Silks Play

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

February 9, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert 1 Comment

We had a break in the wintry weather, and I was all:

GO GO GO!

We rushed to the park to enjoy the sun and warmth after dismal weeks of clouds, snow, and rain.

We brought play silks and played in the woodsy playground, making forts, pretending, and being loud.

This is an advantage to being homeschooled.

We can rush off in the middle of the day whenever the mood strikes, to take advantage of the sunlight, and play at a vacant park in the middle of the day, while many other children are stuck indoors, sitting at desks in classrooms…

We can finish our lessons later, when the clouds roll in.

The wind whipped our silks like flags. The kids loved pretending pirates and fighting on the high seas.

Tori liked feeling the silks blow across her face.

Alex liked hiding behind the silks.

Kate really just wanted to wear the silks like a cape.

Even Liz got in on the play a bit. At fourteen, she often thinks it’s beneath her to participate in playtime.

We noticed the light and wind. We reveled in being outdoors on a warm winter day.

Then they had to run wild in the field. Of course.

Alex loves his rainbow silk and this little hill.

Pretend play is so important.

We greatly encourage imaginative play around here. We read lots and lots and lots of books. I ask many questions, making sure my kids think. I’m trying really hard to allow for more art time and messy play. I know these things are significant for healthy brain development and well-rounded children.

Every day, I try to balance lesson time with free time, to encourage creativity and imagination.

I strive to ensure there is plenty of free play time. And sometimes, I have to encourage my kids in their unstructured play.

The girls love playing with the silk scarves, holing up in their room, hiding from their little brother, making loom jewelry and playing with their dolls.

The kids made this fort about a month ago, playing games and reading under afghans.

I love the impromptu fort they made on their own.

Fort play is a fun break from homeschooling.

Pin1

1 Shares

You might also like:

Great Books for Writers

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

February 4, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert 12 Comments

Many of my friends are writers and bloggers.

My daughter is growing into a writer and artist.

NaNoWriMo is great for kids and young writers! We are including a creative writing credit on her homeschool high school transcript.

It’s sometimes helpful to read from successful writers – a pep talk, how they became successful, or just their fun biography.

Sometimes we suffer from writer’s block and need inspiration to keep going. We never, ever call this procrastinating. It’s research!

I love this Writer’s Prayer:

Oh Lord, let me not be one of those who writes too much;
who spreads himself too thinly with his words,
diluting all the things he has to say,
like butter spread too thinly over toast,
or watered milk in some worn-out hotel;
but let me write the things I have to say,
and then be silent, ’til I need to speak.
Oh Lord, let me not be one of those who writes too little;
a decade-man between each tale, or more,
where every word accrues significance
and dread replaces joy upon the page.
Perfectionists like chasing the horizon;
You kept perfection, gave the rest to us,
so let me earn the wisdom to move on.
But over and above those two mad spectres of parsimony and profligacy,
Lord, let me be brave, and let me, while I craft my tales, be wise:
let me say true things in a voice that is true,
and, with the truth in mind, let me write lies.
~Neil Gaiman (listen to him read it here)

My TOP 10 favorite books for writers:

1. On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King

I love the humor and real life stories. It’s always fun to know the beginnings of a famour writer and how he came to success.

2. You Are a Writer by Jeff Goins

Great inspirational calls to action. These books make you want to be a better person and not just a better writer.

3. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Raw, intelligent, realistic writing advice mingled with poignant stories of her life.

4. The Elements of Style, Annotated and Updated for Present-Day Use by William Strunk, Jr.

Every writer needs to know this stuff. Period.

5. Conversations with a Writing Coach by Susan May Warren

Easy to follow advice with an actionable plan to write a novel.

6. Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle

Great thoughts on being a Christian artist.

7. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Great exercises on writing and how to live life to the fullest, based on her writing courses.

8. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing by William Zinsser

How to write nonfiction well.

9. Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity by Ray Bradbury

It’s by Ray Bradbury. Need I say more?

10. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield (all his books are great!)

Succeed despite all the Resistance.

11. Writing to Change the World: An Inspiring Guide for Transforming the World with Words by Mary Pipher

Words are the most powerful tools at our disposal. With them, writers have saved lives and taken them, brought justice and confounded it, started wars and ended them. Writers can change the way we think and transform our definitions of right and wrong.

Writing to Change the World is a beautiful paean to the transformative power of words. Encapsulating Mary Pipher’s years as a writer and therapist, it features rousing commentary, personal anecdotes, memorable quotations, and stories of writers who have helped reshape society. It is a book that will shake up readers’ beliefs, expand their minds, and possibly even inspire them to make their own mark on the world.

12. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Julia Cameron takes readers on an amazing twelve-week journey to discover the inextricable link between their spiritual and creative selves. This groundbreaking program includes:

– Introductions to two of Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery–The Morning Pages and The Artist Date
– Hundreds of highly effective exercises and activities
– Guidance on starting a “Creative Cluster” of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors

Do you have any favorite books or tips about writing?

Check out some great resources for writing: Follow Jennifer Lambert’s board Writing on Pinterest.

Pin22

22 Shares

You might also like:

10 Things I Want to Tell My Children

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

February 2, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert 4 Comments

You know, I don’t care if you read the 50 Shades books or watch the movies.

We can still be friends.

I shared an article the other day and got lots of criticism. Some of the comments shocked me a tiny bit; most saddened me.

I have high standards. I didn’t always. I pray that my children maintain high standards for their entertainment and every other aspect of their lives.

I discuss books and movies with my teen daughter. She knows they exist and I wanted to hear her thoughts and explain my stance. My younger girls don’t know much about these things yet. My son is oblivious.

I haven’t read the Grey series. I don’t plan ever to watch the movies.

But I have read erotica and viewed pornography before. I know what to expect.

We’re in a battle for the souls of our children.

I know I want no part in any of that now.

Our society glorifies and protects sexual predators. I have to counteract that by protecting and teaching my children.

10 Things I Want to Tell My Daughters and Son

What I want my children to know about sexuality:

1. Sex isn’t bad.

Our culture sends mixed messages about sex:

“Men, go for it!”

“Women, don’t be sluts!”

And the Christian culture demands purity while turning a blind eye to sin.

I am no prude.

I wasn’t a real Christian until my late 20s when I already had a child and two divorces under my belt.

Am I proud of my sin? Am I ashamed? I am forgiven and I learned from my mistakes. Those experiences are a part of my past and made me who I am today.

Sex is a beautiful thing within a monogamous loving marriage.

I refuse to allow the media to educate my children about sex.

2. People should be respected.

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Let the Spirit guide you.

Respect yourself and others.

Always be kind. Have self-control.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

We should walk with dignity and grant dignity to all others.

Sex should never be demeaning, degrading, or shaming. That is abuse.

A married couple should be in agreement and glorify God in all they do, including sex.

You shouldn’t have to hide away from prying eyes to read, watch, or do anything.

Integrity equals respect.

3. Be careful, little eyes, what you see.

You can never un-remember or un-see pornography.

It perverts and twists what healthy sex should be. It creates an impossible standard for humans to attain in the bedroom. It can become an addiction. Don’t allow false images to have that power over you.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Because there might be people who look up to you and you don’t want to disappoint them or lead them astray by a poor decision.

You don’t want to be compared to those false images.

4. Cause not a man to stumble.

Don’t do anything you might be ashamed of – especially if your parents, pastor, teacher, siblings, friends, or whoever is a role model or thinks of you as a role model – sees you doing something wrong.

The New York Times Test – Would you be proud of yourself if this were on the front page and everyone in the world saw this spotlighted? In today’s instant world, would you want this shared on Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, etc.?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10: 31-33

Do you want to be the bad example, confusing those who might be weaker in their faith journey than you?

Don’t compromise.

Be aware of how others might interpret your language or behavior.

5. Maintain personal integrity for yourself and a future spouse.

Viewing or reading pornography is etched in your mind forever. Just like any intimate experiences you may have with someone.

I shared my first marriage with Satan and all those other women he had been with and watched in videos or online or in shops…and all the other men I had known. It ruined us.

There’s nothing like the searing jealousy of an imagined memory.

Purity is so much more than just staying a virgin until your wedding night.

It’s about keeping your mind, heart, body, and soul focused on Christ.

You need to learn who you are as an individual in the body of Christ and your role as His royal line – without distractions – before you join together with a spouse in marriage.

I do pray you never have ugly memories to mar the beauty of sex within marriage.

6. There’s a state of depravity in the world.

The world will block our advances and it will try to confuse us and it will criticize us and it will tell us we’re wrong.

People will make bizarre accusations when you stand up for what’s right.

It’s very difficult to be in the world and not of the world.

Many think they’re safe, limiting their entertainment to Christian music and movies and wholesome books.

Just because media has that Christian label doesn’t mean it has anything to do with Christ.

It’s a delicate balance and a fine line. When people who claim they’re Christian do things completely out of character, it’s difficult to reconcile that.

Stand strong.

When Christians glorify pornography or erotica or rubbish entertainment with all their excuses in the name of individuality and freedom, Satan is thrilled for his victory.

7. You don’t have to follow everyone else.

Don’t give in to peer pressure. Yes, it’s very uncomfortable. You might lose friends.

You will get stronger.

It will get harder before it gets easier. It’s even that much harder still when Christians do the wrong thing.

I spent too many years finding myself – my voice, my convictions, my beliefs. The hypocrisy I see in the church confused me and it was very hard to learn the correct path. It sometimes still is.

I hope I have given you a strong foundation, a moral and biblical education that you have a good jumping off point for being a productive, high-functioning, fruitful citizen and Christian.

8. You’re not the Holy Spirit.

Everyone argues that Christians are too judgmental. Even Christians misuse Holy Scripture, taking it out of context, claiming we should not judge others. Ever.

There’s a big difference between judging someone for a difference of opinion and judging a Christian for committing sin. We are called to be iron sharpening iron in Proverbs 27:17. Yes, it’s very hard to confront a sinner in love and grace – and tact. Just because I’ve sinned doesn’t mean I can’t recognize it in someone else and try to lift them up out of it.

Never Look Down on Someone Unless You're Helping Them Up

Are you confused about the difference between righteous judgment and a holier than thou attitude?

I have little respect for Christians or almost any adult who is not constantly trying to improve and personally grow.

Some will complain that no one that can judge them because we’re all sinners – or that this sin is different, less, worse, than that sin, so they can’t be judged.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ~Maya Angelou

Always learn and always improve.

9. Be discerning.

Wisdom is not knowing all things. You don’t need to read or watch garbage to tell others to avoid it. You don’t have to experience everything. Don’t fall into that freedom trap. You’re freer in Christ than you’ll ever be, claiming freedom in individuality. Don’t act like a spoiled brat, demanding to do whatever you want.

Avoid evil. Be aware of it, but avoid it.

Learn to recognize that still, small voice – your conscience, that twinge of warning, that gut feeling – and remove yourself from a dangerous situation.

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16
Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luke 10:3

Some people will attempt to balance their sin with their good works. Just because they do good things, charitable works…it doesn’t negate or redeem their sin.

Steer clear of toxic people.

10. You will make mistakes.

You will have regrets.

You will damage yourself and relationships. Some people won’t forgive you and you’ll have to live with that. Try to forgive yourself and others. That’s even harder.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Jesus is our Redeemer.

I’ve made gazillions of mistakes, some miniscule and some life-threatening. I am no better or worse than anyone else. I am just really, really experienced – and forgiven.

I pray that you learn well and soon from your mistakes.

I pray they are mostly little itty bitty mistakes and that your life is super boring with no drama but that you take amazingly huge risks for God.

I know that’s an oxymoron.

Anytime we love and live for Christ, we sacrifice.

When we worship on the altar of sex there will be harsh consequences.

I will always love you, no matter what.

You might also like:

In the Trenches - Protect Your Kids From App and Internet Misuse

Pin37

37 Shares

You might also like:

Parenting Doesn’t End

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 28, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I understand that sometimes we long for the freedom to do what we want, without kids. But it’s not like there’s an actual end date for parenting. That’s not the goal.

Stop saying that parenting ends when the child is eighteen.

Sure, we joke that the kids will get their very own luggage set on their 18th birthday. They should work or go to college or training. They won’t be able to just loaf around, doing nothing productive, mooching off us.

Joking like this is abusive.

Parenting doesn’t just end.

Grown don’t mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What’s that suppose to mean? In my heart it don’t mean a thing.
― Toni Morrison, Beloved

The parent-child relationship should change – gradually through the teen years – through to adulthood. We as parents should offer more freedom and responsibility in a safety net environment, teaching and coaching until the child is mature enough to fly on her own.

Parenting young adults is challenging.

And then we have to let go.

Sure, our children will fail sometimes. They will learn from those mistakes. And we can pray they don’t do anything too stupid that they can’t easily recover from. They must learn how to apologize and make amends.

But the nest should always be available for periods of rest and restoration.

Love should be an open door.

We as parents should be available as guides and coaches to our young adult children. Most kids don’t complete their brain development until around age 25.

How many of us were ready to be adults at age eighteen? How many of us were responsible and mature? Yet we expect so much of our kids in this scary, changing world we live in. It’s too much.

I stumbled and fell, with scraped knees and hemorrhaging heart, too many times until I reached “maturity.” And I still fail and struggle as a wife and mom.

Discipling children is a huge responsibility. It is exhausting.

Dragging four kids to the grocery store on a busy afternoon or on a 6-hour road trip isn’t really my idea of fun and relaxation. I do it to teach them and give them (hopefully) fond memories of a life well lived and well traveled.

Some days, when they argue with each other or complain about the dinner I worked so hard on, I want to give up.

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love never fails!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love never ends.

I get too easily discouraged by wet towels on the floor and the never-ending crumbs under the table.

Some days, I do imagine an empty nest, the freedom it will surely bring when I can sleep in, eat a hot breakfast without having to share, go to the bathroom alone…

When I can look back on these days, reminiscing the bittersweet victories and failings while struggling not to be a selfish mom. Self-care is always a struggle.

As the children grow into tweens, teens, young adults and need me less and less, I get a glimpse into what our future as friends might look like.

Parenting never ends.

Resources:

Doing Life with Your Adult Children by Jim Burns
Parenting Your Emerging Adult: Launching Kids From 18 to 29 by Varda Konstam
Recovering My Kid: Parenting Young Adults in Treatment and Beyond by Joseph Lee
How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Fledge: Launching Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind by Brenda Yoder
18 Plus: Parenting Your Emerging Adult by Stephen Argue
Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children by Allison Bottke
The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare

How do you let go?

Pin24

24 Shares

You might also like:

Prague with Kids

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 26, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert 1 Comment

We fell in love with Prague.

We love the food, the beer, the architecture.

It’s magical, even in the bitter cold of late November.

Everyone speaks perfect English. Even the little bit of Czech I rushed to learn and the app I downloaded didn’t matter. I didn’t need it.

We arrived in Prague Thanksgiving evening.

We stayed at Hotel U Medvídků Brewery. It was absolutely delightful. Complimentary mug of house beer upon check-in! The keys are mini beer barrels. The kids stayed in an amazing loft room. The breakfast buffet was the stuff of dreams. We parked our minivan right outside and paid the hotel desk clerk each day. There were also parking garages available.

First night:

We went straight to the bridge.

We trekked across the Charles Bridge several times during our weekend. It’s so beautiful!

We walked across the bridge since that seemed to be where the crowds were going.

We were cold, tired, and hungry after a long day of being in the car.

We came across the 3+3+3 restaurant and had delightful, simple Czech food – schnitzel, pečená kachna (duck leg), this crazy delicious walnut chicken.

I much prefer Czech cuisine to German! I love the schnitzel and sauerkraut in Prague!

The kids crashed back at the hotel and Aaron and I tried the brew pub at the hotel and went to bed.

Prague is the birthplace of beer.

I had a lovely special 25th anniversary edition beer (For the 25th anniversary of the Prague Spring). Aaron had the 1466. We didn’t especially care for that one.

Second Day:

We walked across Charles Bridge again in daylight and took lots of pictures of all the saints.

Then we walked back to Old Town Square.

We saw the Astronomical Clock. It’s a bit disappointing.

A lovely British couple took our family picture.

We walked through the Church of Our Lady in front of Týn. It was just gorgeous.

So much to see in Old Town Square!

I love the Jan Huss monument.

I absolutely LOVED the Jewish Quarter.

We toured museums and synagogues. Pictures weren’t allowed. It was very emotional to see the names of people in the camps during WWII. One room showed an exhibit of children’s art from Terezin. The ancient Jewish cemetery was really interesting.

The clock is in Hebrew and moves backwards:

The synagogue where the Golem legend began:

The girls loved the windows and said the building looks like it’s watching us:

We had a lovely meal at Café Lamberty. The best spinach soup ever!

We took a rest in the afternoon. We walked a lot and were so exhausted. We ventured back out. It got dark about 4:30, so that didn’t help our bodies feel very awake.

Alex’s favorite part of the entire trip? The pretty Erpet Crystal store. We did love all these art tea sets.

We happened to time it perfectly to witness the tree lighting for the grand opening of the Christmas market!

We all fell in love with chimney cakes!

We dropped the kids off at the hotel and ordered them some dinner from the accompanying restaurant.

Then we took off to explore.

Aaron and I absolutely loved the Pivovar U Fleků. We sat in the Velký sál (Large Hall).

They leave a little tab on the table and mark it with how many beers and shots you get. Good thing we walked!

I had beer cheese. It was ah-may-zing!

Aaron and I wandered around Wenceslas Square and admired the Christmas market and statue of St. Wenceslas.

Last day:

We took the street trolley up to Prague Castle. We were much more cheerful without having to hike all that way.

St. Vitus Cathedral is breathtaking.

The lighting was so dim inside the palaces and some didn’t allow photography.

The kids loved the armory and The Golden Lane. We bought some lovely Christmas ornaments as souvenirs.

On the return trip, we got off the trolley at St. Nicholas church, before the Charles Bridge.

Katie and I really loved the graffiti at the Lennon Wall.

We had fancy traditional Bohemian food at the Pension U Tri Houslicek (The Three Fiddles).

Liz got lamb and I got venison. Tori got the delectable Svickova na smetane (Beef in Sour Cream Sauce).

We walked back all over the Jewish Quarter to find this one little antique shop where I had seen this lovely crystal set.

And Aaron bought it for me.

After we dropped the kids off to bed, Aaron and I finally found Kafka.

Then we trekked down to see the Powder Gate. We found the Café de Paris.

Loved the art deco and history at Café de Paris! I imagined I was chatting with artists and writers.

We did a lot in a weekend! I’d love to go back and see more. And eat.

The kids talk about going back to Prague in the summer. We all just loved it and made wonderful memories!

Tip: Don’t bother going to U Zlatéhp Tygra. They don’t really like tourists. They blocked our entrance and waved at us and shook their heads “no” until we left.

We drove our minivan and parked outside the hotel. It’s about 5 hours from Ramstein and bout 6.5 hours from Spangdahlem.

Pin1

1 Shares

You might also like:

Our Curriculum for 2009-2010

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 25, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Our last year in Hawaii was super fun. We finally felt familiar with the island and experienced lots of great field trips.

Our Curriculum for 2009-2010

4th Grade:

Story of the World Book 3
Singapore Math
Apologia Science

Liz got to stay overnight on the USS Missouri. It was the same weekend I gave birth to her brother Alex.

Liz took piano lessons, sang in a choir, did soccer, ran track.

The girls started doing some preschool.

0 Shares

You might also like:

Our Curriculum for 2008-2009

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 25, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

Living in Hawaii was like a dream, but we had to still live in reality. I had to cook, clean, care for the toddlers, and find exciting ways to homeschool my daughter.

Our Curriculum for 2008-2009

Story of the World Book 3
Singapore Math
Apologia Science – Botany

She attended the base school for one month – October/November. She quit before Thanksgiving.

Her teacher yelled and criticized and left her alone during recess in the trailer as punishment. She developed anxiety and stomach pains. She was threatened by another student during a field trip. They did no science, history, or language that month. It was just random worksheet packets.

We met a Tuskegee Airman.

We visited Pearl Harbor memorials.

There were homeschool opera field trips, dress rehearsals that were free for students.

Liz played soccer, tried tennis lessons, and took piano lessons. We went whale watching. We explored the islands. She won Jump Rope for Heart. She won an art contest and writing contest! She began track.

There were times when Liz had to attend events alone or with her dad. I had to stay home with the two toddlers.

0 Shares

You might also like:

Our Curriculum for 2007-2008

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 25, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

We moved to Hawaii after homeschooling for two years in San Antonio, Texas. We continued to homeschool while we lived on Hickam AFB.

It was our third year homeschooling.

We joined a history co-op.

We played in the ocean and explored the islands.

Our Curriculum for 2007-2008

Story of the World Book 2
Singapore Math
Apologia Science – Astronomy

We did a time lapse tide demonstration to show the high and low.

We met the artist Wyland and got an autographed print.

Liz learned to ride her bike.

Liz learned hula, performed in theater, and went to soccer camp.

I tried to provide Liz with lots of variety. Her sisters were babies and came with us almost everywhere. It was an eventful year!

0 Shares

You might also like:

Are You Always Sick?

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 22, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert Leave a Comment

I see the complaints on social media all the time.

The sickness runs ‘round a family, seemingly over and over again.

Constant illness. Especially this time of year.

Strep again.

Fever again.

Colds again.

Allergies again.

Does it seem like you’re always battling illness?

It doesn’t have to be this way.

As a mom, I want my family to be as healthy as possible. And I certainly don’t want to get sick because then, it all falls apart.

Five questions to ask yourself if you’re sick all the time:

1. What kind of toothpaste do you use?

Have you read the labels on your toothpaste?

Do you see where it says to call poison control if ingested? And you want to continue putting that in your mouth?! You want your kids using that in their mouths?

Try switching to a natural toothpaste and see if that makes a difference. We’ve switched to natural dental care for about a year now and our mouths have never been healthier!

Is it time to get new toothbrushes? Lots of bacteria live on those!

If you have recurring strep, for instance, throw out your toothbrushes and get new ones! The bathroom counter is probably one of the most unsanitary places to store toothbrushes anyway.

Also? Run toothbrushes through the dishwasher or rinse with rubbing alcohol at least weekly.

This is an easy and frugal fix.

2. Do you get enough sleep?

Sleep is so important, but it seems to be the first thing to go when we’re stressed or busy.

Many families run ragged with activities and that makes it difficult to get enough rest. I know that’s our season this month!

Getting up early for work and school, then rushing to classes and lessons, hurrying through dinner, struggling to complete homework, late to bed. Then insomnia from stress and a hectic lifestyle.

It’s a vicious cycle.

It’s much healthier limiting activities and slowing down. Make sure the kids get enough sleep. Early to bed and early to rise and all that.

Institute a rest time midday when all activity must be silent – no screens or movement.

Downtime is good. Boredom is good. Constant activity is not good.

Our bodies need rest. Kids who are growing need rest.

Stress also weakens the immune system.

3. What kind of household cleaners do you use?

Many respiratory illnesses and allergies are exacerbated by common commercial household cleaners.

Look in your cabinets and read the labels. Can you pronounce any of the ingredients? Do you know what the ingredients are? Do you know if they’re making you sick?

We exclusively use cleaners with essential oils, vinegar, and baking soda. Simple. Frugal. And if I wanted to? I could eat it. It’s that safe.

Also, the chemicals in many laundry products are highly allergenic. We switched to all-natural laundry soap and often make our own and we’re much happier and healthier with the results.

Open the windows (even in the cold for a few minutes) and get some houseplants to freshen your indoor air.

Diffuse essential oils. Those chemical air fresheners and candles irritate mucous membranes and might be extending your illness and making allergies worse.

4. What do you eat?

Margarine? Canola oil? Try switching to real butter and olive oil or coconut oil.

Sugar isn’t good for you. Fake sugar is even worse.

Processed foods? Try cutting down and eating more real food.

Do you eat out a lot? It’s often hard to know the ingredients in restaurant food. I usually feel bloated and sick when I eat out.

Calories aren’t the same. Eat for nutrition and not to just feel full.

Try cooking simple homemade. It’s really not that difficult to add in a home cooked meal a few times a week instead of takeout or processed. It saves us money too! This way, I can maintain my anti inflammatory lifestyle.

Add probiotics like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut into your diet.

Make sure to drink enough water!

We like the real food menus from eMeals.com to get started.

5. Is your home {or life} too sterile?

We’re told to wash our hands constantly and hand sanitizer is available everywhere.

Did you know hand sanitizer is essentially worthless? Is it even really necessary?

We build up immunity when we’re exposed to germs. And hand sanitizer is helping to create superbugs.

I encourage my kids to play in the dirt and go barefoot outside where it’s safe.

Our kids don’t take baths every night. {gasp!} We make sure to wash hands and faces with probiotic soap, but bodies and hair need our natural oils to keep our skin healthy and help fight infection.

Antibiotics often don’t work well. And many illnesses would be better left alone. We can treat symptoms naturally with home remedies and food.

If you use antibiotics for any reason, you’re removing all the bacteria – good and bad. Make sure you replenish with probiotics – yogurt, kefir, kombucha.

Staying healthy is important so we don’t miss school, work, and other important events.

You can make some simple lifestyle changes to ward off illness.

Resources:

Pin41

41 Shares

You might also like:

The Dirty Dozen Apps

This blog may contain affiliate links: disclosure.
Please see my suggested resources.

January 21, 2015 By Jennifer Lambert 13 Comments

Some reality in the trenches of homeschooling and parenting.

Just because we proclaim to be Christians. Just because we teach with Bible stories and scripture. Just because we attend church and Sunday school regularly as a family.

It doesn’t mean we don’t have struggles.

I admit that I am jealous of seeing all the idyllic social media statuses and blog posts of teenagers who are doing amazing things, giving of themselves to the world, helping around the house, teaching younger siblings as role models.

We don’t really have that.

Despite all the “Raising Servant Leaders” and parenting books and webinars and blog posts and implementing this and that positive parenting method…

It seems like wishful thinking.

There’s been a gap somewhere with our eldest.

I think the breakdown began years ago, online.

It escalated last summer, with G+ communities.

When SciFi Goes Bad

I began encouraging her to have more freedom. I felt that G+ was a lesser of the social media evils.

I wasn’t ready to introduce her to Facebook. She doesn’t have a smartphone, so Instagram wasn’t an option.

She began writing for the blog and I started to teach her about blogging. I know some other bloggers whose teens are VAs in training and this was our goal.

I monitored her online use but respected her privacy. She joined some teen and homeschool communities. She circled some other homeschool teens.

She liked geeky and Sci-Fi RPG with Marvel and Doctor Who characters. I assumed this was harmless. She was writing fan fiction. All seemed well.

Her behavior became quite erratic and hormonal episodes escalated.

I figured it was the stress of moving and all the ups and downs of being in limbo, living on the road and in TLF for over a month.

I wish it had been just that. I could’ve easily handled that.

I could even handle drugs. Those are tangible monsters I can see.

The RPG groups became a portal into other worlds that I didn’t know existed (and I know about quite a lot).

If you browse the G+ teen communities, you will notice some of the images are very erotic, with girls using expressions and poses I’d rather not see.

The depravity of our society’s teens are laid out in the titles and descriptions of these communities.

The requests in these communities for hookups, Snapchat, TikTok, Tinder…all the newest apps.

I want my kids to have nothing to do with predatory technology.

This is a brave, new world.

Nothing like the hot tub chat rooms on America Online in the mid ’90s. Even at their worst, those were tame compared to the chats in these communities.

All the Google products linked to an email account are a hassle to disconnect. We had to delete several Gmail accounts to make a clean break and I have a nagging suspicion we are still drowning in uncharted waters.

We had long discussions. We prayed. We had medical checkups for endocrine levels to rule out a physical disorder. We made agreements. We compromised. We explained. There were tears.

It had become an addiction.

She still created several new online profiles without permission – with detailed imaginary information and a false image. The conversations I read when she sneaked onto my iPhone seared my eyeballs. I can’t unremember them.

We repeated the discussions and prayers.

She had absolutely no online presence whatsoever {that I know about}. Until she can heal and learn and follow some guidelines.

Girls are just as susceptible to pornography as boys. Be aware.

It was a downward spiral. Her defiance knew no bounds. She refused to complete schoolwork or chores. She got angry one night and ran barefoot out in the snow and refused to come in for half an hour. She wanted to be emancipated.

It was withdrawal from an online addiction.

I considered enrolling her in school to ease the stress on everyone at home. I fear potential legal consequences. The one time she attended a 6th grade math class for one week during summer at a public school, we received a visit from CPS.

But I don’t want to set her up for failure. What if she’s truant? I can’t imagine the consequences for her and me. I went back and forth, weighing the pros and cons of sending her to school. I was at my wit’s end, witnessing this tear my family apart.

We’re not out of the woods yet.

And it’s not about having more filters. It’s not about control and monitoring. It’s about relationship and discussion, working together for Internet safety. It’s about staying educated about what is popular, available, and potentially misused.

We set up a code while she learned appropriate Internet use. She asked for help learning self-control online and with screen time.

There are always dangers with Internet use. It’s up to me as a mom to be aware and diligent to protect my kids.

There are plenty of apps that are just temptation for cyber bullying and inappropriate use. People can use all the ample technology available to corrupt our children. Many of these sites link with Facebook, Twitter, and other mainstream social media. Many apps and sites are location aware and offer users anonymity. And did you know that in 2013 – 78% of teens have a cell phone, and almost half (47%) of those are smartphones! Kids are well aware and able to get around any policing apps and hack into accounts without parents knowing. There are always ways around it.

The Dirty Dozen Apps I never want my kids to use:

Many of these apps were designed for adults, for adult entertainment. Kids aren’t even supposed to use them. Some apps were supposed to be harmless communication devices that have been used inappropriately – in bullying and other cyber crimes. All technology has the potential for misuse. Just be aware of what your kids and their friends are doing online. Keep conversations open. Some of these apps are no longer available.

1. Ask.fm

A Q&A site with very questionable content. Has recently been linked to cases of cyber bullying.

2. YikYak

Location-based, within a 1.5 mile radius for anonymous gossip. Just a mess waiting to happen. No longer active.

3. Down

This is a hookup service for one-night stands. Anonymous and location-aware.

4. Omegle

Anonymous text and video chat with strangers.

5. Voxer

Location-aware chatting service. Can send group messages. No way of verifying accounts, so this is target for cyber bullying or other inappropriateness. Also watch out for Yo and WhatsApp and Oovoo.

6. Tinder

This is a location-based hookup app.

7. ChatRoulette

Combine the randomness of a game of roulette with spontaneous anonymous video chat. With this app, you don’t know who they’ll pair you with or what they might show you.

8. Vine

Make and share gifs with messaging ability. Location-aware. Anything can be searched. Monitor carefully. Mostly defunct. Check out similar issues on TikTok.

9. SnapChat

Picture messages can be sent that last only ten seconds. Opens the door for embarrassing or inappropriate photos. Receivers can take screenshots and use wherever. Also Slingshot is similar.

10. Kik

Limitless app-based texting, and photo/file sharing. Privacy settings make it difficult to see history. Many public accounts with many followers show “kik me!” in comments – scary! Links to OinkText.

11. 9GAG

Image sharing. Not moderated. Anything goes.

12. Whisper

Anonymous “confessions” that tend to be quite inappropriate. And there’s a “meetup” section.

Discuss these apps with your kids.

Know which accounts are connected and make sure personal information is not available to strangers online. Make sure they understand the dangers. “Delete” doesn’t mean permanence. Discuss possible scenarios and consequences with texting and sending images and videos. Monitor privacy settings and block strangers and bullies.

I worry my kids use Wanelo or Pinterest or Polyvore. Sites like these just create discontent and the tendency to feel “less than.” I can barely handle those feelings myself after scrolling through Pinterest, so how can I expect a tween or teen who is less mature to be able to stave off the temptation? And even the ever-popular Instagram can be misused. Check out this article and pay attention to that “Explore” option!

We also do not like Roblox or Minecraft. Anything interactive has potential problems and I have heard horror stories of kids being solicited for or stumbling upon inappropriate activity through these sites.

Be aware of what your kids are doing online.

We must be super diligent to keep them safe.

And this is not about prohibiting Internet use. It isn’t about control. My kids have lots of freedom. We have plenty of discussions about online safety. We all have lots of screentime.

Updates:

At 16 , she has social media accounts. She learned her lesson about Internet safety and talks often to her younger siblings about being safe online.

At age 18, she became an advocate for her younger siblings online and with social media.

Resources:

American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers by Nancy Jo Sales
Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap by Carrie James
Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle
It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens by danah boyd
iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy–and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood–and What That Means for the Rest of Us by Jean M. Twenge, PhD
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit by Richard Louv
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross
Hands Free Life: Nine Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better, and Loving More by Rachel Macy Stafford
Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! by Rachel Macy Stafford

Pin6

6 Shares

You might also like: