Cherrye S. Vasquez's Blog, page 8

School Board Members and their Duty to School Bullying

Bullying is getting world wide attention these days, especially where school districts are concerned. This pandemic is not only being handled by local campus school administrators/officials, but school boards are now adopting policies. That’s right!

 

Beginning 2012-2013 school year (current school year), school boards MUST adopt policies and administrative policies/procedures for their school districts.

 

These policies must:

Prohibit bullying;

Prohibit retaliation against any person, witness, or another person who in good faith provides information regarding bullying;
Establish a procedure for providing notice of an incident of bullying to a parent or guardian within a reasonable period;
Establish the actions a student should take to obtain assistance and intervention in response to bullying;
Set out available counseling options for a student who is a victim of, is a witness to, or engages in bullying;
Establish reporting and investigation procedures;
*Prohibit school officials from disciplining a student who is the victim of bullying, for the student’s use of reasonable self-defense in response to bullying

*I personally love this one.

 

Due to Zero Tolerance, a Federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, which derived from school districts being eligible to receive funds if they had a firearms policy, many school districts coined this term and used it within their discipline policy as a means to rid their schools of behavior problems. Any child with a discipline infraction regardless of the nature would have discipline consequences to bear.

 

For example: If a child being bullied (hit, kicked) on a daily basis attempted to defend him/herself by striking back (finally), they would be just as guilty of the behavioral infraction and could face discipline penalties just as severe as the perpetrator (bully).

 

According to Wikipedia (2013) Zero tolerance is a policy of punishing any interpretation of rules, regardless of accidental mistakes, ignorance, or extenuating circumstances.

 

I don’t know about you, but I am happy to learn of this great news. Bullying is out of control and we need ALL school officials on board to fix this pandemic.

 

When I read these new school board policies I became relieved that help is finally here for our children. Our children deserve going to school in peace. School is a place to learn, and not a place to be hit, kicked, slapped, or receive ill-treatment of any kind.

 

Parents – Do you know if this policy has been established within your child’s school district/school campus? It is worth finding out.

 

Stop, Look and Listen to your children – See video. Get a glimpse of how your children may feel.

 

Video of Poems – The Bully-ee (victim) & The Bully (perpetrator)

http://youtu.be/TXnOn9JjxHo

 

The Blade – I Have to Wonder, Though

I was just sitting there working away in my office at work when the telephone rang. It was my daughter’s 5th grade teacher. What he said on the other end of the phone paralyzed me for just a moment, so thank God for passing moments.

 

The teacher informed me that my daughter had been cut with a blade during Computer class. Although the teacher was not present when this occurred — as this was the student’s ancillary time, and teacher’s conference time, there was some sort of “horse-playing” going on when this incident transpired.  Hmm! I wonder where the computer teacher was.

 

Well, I was ready to fly out of my office, but the teacher told me that my daughter had been seen by the school nurse, and she was fine. The cut was cleaned and bandaged, and there were no serious injuries, or veins severed, so I was relieved. The news that my daughter was fine, settled me down some, but I still had lots of questions.  One of them was how could something like this happen at school? The teacher informed me that the young boy apparently brought the blade from home. He’d gotten it from his pencil sharpener.

 

Who knows what actually happened during computer time that day, but according to my daughter, she asked her friend to help her with something on the computer she was assigned to use, and when he reached over to help her, he did more than she asked him to do with the program, so she decided to pay him the same favor on his computer. Well, when she reached her hand over to his computer, he raised his hand to stop her and laid his hand on top of hers with the blade in his hand. It was a pretty good slash that drew blood.

 

Needless to say, this little boy had two days of in-school suspension in the Principal’s office, but I have to wonder——

I wonder:

if two days of in-school suspension n the Principal’s office was enough time to let the little boy realize the severity of his actions/intensions.
If the child ever thought about how using the blade in a different way could have really hurt or perhaps killed someone that day
if the Principal was more lenient on this child because his mother is employed on this particular campus.
if the mother was not an employee on this campus would the punishment differ
if the mother ever asked the child to offer an apology to my daughter.
why the parent didn’t attempt to contact me for an apology. I would have done so to any parent.
if the child learned a lesson from this incident that will prevent him from making future mishaps.
what my own child learned from this incident.

The child who brought the blade to school certainly didn’t make a wise, responsible choice that day. This was a great time to teach both children how what they do could negatively impact their lives and ruin their future. We have to teach our children to use their heads and make wiser decisions.

 

The enclosed photo of my daughter’s blade cut is a week later, so you can see how serious this could have been.

 

Photo: Compliments of Cherrye S. Vasquez

“Healing Prayer Workbook: A Journey from Illness to Healing”

   Have you ever gone for your regular well woman’s exam, or your annual physical, or perhaps taken a trip to the doctor for a simple procedure? No big deal right? You arrive home feeling pretty good about yourself because you’ve done what you always do – you’ve taken care of your yearly visit. It’s behind you now.Everything is going well, but then the telephone rings.  It’s the nurse from your doctor’s office informing you that your lab results are back, but she can’t review them over the telephone with you. The doctor wants to see you, so the nurse proceeds to schedule an appointment. Nervously, you ask lots of questions, but she dares to bulge — almost sounding cold.You do as you’re told and keep your appointment.  The day finally arrives. You make it to your location, and the nurse takes you into the exam room. You wait nervously for a few minutes, and then the door opens and in walks your doctor draped in his doctor’s uniform holding your medical file.  With a smile on his face, he asks how you feel, sits down before you on a stool and rolls himself towards you. Soon afterwards, he shares the most horrific life changing news that you’ve ever heard.Now your head is spinning. You’re in shock and everything that he just said to you went in one ear and out the other. All you heard was the bad news, so you begin to ask the doctor to answer questions that he just covered with you. You’re scared to death, nervous like never before, and don’t know what in the world you’re going to do now.Life sometimes “throws us a flip.” Although we’d love to hold on to our health and enjoy life as is, sometimes we’re faced with unexpected illnesses unawares. What must we do to hold on to hope? Where is our faith?Although you may find yourself in a state of turmoil and shock, you don’t have to lose hope.  Family, close friends, church members will be there to help you. There may be times that you’ll want and need to be alone in order to gather your thoughts and “come to grips” with personal health needs.As we all know, there are a variety of ways to find peace and hope, but I personally believe that journaling helps bring a sense of peace and solace to the heart and mind. Journaling can also be healthy and uplifting for the soul. I suppose that is why I love the platform of author, Cande Calhoun Richardson. Her motto and logo is: Praying Hearts Books

 

What you should know about Richardson is that she has two chronic illnesses: Multiple Sclerosis and Congestive Heart Failure, but she doesn’t allow her illnesses to control her.

 

What Richardson has done on her spare time as she goes to and from her doctor’s visits is created a healing prayer workbook titled, “Healing Prayer Workbook: A Journey from Illness to Healing.”  Her journal was designed to assist those who are diagnosed with chronic, life changing and threatening illnesses towards a passageway of empowerment, strength and restoration. Richardson’s workbook can also be used as a guide and resource to document final wishes (if final is God’s plan). She has included pages for one to write where their Will is kept, and so much more.

 

I love Richardson’s workbook because it allows one to journal about their healing plight, for it is a journey — A journey of mixed emotions, fear, hope, thoughts, and emotions.

 

When time permits, take a closer look at Richardson’s workbook. You may know someone who would find it beneficial.

 

Healing Prayer Workbook: A Journey from Illness to Healing

Amazon.com

http://amzn.to/UFVlhZ

&

Createspace.com

A blogger asked this question: Do you think “Emotionally Healthy” Schools and Communities are Possible? Here is my Response

A blogger asked this question: Do you think “Emotionally Healthy” Schools and Communities are Possible? Here is my Response

 

I believe that we can have emotionally healthy schools and communities if ALL of us do what is needed to ensure this.

 

The problem is: Not all parents and teachers are on board. Although we have plenty of great parents and teachers, some people should not become parents and some teachers should not be in our classrooms.

 

As an educator and parent, I wonder why a couple of the teachers that my daughter has had EVER became teachers. They appeared not to like children, they did not have patience, screamed at students, demeaned students, used sarcasm, put big huge red X marks on their papers, and believe it or not, we have teacher bullies in our classrooms.

 

Parents need to PARENT. We can become friends with our well-raised children once they become adults. Parents must hug their children a lot and family units must become functional vs. dysfunctional.

 

Just yesterday I was in line at the grocery store. The man standing in line behind the woman that was directly behind me somehow coerced her into skipping in line. Once there, he tried to bully me out of my place. The clerk noticed that I could save money by choosing another meat instead of the one I’d chosen, and asked the lady who was bagging my groceries to stop and get the package of meat that would save me money. This guy began to give me an evil look and used profanity. I had my 11 year old daughter with me. Did he care that he was being rude and disrespectful?

Of course just looking at the guy made me cringe and want to throw up. He obviously was not a kind person and contributing man within our society. He was wearing low baggy pants (just to give you an idea). Sadly, we have far too many men who disrespect woman and children in our society, but we must ask ourselves — Why?

 

As Parents we must:

Not spoil our children
Instill a sense of remorse/care deep within them
Ensure that they learn to respect others
Role model ethics and hard work before them
Give them guidelines, expectations, rules and regulations
Expect that they will obey the laws of the land – Are we doing the same?

 

Once I saw the movie “The Hand That Rock the Cradle.” If you’ve seen this movie, you’ll realize the power of a woman, a Mom. We can do lots to mold and make our children into whatever we want them to become, but remember it works both ways. If we want tyrant, dysfunctional, disrespectful children, we can mold and make these, too.

 

I believe that the hands that rock the cradle rules the world. Just think about the power of that statement for just a moment. What an influence and impact we have as mothers/fathers/parents! Let us begin to parent first, and then help remove bad teachers out of our classrooms. Teachers who aren’t efficacious and called to the duty of helping our children succeed are not helping our children affirm who they are: Wonderful, worthy, intelligent beings who will one day be honorable citizens that we can happily dwell with within our society.

 

Yes, emotionally healthy schools and communities are possible, but we have lots of work to do. Now, I feel like we’ve dug ourselves into a huge hole so many degrees below sea level, and we’ll have to first get to sea level in order to move towards the tip of the mountain. Our society is in bad shape, and it will take ALL of us working together to fix it.

 

Note: I’m not speaking of our sweet little children who can’t help their emotional status such as children who are Autistic and/or mentally challenged. God will help us take care of these babies.

A Repost Worth Visiting as Your Children Return Back to School After Winter Break – Some are Nervous and Regret the Return – Why?

Bullying is a pandemic in our nation’s schools. Realizing this, we must do all  that we can to help our children deal with the pressures that these annoying  behaviors poses on their lives. Parents, we have a huge responsibility, but are  we doing all that we can to intervene?

Let me ask these questions

As a parent, are you aware of the anti-bullying laws and policies in place at  your child’s school? If so, how is it being enforced? If not, have you voiced  your concerns and/or asked to work closely with school officials in hope to  create anti-bullying procedures at your child’s school? Do you know if school  officials at your child’s school are clear about what actually constitutes  bullying behaviors?

In some cases, there are concerns about what constitutes bullying behaviors  verses normal play, or friendly horsing around. I know that you have these  concerns too, so I’ll define what bullying is and what it looks like.

Bullying Defined

Verbal (name calling, teasing, insulting, or  threatening)

Physical (hitting, kicking, scratching, pushing, stealing,  hiding/destroying someone else’s property)

Social (refusing to talk to or play with someone,  purposefully excluding someone)

Cyber (using electronics such as computer to write mean,  demeaning messages about someone)

Religious Bullying (taunting and teasing to a point of harassing others who do not claim or agree with your religion, using your religion to ostracize those who are non-believers OR non-believers harassing those who believe in certain religions).

There are signs of bullying that you can watch for

Poor eating habits or asking to eat as soon as he/she gets home – bully takes  lunch or lunch money

Depression

Torn clothes or mysterious bruises/scratches

Isolating self from others – appearing lonely

A change in grades – poor grades

A sudden dislike for school

Exhibiting unfounded anxiety

Low self-esteem

Complaint of sick feelings – stomach aches, headaches

Asking not to go to school

Signs of threats or suicide

If you have reason to believe that your child is being bullied

Stop, Look & Listen NOW

Talk to your child. Ask him/her about their school day. Ask if there is  anything that you should know. Whatever you are doing or plan to do, stop! Your  child must trust that you will drop whatever you are doing to see him/her  through this crisis. Your child needs to know that you are listening to them;  you hear their frustration and the pain that they are experiencing. You may want  to repeat what you heard them say to you, thereby acknowledging that you are  really listening. Let your child know that you will be there for them “at all  costs.”

Documentation

Get the story as clearly as possible from your child and document everything  from your child’s version of the bullying incidents to every conversation you  have with school officials. Be sure to write things down as soon as an  occurrence arises or a conversation happens. This way, incidents are still fresh  in your child’s mind. You may want to keep documentation separated by tabs in a  tablet or a notebook to maintain a distinct record of each person’s story. It  will be important to keep your child’s version separate from a school official’s  so that messages don’t end up overlapping, getting accidentally mixed-up or  combined.

Have other students been affected by the bully or bullies who are attacking  your child? If so, what are their names? Were there any witnesses to the  incidents? If so, what are their names? Does your child remember which class the  other students are enrolled in? Can your child point them out? Encourage school  officials to interview other children who may have been bullied.

Use dates, times and settings in your documentation. Did the incident happen  in the cafeteria, classroom, or playground? Detailed documentation will not only  help school officials target bullying incidents, but it will also give school  officials an indication of how best to resolve issues as they examine  antecedents (causes/variables that may have prompted the bully to react  inappropriately), so that changes and individually tailored support plans can be  implemented.

Approach school staff immediately

Bullying will not just stop on its own. Don’t be afraid to approach school  administrators.

You might find that some school officials and administrators may be  territorial and believe that they are the educational experts, and you are “just  a parent.” Since you are your child’s greatest advocate, here are a few ideas  about how to approach the issue of your child being bullied while working  collaboratively with school officials:

Do your research. You can assist school leaders with ideas of how to bully  shield and bully proof the school that your child attends.

Approach the school leaders as if you are on their side. Do what you can to  avoid creating an adversarial relationship between you and the people who have  the power to help stop what is happening

Let the school leaders know that you are not only concerned about your child,  but all children enrolled at the school. This will soften your approach thereby  giving you greater lead-in for support and next steps.

Begin speaking to the school counselor before working your way up the  organizational chart – Test the water, first.

When my own child was bullied at school, I spoke to the school principal  directly. Due to budget cuts, this particular school had no assigned counselor.  I approached the situation as a concern for the other child as well as my very  own child. I said, “Perhaps this young girl is having personal problems in her  home- life that’s making her feel angry.” Other times I would say, “Sounds like  this child wants to take charge and is a bit bossy. Perhaps she can be shown how  to use her leadership skills in a more positive and productive manner.” By using  this approach with the school principal, I believe that I softened the  conversation, thereby gaining the principal’s attention. It appeared that she  was more willing to hear me.

But, there are times when the school will not help, so now what can you  do?

Before I address this problem, I want to urge parents to always gather as  much information about your school the first week or two of the new school year.  This is the time when the climate is still warm and friendly, and stress levels  aren’t heightened due to the pressures of trying to keep up with everyday school  life. Know the district level office organizational chart and levels of  administration assigned to your child’s campus. Attempt to retrieve their  contact information such as names, email addresses, voice mail, and telephone  numbers, and perhaps location of their office – this is last resort and never  show up without an appointment.

When your child’s school will not listen to you or help you through a  bullying crisis, and you know that you have done your part, you have spoken to  the classroom teacher, school counselor, assistant principal and principal if  circumstances have taken you this far, you should contact central office staff  and speak to your child’s school assigned area superintendent.

Share your concerns and let this individual know that you have tried to work  collaboratively with school officials at the campus level of your child’s  school. Trust me – Now that bullying has gained national attention, there is no  doubt that this person will be all ears.

There are approximately 48 states that have laws mandating anti-bullying programs and  services in schools, but some schools have been slow in implementing the  programs.

Be sure that you know the anti-bullying laws of your state (Bully Police, USA  has a state by state listing of anti-bullying legislation). Be ready and able to  recite the Senate Bill and House Bill laws associated with the bully’s offense.  For example, if you live in Texas and your child is experiencing sexual  harassment issues at school, and no one will address the issue, share your  knowledge of SB  471 and HB 194. If you do this, everyone will know that you mean  business!

When to call a lawyer

If you have gone through all the recommended steps above, more than likely  you will not have to call a lawyer; however there may be times when your story  will land on “deaf ears.” If no one will listen to you, or if everyone has  listened to you and they have chosen not to intervene, there is no more time to  waste. You will want to get legal advice immediately. Time is of the essence and  the safety of your child is paramount!

Focus on your child

Remember, there are effective steps that you can take as your child’s  anti-bullying advocate. Consider the fact that bullying related suicides are  real.

STOP whatever you’re doing and act quickly on your child’s behalf. Our  children count on us to help them during crisis. This is not the time to put  ANYTHING else before your child. Show your child that they can trust and count  on you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7072491

The Next Big Thing

Many thanks to author Clayton Bye http://thecontrarycanadian.wordpress.com for inviting me to be a part of this week’s The Next Big Thing blog posting group.   What a great way to share my work, and books with the world. Thank you, Clayton! 

The Next Big Thing is a meme that is creating an ever-growing wave through the blogs of authors who write in a variety of genres, with each participant answering the same questions about either a work in progress or a work currently being marketed. Each author then chooses five other authors to keep the chain going.  Please take a look at my contribution:

1.  What is the title of your book?

No Tildes on Tuesday

2. How did you come by the idea?

This title carries a “play on words” from a script/line within the book from main character, Isabella.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Juvenile Fiction/Multicultural

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters if it were a movie?

More than likely, I would choose my daughter, Kelly, as the actress if my book ever made it to the “big screen”. I can’t think of an actress that would play/act the role any better than my kid.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A 13 year old biracial, but not bilingual girl, who needs to find herself and learn the importance of holistic self-identity.

6. Will your book be self-published or traditional?

My book was published traditionally by Tate Publishing & Enterprises.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It took me approximately two years to write the first draft of my manuscript before I was almost satisfied with the results.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’ve not read a book that I can compare, No Tildes on Tuesday, as of date.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My daughter, Kelly Vasquez, was the inspiration behind my book because she is biracial. It is my hope for children who are biracial to love all of who they are. When couples join together in holy matrimony and bring children into their world, they should also ensure that both heritages are introduced and embraced within the home.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Isabella is 13 year old biracial girl who avoids learning ½ of her heritage.  Although I do not condone such behavior, children Isabella’s age will be able to self-identify with Isabella’s sassy mouth and personal family life dilemma’s.

She is an average 13 year old girl who just wants her life to remain as is, but things can’t always remain the same.

Note:

After reading this blog, please let me know if you’d love to participate and tell us about you and your special work and/or book. You can “pay it forward, too.”

 

We Have a Winner! Remember my Post “A Question about Diversity: Enter to Win” – See who Won!

CONGRATULATIONS! – ALAN J. Northcott!!

Yes, you are the winner. You answered the diversity question on my blog, so you’ll be receiving one complete autographed set of all of my books. I love your response, Alan.

Here is what Alan had to say:

“I have also been troubled by the conspicuous lack of diversity and acceptance of differences in our society. Even when we cheer, for example, the election of a (partly) black president, that result alone seems to increase divisiveness. I have even heard someone say “We have a Muslim in the White House” as if that, if true, would automatically disqualify our President from serving. I look forward to, but fear I will not live long enough to, see a well qualified Muslim serving in that position.

Having pondered on this question in my own life, it seems that no amount of education and discussion can shortcut the process – in fact it may even serve to mask it. The one thing that appears to bring people together is to work alongside those of other faiths and backgrounds, fighting for common cause such as hurricane relief, or tending to societal needs such as the homeless. In such a context, more common ground is found than differences.

Therefore, I would advocate the finding of much more such volunteer work, and perhaps the institution of “National Service”, not for military purposes but for social ones. This would be similar to the Peace Corp in providing tremendous practical development to our youth. A relatively small program is in place, the AmeriCorps, as established by I think President Clinton. I would propose such service to become mandatory as a way of giving back to the community, and a genuine effort made to ensure that each team was made up of an eclectic mixture of personnel.

I believe that such action would accelerate what should be inevitable , but which seems to take a frustratingly long amount of time, the true acceptance of diversity.”

From what Alan has shared here, I trust that we agree there is still so much more work to do in the area of diversity.

Note: Alan, please contact me so that I’ll know where to send your set of autograph books, okay?

Happy Holidays!

 

 

Is There a Correlation? I Mean, Between the Lack of Parental Bonding: Hugs, Kisses and Affection Vs. Mental Illness, Dysfunctional Family Units & Violence?

Seems unreal doesn’t it? How can we wrap our minds around what would make a young man not only take the lives of young children, but take his parents life, too?

Reflect with me for just a moment: Have you ever hugged a dear friend who couldn’t hug you back? Their hugs seemed cold and lifeless, or perhaps they didn’t care to wrap their arms around you at all and you noticed their arms remained to their sides. Have  you ever wondered why? I have. I’ve wondered what their childhood was like, or what caused them not to have the same warmth, touch and tenderness that I have. I realize that we are not all the same, but I love how even today the touch of my Mom is warm and soothing.

I am not a psychologist, just an educator and author; however I truly believe that as parents we must bond with our children from the womb to the cradle and then of course beyond. Giving our children lots of hugs, kisses and appropriate affection may allow us and others to keep our lives and have great rewarding interactions with our children for years to come.

The matter of mental illnesses in most cases is beyond most of our control. Parents will want to attend to and get immediate assistance for their children.

Who knows the real answer(s)? I certainly do not, but the power of bonding can be incredibly instrumental.

Bonding suggestions for both parents:

In the womb :

Rub the tummy and talk gently to your children.

Sing to your children as you attend to the tummy.

Read to your children – Use inflection in your voices and make it exciting.

Involve yourselves in calm surroundings and situations.

Say, “I  love you” to your tummy over and over again.

Note: I used a stethoscope and placed it on my tummy whenever I spoke to my child while carrying her in my womb.

In the cradle :

Play Einstein and Classical music while your children slumber, or play in their bedrooms.

Have mobiles above your baby’s bed.

Remove your babies from their cradles/baby beds and have prescribed, well planned play time.

Hug, kiss and caress your babies often.

Read to your children at bedtime.

If your children attend Day Care Centers, find a Day Care that has a curriculum with allotted play time outside the cribs at least twice a day.

Think about enrolling your baby in a weekly baby program such as Baby Suzuki Music or other programs.

Note: When I owned a Day Care, the babies were removed no less than twice a day for pointed exercises, activities and lots of meaningful movement.

Tell your baby, “I love you so much!”

Beyond – All through life :

When you awaken your children in the morning for school, don’t go to their doorways and shout “Wake up! Or “It’s time to get up!” Instead, walk into their bedrooms, and gently nudge your children with a morning smile spread across your face, and give them a kiss on the forehead. Sing out, “Good Morning!”

Bid your children a great day as they depart for school. Hug them again.

When your children return from school, ask them about their day. Give them eye contact and your undivided attention.

At meal time, set the table and ask the entire family to join together for a moment of prayer and thanksgiving. Talk even further about your day. Each parent should talk about their day as well.

Take time to visit your child’s school: Attend your child’s school programs: Sports, Winter Programs, PTO, and perhaps become a room mother/dad.

Think about asking each family member to plan a weekly fun event for all to partake in. Each can use their creativity and it doesn’t have to be become costly or last too long.

Share in household chores and talk often about the importance of helping each other and being considerate of each other’s feelings.

Think of other ways to spend quality time with your children, and add to the list.

Ensure there are lots of HUGS, KISSES and appropriate Caressing (age appropriate) within your homes and interactions with your children. We have to start somewhere!

Tell your children, “I love you!”

 

Mixed American Life – A Book Review of “No Tildes on Tuesday”

There’s nothing like a great review of your book from a stranger. Having a close personal friend or relative review your work and tell the world about it is one thing, but to have a person who doesn’t know you and who has no ties to you at all who can judge your work is something totally different. I can appreciate Charles Franklin for his very “frank” review of my children’s chapter book. I love his “out of the box” approach. He looked at my total message.

Please take a look:

See this review about my book and Mixed Race:  http://wp.me/p11Vd2-1GK

A Question about Diversity: Enter to Win

I have a holiday promotion going on right now until Sunday, December 9, 2012. I’m giving away a complete set of my books and I’m autographing them, but you’ll have to answer a question for me.

Here lately I’ve been disturbed by what it will take for us to come together as one as we consider each other’s feelings, and differences. Our children depend on us to lead them. We are their role models, but there is far too much hatred among us. There is a lack of consideration, love and care. It doesn’t appear that our children possess a sense of remorse. Bullying behaviors run rampant in our schools. We must do something.

We can do this, but how?!! What are your thoughts?

Take the challenge and enter to win. Find my question and please answer it. I’ll select the best answer that moves me. Here’s the link - https://www.facebook.com/BooksThatSow/app_79458893817

Good luck!

 

Photo Arrangement and artistic Design by: Carissa Dunphy @ Ovealeye.com