Great Geeky Gift Idea

For years I have gotten my son the National Geographic Kids magazine every Christmas.  Today I thought I would let you all know what a great magazine I think this one is.  If your child is anything like mine and soaks up information like a sponge this magazine is ideal for them.  They are filled with fun facts, fascinating stories, and quirky little games.  For children with ADD or ADHD they are great because the articles are shorter but very interesting.  My son reads them from cover to cover and often goes back for second and third reads.  When he was in elementary school his teachers allowed the magazine to count towards reading credits, which is always a plus.  They don't come monthly but that is part of the appeal because they are so unexpected when they do come.  If you are cash strapped this holiday, which lets face it unless you happen to have the last name Winfrey we pretty much all are, this gift does allow the "bill me later" option.  It won't get here in time for Christmas but the magazines are a few bucks at Books A Million or print out what I call the "Certificate of Authenticity".  It's fairly simple to make a certificate, print it out, and your child will be so excited! 

Gifted Children

I know I have in the past spoke about gifted children and their own special needs.  People seem to be under the impression that raising a gifted child will somehow be easier than raising any other child.  However, I have found over the years that raising my son has been met with challenges that are unique to the gifted mind only.  For example, what do you do with a two year old that can talk like he's fifty?  What do you do when you take your one year old child to the doctors and they not only tell the doctor what is hurting but carry on a conversation about it?  We're not talking a word here or there, we're talking full blown sentences with words like "ear infection" and "antibiotics".  Yep, that's right my thirteen month old son told his doctor that he believed he had an ear infection and needed antibiotics.  This has been a constant struggle for years now, the gifted intellect.  While most people would be thinking "that would be nice if I knew exactly when my child was sick".  Yes, in some ways his mouth has been a blessing but there is the flip side of that mouth.  There was the time that we were standing next to a man in the store and he proceeded to tell me that the man needed a shower because he smelled bad.  There was the time he told a group of old men in the mall that I didn't have any money to have him ride the little quarter rides in the center of the mall - forget the fact that I had already spent over five dollars and an hour on those rides.  Not to mention the morification my mother endured when he asked her if the neighbor was a man or a woman (she was a manly woman by the way) while he was sitting next to her on the front porch.  There was the time when he told me that he thought God was a little boy because only children could make the world beautiful.  Yes, his mouth has been a constant source of amusement, frustration, and amazement. 

So what does a gifted child look like?  How do they act?  The funny thing about the gifted spectrum is that it varies so much per child.  Here is a list of some signs to look for provided by the Psychology Today website. 

Language Skills

While most children are able to form recognizable sentences and understand complex language by about two years of age, gifted children often reach these milestones earlier. As they approach school age, other language skills may appear advanced or sophisticated.
Some of the traits of giftedness to look for when considering your child's language development in relation to others of a similar age include:
• A highly developed vocabulary and the ability to learn new words easily.
• The tendency to speak quickly.
• The early use of longer, more complex sentences while using appropriate grammar.
• Early reading, if given some instruction and opportunity. Many gifted children have already learned how to read before entering school.
• Continually asking questions about what they see and hear, and wanting to receive thorough responses and explanations.
• The ability to understand and carry out multi-step directions at an early age. (e.g., Go to the dining room, get the blue book on the table and put it back on the shelf in your room, then bring me the clothes on your bed so I can wash them).
• The ability to understand and participate in adult conversations. Gifted children often pick up nuances or double meanings early on - so watch what you say!
• The ability to change the language they use when speaking to different audiences. For example, a four-year-old gifted child might use more advanced words and sentence structure when speaking to adults or older children, and then talk in a simpler, more childlike way when addressing his three-year-old cousin.

Learning Abilities
 
All children (all people really, big and small) have an inborn desire to learn about the world around them - to seek out new experiences, figure out the relationship between themselves and their surroundings, to discover, and to learn. What distinguishes gifted children from others is the apparent natural ease and joy with which they go about doing this. Their brains appear to be mental sponges, effortlessly absorbing and incorporating new information and ideas.
 
Many gifted children are natural learners who show some of the following characteristics:

• The ability to learn quickly and efficiently - to pick up ideas and skills effortlessly.
• A tendency to become highly focused on certain areas of interest (e.g., bugs, space, animals) and independently seek out information on these topics.
• The ability to ask questions that show advanced insight or understanding.
• A deep fund of knowledge - they know more about the world around them than you would expect.
• Excellent memory and easy recall of what they previously heard, saw, or learned.
• A tendency to read often on their own and to frequently prefer reading to more physical activities.
• Little need for direction or instruction when beginning a new activity, learning a new game, or acquiring a new skill. They may also insist on doing things on their own, or in their own way.
• Early development of motor skills involving balance, coordination, and movement. Gifted children may also be advanced in some purposeful fine-motor activities such as assembling small objects (e.g., legos, transforming toys, blocks) or putting puzzles together. However, other fine motor skills may not be advanced. Some gifted children are poor at handwriting - although this may be more related to a lack of attention to detail or impatience with the slow and tedious task of handwriting practice than to problems with fine motor control.
• Pleasure in talking to older children and adults about topics that interest them.
• An understanding of their own thinking and learning processes. They may have preferred ways of learning and resist using other methods suggested by a teacher or adult. They are able to sense how much and what kind of studying they need in order to master a skill or topic.
• Creative thinking. Gifted children may enjoy coming up with their own ways to solve problems and take delight in complexity and making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts.
• The ability to concentrate on a topic of interest for an unusually long period of time. However, gifted children may quickly shift their attention or appear unfocussed when doing something they perceive as unchallenging or uninteresting.
• An inclination to see learning as fun. They take joy in discovering new interests or grasping new concepts.

Emotional and Behavioral Traits
 
Gifted children are often more emotionally intense than others. They can also be more sensitive to others' feelings and circumstances and may display a great deal of empathy in situations where others their age appear indifferent.
 
Other emotional or behavioral traits to look for include:

• A high activity level. Gifted children can appear to have an endless source of energy - constantly moving, talking, asking and exploring.
• The tendency to think and talk fast. Because they may be trying to speak as quickly as they think, gifted children are often asked to "slow down" so the listener can understand them. They can also become frustrated when they feel that others are talking too slowly, or taking too long to "get to the point."
• Strong leadership qualities. Gifted kids often make natural leaders who take charge and lead others in new directions.
• Ability to relate to older kids and adults. Because their cognitive skills and interests can be advanced for their years, gifted kids have an easier time connecting with and learning from those older than themselves.
• Enjoyment of alone time. While gifted children may enjoy spending time with others, including mental mates (whether their own age or adults), they can also enjoy spending time on more solitary activities such as reading, writing, daydreaming, observing, or just thinking.
• Appreciation of natural beauty and art. Gifted children may particularly enjoy being around and pointing out trees, sunsets, flowers, the ocean, animals, and other things of inherent beauty. They can also show a deep interest in certain forms of art - paintings, sculptures, or music, for example.

Hidden Gifts
Some gifted children show only a few of the signs listed above, or show traits that are quite the opposite of what you'd expect. For example, some will start to speak late rather than early, some will be emotionally reserved rather than intense, and some appear to think and speak slowly rather than quickly.

It's funny that when I found this article I found myself saying "yep" a lot.  Most of these do sound like my son and he does display the behaviors as noted.  However, it's interesting to note that Albert Einstein didn't talk until he was three and that he was told by teachers that he was stupid.  The human brain never ceases to interest me. 

The reason why I am bringing this whole issue up is that while parenting a gifted child is interesting it does pose problems when they get to school.  I had an opportunity to get my son in the gifted programs while still in elementary school and while I understand that the program is designed to be more challenging to my eyes it just looked like more.  It was more homework, more intense, and a lot less fun than the normal classes.  It seemed to me like more of a punishment for him being smart than a benefit.  Now, as my son enters the world of middle school I am thinking that the gifted programs would probably have been better for him.  Not that he was challenged, he was blessed with fabulous teachers, but because now at this point getting that gifted title is a hard process to go through. 

The fact is that gifted children do not learn in the same way that other children learn.  He uses very complex steps to get through a simple math problem.  While my not so gifted brain is looking at it and thinking that he could do it a lot easier.  Where the problem lies is the fact that at this point the teachers are become VERY VERY knit picky about showing their work.  While he's understanding the concepts in math and he's getting all the correct answers, he's getting points marked off because his steps are so complex.  It's frustrating as a parent and torturous for my child.  So now I am battling.  I am at war with a system that is too over crowded and too over burdened to be concerned about my child. 

Here is my wise words for the day:  If you found yourself going down that list and more than half of the examples are "so your child", then your child is more than likely gifted.  If you are looking at that list and thinking "now what?"  my suggestion is for you to go to the school with the list printed out and show someone.  Get your child diagnosed, for a lack of a better word, and get it in writing before they move onto middle school.  Get it in writing and then your child's unique learning styles will be honored.  It's very frustrating if you're fighting for it later. 

Pigtails Thwart a Bully

I always try to stress to my son how important it is to walk away from bullies, words can't physically harm you, but the truth is sometimes words cut you deeper than any knife can.  Today I read a fantastic story about bullying and the witty peaceful protest one girl staged to fight back.

Let's face it, getting into a spit for spat argument with a bully gets you nowhere fast!  That was exactly what the case was with the almighty Maisie Kate Miller.  She had been taunted and teased by the same mean girl for some time and finally the bullying just got too much.  Maisie was wearing pigtails in support of a sports team and overheard the mean girl talking smack about it...yep, I actually said smack!!!  Anyways, after a year of torment from this girl Maisie was driven to tears by this latest insult. 

So what did Maisie do?  She didn't get in the bully's face, she didn't try to outwit the bully, and she didn't try to get even.  She protested her bully's comment by posting a plea for help on her Facebook page.  Here's her message:

“There was a incident today, and I was really upset about it. A girl who has been bothering me all year, saying rude, hurtful things to me, said something that just topped me over, and I’m ready to get this Over and done with. Today she was behind me going up the stairs and commented on my hair that was up in pigtails (for a sport) commenting to her friend
Saying “who wears pigtails still? Are we in kindergarten?” as nonchalant and innocent as this seems, it’s been one of a few comments at me and about me and my group of friends said in hearing range of myself. I am asking you all to understand that this hurt me beyond reason (partially from PMS, and partially because this has been a tough week for me), but mostly because it was wrong, i cried. This was the last straw for me. I know pigtails are ridiculous looking and often don’t look the best on 15 and 16 year olds, but please if you could help my cause and do so many other girls who have had hurtful things said to them; wear pigtails tomorrow. If you can’t or won’t, please tell others about my experience, and ask them
To please wear pigtails.
Thank you so much for reading, and sharing.”

She handled the situation with grace and didn't even mention her bully's name.  She didn't want her to get bullied!  I mean how fantastic is that? 

Please support Maisie by liking her Facebook page (Pigtails4Peace), passing along this inspiring story, and sporting those pigtails! 

Talking About Hurricane Sandy

Like so many people I sat Monday night glued to the television as Sandy decided to pay the Northeastern U.S. a visit.  I sat in awe of the pure strength and unyielding qualities of nature.  The Earth was unapologetic in her wrath and not a single home or city was spared some repercussions of her tantrum.  While I sat watching these scenes so to was my twelve year old.  I didn't realize how these scenes would affect him or the questions he would have regarding it until Tuesday night. 

Tuesday night I decided we were long overdue for our pow wows.  It is just a time when we lock ourselves in a room, pop some popcorn, and just talk.  No electronics, no telephones, and no distractions.  It's just a time to sit and chat about what's on our minds.  Whether that topic is deep and meaningful or silly doesn't matter.  Tuesday night the topic of Hurricane Sandy came up.  He was concerned not only for the families that the storm has displaced but also connecting that we are in a hurricane prone area of the country as well.  So it brought up an interesting topic that I thought I would share with you today. 

As our children age and especially as they start to enter those tween years they make those connections.  If this can happen to them than it can happen to us as well.  They start to realize that Earth can unleash havoc into our lives with little warning.  I was unprepared and unaware that he harbored such fears.  Maybe your children are starting to question you as well.  Here's what my child asked and how I handled it.  I hope that my answers help you.

1. Mom, we're in Florida.  You know that can happen here.  I know that it can however please remember that we are not in a flood zone and we are miles away from any water. 
2. Let's just say that it does happen here what would we do?  The people of New York and New Jersey had ample time to get out.  The weathermen were warning them for some time not to take this storm lightly and that they should evacuate as soon as possible.  Some people chose to stay for whatever reason.  We would not do that.  We're not going to risk our lives for a house.  Material items can be replaced but our lives cannot.  We wouldn't risk it.
3. It's really scary to see what happened.  What would we do without a house?  I know that the images can be scary but remember that the news is going to show us the major damage.  They're not going to put scenes of untouched homes on the television, that wouldn't sell the news.  If for some reason our house would not be spared we have back up plans.  We have homeowners insurance that would help and there are shelters open.  Besides we have family and friends that wouldn't let us live on the streets.  We would do what we have to do to make sure that you are safe and secure.
4. What about the animals being rescued, would we take the cats and our dog with us?  A lot of times people leave their animals when they are leaving in a hurry or can't fit them.  It's sad but when you have to choose between a human life and an animal life, the human has to come first.  No one is going to choose their dog over their child.  We would absolutely do everything in our power to take them with us and I can't imagine that we would leave them unless there was no other choice.  They are members of our family and we love them very much, we would take them.
5. What about all our pictures and my video games?  Well, the family photos we would grab as many as possible.  They are filled with memories and are irreplaceable.  Material items may have to be left behind.  We would do our best to bring what was important to everyone but those things are absolutely replaceable.  We can purchase other video games and systems.  You we could never replace!   
6. Did any children die, Mom?  To be honest they haven't said that there were children who died.  I'm not sure. 
7. I feel really bad for the people who lost everything and I feel really horrible for people that lost someone.  It's normal and good for you to feel that way.  We should as humans feel compassion for others.  I can't imagine how sad it would be to lose someone so suddenly but the human mind is a funny thing, you grieve and remember the good times.  Just like we do with who we've lost.  There are a lot of people there to help them get through the loss.  It's horrible that they lost their homes and cities but I can tell you that they will make it through it.  They have thousands of people helping them and if there is one thing I know about that area of the country they are resilient people.  Remember September 11th?  They didn't let that beat them down and neither will this.  They will rebuild and they will move forward because that is what they do.  I'm proud of you for feeling compassion and I think it's fantastic that you understand their pain but I don't want you to get too upset.  It's time for the rest of us to lift them up and help where we can, it will do them absolutely no good if the rest of us are sad for them but not doing anything else.
8. How can we help them?  Well, we can start by sending them bottles of water and clothing.  Is there anything you can think of that might help them?  What about the kids your age, what would help them?
9. Well, if I was without my home I think I would probably want a nice blanket so at least I could be warm.  Maybe we could send them some of my old books so at least they have something to read in the shelters.  I think that they would like that.  See those are all amazing ideas.  That's what those people need more than our pity.  It doesn't mean we can't feel bad for them but it's better to feel bad and do something.  I will see what I can find out as far as placed to send stuff and what they are asking for.  Then we'll see what we can do to help.

He said he was feeling better after our talk.  What struck me about the talk was a couple of things.  First, I was struck by how conscience he was over what actually happened.  I don't know why this struck me but it did.  I guess we forget how much children actually pay attention and what they heard and know.  Second, the things he was concerned about were very natural things to worry about.  He had no concerns that I haven't thought of a million times.  If that was me what would I grab?  How would I choose what to leave behind?  He was very much aware of the nature of the beast and understood that sometimes we have to make difficult decisions.  Lastly, I was struck not only by his question if children had died but his deep concern and compassion for those dealing with this issue.  It was moving to me to see that he genuinely cared about them.  

I have always been a firm believer in telling my child the truth.  I think that the human imagination can be far worse than the reality and I have never lied to him, even when the questions got tough.  He came home after discussing September 11th in school and asked me if it was true that people had jumped from the building.  This was one of those horror stories that has haunted me for years now. What living hell were those poor souls going through that jumping was the only alternative?  As a parent I would have loved to tell him no.  That it was a rumor but it wasn't.  That was the reality of that day.  I told him that it was absolutely true and it was horrible to watch.  It was a desperate decision those people made at a time when there seemed to be no other alternative.  I couldn't imagine what they were going through that they chose that but I hope they died without pain.  All we can do is just realize it was a very personal moment and decision and we just had to respectfully look away.  It was a private moment that we should never have seen.  It was very hard for me to tell him that and I actually started to cry half way through it but I think it is vital that he hears those things from me.  Kids can make things ten times worse when they are talking so I want him to know he can ask me the difficult questions and get an honest answer.  

I think that the only way to handle the decisions that arise after a tragedy like this is to be open and honest.  I believe in letting him see my emotion, now I am not talking about unmitigated horror and terrified screaming, but a tear and sadness.  I think being clear minded and understanding.  Now, I am not a child psychologist and I'm on my first child but this has always worked for me.  I'm not sure if there are better ways to handle the situation but this is the only way I know how to handle it.   

See Hurricane Sandy from Space

 

 

When my family had decided to move to Florida the big question everyone would ask me is if I was afraid of hurricanes.  Since we have been here, knock on wood, we have experienced only high winds and some rain.  No big deal.  The one thunderstorm we had with tornadoes was scarier than any hurricanes I have experienced yet.  Now I am watching Hurricane Sandy creep closer to friends up north. 

 

NASA has posted a fabulous video of the hurricane as seen from space.  Guys, this looks like a rough one.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you are in those areas directly in its path be smart, safe, and know that my thoughts are with you.  I will continue to post any NASA updates. 



Denny's Hobbit Breakfast

On November 6th I believe that my son will have to be late for school.  The geeks have taken over the world one little Hobbit at a time...I am so excited about this.  I will don my furry feet, pointed ears, and cape and head off to Denny's to enjoy some Middle Earth delights!  First and second breakfast that is.  For more information click here http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/the-exchange/denny-diner-middle-earth-160333541.html

Fashion Police in Cocoa

Over the course of my son's twelve years on this planet I cannot even begin to tell you how many times his mouth has embarrassed me.  There was the time he told a Vietnam vet that his wheelchair was one cool stroller.  The time he announced in the food court, loudly might I add, that Chick-fil-A makes him a little gassy.  The time he stood up at the Mommy & Me music class and started singing "It's Getting Hot in Here" and started stripping.  But one of the best comments, now I can see the humor in it, is when we were walking the mall and my son saw some teenagers with their pants sagging.  This was concerning to him, apparently, and he proceeded to walk straight up to them and said "Excuse me but did you know that your underwear are showing?"  Now, I was completely mortified.  How could I not be?  Luckily for me these teenagers had a sense of humor and laughed it off.  As many of you are probably aware Cocoa, Florida recently passed a city ordinance banning the underwear showing fashion sense.  Yep, that's right - it is now illegal to have your butt hanging out of the back of your pants. 

I know what you are all thinking "Well, gee, this effects me how?"  The truth is I hate that look.  I always have and I always will.  I just don't see the point in buying your clothes ten times too big and then walking around trying to hold them up.  If you would just buy them in your size you could avoid the whole situation.  However, I believe there is a fine line this city council is walking here.  Yes, I understand that they want their city to be civil and that the saggy pants look screams "hey, I'm a gansta".  They want their civilians to walk around with pride and dress appropriately.  First off, who are they to decide what is appropriate or not?  Will they hire a whole new force that is just fashion police?  When you actually stop to think about it the whole scenario is quite comical.  One hundred years from now I can see some kid cracking up over this unbelievable law, like when my son found out that in a city in Massachusetts it is illegal to marry a goat.  Apparently that was a real issue back then. 

My concern is that this ban will lead to a few bigger issues.  The first thing I don't get is who is this city to tell anyone how they can dress?  Is that a violation of our constitutional rights?  I'm not a lawyer but I think that falls under free will.  Do you consider how you dress to be an extension of your personality?  Your freedom of expression and speech?  The second issue I have is that I can see this leading to a lot of profiling.  Now let me just be blunt here.  The truth is that when a teenager wears their pants like that, whether it is the truth or not, it gives the impression that he is up to no good.  Is he carrying a gun?  Drugs?  It's just not a good thing.  This ordinance could go too far in allowing police to randomly search anyone based on their clothing alone.  It wouldn't matter if your sixteen year old son was hanging out with friends and doing nothing wrong, the police would have the right to pull them over and search them.  To me that is a huge violation.  The final problem with this ordinance I will use an example to demonstrate.  Let's say, rough scenario here, you're being held hostage in your home.  You finally get a moment and dial 911.  Now you sit there waiting for the cops to come and get you before this nut starts blasting away.  Not only do they not get to you right away but you later find out they were at another call for saggy pants.  The point here is that police departments all over the country have been forced by budget cuts to work with a minimal staff.  They are dwindled to the point, in some areas, so low that the criminals are taking over.  The truth is what city has the man power for this?  I don't know about you but I would rather see the cops handling true emergencies rather than patting down some kid whose only offense is his undies showing. 

It's an intriguing situation.  I know there's politics involved and people will start with it but I don't want to hear about Obama or Romney or the US government.  All I want to know is if you agree with the ban?