Soraya Diase Coffelt's Blog, page 8
May 30, 2022
WARNING: Children Are Suffering a Mental Health Crisis - What Parents Can Do To Improve Their Children's Mental Health
May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme this year is “Getting Back to Basics” which seeks to promote learning more about mental health conditions and what can be done to improve our mental health. This coincides with several recent articles that center on the growing mental health crisis among children.
One excellent article is The Mental Health Crisis Among Children and Teens: How Parents can Help from Harvard Health Publishing/Harvard Medical School which was published in March. The article begins with this call to action: “We are in the midst of a pediatric mental health crisis — and parents need to take action.” One of the main results of the pandemic is the “alarming amount of anxiety and depression in our children and teens.”
What can parents do? The article suggests the following:
Understand that your children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
Have regular times to communicate with your children in a nonjudgmental way.
Make sure that your children have time to relax and do things that they enjoy.
Encourage more sleep and physical exercise.
Monitor their social media so they develop safe and healthy habits.
Keep in touch regularly with other adults in their lives, such as their teachers, coaches, and parents of their friends, to ensure that your children are getting the support they need.
Try not to judge them so much by having “expectations without judgment”.
Ensure that your own mental health is taken care of as well.
The article provides many resources that you will find very helpful. Please invest the time and effort in doing what you can to improve your children’s mental health.
To read the entire article, please visit:
May 23, 2022
Activities to do with Your Children to Commemorate Memorial Day May 30, 2022
“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” Lee Greenwood - Song ‘God Bless the USA’
Memorial Day is a federal holiday that has been proclaimed to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces, fighting for the many freedoms that we have as Americans. My blog post last year about Memorial Day will help you teach your children all about the history of that day.
For this Memorial Day, I would like to provide parents and others with activities for their families to commemorate this important day. It is best that you first teach children about what that day represents, and then do the activities so that they have a full understanding and appreciation of the activities.
Some activities are:
Visit a Veteran’s cemetery and lay flowers and put up flags.
Send a care package to troops. I provide the website below for Support Our Troops Care Packages, where you can purchase and send a small gift card and packages.
Bake patriotic treats. Note that they become “patriotic” because of the colors and decorations you put on them.
Take cookies or other treats to a veteran whom your family knows and talk with him/her about his/her service.
Teach your children about medals of honor. At the links below, there is a free coloring sheet and a website for children that provides a history the medals.
Do some crafts and projects around this theme. There are many that are available online at no cost. One of the crafts can be creating a card for a veteran your family knows or for veterans in general at a hospital. The card can also be sent to a soldier overseas.
These are just some activities, and the links below provide many more. Of course, you can still enjoy your family picnic and games!
To learn more, please visit:
https://www.military.com/memorial-day/celebrating-memorial-day-with-children.html
https://www.countryliving.com/life/g4377/memorial-day-activities/
https://kids.kiddle.co/List_of_Medal_of_Honor_recipients
https://kids.kiddle.co/Medal_of_Honor
May 16, 2022
Supporting Law Enforcement Officers in Our Communities National Police Week May 15-21
The week of May 15-21, 2022 is designated as National Police Week. It is a national annual celebration and commemoration that was first established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. President Kennedy signed a proclamation establishing May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Each year, many activities are planned in the U.S. capital as well as well across the states.
The original impetus was to recognize those officers who died in service to their community. Activities have expanded to recognize not only our fallen heroes but also those who dedicate themselves daily to protect us. To find what activities are being held in your community, please use google, as they vary.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund was established in 1982 and built and maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC. The purpose of the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is “to honor the role of law enforcement, in service to society, by recognizing the sacrifices and valor of law enforcement, educating the community, and making it safer for those who serve.” The Museum tells the story of law enforcement and has many educational exhibits.
There are online crafts available for children as well as sample “thank you”” notes and letters and lesson plans about various law enforcement duties and careers. Please set aside the time this week to help your children learn more about law enforcement and truly honor those who are serving.
To learn more, please visit:
https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/
https://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/police-week.htm
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:police%20week
May 9, 2022
The Growing Dangers of Edible Marijuana for Children
Many articles have been published over the past several months warning of the dangers of edible marijuana for children. A growing number of children are consuming these edibles. A new study has found that children, especially between the ages of 3-5 years old, are at the highest risk of accidental consumptions.
In the states that have legalized marijuana use, edible marijuana has become a popular item. It comes in the form of candies, cakes, cookies, chocolate bars, potato chips, and even beef jerky. Unfortunately, children are finding these forms attractive and accidental consumption has increased. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, and include drowsiness, trouble breathing, and increase heart rate to seizures, neurological impairment, and intense breathing issues.
Many edibles come in packages with more than one adult serving. Because children can find them attractive, they are likely to eat more than one serving and overdose. One mother went public about her child’s overdose on edibles that looked like gummies. He ate 15 of them for a total THC level of 75 mg, which was 7 times the serving size.
What is the difference between smoking a joint and eating an edible? According to the American Addiction Centers (AAC), it is important to remember that both contain THC. “Some of the more pronounced differences between smoking a joint and eating an edible are reflected in the speed of onset of effects, the duration until peak effects are experienced, and the longevity of the effects.” The AAC warn that since THC is present in both forms of use, the results are “the same psychoactive qualities and potentially adverse consequences no matter how it is used.”
I do not advocate marijuana use at all and in fact, have written previous blogs about its detrimental effects. I believe that it is important for parents to be aware of the seriousness of consuming marijuana, even as edibles. What can parents do? Be aware of where your children are and what they are doing – as much as possible. Who are their friends? Who are their friends’ parents? What do those parents believe about marijuana use and consuming edibles? For parents who are already consuming edibles, experts recommend that adults keep them in a secure location, just as with any toxic substance and prescribed medicine. Also, they recommend that adults not eat them in front of children.
To learn more, please visit:
https://www.addictioncenter.com/news/2022/01/children-consuming-marijuana-edibles/
https://drugabuse.com/blog/joints-vs-edibles-how-marijuana-effects-the-body/
May 2, 2022
Include Your Children in Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 1-7
On April 29, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation declaring Teacher Appreciation Week to be May 1-7 and Teacher Appreciation Day to be May 3. In the proclamation, President Biden said:
Our Nation’s teachers are selfless, dedicated, and caring individuals who devote themselves to the well-being and progress of our students. During this National Teacher Appreciation Day and throughout National Teacher Appreciation Week, we honor educators who touch the lives of students across America and who are essential to building the future of our Nation.
That is such a profound and true statement! Consider joining with your children to show their teachers that they are truly appreciated.
There are many resources available for you to include your children in celebrating their teachers. You may want to organize other families with children to join your family. Try first to find out what the teacher or teachers and support staff would like. Decide on a budget as appreciation ideas can be small or large.
Some suggestions for showing appreciation are:
Organize a luncheon for the teachers and support staff
Purchase small gifts for each
Purchase needed supplies or a gift card for the teachers to make their own purchases
Redecorate the teachers’ lounge
Have a free car wash for teachers
Of course, there are teacher appreciation ideas that do not cost anything. These include:
Have children write thank you notes and decorate them with their own special artwork
Have an applause parade where children line up and clap for their teachers and support staff
Volunteer to do class cleanups for the week
There are many more creative ideas at the links provided below. The important criteria are planning and having your children involved so that they can show their teachers their appreciation too!
For more information, please visit:
https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/1407-teacher-appreciation-week-2022-resources
https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/6352-9-quick-and-easy-teacher-appreciation-gifts
https://www.waterford.org/resources/teacher-appreciation-week-ideas/
April 25, 2022
Inspire Your Children!
I love reading stories about people of all ages who are doing amazing things to help others. For today’s blog post, I wanted to share what 10-year-old Dana Parella is doing and ask that you share her story with your children. I pray that you and your children are inspired to help others!
Dana’s exceptional journey began when she was 7 years old, and her friend Mila got ill with a rare, life-threatening disease called Batten. Dana was devastated and spoke with her mother about what she could do to help. Since they loved to cook together, they decided to bake cookies and sell them to raise money. They started their fundraiser baking the cookies and Dana selling them from her little red wagon. People were so inspired by her and joined her. They were able to eventually raise $56,000! That money was used for Mila’s first treatment.
They turned the fundraiser into a nonprofit, Cookies4Cures. To date, they have funded research for five pediatric diseases. Her and her friends have baked over 18,000 cookies and raised over $100,000! Her slogan is “We fund hope one cookie at a time.”
To learn more about Dana and her wonderful nonprofit, please visit https://www.cookies4cures.com/
April 18, 2022
Why Children Should Learn Good Manners
I recently attended a homeschool convention in Greenville, South Carolina and had the pleasure of meeting Monica Irvine who is the founder and president of The Etiquette Factory. I have written about the importance of teaching our children etiquette before. Since I love to feature others who are doing impactful things for our children, I wanted to share Monica’s information and tell you a bit about The Etiquette Factory.
On the website www.theetiquettefactory.com, Monica shares how her love for etiquette began and why she is so passionate about sharing it. When she was homeschooling her son many years ago, she came across a document titled "George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior." It was a list of 110 rules that President Washington had copied out of a French book so that he could learn and practice chivalry skills.
In Monica’s own words, she describes what motivated her to create her company:
As I read these precious rules, something pricked my heart and I was so drawn to them. I saw the great beauty in each one and thought to myself, What if I had my son memorize these rules? Surely, that would benefit him in many ways. I could imagine that if our society truly lived by these simple 110 chivalry rules, our world would be such a more kind and more generous place to be. We began to do just that, learn these rules, but while we were learning them, a new idea flooded my mind.
Monica also states: “Sometimes, God steps in and just takes you by the hand and leads you down a path where you can use your talents and your gifts to bless His other children. I believe with all my heart that that is exactly what He has done with me.”
I love the definition that Monica has for etiquette – it is helping those around you to feel valued and comfortable. I would add that it is also helping others to feel appreciated and respected. Importantly, it helps us to achieve the second greatest commandment given to us by Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 NLT
She has created workbooks and videos centered primarily around parents teaching their children etiquette, which are “life-changing skills, including the skills of kindness.” Please visit her website where she offers a variety of programs and curricula for parents as well as other educators and professionals.
April 11, 2022
The Importance of Pets for Children
Did you know that there is a day dedicated to celebrating pets? It is April 11 - National Pet Day. It was established in 2006 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige to celebrate all the joy that pets bring to our lives and to bring public awareness to the plight of certain pets.
I have written a prior blog titled Should My Children Have A Pet? It lists some of the important benefits of your children having a pet, such as they make life happier, they teach companionship and responsibility, and some pets encourage your children to be active. Of course, it is up to each family to decide if a pet should be brought home and the type of pet.
There are many activities that your children can do this week to celebrate National Pet Day, as it should not just be one day! There is a link to a website below with some of those activities. There are also many children’s books about children and their pets, as well as cartoon books. Some of my sons’ favorites are the cartoon series of Calvin and Hobbes, about a mischievous 6-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger that comes to life in his imagination. They have many hilarious adventures together.
For some fun activities for children, visit:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pet-day-april-11/
April 4, 2022
Tips for Teaching Your Children About Good Health and Well-being
April 7 is designated as World Health Day by the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency within the United Nations composed of 193 countries. According to its Constitution, the WHO’s main objective is "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health". The theme this year is “our planet, our health”, and the WHO’s website states that it “will focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being.”
There are health and well-being resources that parents can access to share with their children. Some resources include the following:
A WHO PowerPoint that introduces children to health and well-being;
A PowerPoint on “Depression-Let’s Talk” as a child’s mental health is critical for the child’s development:
An emotions board game to help teach children about their emotions;
A resource pack with recipes for healthy eating; and
A self-care printable pack.
Be sure to spend some time this week discussing these issues to help your children learn about the WHO and the importance of having and promoting good health, not only in your family or community, but also throughout the world.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2022
https://nationaltoday.com/world-health-day/
March 28, 2022
Comic Books for Boys and Girls That Plant the Seed and Spread The Gospel
Both my sons grew up reading comic books and I think that it is a wonderful way to promote reading as well as teaching about the Gospel. At a recent homeschool convention where I was an exhibitor, I met Brian Bradley, the president of Kingdom Comics, which is a Christian outreach ministry. I was very impressed by the comic books he had and his desire to spread the Gospel through this unique form of ministry.
On its website, www.kingdomcomicsonline.com, Brian wrote the mission of Kingdom Comics:
Through the publication and distribution of our printed materials, it is our mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By presenting the Gospel in comic book format, we are able to reach a culture that may otherwise be unreached. While this includes adolescents and young adults, it has also included those incarcerated. In addition, our books have been used as teaching tools for youth ministries.
If you would like additional reading materials for your children, please visit this website and consider purchasing some of the comic books. Brian has comic books for boys and just published one for girls. They are filled with all types of adventures as well as exciting illustrations from artists all over the world. And, most important, they promote the Gospel!
