national average in the general population.
10. 3.3 million children witness domestic violence each year in the US.

YOU can bring neighbors together to help stop domestic violence, check out the "Adopt-A-Block" Guidebook on www.safekidsnow.com/adoptablock.html

10 Ways For A Parent To Say I Love You Without Words

• When your child communicates with you, stop what you’re doing and really listen to what they have to say. When your child knows and feels you care about what they are saying, they will feel good about themselves.
• Spend quality time each day with your child. When a child has the undivided attention of their parent, they feel important and cared for.
• Tune into your child’s needs. Respond to what your child may need before they ask; this shows your child you really are paying attention to them.
• Show your child affection without being asked. When you offer a hug to your child without being prompted, they will truly feel your love for them.
• When your child wants to show you something or needs something in that moment, stop what you’re doing and follow their lead. Sometimes they just want to know they are more important than your work.
• Enjoy meals together several times a week. With most people’s hectic schedules, there isn’t always time to hear the details of a child’s day immediately after work. Sharing a meal together allows children the space to talk about what went on in their day after they’ve had some down time and you have too.
• If your child comes home from school or an outing and immediately starts to talk about a sensitive topic, stop and listen to what they’re saying; it is most likely bothering them.
• Intently watch your child. Simply gazing at your child will send energetic vibrations of love their way and they will receive the warm feelings into their being.
• Make eye contact with your child. Sharing a deep gaze with your child sends messages of love through the eyes. The eyes are the gateway to one’s soul and a child knows this.
• Do things for your child. Consciously making their bed and washing their favorite shirt let’s them know you thought about them during your day; it also shows them how to do things for others as well.

Tara Paterson, ACPI Certified Coach for Parents™ of Intuitives
www.parentingintuitives.com
Co-Author of the award winning book- Raising Intuitive Children
Contact info: tara@justformom.com.

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

Cyberbullying Tips For Parents

• Give kids a code of conduct. Tell them if they wouldn't say something to someone's face, they shouldn't text it, instant message it or post it.
• Ask if they know someone who has been cyberbullied. Sometimes kids will open up about someone's pain before admitting their own.
• Establish consequences for bullying behavior.
• Monitor their media use.
• Tell kids not to share passwords with friends.
• Use privacy settings.
• Remind them... all private information can be made public.
• Tell kids what to do if they're harassed: Block bullies and inform parents or trusted adults. Save evidence in case it is need for reporting.
Source: Common Sense Media

Airport "pat downs" can put your child in danger!

WARNING!
I teach parents to teach children not to let ANY adult touch them in the area covered by a bathing suit. Now we see videos of young girls and boys being patted down by strangers at airports. This can be confusing to a small child and, possibility, make it easier for a predator to abuse your child.

Parents, talk to your children and explain the difference, "I was with you."

REMEMBER...most predators are people your child already knows. Get the message across, if you are not with them, they can scream, yell and run away if touched in a private area. They need to tell you or a trusted adult, immediately.

Children are smart but YOU need to talk to them and give them permission. Role playing how you want them to react can help them understand what to do and how to do it.

5 CLUES YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS DANGEROUS!

1. Fear and easily intimidated neighbors who don’t trust each other.
2. Lack of communication between neighbors. (Problems escalate)
3. Assuming someone else will speak up and stop juvenile bad behavior.
4. Ignoring criminal behavior and hoping it will go away.
5. Observing suspicious strangers or activities but failure to report criminal behavior.

YOU have the power to change your neighborhood. Even if your neighborhood seems safe, don't be fooled. Get neighbors together to share information.

Find out what you can do. Go to "Safe Kids Now" and contact us!

Children deserve a safe place to grow up so they can reach their potential!

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

Vacation Tips - Theft Protection

STAY SECURE ON VACATION

1. Remove unnecessary credit cards from your wallet.
2. Photo-copy medicare card without the 4 digits of your social security card.
3. Photo-copy passport.
4. Call bank to let them know where and when you are going.
5. Ask neighbor to pick up your mail.
6. Use hotel safe for valuables and personal information.
7. Use ATM at bank in well-lit areas.
8. Use Wi-Fi only in secure areas.
9. Never access sensitive information on a public computer. (Key loggers can track your keystrokes.)
10. Brag about your vacation AFTER you return home.

Source: www.privacyrights.com

Summer is coming! Speak up for kids...

DO YOU CARE ABOUT KEEPING KIDS SAFE THIS SUMMER?

Join the National Safe Kids Now Speaker’s Bureau. We will give you the tools to educate your community. Our staff offers 3 teleconferences to help you get started and answer your questions.

Contact us! Click logo for contact info.

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