tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54452438573279239782024-03-19T07:33:15.879-05:00The ABC's of Child Safety for ParentsHere's one Mom/Child Safety Expert's take on all things related to the safety of children and personal safety for Mom. Let's call it The ABC's and 123's of Mom and Kid Safety Manual.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-26553958419518324182017-10-10T14:14:00.001-05:002017-10-10T14:43:21.432-05:00Halloween Candy: Is it a dangerous trick or is it a delicious treat?<b><i>All across the country, police departments are busting drug rings and labs run by everyday people. This is not something new or surprising. As soon as one drug dealer is put out of business, two to three more pop up in their place. But what may surprise many parents, is the increasing number of drug busts that include candy made to look like candy popular with children.</i></b><br />
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Halloween is just a couple of weeks away, and children and parents are out shopping for their costumes and stocking up on candy. Parents should take these ordinary moments to inform their children that not all people give away 'good' candy. It shouldn't be a scary "the world is ending" type of talk. But, each child should understand at the end of the talk, that they are not to eat ANY candy before a parent or trusted adult has checked it.<br />
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Parents, here are just a few pictures from different drug raids to give you an idea of just how difficult it is becoming to tell the drug laced candy, at first glance, from normal candy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8pJ_IF3pwZJ_HtlriRS7C_yW5TfGfdh1AzXD_mD97xYcDZd_xMCgyRBpgcrYRF3r8M2I3-F4_V3M8hJhAGmK-XKQrB2srJT4t8Ivocz_bJs3CinFDD3SBCtWxtXu9XRt6J43KqHIMYS9/s1600/star+wars+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1484" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8pJ_IF3pwZJ_HtlriRS7C_yW5TfGfdh1AzXD_mD97xYcDZd_xMCgyRBpgcrYRF3r8M2I3-F4_V3M8hJhAGmK-XKQrB2srJT4t8Ivocz_bJs3CinFDD3SBCtWxtXu9XRt6J43KqHIMYS9/s200/star+wars+candy.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2017/06/MethPopsfeatured.jpg&w=1484" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2017/06/MethPopsfeatured.jpg&w=1484" width="200" /></a></div>
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(courtesy of Houston Police Dept.)</div>
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Here is an example of Star Wars and Batman themed candy laced with Meth that has been molded to fit on lollipop sticks. Also, here are some photos of other kid friendly shapes of butterflies and flowers also laced with Meth. This candy may be innocent and unassuming in appearance, but once ingested can lead to very deadly consequences.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tAvk_0_yTjl0FaeIyc8yK4NkFoJ05OV9Clx0jmkN60R6tg-FtzlxLGRG-Z3fqYo9N8XaGMELk-DYwXZvSkCfnJ4j6mBTg-gRSwnBsSeUy2xT5Pw49EI14P1iyxqS4fiJgu_8WDja0-iq/s1600/sweet+tart+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="236" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tAvk_0_yTjl0FaeIyc8yK4NkFoJ05OV9Clx0jmkN60R6tg-FtzlxLGRG-Z3fqYo9N8XaGMELk-DYwXZvSkCfnJ4j6mBTg-gRSwnBsSeUy2xT5Pw49EI14P1iyxqS4fiJgu_8WDja0-iq/s200/sweet+tart+candy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
(courtesy of Greenfield, IN Detectives)<br />
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Police are also reporting an increase in the number of drug busts with drugs that look like Sweet Tarts, but are laced with everything from Xanax, Molly, Heroin, THC and Methamphetamine. Some people call them "Xanie" Tarts. These 'tarts' have even been confiscated at middle and high schools.<br />
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Police said even though the candies are being shaped like candies, there isn't any indication that it's being done for the sole purpose of targeting children. According to most of the dealers who have been arrested, the candy shapes make it easier to transport and less conspicuous to the average eye. They simply see it as a bonus when it gets into schools, because they see the kids as future customers.<br />
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So parents, please take a moment and have a pointed discussion with your kids now. Don't wait until you are walking out the door on Halloween night, and the kids have their minds on other things. Pull up pictures, let them hear some of the news clips if necessary "because an informed kid is a safer kid."<br />
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Remember.... "If you fail to prepare them now, Prepare to fail them later."<br />
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#safeandunafraid #mvacaunited<br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-33532953837852136062017-05-11T12:54:00.002-05:002017-05-11T13:06:50.200-05:00Disturbing and harmful trends affecting children worldwide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKvUtOWxR1R1DmEBHZ-kZIIZXOikaTWLojqIDuV2ZkAjgQY7HREAFzzNxJKzokTwU-5ChDAUh8Ua5H2tTBBgzMow7JyWknJLSOO1lLXzhGraQUIV1k3mBKfl5lQUcoyuLUQKt4ylJWQCf/s1600/bluewhale6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKvUtOWxR1R1DmEBHZ-kZIIZXOikaTWLojqIDuV2ZkAjgQY7HREAFzzNxJKzokTwU-5ChDAUh8Ua5H2tTBBgzMow7JyWknJLSOO1lLXzhGraQUIV1k3mBKfl5lQUcoyuLUQKt4ylJWQCf/s320/bluewhale6.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<b><i>How many of you are aware of a couple of new games children worldwide have been participating in with sometimes deadly results? Have you heard of the "Letter X" game or the "Blue Whale Challenge"? If you haven't, don't feel bad because many parents are in the dark regarding these deadly games. It is imperative that you have a talk with your children, and warn them against participating in this type of activity.</i></b><br />
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The Blue Whale Challenge involves a student signing up for and agreeing to perform 50 tasks assigned at random by the game administrator. The tasks may start off small like: listening to the radio for a certain song, watching a TV show and gradually progress to more sinister tasks like cutting themselves. In order to win, the student must complete the 50th task which is committing suicide.<br />
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How does a student get involved? Another student usually tags them through an app called Snapchat and challenges them to play. The student then downloads another app, The Blue Whale, which then goes through the student's personal information on their phone like a computer virus. This app cannot be deleted once downloaded, and it gathers all of the student's personal information and as much information about their family as it can. Once the game administrator has gathered all of this information, they use it to control the student and threaten to release info about their family or to physically harm them. They lead the student to believe that the only way to save their family is to commit suicide.<br />
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The Letter X game also uses Snapchat. A student send the letter "X" to another student. The recipient is then supposed to respond with another student's name. Once the originator has a name, they send it out to their friends to begin a campaign of cruel texts and videos about the student picked. The students use Snapchat because the messages are generally deleted within 24 hours. Even so, the taunts can be so cruel and overwhelming, the student may feel so embarrassed that they want to commit suicide.<br />
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As students are receiving cell phones from their parents at an earlier age, parents need to reinforce strict guidelines for their child's cell phone usage. Cyber bullying is becoming most school bullies' weapon of choice to beat down those that they perceive to be weak. Let your child know that tomorrow, that same bully could turn around and target them. Ask them how it would feel to be subjected to that type of vile behavior. Lay out clear consequences for violating any cell phone or Internet rules. These rules need to be reviewed on a consistent basis so your child is very clear about your expectations.<br />
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Do not feel you are invading your child's privacy by monitoring their cell and Internet usage. There are too many programs and apps that give parental control lock outs and monitoring for a parent to claim ignorance if their child misuses their privilege. In most phone setting, you can control by using a different pass-code, the amount of freedom your child has with their phones. You can cut their camera off so their cannot be enticed to upload inappropriate photos. You can restrict what websites they are able to visit. You are not there to be their friend. They have enough friends! Be the parent when they're young and then you can be their friend when they're grown. Spend a little time today, to avoid potential heartache tomorrow.<br />
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<b><i>Remember - "If you fail to plan, then plan to fail!"</i></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-28110566807351903972017-04-05T13:28:00.001-05:002017-04-05T13:28:24.254-05:00Easy methods for kids to escape zip ties or duct tape if they are ever kidnapped<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9ZNaT8rAVpsqI0ZHjNRA7VLjAHi6yDXNqTlR6-_A1FzqCPPaV81d_Hw7u7aK07vmcLpMoifdKvNii2-JzyFzNzueovxXXAv56znm5wBpfMEjnElAEsyUN3wObO-EVoxapsdozvmiBzWq/s1600/specialty-cable-ties-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9ZNaT8rAVpsqI0ZHjNRA7VLjAHi6yDXNqTlR6-_A1FzqCPPaV81d_Hw7u7aK07vmcLpMoifdKvNii2-JzyFzNzueovxXXAv56znm5wBpfMEjnElAEsyUN3wObO-EVoxapsdozvmiBzWq/s320/specialty-cable-ties-button.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><i>It is a parents worst nightmare. You are sitting at home waiting for your child to walk through the door from school and they never arrive. Or perhaps you get a call from your child's school saying they never arrived. What do you do? What would your child do if faced with the scenario of someone grabbing them and using zip ties or duct tape to detain them? What would you do if someone broke into your home and used zip ties to bind you and your family while they burglarized your home? Would you be able to escape?</i></b><br />
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Here are a couple of quick videos that show methods to escape zip ties duct tape. Why zip ties and duct tape? These two items are easy to conceal and transport for criminals. Handcuffs are bulky, suspicious to others and make noise. I mean think about it...If you saw a man walking around with handcuffs (especially around children) and they were not in law enforcement, wouldn't that raise red flags with you. Zip ties can be thrown in a pants pocket out of sight, are quiet but effective. Criminals are counting on parents not knowing how to escape from the ties themselves, much less teaching their kids how it's done.<br />
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The first video posted by Trendy World, shows a little girl using just her shoe laces to escape from her zip ties in less than 60 seconds. This would be a good video to show your child so they have this information stored away in the back of their mind. Most children wear sneakers so this method will be very easy for them. Have them show you and try it themselves so they are familiar with the steps to take in the event of an emergency. Maybe make it competition between you and your child. As the parent, you should be familiar with these methods also. <a href="https://youtu.be/cyFWgGcf2hE" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">How to escape from a zip tie in less than a minute</span></b></a><br />
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The second video posted by Unboxedchild.com, shows three little boys escaping from zip ties in the front of their body and the behind them. They also escape from duct tape after watching their Mom demonstrate how it's done. This is a good video for Mom and kids to watch. In this video the boys use just their strength and positioning to break the tie holds which may come in handy if the child isn't wearing sneakers. <b><span style="color: blue;"> <a href="https://youtu.be/cwrIR7nH6Yw" target="_blank">How to escape from zip ties and duct tape for kids</a></span></b><br />
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There are several other videos available on Youtube about escaping from various ties. It is a good idea to be familiar with different methods because you never know if you will be faced with this type of scenario.<br />
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Remember - If you fail to prepare, Prepare to fail!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-56633341652710520372017-03-20T14:02:00.000-05:002017-03-20T14:02:02.490-05:00Common Human Trafficking Tactics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaQwV3uquGBVShzzAzq7Rc98-eu5yEwhto0Et0V9MhGNCklw7CLkGYoeOT4OdVoXLiMIF95cmnLEwDN4xgDa8_0JCG-yBOYXsEhjEWeSgfNr0wtdwKXydFD8l0aa_qxNtLafc7FY7dFA2/s1600/boyfriending.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaQwV3uquGBVShzzAzq7Rc98-eu5yEwhto0Et0V9MhGNCklw7CLkGYoeOT4OdVoXLiMIF95cmnLEwDN4xgDa8_0JCG-yBOYXsEhjEWeSgfNr0wtdwKXydFD8l0aa_qxNtLafc7FY7dFA2/s320/boyfriending.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Many parents are clueless as to how human trafficking works. In their minds, that is a crime that happens to other families and would NEVER happen to their child. But in reality, the number of human trafficking victims are increasing, and the tactics used to lure young girls and boys into this world are becoming more organized and complex. Here are just a few of the common tactics these predators of the underworld use to prey on the innocent.</i></b><br />
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<li>Kidnapping - is probably the first tactic that comes to every one's mind. In this scenario, the trafficker kidnaps the victim from a public location like walking to and from their car, school, mall or work place. Some even follow their target home and kidnap them from there. The kidnappers are usually armed, quick and violent.</li>
<li>Boyfriending - is when a man pretends to like a young woman and grooms her to gain her trust by eventually becoming her boyfriend. The young woman will drop her guard because she believes the man truly loves her and has her best interest at heart. He targets her vulnerabilities by telling her she is beautiful, smart, one of a kind or supplies her with money, jewelry, cars or a lavish place to stay. If she comes from a family who couldn't afford these types of material things, she may grow to covet these items and feel she can't leave him for fear of losing access to these luxuries. Young women seem to be especially vulnerable to this tactic. </li>
<li>Blind dates - Young women should be wary of blind dates. When meeting someone for the first time, they should meet in a public place, make others aware of who and where they are meeting, and spend some time perhaps meeting publicly several times and invest time talking to them extensively before allowing the 'blind date' to know where they live or inviting them to come over.</li>
<li>Drugging at social events - This commonly occurs at night clubs, bars and on college campuses. A person may go to a party or event and a trafficker could be there looking for new victims. The trafficker could be a man or woman. They target an unsuspecting victim, start talking to them and manage to slip a drug in their drink. Once the drug kicks in, the victim appears overly drunk and the 'good Samaritan' offers to help them home. Instead, the victim awakens to threats of violence if they don't prostitute for the predator, and/or is whisked off to unknown locations into the trafficking pipeline.</li>
<li>Befriending - Here's an example. A young girl works at a kiosk in the mall. Then, a young shopper comes up pretending to shop and strikes up a friendly conversation with her. The supposed 'shopper' may come several times over the course of days and weeks, and eventually exchanges numbers so they can meet outside of work. What the young girl doesn't realize is the 'new friend' is working under the direction and watchful eye of a trafficker, who may be controlling her through threats and/or violence. The young girl, thinking she has a 'new friend', agrees to meet the other girl outside of work where she is then abducted, or they learn her schedule and grab her on her way to her car in the garage after work. Another example involves younger children. A trafficker or even a family member may make a young child befriend another young child and entice them to be friends by offering toys, expensive clothing or money. Once the child is comfortable around the other child and family, they too can be shuttled into the trafficking pipeline.</li>
<li>Social media and online ads - are a very common place to find traffickers trolling for victims. They befriend unsuspecting people through social media and establish a friendship which causes the other person to drop their guard. Or they advertise the need for roommates and gradually gain the person's trust. In either case, everyone has to be extra vigilant when dealing with 'new friends' online, in person and when considering moving in with strangers.</li>
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The bottom line is human traffickers are unscrupulous, and will use whatever means is necessary to target and secure a victim. In this day and age, it is safer to be vary when dealing with that eager 'new friend' and be aware of your surroundings at all times day or night.</div>
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As parents, one of the most loving things you can do for your child is to equip them with the tools and information they will need to stay safe. As much as we want our children to enjoy a childhood free of scary things and people, if we fail to prepare them for the dangers of this ever-changing world, then we must be prepared to fail them when we don't.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-33586855690275229332016-12-20T15:05:00.001-06:002016-12-20T15:05:16.423-06:00Cyberbullying - How Safe Are Your Kids?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7Nl4_hO1PqU0-0gntPvXTEhzCKijp4HktxTEXIrtzrenLmpfHc3Rab4T08ilVVucPgXPhK2N73lUaQIOA6-9gcXseNx077ytdb6QgaFamUs8FMpt_YOBrhvlOiVCG6Qp9S5z6-TFH2Im/s1600/computer+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7Nl4_hO1PqU0-0gntPvXTEhzCKijp4HktxTEXIrtzrenLmpfHc3Rab4T08ilVVucPgXPhK2N73lUaQIOA6-9gcXseNx077ytdb6QgaFamUs8FMpt_YOBrhvlOiVCG6Qp9S5z6-TFH2Im/s320/computer+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Cyber-bullying is defined as "the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating, embarrassing or threatening nature."</i></b><br />
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Many parents do not think to have detailed conversations with their children about the dangers and repercussions of cyber-bullying. They focus on the physical safety of their kids (as they should), but fail to realize that in today's technologically advanced society ... children are being terrorized in the safety of their own home, by bullies that can do irreparable damage to a child's psyche.<br />
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How bad has cyber-bullying gotten?<br />
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<li>The i-Safe Foundation reports that over 50% of adolescents and teens have reported being bullied online at least once.</li>
<li>1 in 3 children report being threatened by someone online.</li>
<li>25% of adolescents and teens have reported being repeatedly threatened or harassed online.</li>
<li>Sadly, 50% of kids, who are cyber-bullied, will not tell their parents out of fear or embarrassment.</li>
<li>Cyber-bullying crosses all racial, cultural and socio-economic lines. No group is immune.</li>
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So what is a parent to do? Approach talking about cyber-bullying with the same intensity that you would talking about their physical safety. Parents should make sure that the lines of communication stay open, and their child feels comfortable telling them anything. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your child from becoming a victim or helping them once victimized.</div>
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<li>Most importantly, keep all texts, emails or posts that show the content of the bullying and who is sending it. Tell your child not to erase anything including their reply, if any, back to the the bully.</li>
<li>File a police report. Cyber-bullying is a crime and should be approached as such. Let your child know that if they turn around and bully someone online, they can be criminally charged and that can affect their ability to qualify for scholarships and future employment.</li>
<li>Talk to the school administration and make them aware of the situation and see if they can intervene or arrange a meeting with the bully's parents. Cyberbullies' parents often are unaware of what their child is doing online and oftentimes can put a stop to it if informed.</li>
<li>Block the cyber bully's IP address or phone number. Call the bully's Internet provider or cell phone company and report them for harassment also. Some may help, other may not, but at least there is a paper trail if the harassment continues, and the bully is eventually criminally prosecuted.</li>
<li>Invest in a family friendly router that can be programmed to avoid certain sites, trigger on pre-programmed words and be controlled through your cell phone. Invest in software that can re-create keystrokes so you can see what your child is writing to whom even if they delete the message.</li>
<li>Teach your child to not share anything personal online! Once it is written or uploaded online, it's there forever. Tell them whenever they use a computer, tablet or their cell phone, to act as if you are standing behind them watching what they write and share. This is especially important with teens, as teens have been tricked into sharing inappropriate pictures or sexting messages that later are used to blackmail or embarrass the teen.</li>
<li>Until your child has graduated from high school, you should have access to all of their social media accounts and cell phone accounts. If they password protect anything, they must give you the correct password or lose access to that account. Have them sign a digital contract where you lay out the terms they are to adhere to in using the Internet and social media. Create your own accounts and friend them on social media to see what they post and what is posted about them. Don't fall for their complaints that you're invading their privacy! You are their parent, not their friend and it is your job to act accordingly.</li>
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Cyber-bullying has spiraled and spread in the last decade. You can find worldwide cases of cyber-bullying that range from elementary school children being mean all the way to harassment at the most prestigious work places. No matter who the intended victim is, it will hurt and can leave lasting emotional scars. </div>
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One thing everyone should realize is that cyberbullies are weak people, that hide behind keyboards and social media, to try and exert influence or pain on others they are generally jealous of or dislike. They are essentially cyber terrorists. So please take any case of cyber-bullying against anyone in your family, as you would a real physical terrorist threat, and deal with it quickly and decisively before it escalates to another level.</div>
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<b><i>"Remember if you fail to plan, Plan to fail"</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-92085806899375074452016-10-27T14:46:00.001-05:002016-10-27T14:46:33.493-05:00A Halloween Safety Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO50CuC-3FM9TYQqae_yn29l8rCqOPGpr6twSSXNU0XivyrIRkhxAKkkHicpNK503r9aolb2FroRiHq0pPnhzqy55l1oIDyfUETKnQPliI8kOn12UDoB3aSHWgnOGVznK832MVA3ntFEG-/s1600/Halloween+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO50CuC-3FM9TYQqae_yn29l8rCqOPGpr6twSSXNU0XivyrIRkhxAKkkHicpNK503r9aolb2FroRiHq0pPnhzqy55l1oIDyfUETKnQPliI8kOn12UDoB3aSHWgnOGVznK832MVA3ntFEG-/s200/Halloween+candy.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
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(This is a photo of drugs made to look like candy)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for children everywhere! It is estimated that almost 94 percent of children between the ages of four and twelve will participate in Halloween activities this year. Picking out the perfect costume, carving pumpkins, and trick of treating for candy, makes Halloween one of the most popular holidays besides Christmas. But for many parents, Halloween brings anxiety because of the potential dangers their children could face, as many child predators use this time of year to try and entice unsuspecting children into their homes. By teaching children a few safety tips, parents can ensure that their children have a fun and safe Halloween!</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>NEVER</b> allow young children to go out alone! Even if they want to go with a group of their friends, young children under the age of 12 should <b>ALWAYS</b> be accompanied by an adult. Older children should go as a group and stay together at <b>ALL</b> times!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Choose light or brightly colored flame retardant costumes, so the child can be seen by drivers. Add reflective tape and have them carry a glow stick or flashlight to increase visibility. Choose face paint instead of masks, so that the child's vision won't be obstructed.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Only trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid dark streets and secluded homes.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>ALWAYS</b> walk a young child to the door to receive their goodies, and <b>NEVER </b>allow a child to enter someone's home for any reason.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Children should be taught to walk on the sidewalks and use crosswalks. Children under 12 should not cross the street without an adult.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If your child is going as part of a group, make sure they know their home phone number and address in case they become separated from the group. Check to see if someone in the group has a cell phone. Also, teach them how to properly call 911.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Teach your child not to approach anyone in a vehicle who tries to call out to them. Tell them to back away from the car and quickly go towards the nearest adult with children.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Tell them to scream loudly, <b><span style="color: red;">"Kidnapper! Call the Police! Someone please help me!"</span> </b>if someone tries to grab them away from their group. This will garner the attention of all adults within earshot. Also, have someone in the group carry a loud whistle to blow if they are attacked, and tell all of the kids to yell for help and fight back if someone is trying to abduct one of them.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Instead of going house to house on unfamiliar streets, consider organizing a block party with your neighbors where the kids could stay in your immediate area and have fun.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Check all of your child's treats for signs of tampering, before allowing them to eat any of the goodies. If it is unwrapped, faded, smells funny or just doesn't look right - <b>THROW IT AWAY</b>! Please be aware that there are unscrupulous people out there, that have made drugs that look like candy and could make your kid seriously sick or worse.</i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Child safety is important every day of the year, and parents should be vigilant at all times. But on a night like Halloween, parents really need to be aware of their surroundings, and know that some child predators have planned for months on how they will take advantage of a child. Many police agencies visit known sex offenders prior to Halloween night to remind them not to decorate or give out candy. Sadly, not all sex offenders are properly registered and some will slip through the cracks waiting to strike again.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-76271247912024542552016-09-11T17:58:00.001-05:002016-10-27T13:26:59.263-05:00Does Your Child Walk From School Alone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj6puzuuAoe6iv1em7kdp5Hp8La8tLWAODjd5ewnXBdwqKENzoEVYVqe71D2CsQLvgDyQLga0bPScaH7h6AgWX9_P0DdQrqbtP1hFTk2TsKrcmiDlMyzn7PmgARI5_TpwfjmDqiyKBi1i/s1600/child+walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj6puzuuAoe6iv1em7kdp5Hp8La8tLWAODjd5ewnXBdwqKENzoEVYVqe71D2CsQLvgDyQLga0bPScaH7h6AgWX9_P0DdQrqbtP1hFTk2TsKrcmiDlMyzn7PmgARI5_TpwfjmDqiyKBi1i/s1600/child+walking.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><b>Unfortunately, everyday thousands of children have to walk home from school alone. Parents are not always able to pick their child up from school or the child has to walk a good distance from a bus stop. No matter what the circumstance is that causes your child to have to walk alone, please teach them the following steps to stay safe on their journey:</b></i><br />
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<ul>
<li>First, your child should try to make friends with another child or group of children that are walking the same route. Teach them that there is safety in numbers. This rule applies whether they are going to the restroom at school, walking home, going to the mall, etc.</li>
<li>Check with a neighbor and see if they are available to pick your child up or at least check in with your child when they get home.</li>
<li>Remind your children that adults should never ask them for help. They are a child. Adults should always ask other adults for help, so tell your child to not feel guilty about walking away from an adult.</li>
<li>Tell your child if they are ever approached by someone they don't know (please don't say stranger*), they should remember the 3 B's.</li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><u>Get Back</u></i></b></span></span> - As the person approaches them, the child should take 4 big steps backward. If the adult continues toward the child after they have stepped back, the child should hold up their hand and loudly state, "Stay Back!"</li>
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<li><u style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Run Back</u> - If that doesn't stop the forward progress of the adult, at this point the child should run as fast as they can to a safe place (back to school, a neighbor's house, library, neighborhood store, etc). <b><i>As they are running they should scream, "Kidnapper! Call the Police!" over and over as loud as they can.</i></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;"><u><i>Fight Back</i></u></span></b> -<b><i> </i></b> If they are unable to run, or is the adult grabs them, this is when the child must fight back with everything they have. You have to make your child understand that their life depends on this and they are to kick, scratch, scream, bite and do everything possible to get away. <b><i>While they are fighting yell at the top of their lungs, "Kidnapper! Call the Police!" This phrase is better to yell because it instantly garners any surrounding adults attention.</i></b></li>
</ul>
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We mentioned earlier that you shouldn't tell your kids to never talk to strangers. Why is this? Most kids do not understand which adults should be 'classified' as strangers. And if you ask a group of 50 young kids to describe what a stranger looks like, you will get a wide range of descriptive answers, but few will say it's someone they don't know.<br />
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Hopefully, your child will never have to experience a frightening experience like this, but you always want to prepare your child ahead of time for anything. If you have discussed it and given them a plan of action, they are less likely to freeze and be a docile victim.<br />
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<b><i>Remember - "If you fail to prepare them, Prepare to fail them!"</i></b><br />
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<b>#safeandunafraid #mvacaunited </b><br />
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<i><b><br /></b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-87288746950964402762016-08-03T15:01:00.003-05:002016-08-03T15:01:12.660-05:00Fire Safety Tips For Families<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbY9HMtZiWf_hVPtD3RZSaVEtqyhLCDDUr8EheLFrkvB03dz1aBRdpsBt1OIclkKYpOv_TL51v-HVJbKwqM16XCZ9bx3LCjtzTm5H3y-wBQCK2VicgQ70R1aqXnKVom7mBOHK7ZFtrpsN/s1600/fire_flames_building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbY9HMtZiWf_hVPtD3RZSaVEtqyhLCDDUr8EheLFrkvB03dz1aBRdpsBt1OIclkKYpOv_TL51v-HVJbKwqM16XCZ9bx3LCjtzTm5H3y-wBQCK2VicgQ70R1aqXnKVom7mBOHK7ZFtrpsN/s320/fire_flames_building.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><i>It's 3 o'clock in the morning and your fire alarm starts to beep. You wake up and smell smoke. What is the first thing you should do? Is your family prepared? When is the last time you held a family fire drill? Have you ever held a fire drill? Have you planned your escape route in the event of a fire? Why not?</i></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Fires tend to peak during the months of December, January and February which are usually the coldest months of the year. Home structure fires are reported about every 85 seconds nationally. Did you know that approximately 3,500 people are killed in fires each year? How many of these deaths could have been prevented had they practiced a fire drill or had a prepared fire escape route? If you and your family practice drills ahead of time, your family's reaction time will decrease exponentially and every second counts!</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">When planning a fire escape route for your family, keep the following checklist in mind:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><u><b>One of the most important things</b></u></i> you can do, is to make sure there are working smoke alarms in each room, and working carbon monoxide detectors on each level of a home.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Make sure all smoke alarms are <b><i><u>less than 10 years old</u></i></b>, and are tested on a regular basis.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Test the alarms during the night and see if your child responds. Some children do not react to the beeping of a smoke alarm. If this is your child, invest in a talking alarm that says something like, "Fire! Get up!".</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Draw a floor plan of your dwelling and mark at least two exits out of every room.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Gather the family and review the floor plan and physically walk through the escape route with each child. Make sure each child has a thorough understanding of what to do in the case of a fire.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">If you have multiple children sharing a room, assign partners to insure each other's safety.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Teach everyone to touch the door and knob before opening it, to see if they feel hot to the touch. If they feel warm, use the alternate exit route if possible.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Ensure that everyone knows how to stuff blankets, sheets or clothes into the cracks of the doors and vents, if trapped in a room. Also, make sure that they have a flashlight in each room to signal for help if trapped.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Do not linger in a burning building trying to collect photos, jewelry or family heirlooms. <b><i><u>NOTHING is more precious than your life!</u></i></b></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Designate an outside meeting place that everyone is familiar with. Each family member should stay at the meeting place until everyone has escaped. Some examples of meeting places might be a mailbox, the neighbor's house, a nearby corner, etc.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Make sure that all of the designated exit routes are easily accessible.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Make sure that your dwelling number is clearly visible for firefighters and all first responders.</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">No one should ever try to re-enter a burning building for any reason. Stay outside and alert the first responders where you think a trapped person or animal may be. </li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Finally, it is crucial that home fire escape drills are practiced at least twice a year. The more you practice, the less panicked everyone will be when faced with a fire.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">No one plans for a fire, but the better prepared you are when one occurs, the better your chances are of getting out alive.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Remember - "If You Fail to Prepare, then Prepare to Fail!"</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-69042167183556883282016-07-28T13:19:00.001-05:002016-07-28T13:20:53.270-05:00Tips For A Safe Pokémon Go Experience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvTRi1GQOAbNQ7mHlfdadnjrAwXT7PmLn5q8TSejG2cnQ3dhMoQ8YzJUJcmmTXQBx_IV1-pyPESP73Ssp6cpNrt5-jxsxeCvCnbKREuwx1VoS12FDkF4J9Af4oESlHJbVpXHiydZXgig-/s1600/pokemon+go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvTRi1GQOAbNQ7mHlfdadnjrAwXT7PmLn5q8TSejG2cnQ3dhMoQ8YzJUJcmmTXQBx_IV1-pyPESP73Ssp6cpNrt5-jxsxeCvCnbKREuwx1VoS12FDkF4J9Af4oESlHJbVpXHiydZXgig-/s320/pokemon+go.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Pokémon Go has taken the public by storm and is the latest craze. People are so hooked on the game that they are putting themselves in vulnerable positions, by visiting out of the way places late at night or alone. Kids become so </span><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;">fascinated</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> by the game that they actually forget all safety rules, and will talk to people they don't know or even walk off with them as evidenced in some recent videos.</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Parents you must set firm ground rules for playing the game. It can be a fun family activity, but the when, where and with who must be established first. Also, parents cannot just state these rules once and expect kids to follow them to a tee. Parents should also consider having kids under 18 sign a contract with the rules, and if they violate any of the rules, their playing privileges are revoked. These rules should also apply to adults playing the game by themselves as they could also be targeted by criminals.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Here are some safety tips to review with your children on a regular basis regarding </span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Pokémon Go:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Do not EVER sneak out of the house to go play the game without <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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permission from parents!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Do not let individuals you do not know use your phone. If there is an emergency, you call 911.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Always travel in pairs or with several people when playing the game, especially at night.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Don't go to areas you're not familiar with, and always let someone know where you're headed even if you're with a partner(s).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Remain vigilant about your surroundings at all times. Do not become so engrossed in the game, that you fail to notice people around you.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Be aware if individuals or groups seem to be playing everywhere you go, or are too close in proximity to you. It could be coincidence or they could be stalking you.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Keep your valuables like (wallets, cash and jewelry) hidden while out and about.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Be careful of divulging personal information to people who seem determined to engage you in conversation.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">If driving, keep your door locked and windows rolled up, especially in areas you are not familiar with.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px;">Most important, trust your gut instincts about places and/or people. If something doesn't feel right, get out of the area immediately!</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Pokémon Go is a nationwide phenomenon that is meant to be fun for all involved. But unfortunately, some criminals are using some of the </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Pokémon Stops to commit crimes on the players. Be vigilant, be safe and be aware that some may be creating or using false stops to lure people in for the purpose of robbery or sexual assault.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Remember - "If you fail to plan, Plan to fail!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>#safeandunafraid</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-6181182931895191482016-07-25T12:02:00.002-05:002016-07-25T12:04:05.012-05:00What Would Your Child Do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrKePy9Szae8l86UtPQpHuEseRnET36_gWXIJmKauik_o2dtidlMbmG8OysKTM7Ef1V5PZd8KMkEVrUdYenNmdtpB_dvhr2dXLFt9SNnikDqJ9N_PvWK8BgOGBaAcg7vFlCHWTP5ooy1u/s1600/10509547_745680322156392_8781445338819131719_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrKePy9Szae8l86UtPQpHuEseRnET36_gWXIJmKauik_o2dtidlMbmG8OysKTM7Ef1V5PZd8KMkEVrUdYenNmdtpB_dvhr2dXLFt9SNnikDqJ9N_PvWK8BgOGBaAcg7vFlCHWTP5ooy1u/s320/10509547_745680322156392_8781445338819131719_n.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><strong>Suppose, despite all of your warnings and lectures about "strangers", your child was approached and grabbed by a stranger? Have you prepared your child for this worst case scenario? As a parent, you don’t want to think of your child ever being put in this situation, but your child’s reaction could mean the difference between you seeing them again or possible death for the child.</strong></em><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">When you are discussing “stranger danger” with your child, please clarify your child’s perception of what a “stranger” is to them. You may be surprised as to their description and perception of strangers. A group of school aged children were asked to describe what a stranger was and their answers ranged from someone who is skinny, or tall, is ugly, is fat, is short, etc.. Not many children said, “Someone I don’t know or my parents don’t know.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Even more disturbing, was a poll done at a children’s expo, where dozens of parents were asked if they had discussed what actions their child should take if grabbed by a stranger. Not </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><strong>ONE</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"> parent had discussed this possibility with their child! </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><strong>NOT ONE!! </strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"> Parents just can’t phantom the thought of something like this ever happening to their precious children. And by the grace of God, hopefully it never will! But, wouldn’t you as a parent, feel better if you know you had prepared your child for EVERY possible scenario?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Please teach your child this one simple move, and you may help them avoid becoming a victim if they are ever faced with this dilemma. Tell your child if they are grabbed, to drop like a sack of potatoes, stay down on their back like a crab and keep their legs kicking towards their attacker. While on the ground and kicking, the child should scream at the top of their lungs, “THIS IS NOT MY FATHER/MOTHER! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!” By screaming this again and again it will garner the attention of surrounding adults as not just another kid having a temper tantrum and make it nearly impossible for the attacker to pick them up and cart them away. Think about…have you every tried to pick up a screaming two or three-year old laying on the floor having a temper tantrum and kicking? They are dead weight and impossible to control. Any child predator is more likely to run away and leave the child as this scene is attracting too much attention and too much trouble. Child predators like to escape unnoticed and neatly. This technique is also useful for women or anyone for that matter to avoid an attack or attempted kidnapping.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrkTEz1lcShZEa6rAACEPHnvUe3ThMctDaXKkA5S0nHg9YGEaMD_M_JbOzg6Hz2rVuT1cPuDKWY41V6fA7m1s0h06oy22XqDcrKL2hEdjHLmBl1DgO3hUyrvDYqzyT5Ptb91JuHBB9W9N/s1600/hold+my+hand+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrkTEz1lcShZEa6rAACEPHnvUe3ThMctDaXKkA5S0nHg9YGEaMD_M_JbOzg6Hz2rVuT1cPuDKWY41V6fA7m1s0h06oy22XqDcrKL2hEdjHLmBl1DgO3hUyrvDYqzyT5Ptb91JuHBB9W9N/s320/hold+my+hand+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><em>Have you ever been late picking up your child from school, sports or band practice, a friend's house or the mall? No matter how early you leave to pick them up, you cannot control traffic and accidents. Delays are bound to happen at least once. Have you rehearsed what your child should do in these scenarios? Would they panic? Would they get into a car with an adult claiming to be there on your behalf? Would they leave with their friends? If you have properly prepared your child, the answer should be, no they would not leave that location without permission from me. Or "No, they would not get into a car unless the adult has given the family code word." You do have a family code word, right?</em></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><em><br /></em></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Starting at an early age (around age four), children should be taught that there are only a couple of people trusted and approved to pick them up from any location in case of an emergency. These handful of trusted adults must tell the child the family code word before a child is to get into their car. If the adult cannot remember the code word, they are NOT to enter the car! At this point, every attempt should be made to contact the parents for verification. You must teach your child to disbelieve anyone who shows up and offers a ride if they don't know the correct code word!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">A family code word should be something the child can easily remember, but not common enough that anyone could guess. For example, do not use any of the family member's names, the dog's name or street name. Your child should understand that no one, absolutely NO ONE, is to be told the code word under any circumstances! This is especially important to stress upon young kids who may want to impress their your friends with a secret.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">If an emergency situation arises, and the code word is exposed to others when used, you should pick a new family code word immediately. Impress upon your child the importance of ignoring the old code word once a new one has been selected. Review the new word frequently and test the child on occasion to keep it fresh in their minds. This activity not only reinforces the new code word in the child's mind, it is an important refresher for the entire family.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Always remember – “If You Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail”.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a222a; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><b>#safeandunafraid </b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-30262958763043708182016-07-19T10:00:00.000-05:002016-07-19T10:00:37.754-05:00Safety Tips for Worry-Free Apartment Living<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>In this day and age, more adults are choosing to live in apartments for a variety of reasons. These reasons range from convenience, affordability versus home ownership, downsizing because of an empty nest, and location. Whatever the reason may be, here are a few safety tips to make your apartment stay as worry-free as possible.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>While you are conducting your initial search and before moving in, here are a few tips to consider:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the local crime rate in the area? Use a website like <a href="http://spotcrime.com/">SpotCrime.com</a> to check out the area's history.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have friends, co-workers or family that live in that area, ask what their general impression is about the complex you are considering moving to.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drive by at different times of the day/night and see what it looks like. After hours, are there shady characters hanging out on balconies, in the parking lot etc.?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the building includes fire escapes, do they keep them pulled up and limit access from the ground level?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do the managers or maintenance personnel live on property? Is there a contingency plan for after hour emergencies?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there adequate parking provided for the residents and their guests?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it gated? Do they provide a roving security guard? Are the entrances, hallways or breezeways adequately lit at night?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always visit the model of the apartment you are considering beforehand, and check if there are peepholes in the doors, adequate bolt locks and whether window coverings are provided. Are kitchen and laundry appliances provided and maintained by the complex?</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, get renter's insurance! This will protect your valuables in the event of a fire, theft or severe weather. Most apartment complexes have insurance, but it's usually to cover their losses only, like the rebuilding cost of the building. You can find adequate coverage for approximately $20 per month.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A personal fire safe would be a very good investment. This safe could be used to protect valuable papers, jewelry, cash and firearms.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insist that the property manager change the locks to ensure the previous tenants cannot re-enter when you are away.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your blinds or curtains closed at night to avoid prying eyes from seeing your belongings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get to know your neighbors. You don't have to become best friends, but break the ice so you are aware of who belongs in your general area and who doesn't.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Park in well-lit areas and hide your valuables. Don't leave cell phones, important papers, sunglasses, etc., exposed to entice a would be burglar.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use your peep hole, keep your door closed and talk through your door when someone you don't know knocks on your door. Don't worry about being perceived as rude, as your safety is more important!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you work different shifts, and regularly come home in the wee hours, invest in a hand held pepper spray that you can hold while walking to your door from the car. Better to be safe than sorry, especially if someone is monitoring your coming and going.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just remember, living in an apartment is similar to living in a house and the same precautions you would take with a residential home are the same for living in an apartment in most cases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be aware and be vigilant whenever you are entering and leaving, and stay cognizant of the people living around you and their activities. If something or someone makes you uneasy, report your concerns to the management company and let them investigate further. There is no such thing, in this day and age, as being too careful when it comes to your personal safety! If you see something, SAY something!!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-60373870219356825382016-07-18T12:04:00.000-05:002016-07-18T12:04:33.933-05:00Parents Please Be Aware of Teens Smoking Embalming Fluid<b><i>Parents, do you know what the drug "Wet" is and what it is made of? Most people have never heard of the drug, but on the teen scene it is becoming increasingly popular.</i></b><br />
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"Wet" is a chemical component of embalming fluid that is combined with PCP. This deadly and highly additive combination is then put on cigarettes or rolled in a marijuana joint and smoked. Some kids have nicknamed it the "death stick" or "fry stick".<br />
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The effects of "Wet" range from hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and even violent outbursts that have resulted in users committing murder. Moderate use can affect a young person's growth and development. Other side effects reported are seizures, coma and even death. This is not surprising given that embalming fluid alone can cause brain and lung damage, sores in the throat, nose and esophagus. Embalming fluid is also very carcinogenic. Users become hooked on the cigarettes soaked with the fluid, because not only does it burn longer, but they experience increased highs.<br />
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Parents need to be aware of any behavioral changes in their children and address the issues promptly. Teens face increasing pressure from their peers these days to try various drugs and risky behavior. It is up to the parents to keep the lines of communication open and have frank conversations about drugs, sex and anything that may affect their lives. Don't worry about being perceived as "nosey" by your kids. Your inquisitiveness may one day save their lives. There's plenty of time later to be their "friend".<br />
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#safeandunafraidAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-45007559195499192602016-07-13T14:55:00.001-05:002016-07-13T14:55:40.253-05:00Do Kids Come With a Manual?: Ideas To Teach Kids Random Acts of Kindness<a href="http://www.sharonblacknall.com/2016/07/ideas-to-teach-kids-random-acts-of.html?spref=bl">Do Kids Come With a Manual?: Ideas To Teach Kids Random Acts of Kindness</a>: With all of the recent events that have occurred in our country, some children may be anxious or nervous. The 24 hour nonstop coverage of p...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-8092289008334368642016-07-13T14:53:00.000-05:002016-07-13T14:53:13.311-05:00Ideas To Teach Kids Random Acts of Kindness<b><i>With all of the recent events that have occurred in our country, some children may be anxious or nervous. The 24 hour nonstop coverage of protests, killings and violence is hard to escape. The world they are growing up in has become hard, cold and frightening. If we don't take a stand and advocate for change now, the future is looking very scary for the generations to come. It is our responsibility as parents to help our children grow up to be better than we were.</i></b><br />
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Here are a few simple suggestions, you can do with your kids to help promote and teach them about kindness.<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>We must teach children when they are very young, about being kind and respectful towards others, or they may grow up and start to bully others that are different from themselves or be frighten of others that appear different.<br />
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<li>Teach them to say "Please" and "Thank You" to everyone, no matter who it may be, who does something kind for them.</li>
<li>Hold the door open for someone walking in behind them at the store.</li>
<li>Smile and ask how the cashier's day is going when checking out of a store.</li>
<li>Bake cookies for your neighbors just because.</li>
<li>Volunteer to help with dinner and set the table.</li>
<li>Help Mom and Dad take out the trash or complete chores without asking.</li>
<li>Buy someone they don't know a snack at school with their allowance.</li>
<li>Be the first to say hello and be nice to the new students in their classrooms.</li>
<li>Say "Have a Nice Day!" to their teachers, custodians and administrators.</li>
<li>Donate their toys they are not playing with anymore to a children's shelter.</li>
<li>Write a letter to an elderly relative or send them a post card.</li>
<li>Hand out kindness coins or happy face post-its/stickers to random children when out with parents.</li>
<li>Say "I love you" at least once everyday to your family.</li>
<li>Volunteer to help at kid events.</li>
<li>Drop off cookies or baked goods at the local fire station.</li>
<li>Shake the hand of a police officer or military member and say thank you.</li>
<li>Make hug and smile coupons for family members to be redeemed as needed.</li>
<li><b>Most important, teach your children to "Be Kind Always"!</b></li>
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As you can see these are simple, very doable acts that may not seem grandiose in nature, but just imagine if a whole generation of children was kind to everyone? No one can resist the smile or kind gesture of a child. If more people made a conscious effort to be kind and respectful to one another, we would truly be leaving the world better off than when we first arrived. Isn't that what parenting is all about? </div>
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<b><i>The bottom line is whether you are Black, White, Brown or whatever color, we are all part of the Human Race <u>FIRST</u> and foremost, and no one group is better than another. Teach your child to be a judge of people's character and not their race, creed or color.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Remember - #Be.Kind.Always</i></b></div>
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<b><i>#safeandunafraid</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-62399427923753348042016-06-27T14:21:00.000-05:002016-06-27T14:21:19.615-05:00The SafeParent Application<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Proximo Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5rem;">
<b><i>Keeping your child safe is the number one priority for most parents. Child abuse cases are on the rise, bullying and cyber-bullying from other students is a daily occurrence, and an increasing number of cases involving inappropriate teacher-child relationships can overload a parent's child safety radar.</i></b> </div>
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According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 90% of abused children are molested by someone already known to the child or family. The molester can be anyone from a relative, neighbor, teacher, coach to the maintenance man that fixes things in their home. There is no specific character traits to identify them.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5rem;">Recently, there was a new app released, that could make it much easier to keep a child from becoming a victim of sexual abuse. The app is called SafeParent and it was created by Jeff Herman, a child advocate and attorney for victims of sexual abuse. Herman realized that children could be better protected from predators, if their parents knew how to recognize the grooming techniques of potential abusers and respond quickly.</span></div>
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The SafeParent app was designed to encourage open communication between parents and their child, and also to help parents be more aware of potential danger and pitfalls. Parents can take the quiz first, and then they are encouraged to take the quiz with their kids. Some parents may be surprised at some of their kids answers, and quickly realize that there is potentially inappropriate behavior occurring between their child and another adult. After all of the questions are answered, the quiz is scored on the SafeParent meter by calculating a concern score ranging from low to immediate threat. If someone makes your child feel uncomfortable or you are uncomfortable with them after taking the quiz, take steps to insure your child is not left alone with that person.</div>
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The SafeParent app is free to download and should be on every parent's phone. You can find SafeParent on Itunes or the Google play store. For more information about Jeff Herman and his law firm go to <a href="http://www.hermanlaw.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4489e3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.hermanlaw.com</a>. For additional tips on how to talk to your child about safety and other child safety topics, go to <a href="http://www.mvacaunited.org/" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4489e3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.mvacaunited.org</a>. #safeandunafraid</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-56264329728986540372016-06-24T12:32:00.002-05:002016-06-24T12:32:51.733-05:00Tips to survive a mass shooting<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Imagine sitting at your desk on a Friday afternoon thinking about the weekend, and suddenly you hear gun shots and screaming. What is your first reaction? Or perhaps you’re in a crowded restaurant and someone brandishes a gun and starts firing at the crowd. Do you run? Do you hide? Do you fight back? What would your child do if faced with a school shooting? Have you talked to them?</strong></em></div>
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These are scenarios that most people never think about, and fortunately most will never have to deal with in their lifetime. But as workplace violence and public shootings increase, everyone should take a moment to think about what would be their best option for survival if faced with this scenario.</div>
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<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">As hard as it may be, parents need to have a talk with their children about what to do if there was ever a shooter at their school.</strong></em> <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Here are some simple safety tips you can modify according to your child’s age:</strong></em></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">First and foremost, stress that if they ever hear rumors that someone is threatening to do something bad, like shooting, they MUST tell an administrator, their parents, call in anonymously to a tip line, etc. The key is…If they know or hear something, say something. The life they save may well be their own.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Next, they should understand that everyone is going to be scared, including their teacher. But they have to be quiet (no screaming), so they can hear instructions from their teacher or administrators. Parents should also inquire if the school practices lock-down procedures during the year.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If they are older kids, tell them if they can safely leave the building, without being detected, they should always take that option. And please leave their valuables behind. No one’s life is worth a back pack, purse or cellphone. Run as fast and far as they can.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If they are unable to flee, lock the classroom door and turn off the lights. If the door has a door butler (metal hinge at the top of the door), loop a belt around it and tighten. This will hinder a shooter from being able to open the door. Everyone inside the room should get as horizontal as possible, stay calm and hide.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">During the initial moments, someone should be designated to call 9-1-1. Most shootings continue for 5 minutes or more before someone calls the police. If you cannot reach a phone, see if anyone has a lighter that can be held under a sprinkler to activate the sprinkler system thus alerting the fire department.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">And I cannot stress how important it is for everyone to be quiet and stay as calm as possible. Crying, screams and the like will only draw the shooter’s attention towards them.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Even if the shooting appears to have stopped, everyone should stay hidden until law enforcement comes in to escort them out.</li>
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<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">The safety tips for parents faced with workplace or public setting violence is similar:</strong></em></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Whenever you walk into a building or public venue, make a mental note of where the nearest exits are and any alternate exits.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Once a shooting starts, the first option should always be to flee the area if possible. If you are unable to safely get out the danger zone, look for a good hiding place as low to the ground as possible. Women should take off high heel shoes or shoes that make noise. Leave all valuables behind. No purse, wallet or cellphone is worth dying for.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">As you are looking for a hiding place, keep your eyes open for any items that can possibly be used as weapons.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Once concealed, turn the ringer off on your cell phone or any other electronics that may make noise and draw attention in your direction. Do not simply slide your ringer to vibrate because even that could give your location away. If you are able, send a text to the local police line or text a family member and ask them to call the police for you. You have to concentrate on staying as quiet as possible.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If you are in a room with a door butler, secure it with a belt. Lock the door and turn off the lights in a confined room. If you can successfully barricade the door, without making too much noise, then use this option. Please understand you will also be blocking your potential escape route.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Use a cigarette lighter or matches to set off the fire alarm. This will alert the fire department and also cause emergency personnel to be dispatched to your location.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If you are trapped in an office, try to conceal yourself by hiding under your desk or behind a file cabinet. Be prepared with scissors, an ink pen or a sharp object to defend yourself if necessary. In this scenario, the best option would be to try and attack as a group to overpower the gunman. You are fighting for your life, so fight dirty. Aim for the gunman’s eyes, throat or any other vulnerable area you can reach to stop the attack. Remember, you are fighting to stay alive, so don’t worry about what damage you may cause your attacker. Strike hard, often and don’t let up!</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Playing dead or pleading with the gunman should be a last resort. In recent shootings, gunmen have shot “dead” bodies multiple times to insure no one is pretending to be dead. Also, trying to engage a gunman by pleading is usually unsuccessful because of their state of mind.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Once the shooting has stopped, or if you get an opportunity to flee, leave the premises with your hands up in the air so the police can see that your hands are empty and do not mistake you for the gunman trying to flee the scene. Listen carefully to all of their instructions.</li>
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School, public and workplace violence is very scary. *Approximately one third of all mass shootings in the world have occurred in the U.S. Pretending it doesn’t exist or thinking it will never happen to you or your family is no longer an option. Your best chance of staying safe is to be alert to any potential dangers and be aware of escapes routes or hiding places when in public venues.</div>
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<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Remember, “If you fail to plan, Plan to fail!”</strong></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-48467639550443885232016-06-24T12:31:00.002-05:002016-06-24T12:31:36.019-05:00How to freeze your child's credit report<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">As of January 1, 2016, parents now have the ability to place a security freeze on their child’s credit report. A security or credit freeze is one of the best ways a parent can insure that criminals or other family members will not be able to use or establish credit in any child’s name under the age of 16.</strong></em></div>
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Children’s credit is especially alluring to unscrupulous individuals because it is a clean slate. Stealing a child’s identity is easier than you think. All a criminal would need is the child’s social security number and they can falsify any other needed information.</div>
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Where would they get access to this information? The main culprit is through school related activities. Registering for school, summer camps, insurance forms and other activities provides criminals with access to a wealth of information. Even the IRS was recently hacked and millions of social security numbers were stolen from tax returns, including children’s social security numbers.</div>
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What can they do with the stolen social security numbers? The thief will establish credit cards, set up utility services, rent a house or apartment or any number of credit dependent activities. The theft is usually not discovered until the child is older and trying to apply for credit themselves, a parent happens to run a credit report or a bill comes in the mail in the child’s name. The youngest reported identity theft victim was one month old.</div>
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What can you do to protect your child’s future credit?</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Take advantage of getting a free report from each of the 3 credit bureaus yearly. To get the max value out of this benefit, space out the requests. For example, in January, request a report from Equifax, then maybe in May request one from Experian, and finally in September get one from Transunion. This is a prudent practice to do yearly with your own credit reports as well!</em></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">Contact each of the credit bureaus, either online or by mail and request that a freeze be placed on your child’s credit file. Please be aware that it may cost up to $5 per bureau to get the freeze in place, but it is well worth the money.</em></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">When setting up the freeze, establish a PIN or password that is known only to you and your spouse. By doing this step, it will trigger an alert whenever someone tries to access their file or establish credit in their name. The inquiring entity will be denied and advised that the file is frozen. When your child is older and ready to establish credit, you can lift the freeze via the password or PIN, so do not forget or lose the information. Put a copy of this info and the date established in a safe place.</em></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">If offers have come in already offering credit in their name or to stop future offers from starting, you can stop most credit offers by going to </em><a href="http://www.optoutprescreen.com/" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #7fc242; text-decoration: none;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">optoutprescreen.com</em></a><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"> or call (888) 5-OPT-OUT.</em></li>
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<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">These methods may not be 100% fool-proof, (especially if a family member is involved), but it can make it harder for someone to ruin your child’s credit before they get to adulthood.</strong></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-42939160038185522302016-06-24T12:30:00.000-05:002016-06-24T12:30:09.626-05:00Child ID Theft Prevention<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Most parents don’t think about their child’s credit file while their child is young. Parent’s days are filled with ensuring their child’s physical safety and providing emotional support. But with today’s economy making people more desperate and bold, along with the current laws regulating credit, more children are becoming victims of identity theft.</strong></em></div>
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According to a study done in 2011 by Id Analytics, approximately 10 percent of children are victims of id theft or social security number abuse compared to less than 1 percent of adults! Since many companies aren’t required to cross-check a creditor’s name, birthdate and social security number, it leaves the door open for anyone to fraudulently open credit cards, loans and other types of credit in a child’s name. It is up to parents or the child’s guardians to check the child’s credit file on a regular basis. Here are some simple steps to follow:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Contact the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Ask for a manual search using your child’s name and social security number.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Watch for credit offers in your child’s name that come in the mail<em style="box-sizing: inherit;">. </em>This is usually indicative that there may be existing credit somewhere and should be a red flag.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Teach your children that they are <strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">NEVER</em></strong> to share information such as birthdates, addresses and social security numbers with anyone outside the family or without your permission.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Monitor who they interact with via text, social networks and emails.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If you should find that someone has fraudulently opened credit in your child’s name, file a fraud alert and request a credit freeze immediately with each credit agency. Next, call your local police department and file a report.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">After the credit company and the police have completed their investigation, they may be able to bring criminal charges and prosecute the person who stole your child’s identity. Be sure to ask the court and law enforcement for a certificate of clearance. Be sure it is included in each agency’s files on your child and include a written statement.</li>
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Child safety involves more than just a child’s physical safety from child predators and bullies. In today’s technological age, parents have to be vigilant to the cyber threats a child may face when interacting online. With just a little misplaced information, a criminal can wreak havoc on your child’s future credit when they reach adulthood and make their lives difficult. So enlist your child’s help now, to protect their future, by teaching them the importance of information discretion!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-17640763747861794392016-06-24T12:28:00.000-05:002016-06-24T12:28:32.239-05:00What can a dollar buy you? A safer home!<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Every year police investigate countless home invasions and burglaries. Sometimes, the homeowners are hurt or even killed. Other times, valuable items and family heirlooms are stolen and lost forever.</strong></em></div>
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In either case, how many of these scenarios could have been avoided, if the homeowner had just invested $1 to buy new screws for the door plates to their front and back doors? I would venture to say at least half. Why? Because, burglars are opportunists. They like crimes of convenience and a quick entry and exit, making as little noise as possible. If the door is too hard to kick in, or there are obvious cameras and home security measures, they most likely will move on to the next house.</div>
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So let’s talk about this inexpensive item, that will probably take you less than 15 minutes to install. First, go to your local hardware store and buy (4) 3-inch wood screws. These screws are going to replace the standard 1/2 inch screws your builder originally used. You may need a drill to get the screws in because you will be screwing these into the frame and attach to the 2×4 studs.</div>
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Once these screws are installed, and in combination with a good deadbolt, you have just increased your chances that a burglar will become frustrated trying to kick in your door, if you are ever targeted. Also, if the burglar is stubborn and determined to break in, this will definitely slow them down, draw attention to them, and give you time to call for help, get a weapon, hide or escape through another exit.</div>
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I don’t know about you, but I can’t see why anyone won’t run out today and install these screws. Anything I can do to increase my odds of staying safe in my home, is money well spent!</div>
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Remember, as my good friend Frank, a retired NYPD policeman once told me, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail!”</div>
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#SafeandUnafraid</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-80952881028052373062016-06-24T12:26:00.003-05:002016-06-24T12:26:24.993-05:00Do you recognize the signs of child abuse?<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Many parents are not aware that there are different categories of child abuse and neglect. Here are just a few of the physical and behavioral changes you may see in a child who is a victim of abuse and/or neglect.</strong></em></div>
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Please familiarize yourself with the signs and understand that there may be more than one type of abuse or neglect occurring within the home. Be prepared to step up and help the child. It is <strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><u style="box-sizing: inherit;">NOT</u></strong> okay to simply stand by and do nothing! To report suspected abuse, call your local police department, Child Protective Services or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD and let them investigate. You may save a child’s life!</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><u style="box-sizing: inherit;">Signs of Physical Abuse</u></em></strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Unexplained burns, bite marks, cuts, bruises or welts on the body or face</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Flinches at sudden movements or shies away from being touched or hugged</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Anti-social behavior or withdrawn</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Problems in school or suddenly bullying their peers</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Unexplained fear of adults</li>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><u style="box-sizing: inherit;">Signs of Emotional Abuse</u></em></strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">General apathy about everything or reverts to infantile behavior (thumb sucking, throwing temper tantrums, etc.)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Depression and loss of interest in former favorite activities</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Hostility or stress</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Inability to concentrate</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Overly anxious or fearful about doing something wrong</li>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><u style="box-sizing: inherit;">Signs of Neglect</u></em></strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </em></strong>Wearing unsuitable clothing for the current season or temperature</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Appearing dirty and unkempt or always hungry</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Frequently late or missing school</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Apparent lack of adult supervision and guidance</li>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </em></strong><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><u style="box-sizing: inherit;">Signs of Sexual Abuse</u></em></strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </em></strong>Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Nightmares and bedwetting</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Overeager to please or excessive outward aggression</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Drastic changes in behavior and appetite</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Intense fear of interacting or being alone with a particular family member or another individual</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;">Trouble walking or sitting</li>
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<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Remember if you see something, say something! It’s better to be wrong in a case like this, than to be right and do nothing!</strong></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-13883344340293222272016-06-24T12:24:00.003-05:002016-06-24T12:24:58.303-05:00Children and Bullying<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">There isn’t a school in America that hasn’t had some child experience a form of bullying. You can also go to any preschool in a city and see what we call bullies-in-the-making. These are little preschool children that don’t play well with other kids and they bite, scratch or hit their classmates when they don’t get their way or because they didn’t get a particular toy, etc.</em></strong></div>
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Bullying can be defined in various ways. For example, physically hurting another person by kicking, punching or shoving them, teasing a person unmercifully about a physical attribute or mental handicap, intimidating someone to do one’s bidding against their will or spreading lies or rumors about another person. Cyberbullying usually involves spreading rumors or embarrassing information about someone, sending them hateful or racist messages/pictures via text message, emails, blogs or any type of social media.</div>
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Regardless of the manner used to bully someone, it is equally hurtful and damaging to a person’s emotional and sometimes physical health. Here are a few things parents can do if your child is being bullied:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Please do not blame your child or tell them they just need to stand up for themselves. Oftentimes the bully is physically bigger and intimidating. Keep in mind that your child is a <strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><u style="box-sizing: inherit;">VICTIM</u></strong>!</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If the bullying is occurring at your child’s school, call the school and make them aware of the situation. Ask the school to define their policy on bullying and request a copy in writing. Also, ask what procedures they have to deter further incidents of bullying. Make sure you address all of your requests and complaints about the bullying incident to the school principal in writing and make notes regarding any conversations regarding the situation between you and any school official.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">If the bullying occurs again after you have contacted the school, report the incidents to law enforcement. If your child has been physically assaulted or threatened with bodily harm, you should report the incident to law enforcement regardless of the school’s position.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Tell your child that they are not being a ‘snitch’ or tattle telling if someone is bullying. Assure them that there is nothing wrong with them, it is the bully who has a problem.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Encourage your child to stay with groups of people and try not to be alone. Bullies like to strike when there’s no one around to stand up for their victim. Encourage your child to join a club at school if they’re having trouble making friends so they will not be perceived as being a ‘loner.’</li>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">While forms of bullying have been around since the beginning of time, it’s time to step up and take a stand against bullying. Encourage your child’s school to implement and enforce an anti-bullying program. Children that are introduced to anti-bullying material at younger ages, tend to not bully others as they grow older. Help implement ‘Kindness Clubs’ or have your community sponsor a ‘Random Acts of Kindness Week’ to get children and their parents in the mindset of giving and kindness.</em></strong><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </em></strong></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;">The bottom line is – Bullying is unacceptable and can cause lifelong emotional scars if it is not addressed promptly and in the proper manner.</em></strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-58146499239090272112016-06-24T12:23:00.003-05:002016-06-24T12:23:34.252-05:00Tips for Parents to Help Prevent Child Abuse<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
The last thing parents want to have to think about is the fact that there are sick people in the world, that will do perverted things to children. They think that if they keep their child with them or family, no harm will ever come to them.</div>
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But, a child has to go to school, to the babysitter’s house or play sports. These areas are supposed to be “safe zones”, but sometimes they provide prime opportunities for a child predator to strike. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Statistics show an increasing problem – 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be molested by their 18th birthday and approximately 85% of the children will already know their attacker.</strong></em></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">First and most important, teach your children it is never okay to keep secrets from you!</strong> </em> Don’t even encourage secrets within your family unit, and let them know they can tell you anything.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Talk to your child, and really listen everyday! Too many parents get wrapped up in their daily work drama, or other distractions, to fully focus on what their child is saying. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">If you don’t listen to the little things now, they won’t tell you the big things later!</strong></em></li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Teach your children, that they are not to blindly obey everything an adult tells them to do, especially if it feels wrong. Let them know, that most adults are good people and would never hurt them, but there are a few that don’t have their best interest in mind. Tell them if someone makes them feel funny or uncomfortable, to let you know immediately!</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">Please teach your child the correct names for their body parts, even if you use nicknames within the family. Teach them the difference between good and bad touching. Explain that a doctor or nurse may have to examine their bodies to see what’s wrong if they’re sick, but it’s not alright for another adult to touch their private parts. <em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Define private parts as all areas that a bathing suit would cover.</strong></em> If an adult tries to touch them there say, “NO!”, push them away, and tell a trusted adult or parent right away.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Please do not rely on telling your child, “Don’t talk to strangers” to keep them safe!</strong></em> It does not work, because studies have shown that children aren’t always sure who to classify as a stranger.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Finally, schedule “what if” game time with your child.</strong></em> Describe different scenarios a child might find themselves in, and ask your child how they would handle the situation. Make sure you balance the scenarios between good and bad situations. By practicing these scenarios, children will have a reference of what they should do if one of these situations arises in the future.</li>
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<em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">The most important thing a parent must do is to stay vigilant and keep the lines of communication open!</strong></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-75478712927988687622016-06-24T12:20:00.001-05:002016-06-24T12:21:52.270-05:00How to bring up safety tips with your child<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d3d3d; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28.8px; margin-bottom: 30px;">
<b><i>Parents of small children share a common fear when it comes to discussing “stranger danger” and personal safety with their children. Even when their child becomes a preteen or teenager, some parents still hesitate to discuss unsafe scenarios with their child. Why? They are afraid of scaring their children or exposing them to “worldly affairs” too soon.</i></b></div>
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What is too soon? It will vary from child to child and unless your child displaying some unnatural fear of everyday realities, a child as young as 3 years old can be taught about personal safety without making it scary. The most important thing to remember is to make it a matter of fact type of conversation and remain calm but direct.</div>
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The key to teaching personal safety to children is repetition. A parent or care giver must go over the lessons being taught on a regular basis. The safety lessons should not last more than 10-15 minutes, because will start to tune you out if it goes much longer than that.</div>
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Here are some suggested conversation starters that are very simple:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">What are your friends’ names and where do they live?</strong></em> It is surprising how many parents can’t tell you who their children are friends with and/or where they live. Young children may not always be able to give you a street address, but they quickly figure out if their best bud lives in the vicinity. It is up to you as the parent to meet their friends, arrange to meet the parents, determine if play dates would be appropriate, etc. Arrange to meet the parents during a play date at a neutral location and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You should feel comfortable that the kids and parents your child will be exposed to will be an asset to your child’s well-being. If you do not feel comfortable with the parents and/or child, then insist that your child end the friendship immediately. Period. End of story.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Stress the importance of NEVER keeping secrets with strangers and other adults.</strong></em> Keeping secrets is a common tactic child predators use to “groom” a child for abuse. The predator will start with small, simple things like letting them play a video game you wouldn’t approve of or eating candy and treats that Mom wouldn’t give them. Then, when the child becomes comfortable keeping small secrets, they will begin to introduce them to more sinister scenarios. The predators will often blackmail or intimidate the child into staying quiet. They will threaten to harm the child’s parents or the child themselves. Your child should always feel comfortable enough to come to you when someone makes them uncomfortable, asks them to keep a secret or gets too personal with them. Make sure you always take time to listen to the small things, because if you don’t, they won’t come to you with the big things when they get older.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">If they are attending an activity with their friends or classmates, they should understand that they must NEVER wander off alone.</strong></em> This rule includes going to the restroom. They should always take at least one friend, to “stand guard” as this will reduce the chance of them being abducted or molested. Predators look for children that are alone and not paying attention. Teach them that there is safety in numbers.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; position: relative;"><em style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Develop a family code word and NEVER reveal it to your friends or anyone outside of the family. </strong></em>The family code word is word known only to your immediate family that must be given if there were an emergency situation and another adult had to pick up your child for transportation. Teach your child that in addition to being given the code word, they should try and contact you on your cell phone if they still aren’t sure about the situation. Teach your child to trust their instincts. Children must understand that they are never to tell their code word to anyone!</li>
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These are just a few conversation starters. We will revisit this subject from time to time to give you additional suggestions. As your child masters these beginning safety tips, you should add additional rules.</div>
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The most important thing to remember is…you must practice, practice, practice these scenarios and other with your kids on a regular basis. Some parents have developed a habit of reviewing the rules at breakfast/dinner or before bed. Other parents have made it a game where they give out stars to be redeemed for a future treat or prize. It doesn’t matter what method you use, just be consistent with the lessons. Studies have proven that lessons taught by a child’s parent, sink in better than those taught by anyone else, including school safety officers/teachers, police, crime fighters, etc.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01564929710651506129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445243857327923978.post-13462020596400160442014-08-16T14:15:00.002-05:002014-08-16T14:15:49.250-05:00What Does a Pedophile Look Like?<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>What does a pedophile look like? How can I keep my children safe from child
predators? Parents have pondered those
questions since the beginning of time.
Unfortunately, there is no specific “look” for pedophiles. Where are they? Take a look around you! It could be your boss, neighbor, random
stranger on the street or sadly, even your own family.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Studies show that 85-90% of children that are victims of sexual abuse are abused by someone already known to the family! I know what you thinking....I don't have any pedophiles around me. No one is acting strange towards my kids or other children I know. You cannot and must not ever get lulled into a false sense of security! Pedophiles are extremely patient and will take the time to gain your confidence, learn your family's patterns and ingratiate themselves into your life. By being the "nice" guy or gal that everyone likes and is comfortable with, they slowly start the grooming process with your kids.<br />
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Next you thinking, "My kids wouldn't let something like that go on without telling me!" Unfortunately, under the right circumstances, they may feel like they don't have a choice. The predator may be threatening to kill you or other members of the family, they may convince the child that it's natural and if the child tells anyone, they will be taken away and placed in a foster home. They may ply the child with gifts, candy, or cool trips to places you either can't afford or don't have the time to take them. There are even organizations where the predators pay for a membership to learn the "Lure of the week".<br />
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Child predators are patient, smart and organized. It is up to you as the parent to be smarter and more vigilant about who spend unsupervised time with your kids. Don't even rely on the old saying, "It will never happen to my kid." That is the worst thing you can do. <br />
<br />
Your kids are never to young to be taught about stranger awareness and other personal safety issues such as fire and pool safety, not keeping secrets, bullying and more. <br />
<br />
Do most important thing you can teach them is to NOT keep secrets from you! An open communication line is critical to not only keeping your children safe when they are small, but gauging what is going on in their lives when they get older.<br />
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Remember - "If you fail to plan, then plan to fail."<br />
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Until the next time...<br />
<br />
Check us out at <a href="http://www.childsafetytipsandprograms.com/">www.childsafetytipsandprograms.com</a><br />
or our nonprofit partner <a href="http://www.mvacaunited.org/">www.mvacaunited.org</a><br />
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Check out our child safety book specifically designed for three to five year old at your favorite on-line retailer such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and more!</div>
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It is available in printed and E book format.</div>
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There is also a cool, interactive Windows 8 app by the same name!</div>
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When you shop on Amazon, you can support our nonprofit by using the following link:</div>
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<a href="https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-2820843">https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-2820843</a></div>
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