Grumpy Kids Books

Keep Kids Safe Books, self-help skills for kids

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:36:06 -0500

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 five books are about dealing with Grumpy People. I knew my life was in chaos when I asked those 160 kids in my classroom for advice on how to be a better parent and teacher. What I did not know was how many years later, that same advice would be even more applicable and helpful many years later.

I am grateful to the kids who shared their heartfelt perspectives and saved my life. I am grateful they taught me how to listen and that having the courage to ask for help is sometimes the bravest thing anyone can do, especially when you are the grownup.

Kids deserve....

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 20:42:00 -0500

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 encouraged to identify and use their gifts and talents for the highest outcomes for themselves and others…to feel safe…to feel loved…to play and have fun…to learn the skills that will best serve them as they grow into adulthood…to know how it feels to have a dream…to experience the success that comes with achieving difficult goals…to have adults in their lives who are sane, safe, and sober…to receive the medical care they need when they need it…to be treated with respect and care…to have teachers whose skills to teach match their ideals and intentions…to grow up knowing who they are and why they are here…to have the spiritual guidance that will give them a map to live a long and useful life, a life of happiness and being of service to others….to know they can trust the people in their lives…to be protected from the things and people who would cause them harm…to have a safety plan in times of crisis…to grow up and have kids of their own if that is what they wish…to know and remember that being a kid was time of innocence and pure joy…KIDS DESERVE TO KNOW THAT NOT ALL ADULTS WHO ARE GOOD TO THEM ARE GOOD FOR THEM…

What kids are hungry for....

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:04:27 -0400

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 leaders for being honest and trustworthy
HOPE for their future
greater focus for better solutions instead of emphasis on all their problems
parents and teachers with more maturity than their kids and students
to feel heard
to feel successful

to be continued

www.keepkidssafebooks.com and grumpypeoplebooks.com

no win situations for kids....truth and lies

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:14:00 -0400

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 anything without negative consequences.

Truth….In today’s world there is a strong possibility that most kids need a safety plan to implement in situations and circumstances that are unsafe.

Lie…Every parent and teacher knows what that looks like.

Truth…I do!!!

by…Michele Gaddis, author Keep Kids Safe Books.

www.keepkidssafebooks.com

www.grumpypeoplebooks.com

Kids who teach adults...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:18:23 -0500

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 when we mistakenly thought we had caught something only to discover our lines got caught in the rocks. We got even more excited when one of us was certain we had a fish at the end of the line, only to discover it was a clump of bulky, yukky seaweed.

My learning began when the four year old wanted to know if the fish were hungry for her chips as she would gladly share her snacks with them. The eight year old said she only wanted to go fishing if there was a bathroom nearby with a water fountain and a swimming pool. The ten year old wants to go fishing everyday because not only does she want to catch fish but she noticed there were lots of cute boys nearby.

True, we did not catch any fish. What I caught was a glimpse of what it might be like to be a little kid again, with simple thoughts and pure heart felt wishes.

I had a great time.

M.G. @ www.keepkidssafebooks.com & www.grumpypeoplebooks.com

http://www.keepkidssafebooks.com

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:41:32 -0500

http://www.keepkidssafebooks.com

Did u used to be a grumpy kid?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:35:00 -0500

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 access to Superman was a dime? Life was simple and your toys did not depend on batteries or an electrical outlet?

If you were born in the middle of the 20th century than this blog will make sense to you. If you were born later, than maybe not. Either way, grumpy kids get happier sooner when their lives are simpler instead of hectic and complex. Happy kids don’t care about when they were born, they’re just glad they were.

M.G. author of Keep Kids Safe Books and books for Grumpy People who want to laugh sooner…..

Did u used to be a grumpy kid?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Remember when…your best books were comic books and access to Superman was a dime? Life was simple and your toys did not depend on batteries or an electrical outlet?

M.G. author of Keep Kids Safe Books and books for Grumpy People who want to laugh sooner…..

the spirit of truth...in season every season

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:02:39 -0500

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 what we have no personal understanding of.

lie…It was easy for me to learn how to create the experiences that helped my kids to feel cherished by me.

truth…LOL…I am still learning how to create those experiences.

lie…The older I get, the easier it is.

truth…My kids have better parenting skills than I knew to have at their age.

lie…I am jealous.

truth…NOT!!!….Actually, I am grateful!!!

more truth….The best Christmas presents are priceless, gifts of love, grateful hearts, and kids who forgive perfectly the imperfections of their parents

Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season!!!!

Michele G. author of www.keepkidssafebooks and grumpypeoplebooks.

truth and lies...progress vs perfection and the Holiday Season

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:36:00 -0500

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 immature on occasion.

lie…Maturity is over rated.

truth…The Holidays can either bring out the worst or best in me.

lie…It is the season to be jolly, no matter what.

truth…Perspective is everything.

more truth…The best gifts I have to give this season are the ones I never let go of, a sense of humor and the miracle of still being childlike more than childish.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Michele G. author of keepkidssafebookscom….and

grumpypeoplebooks.com

truth and lies...holidays, turkeys, and happy families

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:24:00 -0500

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 Holiday season, what I need most is a great attitude.

lie…I always have a great attitude. LOL

truth…One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories was eating at a Japanese restaurant with my daughter. After a light meal we went to a nearby Spa.

lie…My son would have loved it had he been off of work that day. LOL

truth…This holiday season I have no idea who is doing the cooking.

lie…It doesn’t matter.

truth…It does matter, because at my age, both my children are better cooks than I am. LOL

Michele G. author Keep Kids Safe Books. com

more truth and lies, parenting, teaching, being human

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:16:00 -0500

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 are hard ones.

Truth…Each day brings its own opportunities for learning and growing.

Lie…I embrace the learning with perfect grace and enthusiasm.

Truth…My children and students are a great source of inspiration for me.

Lie…I am always a source of inspiration to them as well.

Truth…I wish.

Truth…Sometimes, when I am teaching, I am the student. My children are my best teachers.

Michele G. author of Keep Kids Safe Books.com and grumpy people books.com

truth and lies...kids, money, and respect

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:41:00 -0400

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 who I respect.

Lie…Real trust and respect can be bought.

Truth….Writing this connects me to what I value.

Lie….I always remember what is most important in life.

Truth…Today, I will not forget.

money, mistakes, and mothering

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:55:00 -0400

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 the time to self-examine. It wasn’t until I reaped the unfortunate results of my willful ways that I sought the help I needed.

Self-correction with compassionate honesty is an essential tool for my life today.

Forgiveness from those I hurt is a priceless gift. Forgiving myself was an act of God.

I am blessed.

more about kids and finances

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:24:28 -0400

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 had only recesses and lunch.

4. I would stop eating junk food for the rest of my life.

5. First, I would buy homes for all the homeless people. Then, I would get my own jet and go where ever I wanted. I will only take the people I like.

kids and finances, cont.

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:39:46 -0400

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 singing lessons because she wants to be on American Idol and she won’t make it without the lessons.

3. I will buy my friend a new mom, because the one he has beats him up and uses drugs a lot.

4. I would move closer to my school so I don’t have to walk so far and then I can sleep in longer.

5. I want to buy up all the bills in the whole world so I don’t have to hear people fighting all the time about all the bills they have to pay.

more about kids and finances

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:51:35 -0400

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 legs because she says her old ones are wearing out.

3. I’d give myself an allowance since no one else will.

4. I will hire my best teacher to stay with me till I graduate.

5. My mom would have a new car, more makeup, and cuter clothes.

TBC…enjoy!

kids and money

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:24:00 -0400

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 can just focus on teaching me.

2. My mom could quit one of her three jobs and just work the one she likes best.

3. I would send my Dad back to school so he could learn time management skills. He always says he is too busy to play with me.

4. Both my parents would go to college to learn how to be better parents. They do all the talking, but they don’t listen. They teach that in college, right?

5. Instead of the dollar menu, my whole family would eat want ever we want from the regular menu.

To be continued…ENJOY!!!

Teacher trained by kids

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:37:18 -0400

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.

....training the teachers

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:58:49 -0400

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 up, what a surprise!!! When it shows up in ways that actually work, that is what I call a miracle.

The world of teaching is made up of many miracles. Here are just a few. There is the janitor who saves me with their keys, when I have lost my own. There is the principle who reminds me I am most effective when I focus on solutions instead of problems and models it with perfect inspiration. My favorite is when students arrive before me and with out hesitating, offer helping hands with big smiles, and say the magic words, “What do you need? How can we help?”

In the best of worlds, every teacher experiences numerous miracles of their own every day. In a perfect world, the teacher is the miracle.

M.G. sometime teacher, forever the student