Brown Sugar Kids Parents Blog!!

Raising A Good Reader

2011-09-09T12:20:00.002-04:00

I am always looking for ways to encourage my boys to read. I was an avid reader and I loved to go to the bookstore and browse all of the new books. My wish has been to instill the same passion for reading that I had in them. I have tried numerous ways to get them to read, some of them work and some don't. Here is a list of Ten tips that I found helpful.

1. Read to your children. Reading helps to build vocabulary. Make this into a family event.
2. Read every day. Even 5-20 minutes a day make a big difference.
3. Read books to your younger children with lots of repetition.
4. Don't stop reading to your children once they know how to read themselves. Though basic reading skills are acquired by fourth grade, children's listening skills develop at different levels.
5. Head for the liabrary. Get your children liabrary cards with their own names.
6. Start a childrens bookclub.
7. Help older children to find a series of books that they enjoy.
8. Set up a reading reward program.
9. Talk about what you and your child are reading.
10 Help your children to find books that they enjoy.

I found this article in an old Atlanta Parent Magazine dated back November 2010.

FREE! Disney Princess Phone Call

2011-09-08T11:19:00.001-04:00

Here is a wonderful FREE GIFT for your little one. Target is offering FREE CALLS FROM THE DISNEY PRINCESS of your choice.

Click on the link above, the site requires the parents birthday and phone number.
Step 1 Choose a character.
Step 2 Choose your message.
Step 3 Choose the time you would like the call placed.

Black History Fact of the Day

2011-02-04T15:48:00.001-05:00

C.B. Brooks invented the street sweeper in 1896.

A black man, Charles B. Brooks, invented a street sweeper truck and patented it on March 17, 1896. Historically, prior to Brooks' truck, streets were commonly cleaned by walking workers, picking up by hand or broom, or by horse-drawn machines. Brooks' truck had brushes attached to the front fender that pushed trash to the curb.

Thanks,

Worldsweeper.com for the info

Krispy Kreme

2011-02-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

Krispy Kreme is offering a really fun deal for Valentine’s Day.I stopped by Krispy Kreme this morning and took advantage of this deal. The cards are super cute and great for a teacher gift!! When you buy a dozen donuts, you will get a dozen Valentine cards for free coffee, hot chocolate, or a donut! Of course this is a while supplies last deal so head over now.

Check to see if your location Krispy Kreme is participating.

70% off Restaurant.com

2011-02-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

Restaurant.com is running 70% off when you use the code HEART at checkout. This is a great deal for Valentines day!!

A Room in A Box

2011-02-02T12:06:00.000-05:00

Windsor Smith is an award winning interior designer whose work has been featured in House Beautiful, Rue and many other design magazines. She is known for elegant interiors that are infused with modern sensibility. Windsor's latest concept, Room In A Box, allows a much larger audience access to her design expertise through this new online interior design service.

If you are in favor on Windsor Smith's design sensibilities then this is one for you. I think it is wonderful idea to get a personalized design for your space but at the same time you can search at your pace and budget to supply the pieces for your room. And if you are a good copy catter she has an online gallery with beautifully designed rooms.

The Tiger Mom

2011-02-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother you have to be living under a rock, it's the book that every blogger is blogging about and the book that every mother is talking about. I am reading the book with a group of Moms but my iPad crashed and until I figure out what is wrong with it I have been left with no choice but to read every blog I could find on the book. It is amazing to me how many of the "westerners" that have written with a great amount of distaste for her parenting style, yes I am one of those parents that always think of self esteem first before I make a decision in regards to my boys, so I am wondering will I join the band wagon of people wagging their finger at Amy Chua, Yale Law Professor and author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother? So if you are like me and have a huge itch that needs to be scratched by reading just what a Tiger Mother has to say or you haven't heard of the book here is a link to read an excerpt. here If you would like to listen to an 11 min. interview with Amy Chua you can listen here

Restaurant.com: 80% off Sale

2011-01-25T15:23:00.000-05:00

Get 80% off at restaurant.com using the code MEAL when you checkout. This deal is good through 1/31/11. You do have to spend money but this is a great way to save when you are eating out.

Master Your Sleep

2011-01-25T14:48:00.000-05:00

Many of you may follow Tracy Marks, MD's twitter feeds on Brownsugarkids.com parents blog. Now you can read her book, Master Your Sleep - Proven Methods Simplified. If your are a restless sleeper this is great book for you. The book is available through Amazon and has already received great reviews. Check out the reviews and order your copy here.

Free 1 Year Subscription to Digital Book Website!!

2011-01-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

MightyBookJr is an interactive learning website for grades k-6. It is usually $99 for a household membership, but if you put learntoread in the coupon code area, you get free membership. Go to http://www.mightybookjr.com/members/signup.php to sign up.

Free Child Safety Tattoo's

2010-05-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

This is a great freebie and it is just in time for summer vacations. Protection One is offering Free Child Safety Tattos for your children. Simply fill out their form and they will mail you a packet of "If I'm Lost Call......" temporary tattoos.

Amazing African Americans in History - Rosa Parks

2010-02-05T15:37:00.001-05:00

Rosa Parks

On December 21, 1956 the Supreme Court ruling was passed which banned segregation on the city's public transit vehicles.more

Amazing African Americans in History - Ruby Bridges

2010-02-05T15:30:00.001-05:00

Ruby Bridges

On the morning of her first day at William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Ruby Bridges' mother told her: "Now I want you to behave yourself today, Ruby, and don't be afraid." And Ruby and her mother went to the school, where so many people were outside, shouting and throwing things that the little girl thought it must be Mardi Gras. more

BSK sends out a BIG "Thank you", to 7 year old Jenise in Atlanta for bringing Ruby Bridges to our African Americans in History list.

African Americans in History - Marc Auguste

2010-02-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Marc Auguste

Inventor, Marc Auguste is a member of the Toronto chapter of the Inventor's Alliance of Canada. He is the inventor of a portable coin-organizing apparatus. more

28 Days of Black History Month

2010-02-02T14:12:00.001-05:00

I have been searching for activities and any information that I can introduce to my children to teach them information that may not be in their mainstream education. As I find information I will post it for you over the month. One site that I did find is Biography.com the web page has section called Celebrate Black History. Included in this area is a Black History Timeline that includes Events, Fast Facts and a Quiz on Phillis Wheatley, Nat Turner,
The Dred Scott Decision and more. The web page also has a game called Quoting Greatness Quiz. Log on and see how many quotes you can match to the person who first said it.
biography.com

Stanford Achievement Test Series

2010-01-28T23:39:00.000-05:00

It's almost that time of year again for standardized tests. Most school aged children starting at kindergarten will be taking one of many standardized test. For those of you whose children will be taking the Stanford Achievement Test here is a link with lots of useful information.

Extra Math Practice Just in Time for Standardize Testing

2010-01-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

Who: Roz's Math-a-rama

Where: http://www.eduplace.com/map

What: Website geared towards elemtary age kids grades K-6

BSK - Kids Reading!!!

2010-01-26T11:10:00.000-05:00

Racheal Sees Her Heart: Don't Stop Believing in GOD No Matter What!

My son's and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the book signing for this book. It was written by a very talented 2nd grader Rachael Graham. It is her first picture book and memoir read more about the book here.

Rachael Sees Her Heart is available on Amazon.

Morehouse Whiz Kid is Causing a Stir: 13-Year-Old Dominates College

2010-01-25T14:51:00.000-05:00

BSK Parents,

I found an inspiring article about Stephen Stafford a thirteen year old, who has a triple major in pre-med, math and computer science at Moore House College. As the mother of 2 boys this article brought chills to my skin, its a must read for all parents.

Brown Sugar Kids sends out a "BRAVO! BRAVO! to Stephen Stafford and his Mother.

read article

BSK on the Go!! in Atlanta

2010-01-25T14:27:00.000-05:00

Treasure Chest of Georgia Heroes

What: Children will celebrate Black History Month and will learn about Georgia's famous African-Americans.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday through February 12th, 2010; 11:30 a.m.
Where: Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Downtown (404-659-5437)

Good Deals at Publix starting 1/20 or 1/21

2010-01-20T13:16:00.000-05:00

There are a few great deals at Publix this week. The majority of the deals listed below are less than $1. To further enhance the deals available an online printable for each of the deals is listed below.

Things to remember:
1. You don't have to purchase two of the Buy One Get One items to get the advertised sale price. (this does not apply to Florida and Coastal Georgia)
2. If you purchase two of the Buy One Get One items be sure to use one coupon for each item.
3. Don't forget most Publix stores double coupons .50 or less. If you have any questions ask the Publix customer service rep. (this does not apply to Florida and Coastal Georgia)
4. You can print 2 coupons per computer.

Buy One Get One Deals at Publix
　
Quaker Instant Oatmeal, 10.9-16.2 oz, at $3.89 sale price $1.94 each-$1 off Quaker oatmeal printable (makes it 94¢)

Uncle Ben’s Country Inn Rice, 6 oz, at $1.49 sale price 74¢ each-$1/2 Uncle Ben’s Rice or printable (makes it 24¢)

Kraft, Seven Seas, or Good Seasons Dressing, 14-16 oz, at $3.19 sale price $1.59 each-$1.50/2 Kraft Dressings printable (makes it 84¢)

Nabisco Ritz Crackers, 7.5-16 oz, at $3.79 sale price $1.89 each-$2/2 Nabsico Crackers printable (IE) or printable (FF) (makes it 89¢)

Lysol Disinfectant All Purpose Cleaner, 40 oz, at $3.19 sale price $1.59 each-.50/1 Lysol All Purpose Cleaner SS 1/3 or printable (makes it 59¢)
　
Aveeno Baby Care sale price $3.79 each-$2 off Aveeno Baby Care printable
　
Lubriderm Lotion, 13.5-16 oz, sale price $5.99 each-$2 off Lubriderm Body Lotion SS 01/10 or printable
　
Pillsbury Crescent or Cinnamon Rolls, Breadsticks or Loaf, 8-13.9 oz can, sale price $1.66 each-.50/1 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls printable (IE) or printable (FF) (makes it 66¢)

Thanks, Southern Savers

Talking to our children about tragedy

2010-01-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

This morning as I walked my 7 year old into school I saw him greet one of his classmates. As they walked down the hallway together she turned to my son and asked him did he pray for Haiti? And he replied "yes, my mother told me about it yesterday". At that point I realized that my son, who to us seems as if we only brought him home from the hospital yesterday, is socially connected to the world through modern day technology. Our beautiful young children have so much to bear at such a young age, but at the same time it is good to see that we are arming them with the proper tools to sustain a God fearing & healthy disposition to what is one of the most devastating events that we will see in our lifetime.

I have put together a list of websites that we as parents can use as tools to speak to our children concerning tragedy.

PBS - Guide to discussing tragedy with your kids

PBS- Age by Age Insights

Talking to your Children About Disasters

CNN has a page devoted to the latest updates and a list of other organizations that are trying to assist Haiti specifically.

Here is a short list of groups raising aid for people affected by the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti.

1.) Grassroots International - you can make a secure donation through there website.

2.) Yele Haiti, a group established by musician Wyclef Jean, inspires change in Haiti through education, sports, and the arts. You can make a donation using your cell phone, text Yele to 501501 to donate $5 to the relief effort; the donation will show up on your cell phone bill.

3.) The Red Cross - is accepting donations through text message, text Haiti to 90999 to send $10.

4.) Doctors Without Borders (Medicins sans Frontieres) - Donations made today will immediately be directed to their Haiti Earthquake Response team; you can make a one-time donation using your credit or debit card here.

5.) UNICF - Allows you to make a one time donation through their website

6.) Western Union Western Union also is launching a "No Transfer Fee" pricing action for any amount sent to Haiti from the United States, Canada and France. The "No Transfer Fee" initiative will run for a period of seven days,

God Bless you all and especially lay hands on our Haitian Family and Friends.

President Obama's Statement on Haiti Earthquake

2010-01-14T13:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome Dr. Tracy Marks to BrownSugarKids!

2010-01-13T17:25:00.000-05:00

To ring in the New Year and help us to maintain daily positive affirmations, BrownSugarKids.com will follow Dr. Tracy Marks’ twitter feed. This is an exciting new feature for BSK Parents. Check back daily to BSK to join her conversation.

Let's start the New Year off with FREE!!

2010-01-13T16:45:00.000-05:00

Click here to receive a FREE Lego Club Magazine Subscription.