Earnest Parenting

Parenting Help: Ask Your Pharmacist When You Need Health Information

Amy LeForge — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:08:14 +0000

A new study was released last month illustrating that pharmacists answer plenty of questions about prescription medications, but not as many about over the counter products. Think about it: you have access to a knowledgeable medical professional, and all it costs you is time at the pharmacy to get your questions answered.

According to the study, only about 1 in 5 people will ask a pharmacist about non-prescription medications. 1 in 2 will ask about prescriptions. Think of the resource that’s being wasted here! The survey looks at pharmacists’ recommendations for energy, heart health, a strong immune system, and what to look for when you want quality vitamins. You can see the full survey results press release or check out this informational graphic (click on image for larger zoomable size). Enjoy!

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3 Fun School Fundraising Ideas

Amy LeForge — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:28:41 +0000

As a proactive parent or teacher, you will undoubtedly be involved with the fundraising activities that go on throughout the school year. Many schools rely heavily on fundraising activities in order to purchase important equipment that enhances school life for many children. If you are seeking new ways to raise awareness and crucial funding for schools, here are a few ideas that never fail to get the pennies rolling in.

Tea Towels
A great way to raise funds is through the sale of tea towels that feature a self-portrait from the children in each school year. Many parents will be interested in purchasing a tea towel as not only are they practical, they are also a great keepsake to look back on with their child when they are a little older. Tea towel printing is easy when you choose a reputable provider, meaning you can gain funds quickly and simply.

Talent Contests
Why not take advantage of the X Factor/Britain’s Got Talent hype by putting together your own contest? From drama performances through to dance routines and singing acts, you can rest assured children will simply love taking part. Ask students who are interested in art to design a ticket which can then be scanned, printed and sold to parents who wish to attend this fantastic evening of entertainment.

Bake Sales
With cupcake fever currently sweeping the nation, a bake sale is a sure fire way to raise money for the school. Ask parents to contribute by bringing in cupcakes and muffins as well as other sweet treats and ask teachers to run the stands. Open up the school hall to the public for a morning and drum up interest by asking children to make bright posters for the bake sale. By organising an event such as this once a month, you can help to provide essential funding for the school as this method of fundraising has proved incredibly popular amongst educational institutions all over the country and beyond.

When inspiration is lacking but funds are needed whether it is to buy a new computer for the IT suite or perhaps gymnasium apparatus, try these fundraising ideas throughout the school year and see how much you are able to collect from supportive families.

Sophie has plenty of experience in fundraising for local schools, so from printed tea towels to bake sales you can rest assured that a significant difference can be made by organising and taking part in these fun activities.

Earnest Parenting: help for the serious fundraiser.

Image courtesy of 401k via Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.

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5 Biggest Motorcyclist Myths and the Truth Behind Them – Let’s Clear the Air

Melissa Cameron — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:19:58 +0000

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, or know of someone who is, then you are probably well aware of the stereotyping that goes along with the bike. However, if you are just looking into riding, or your loved one is, then you might want to know the truth behind it all.

Motorcycle riders have had to fight stereotyping for years, unfairly actually. I know several people who ride, and I would like to clear the air about a few of them.

Perhaps you know of someone who is thinking about buying a motorcycle, and you want to learn more about what you have been hearing. Read on, to ease your mind about some of these myths.

Myth #1 – Bad to the Bone

The old George Thoroughgood song comes to mind when I think of the most prominent misconception about bikers. There seems to be a feeling among a few that because you ride a motorcycle, especially in large groups, that you must belong to a seedy motorcycle gang.

While there are a scattered few who might fall into that category, the majority of riders are everyday people, like you and I. They come from all walks of life ranging from the assembly line worker to the CEO of a large corporation. I even knew a pastor of a church who loves to ride his motorcycle.

Myth #2 – They Wear Black Leather to Look Cool

Black leather in the motorcycle community is rampant, yes. But, there is a reason for it, other than it looks amazing.

The main reason riders wear leather motorcycle jackets, gloves, boots, and pants, is for protection. It’s the best material available to protect a rider from the pavement, if they happen to meet it unexpectedly.

Also, black is the most common color for leather. Sure they make other colors, but black is universal and common even for non-riders.

So, the next time you see a rider in all black leather, know that it’s mainly for protection, which is why you will notice it even on warm days.

Myth #3 – Bikers are Destructive

For some reason, bikers get a bad reputation of being destructive with property. Perhaps it’s what people see in the movies, or have seen reports on the news about a scattered few who have been in scrapes with the law.

However, I remember overhearing a conversation with someone who owns a hotel in a popular spring break area. Someone asked them if they dread biker week, and the response was enlightening. They had said they would much rather have bikers stay with them, then any other spring break group that comes down.

Their reasoning is because they realize that if they have a nice motorcycle, they usually know how to take care of valued property. They added that they have never had any issues with bikers in the years they have owned their hotel.

As I stated earlier, I know several bikers, and tend to agree with this hotel owner.

Myth #4 – Bikers are Anti-Social

This one can be true, and can be false at the same time. Just like any group of people, you will find various personalities among them. Some might be a loner, while others are very social.

In fact, there are several bikers who rally together for good causes, and go on ‘runs’ for benefits. They do this in packs, not alone. The next time you see a large group of bikes going down the road, it just might be to help cure a disease, or to raise money for a family who is struggling.

So, while they may ride alone at times, they are just like any other group, with many differences between them.

Myth #5 – Bikers are Broke

This is not true, on the whole that is. Sure, some bikers might be struggling financially, but it’s certainly not a given. Quite often a motorcycle is a biker’s second vehicle.

It may be an inexpensive form of transportation, but that doesn’t mean it’s the reason they are riding. Most bikers ride because they love to, and no other reason. In all actuality, if it’s a second vehicle, that probably means another insurance bill, loan payment, and the cost of maintenance as well.

In addition to the cost of the bike, there’s the equipment, such as:

Helmet
Gloves
Saddle bags
Boots
Leather jacket
Heated motorbike jackets

These are all costly items to have and maintain. So, as a hobby, or second vehicle, I wouldn’t consider a motorcycle as a poor man’s ride.

In Closing

I hope I have been able to shake some of these common myths about motorcyclists. What it comes down to, is that they are no different than any other group of people. In most every group, you will see a wide variety of personalities and lifestyles.

About the Author:

Melissa Cameron has written numerous articles offering money saving tips and valuable advice on various topics. She loves surfing the Internet, looking for deals and learning new things. Melissa currently resides in Texas with her husband and 2 children and she has just discovered Twitter.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents of motorcycle riders.

Image courtesy of ocadotony via Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.

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7 Ways to Teach Your Child About Fire Safety

Amy LeForge — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:49:27 +0000

СВЕТИ ГЕОРГИMan has always been fascinated by fire, and kids are particularly so. Several years ago, my friend’s child, a curious, mischievous boy was playing with some matches in the garage. He accidentally ignited an old rag and the fire quickly spread to boxes stored in the garage. The child fled, and the fire eventually consumed the garage, and then the entire house. The family got out safely, but their house and possessions lay in ruins.

This family’s story unfortunately isn’t unique. Child death rates by fire are highest for children under age four, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Rates of injury decline for children in the early elementary age, but rise again for children between the ages of 9 and 12. Boys are more likely to be injured by fire than girls.

Injuries and property damage commonly occur when children are experimenting with matches, lighters or candles. And all it takes is one match. As Christy Whitehead once observed, “How is it that one match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box of matches to start a campfire?

Fire prevention starts when children are very young. Even 3-and 4-year olds can understand basic safety concepts. Spend some time educating your child about the dangers of fire for your own piece of mind – and your child’s safety.

Keep matches and lighters well out of reach of children, and teach children from an early age that they are off-limits, period. Do not allow children to burn candles in their bedrooms and always put out candles before you leave the house.
Teach your child to get an adult if another child is playing with matches or lighters. This is one time when being a tattle-tale is a good thing. It just may save a life.
Show your child how to call 9-1-1. Teach your child your phone number and address to relay to emergency personnel. Post your address near the phone, as well. This is usually the first piece of information the operator asks for.
Develop a fire escape route map of your home that provides two exits from each room. Discuss the escape routes with your family and conduct fire drills several times per year. Designate a meeting area at a neighbor’s home where everyone should go in the event of a fire.
Learn the basics of putting out a fire. Teach your child how to “Stop, Drop and Roll,” if clothes catch on fire. Small fires can be put out by shoveling dirt on them or smothering them with a heavy blanket or cloth.
As older children learn to cook, teach them how to prevent kitchen fires. Never leave cooking food unattended and avoid placing flammable items, such as hot pads, on hot surfaces. My friend’s teenager once caught the microwave on fire when he left popcorn cooking unattended. Hot oil is another common source of kitchen fires. Turn pot handles towards the inside of the stove.
Use space heaters very cautiously. Space heaters are the leading cause of fire-related deaths during the winter, and are especially dangerous in children’s rooms. Children may lay clothing over or around them, increasing the risk of fire danger.

Teaching your kids the basics of fire safety may seem like a big task, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many fire departments offer fun, interesting classes for kids. Check your local library: they may offer story times, videos or books that explain fire safety.

Author Bio: Karen Ho Fatt is a professional interior designer and writer, living in the Canadian countryside. She maintains a website that offers information on family outdoor fire furnishings such as the Blue Rhino line of fire pits. She offers tutorials on how your family can use and decorate with fire pits safely.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who want their kids to be safe with fire.

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What to Do When Your College Grad Moves Back In

Amy LeForge — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:43:15 +0000

“Mom and Dad, I think I need to move back home.” Parents everywhere are hearing that confession more and more often from their college grads. Grown children returning to the nest after college is a phenomenon fueled by the combination of accumulated student debt, poor job prospects, and low-pay for the jobs that are available. What are parents, especially happy empty-nesters, to do?

First, welcome them back and do not be alarmed. This trend is happening everywhere, not just to you and your child. In fact, an overwhelming number of college graduates return home now after they graduate; Some estimates are as high as 85%. So you and your child both need to know it is not your fault or theirs; it is simply a sign of the times. For what it’s worth, your child does indeed have a college degree and will be much better off in their job search compared to others without it. Furthermore, a typical job search is no longer constrained to sending out one’s resume and waiting to hear back from interviews. According to MBA Online, the need for entrepreneurial spirit is greater today than ever before; for many recent graduates, buffing up their personal brand by having a social media presence, networking with like-minded professionals, and doing freelance work will all be necessary to find a job in today’s job market.

Second, recognize that your child likely feels embarrassed, upset and perhaps like a complete failure, even though it is such a common experience. College is supposed to pave the way toward upward mobility; how can it possibly result in being back in one’s childhood bedroom with memorabilia from high school on the walls? Surely a kid is going to feel bad about it. You may even feel just the opposite: happy to have her there, happy to have the house full again. But you need to acknowledge your grad’s feelings. Be upbeat about their future prospects. Remind your child that you are very proud of his accomplishments. Declare that you know the situation is temporary. Convey your confidence that moving home was very smart and will best position them for the future.

Third, adapt your house rules. Your graduate is not a kid anymore and you are no longer entitled to govern her life. On the other hand, you are entitled to the same standards that you would expect from a house guest. Letting you know when they will be home, if they are bringing guests, whether they will be there for a meal are all polite conventions they should expect. Obviously, you also have to talk about their responsibility for rent, cell phone charges, chores, the job search and how long they can stay. On the other hand, telling them who to date or where they can go or whether they can stay out all night are all faux-pas at this age. Remember, they have been highly independent for awhile so keep the house rules to a minimum. At the same time, preserve your own life style and financial health.

Finally, it can be fun. This is an opportunity to have a new, mature relationship with your child. Do not intrude but don’t be a stranger, either. Talk about how your grad sees the world; offer comfort and wisdom; help him with proofing a resume; encourage her efforts to attain independence. And enjoy an outing – going to a game or shopping together. You marveled at her first steps, now you can marvel at their transformation into an independent young adult.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents of college grads who still need their folks.

Image courtesy of Scattynobrain via Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.

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