March 2013
1 post
Keep Kids Safe Books, self-help skills for kids
I am reading volume one in the self-help skill books for middle school kids. The kids who helped me write these books are all adults now. They have a range of occupations. Some are teachers, prison guards, lawyers, and many have children of their own. Our lives have changed since we first started the Keep Kids Safe Books. Today we have two of the four books on amazon kindle….The other...
November 2012
1 post
10 tags
Kids deserve....
Kids deserve…to know how it feels to be a kid, instead of missing out because the adults in their lives are emotionally younger than they are…to experience levels of support that match the expectations that are placed upon them…the best role models that inspire and motivate them to become the best they can be…to not go to bed hungry, scared, or homeless…to be...
May 2012
1 post
5 tags
What kids are hungry for....
Kids are hungry and not just for food.
I recently met with a group of young people, ages 10 to 17.
Here is their list of things some of them are starving for:
more support and less criticisms for creative expressions
adults who know how to listen and help them feel safe
less conflict, drama, and stress from the adults in their lives
spiritual nourishment
better examples from their adult...
March 2012
1 post
6 tags
no win situations for kids....truth and lies
Truth….Kids want to succeed.
Lie…Every adult with good intentions has skills to match.
Truth…Kids deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe.
Lie…Every kid knows that every adult who is good to them is not necessarily good for them.
Truth…Kids are always effective when it comes to helping other kids.
Lie…Kids can tell their parents and teachers...
January 2012
4 posts
4 tags
Kids who teach adults...
Last week I went fishing. I took three little girls with me. Obviously, I did not go to catch fish. We went for the adventure of sitting on the pier with our simple bamboo poles surrounded by seasoned fishermen with their expensive rod and reels. We watched as fish jumped out of the water and hoped they would find their way to our teeny tiny hooks baited with fresh shrimp.
We got excited...
http://www.keepkidssafebooks.com →
6 tags
Did u used to be a grumpy kid?
Remember when…your allowance depended on the generosity of the tooth fairy? …your best books were read in the dark, under the covers with a flashlight? …life took on a whole new meaning with the next new pair of roller skates?… movies were a quarter and popcorn was fifteen cents? … TV had only three channels?
Remember when…your best books were comic books and...
6 tags
Did u used to be a grumpy kid?
Remember when…your allowance depended on the generosity of the tooth fairy? …your best books were read in the dark, under the covers with a flashlight? …life took on a whole new meaning with the next new pair of roller skates?… movies were a quarter and popcorn was fifteen cents? … TV had only three channels?
Remember when…your best books were comic books and...
November 2011
5 posts
6 tags
the spirit of truth...in season every season
truth….Shopping during the Holiday Season is not an excuse to be rude, impatient, or
grumpy.
lie…Every kid wants what money cannot buy.
truth…Every kid needs what money cannot buy. Love, safety, and the confidence that comes with growing up feeling cherished, are a few.
lie…These are easy gifts for all parents to give their children.
truth…Hard to give others...
6 tags
truth and lies...progress vs perfection and the...
truth…The ten year old who lives with me says she loves being her age because she is so close to being a teenager.
lie…Being a teenager is the answer to all our problems.
another lie…When I was a teenager, I had no problems.
truth…I grew up looking forward to being a grown up.
lie….It was everything I hoped it would be and less. lol
truth…I can still be...
6 tags
truth and lies...holidays, turkeys, and happy...
truth….Not everyone wants to eat Turkey for Thanksgiving.
lie…My Holiday feasts are unforgettable.
truth…I have redefined how I choose to celebrate holidays by lowering my expectations.
lie…The results are gratifying for everyone.
truth…Happy families are grateful just to be together.
lie…All families who get together are happy.
truth…To have a great...
5 tags
more truth and lies, parenting, teaching, being...
Truth…I have the best of intentions when it comes to parenting and teaching.
Lie…My skills are equal to my intentions.
Truth…I had the lowest models for the parenting experience and the highest for teaching.
Lie…I love doing both every day of my life.
Truth…There are days when the rewards far exceed the challenges.
Lie…There are as many good days as there...
4 tags
truth and lies...kids, money, and respect
Truth…I am still a kid at heart.
Lie…I know all about being a grown up.
Truth…It is easier to be happy when my life is simple.
Lie…Simplicity is over-rated.
Truth….Kids help me keep it real.
Lie….I am always real when I am with kids.
Truth…What kids teach me is priceless.
Lie….Being a kid is expensive.
Truth…Money has nothing to do with...
October 2011
1 post
8 tags
money, mistakes, and mothering
I have made wrong choices in my lifetime. Buying things I did not need, to impress people I did not like, with money I needed for more important reasons, are just a few examples.
As for parenting, I heard what my students and children had to say. I did not learn to listen to what they were feeling until we were all much older.
Like a few people I know, I was too prideful and arrogant to take...
September 2011
5 posts
4 tags
more about kids and finances
Here are more answers to the question, “What would you do with a trillion dollars?”
The kids who answered this question are all ages from various backgrounds.
1. I would buy a horse, a home for the horse, and a bed for me to sleep in next to the horse.
2. I would get a real haircut instead of my mom doing it.
3. I could quit the school I am going to and make my own school that...
8 tags
kids and finances, cont.
There were hundreds of answers. All of them were honest. Some were priceless. I asked former students the question, “What would you do with a trillion dollars?” Here are a few more priceless responses.
1. I would give myself my own birthday party, because every year, no one seems to remember when I was born. Okay, they remember, just without presents.
2. I would get my sister...
8 tags
more about kids and finances
This is a continuation of shared research from kids and friends who used to be a kid.
Its about perceptions and perspectives. The question asked was, “What would you do with a trillion dollars?”
1. Since I am only five and cannot run away from home, I would a buy a butler to follow my Dad around and not let him drink anymore.
2. I would take my Grandma to the Dr. to buy her new...
6 tags
kids and money
The kids in my life, past and present, seem to have many strong opinions about money. Like a lot of adults, they want more of it. Their reasons are heartfelt and compassionate.
Here are a few of their best responses to the question, “What would you do with a trillion dollars?”
1. I would buy my favorite teachers their own personal assistant to do all their paper work, so they...
4 tags
Teacher trained by kids
When asked to train teachers, I sought the opinions of a few former students. I wanted to know what I had to offer from their perspective. This was the best answer. “You are a great teacher, because you remember how it feels to suck at learning.”
I remember. Hope you do too. :)
M.G.
August 2011
9 posts
5 tags
....training the teachers
I try to keep it simple. I live by my mission statement. I am here to support those who are here to help others. Many ask for help. Not all are ready to receive.
I am familiar with this “country”. It is called self-sabotage. Readiness is everything and it took me a long time to change my status from tourist to native. It is hard enough to ask for help. When it actually shows...
6 tags
humbled by differences...
More than two decades of teaching experience and for one hour today it was not enough. The class was made up of almost thirty freshmen and sophomores. I was there because I wanted to be there. I still do. I am being re-schooled on the power of adolescence and their resistance to reverence. It was noisy. I was challenged. They are teenagers. I am comfortable with quiet. They have a lot to...
6 tags
More about Indigo and Crystal kids
I have made two new friends who are several generations younger than I am. They are generous in sharing their knowledge and personal experiences with me. Bill and Calm both knew at an early age they were not like the adults in their lives. Their need for words was minimal. They grew up continents apart and English is not Calm’s first language. As friends, they have energetically...
8 tags
bullies and indigo children
No one wants to bullied. Indigo children and crystals are energetically sensitive to all kinds of bullying. Their radar for people who are manipulative and controlling is impressive. Trusting their spiritual origins takes effort for the adults in their lives who want to love and protect them. Sadly, there are not enough adults who know how to do this. For the safety of these precious...
3 tags
““It isn’t easy being an indigo adult. I have the heart of a child,...”
9 tags
indigo kids and crystals
This summer I learned that crystals and stones are a great way to connect with the Indigo children in my life. Some children who are also called crystals, believe in the healing abilities of stones and minerals. This summer I watched an amazing teacher, once a week, work with children. Their ages were four to nine. She used stones and crystals as a medium to teach a range of subjects. She...
4 tags
the good, the bad, and the ugly
“My teenage years were spent in the foster home from hell. I was hoping to get a version of the Brady Bunch and got the Adams Family instead. Life was frightening and I hated having teachers who I could not manipulate into feeling sorry for me. I had no idea until I became a teacher myself that having a victim mentality for any reason is not helpful or productive. In fact it wasn’t...
2 tags
“” The best thing about going back to school is wearing new clothes and...”
““My new teacher is the best. We don’t have to learn anything except...”
July 2011
10 posts
1 tag
Kids helping kids...
One of my room mates is nine. We spent the summer in kid-friendly recovery meetings learning how to feel safe while speaking about things that are unsafe. My young friend bravely asked for a meeting especially for kids. Our group ranges from ages seven to twelve. Parents are present for support with minimal participation. Tonight is our second meeting.
The focus for our kid’s group is to...
3 tags
Reality Check
It is easy for me to complain, whine, and express chronic discontent. I was not raised to grow up and take responsibility for myself. I was raised to learn how to act in public. If it weren’t for the rooms of recovery in my life, I would have never known the difference.
Today is one of those days when signs of maturity and growth are more evident. Being grumpy is a choice....
3 tags
Take three deep breaths and count to ten...
I left a clean and orderly house. Upon returning I discovered a bomb of sorts had exploded. The living room was no longer recognizable. The kitchen area was covered in ketchup, empty wrappers, and dirty dishes. The floor was attacking the soles of my feet with some invisible sticky stuff that I could only feel and smell. I shuddered as I ventured down the hall into the family bathroom and the...
3 tags
Guilty...the grumpy grownup confesses
My three roommates under ten were gone for two days. The house was too quiet. There were no toys to trip over, bump into, or baby dollies whose diapers needed changing or milk bottles refilled. I was grateful for the break but the silence was too unfamiliar. I missed the four year old’s repetitive directions and unrelenting persistence that I participate fully in every tea party. She...
4 tags
Abuse, recovery, and gratitude
Being abused as a kid makes it easy to repeat the same patterns as an adult. I know. Twenty years ago, I enrolled myself in anger management classes to redirect my behavior and provide a safer environment for my children. It was not easy. It was difficult and necessary. As I spend time with other people’s children I realize how valuable those classes still are.
Being irritable and...
“” I wish I could grumble about grownups who are too tired and too grumpy...”
3 tags
““My best days teaching are made up of moments when the kids I am working...”
What I wish I could grumble about...by a seven...
Teaching summer school I asked a seven year old to make a list of things she would grumble about if she could.
Here are a few of her answers:
“I wish I could grumble about having to go places I don’t want to be at, like school and church…having to do chores for too long…going to the park for too short…not having enough of the foods I really want like brownies and...
2 tags
“The lesson on How to Get Along with Grumpy People in the Keep Kids Safe Books...”
– Keep Kids Safe Books Volume One page I-27
3 tags
Loving the little people...
It has taken me almost a year to adapt to having new roommates. Three of them are all under ten.
Their Mom and Dad are easy going and low maintenance.
The adjustment was learning to love the little people without wearing myself out.
Teaching school and perfecting mob control gave me a strong foundation for healthy boundaries. The little girls are all under ten. They eat more than I do and...
June 2011
9 posts
“I love my Dad. He knows how to pretend he is listening without getting busted.”
– 9 year old girl
if you only knew...
“if you only knew…”
an adolescent’s secret
I couldn’t help it…
I brought a gun to school today
Because I was tired of feeling
SAD, scared and
Really MAD
I brought a gun to school today
Because NO one was going to
Tease me, pick on me,
Or push me around
Ever again, not...
Great Teachers & Unconditional Love
When it comes to great teachers, here is my favorite line from the Keep Kids Safe Books, volume four:
“In the presence of unconditional love, our thirst for life is quenched. In its absence, everything else is imaginary water.”
In a world where many are starving for human kindnes, compassionate service, and spiritual nourishment, the mark of a great teacher continues to feed the...
I forgive
I forgive myself for not being the Perfect Teacher:
for always being a “work in progress,” trying to adapt my skills to achieve ideals
for giving assignments that are more of a burden to me than a help to my students
for unknowingly hurting students’ feelings because my intentions and their results are not a match
for missing opportunities to give encouragement and hope
for punishing in anger...
Grumpy Teacher
I barely graduated from high school. High test scores are what saved me and helped me get into college on probation. Without great teachers who invested their time and faith on my behalfI would have never survived the holocaust experiences of my youth.
Certainly I would have never lived long enough to become a teacher myself.
There were many days in my 25 years as school teacher that I was not...
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
– William Butler Yeats (via teachersintiaras)
Emotional Choices
Today I chose to feel sad instead of grumpy…my friend is sick. He has cancer. He is almost half my age and has two children… The outlook is dim and I am powerless to change the outcomes. It would be easier to feel grumpy. It has taken a great deal of work to learn not only am I in charge of my feelings, I have also been gifted to choose what I think and feel. We all are. Some are...
Keeping it Simple
I have three little girls in my life, Sophie, Bella, and Macy. These are the names they picked for this blog.
They are nine, seven, and four. They are funny, smart, and energetically demanding. We are together on a daily basis for the summer. We decided together that our brand of summer school, would include reading, writing, math, art, music, and fun outings to a range of places.
Today we...
May 2011
6 posts
He makes me grumpy when....
I have a new relationship with uninvited guests. They are nine baby chicks and their parents, in my yard. I live in a residential area. I do not object to their presence. It is the rooster that I want to make for someone’s dinner. His need to be heard at four in the morning tests my serenity. Why can’t he be more considerate of my sleep schedule?
Is that too much to ask, in exchange for...
Written during the Super Bowl
Today is another first for the Keep Kids Safe Project.
While the Super Bowl is in its third or fourth quarter and athletic history is being made once again, I am experiencing a different kind of victory. Just now there was an unexpected knock at the door and a teacher stood there with a card to give me. She thanked me for the disc version of the Keep Kids Safe Books and said they are making a...
Prison
I have been encouraged to learn how to blog. I am practicing on you. You are my safest and most honest audience. Inmates who are new to the prison class often ask me if I have children and how old they are. They also ask me how I would feel to have one of my childrenend up in prison. Heartbreaking is the word first word that comes to me. Humbled is the second.
Gratitude is what I have...
