Thursday 18 October 2012

Anti Cyber Bullying - Amanda Todd



http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Amanda+Todd+Anti+bullying+programs+learn+from+campaign/7393762/story.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80RqEf56Ix4

Like any other media-involved story, Amanda Todd's is filled with emphasis to encourage interest and leads to misinform reader.

I believe that regardless of what the real story is, the underlying message is important.  As any parent, cyber bullying is a big concern and I want to be as informed as possible so that I can raise my kids without ignorance.

I discussed Amanda's story with my 10 year old step-son Mason.  I didn't go into scary details; I just informed him that she exposed herself online to an individual that tormented her with it.  That putting something on the internet is permanent and doesn't just disappear.  

I bought a computer armour this summer to hide my desktop in the kitchen.  So whenever the kids are on it, they need permission and I can see everything that happens; whenever it's out of use, I can hide it behind doors.  I know how to check the history when it comes time to monitor him closer.

11 Facts About Cyber Bullying

  1. Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. One in four has had it happen more than once.
  2. One in three teens has experienced cyber-threats online.
  3. Nine out of ten middle school students have had their feelings hurt online.
  4. About 75% have visited a website bashing another student.
  5. Four out of ten middle school students have had their password(s) stolen and changed by a bully who then locked them out of their own account or sent communications posing as them.
  6. The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyber bullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, except for the reality that with cyber bullying there is often no escape. School ends at 3 p.m., while the Internet is available all the time.
  7. Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyber bullying.
  8. Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying.
  9. About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than four out of ten say it has happened more than once.
  10. 90% of victims will not inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse.
  11. Cyber bullying has increased in recent years. In a national survey of 10-17 year olds, twice as many children indicated they had been victims and perpetrators.

How Parents Can Help

If you discover that your child is being cyberbullied, talk to him or her about any experiences you have had in your childhood. This can help your child feel less alone. Let your child know that it's not his or her fault, and that bullying says more about the bully than the victim. Talking to teachers or school administrators also may help, but take cues from your child.
Many schools, school districts, and after-school clubs have established protocols for responding to cyberbullying; these vary by district and state. But before reporting the problem, let your child know that you plan to do so, as he or she could have concerns about "tattling" and might prefer that the problem be handled privately.
Other measures to try:
  • Block the bully. Most devices have settings that allow you to electronically block emails, IMs, or text messages from specific people.
  • Limit access to technology. Although it's hurtful, many kids who are bullied can't resist the temptation to check websites or phones to see if there are new messages. Keep the computer in a public place in the house (no laptops in children's bedrooms, for example) and limit the use of cell phones and games. Some companies allow you to turn off text messaging services during certain hours. And, most websites and phones provide the option for parental controls, which provide parents with access to their children’s messages and online life.
  • Know your kids' online world. Check their postings and the sites kids visit, and be aware of how they spend their time online. Talk to them about the importance of privacy and why it's a bad idea to share personal information online, even with friends. Encourage them to safeguard passwords. Write up cell phone and social media contracts that you are willing to enforce.
  • Look to the web for resource and support information about cyberbullying.
If your son or daughter agrees, you may also arrange for mediation with a therapist or counselor at school who can work with your child and/or the bully.

Kid's Halloween

October 31st, 2012 - Happy Halloween!

Fiance Pierre wants to be a Cheerleader, but not a man-cheerleader, he wants fake guns and big blond hair.  He will be so pretty....


William really wants to be a zombie from Plants Vs. Zombies - http://www.popcap.com/games/plants-vs-zombies/online
I'm pretty sure I can come up with something like this for next to nothing.





Charlotte wants to be a flower, I figure I can work that in with the whole Plants VS. Zombies plan.

Peashooter Costume Pattern
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25882690@N02/6220006012/

16 Easy DIY Kids Costumes - http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/diy-halloween-costumes-00100000065971/index.html

More DIY Costumes - http://crafts.slides.kaboose.com/254-homemade-halloween-costumes

I made William and Charly in Bam Bam and Pebbles four years ago (copying my mom from when my brother and I were the same ages)



Sneakers is a hot dog of course and the kids picked out a frog costume for Mila.  I wanted a taco costume since she is half chihuahua but PetSmart didn't pull through for me this year.  Maybe 2013 will be the year?

This weekend we will decorate.  William is obsessed with making Halloween crafts this weekend.  I'm done exams tomorrow, so I will get some time this weekend to be creative and spend some overdue time with my babies.

Halloween Crafts - http://crafts.slides.kaboose.com/316-halloween-crafts & http://www.craftideas.info/



I will definitely have to wait until my step-kids are home before we carve pumpkins


 

Check out this fantastic link for 140 pumpkin carving stencils!  - http://itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.ca/2011/10/130-free-halloween-pumpkin-carving.html

Happy Haunting Families!






Thursday 11 October 2012

Kids Photography Tips


Great article on how to capture true character in your photos!

They have articles on large group photography, photographing babies, and trip photography.


Have fun with this one parents!


http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2012/02/capturing-true-character/


My Favorite Photographers

1. Chris McBrien - http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmcbrien/

2. Adam Muise - http://500px.com/muisephotos




Disney's Frankenweenie!

Frankenweenie!





I may be a bit biased.  Sneakers has been a part of my family for 9 years and she's a long-hair minature dachshund.  I look forward to going to this movie with my family.

Reviews anyone??




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cqI6hPra7c

Mom's Tax Advice



Welcome to Cadman Accounting Services!
Soon to be Dalcourt Accounting Services - July 2012.


I own and operate a fairly successful accounting firm, I don't advertise, I'm purely word-of-mouth.  I prepare about 1200 tax returns a year from Corporate returns and statements to Personal returns.  I love my work, it keeps me busy and I love the social aspect with clients.

It's October and even though it's early, I thought I would toss out a couple of family-related tax hints for the 2012 tax year.


1. Medical Expenses
  • Travel expenses - often we a unfortunitely required to travel more than 40kms out of our home town to seek specialized medical attention.  This is particularily necessary for a lot of young children needing care at the nearest children's hospital.  As long as it's more than 40kms one way and is the closest practioner available for the services needed, you are eligible for travel expenses.  This includes meals, gas, parking and can really make a difference on your taxes. 
  • Premiums you pay on your medical insurance plan above what your employer pays is also a tax deduction!
  • Weight-loss clinics -  fees paid to a weight-loss clinic by an individual in respect of a weight-loss program for the treatment of obesity would qualify as a medical expense where the services are provided by a medical practitioner who is authorized to act as such in the province in which the services are rendered.
2. Tuition and Education Expenses
  • Tuition, education and textbook tax credits are available to students enrolled at a “designated educational institution” in a “qualifying educational program”.
  • Children can transfer unused tuition tax credits to their parents for additional tax benefits, they can also carry them over to future years (Hint: Transfer to the higher income parent for the most tax benefit)
  •  
3.Moving Expenses
  • If you move more than 40kms for work or school, you can claim certain moving expenses
4. Child Care Expenses
  • While most people know of this, there are some key factors.
  • The maximum is $7,000 for each child under seven and $4,000 for each child over that age
  • To qualify for this deduction, you need a tax receipt from your day care provider.
  • Summer camps are also considered child care.

5. Arts and Fitness Tax Credits
  • You can claim to a maximum of $500 per child the fees paid relating to the cost of registering your or your spouse's or common-law partner's child in a prescribed program of physical activity.
  • You can also claim to a maximum of $500 per child the fees paid relating to the cost of arts programs now, this includes: literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, music, media, languages, customs and heritage - girl guides, beavers, tutoring, etc
Just two more happy clients of Cadman Accounting Services - well at least this pair didn't complain when I took their photo!


     

Thursday 4 October 2012

Thanksgiving Fun for Kids

 

Fun Ideas for the kids this Thanksgiving

 
 
My kids will love this surprise for lunch!

 This is a fun table idea

http://frogprincepaperie.com/2010/11/giving-thanks-a-thanksgiving-kids-table.html

I will eat you little Oreo Turkeys!  Gobble Gobble!!!
 

Turkey Day!

Mmmm I love turkey day...aka Thanksgiving.

I love making dinner for my family.  I'm dedicated to the perfect meal and it feels so good when it all turns out perfectly. 

 
 

Turkey

1. Clean it out, wipe it out, dry him up.  Pull out the bag of giblets if included.  I'm not keen on these but I leave them in the pan to cook for the drippings I use for the gravy
2. I salt the outside a bit - usually sea salt for health.  I find that a bit of salt holds in the juices better in all my meats.
3. Butter the outside, I get messy and use my hands to butter that baby.
4. I stuff it sometimes - I know it's not recommended but if you prefer not, I cram with apples and onions.
5. Tie him up, both the neck and the rear.  I use thread and needle to sew with big stitches (maybe four stitches on the back side.  I cover him for the first 3/4 of the cooking
6. Roast the turkey until the meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees F. Don't forget to let the bird rest at least 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to re-absorb into the flesh. You don't want the moisture to drain out.

Roasting times are for a preheated 325 degrees F. oven.
Approximate Roasting Times for Stuffed Turkey
Turkey Weight
Hours
6 to 8 pounds3 to 3-1/2 hours
8 to 12 pounds3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours
12 to 16 pounds4-1/2 to 5-1/2 hours
16 to 20 pounds5-1/2 to 6 hours
20 to 24 pounds6 to 6-1/2 hours
Approximate Roasting Times for Unstuffed Turkey
Turkey Weight
Hours
6 to 8 pounds2-1/2 to 3 hours
8 to 12 pounds3 to 4 hours
12 to 16 pounds4 to 5 hours
16 to 20 pounds5 to 5-1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds5-1/2 to 6 hours

Stuffing

1 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread
 

Junk food lowers kids' IQ - study


Of course!  I didn't need a study for this result but it's good to read.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10838567

Junk food is ok, in moderation.  Our kids view it as a treat, I'm happy with that.  They feel extra special if they get dinner out. 

Honestly, it's expensive and unnecessary.

Pack a lunch, just part of being a parent - save some money and feel good about it. 



Picnic Lunch after a waterpark adventure - make your own sandwich with veggies and dip!
PS - Not my hat lol, it was Mason's after I dried him off
 
 

Swimming with alligators kids pool parties shut down in Florida

Swimming with alligators kids pool parties shut down in Florida

http://blogs.theprovince.com/2012/10/04/swimming-with-alligators-kids-pool-parties-shut-down-in-florida/

 
 
Seriously?  This was someone's idea?  Someone actually went from idea to operation?

And yet I worry about child services showing up everytime my son comes home with wet mittens.

Meet Mila!

 This is Mila.  She's a Jack-Chi, aka Jack Russell Chihuahua.  She is 5.5 months of pure energy, heart, and intellegence.  She was my fiance's neice's pup until today.
So she joins 4 kids, 1- 9-year old weiner dog, 2 cats, 2 bettas, and 4 hermit crabs.  She will fit right in....I hope!
 I knew Mila needed a home a week before.  This weekend Charlotte, our youngest at a fun 5 years decided we needed a Chihuahua, which was coincidental but I'm the queen of surprises.  Surprise Charly!  She's happy!  Mila is a bit scared.
William is like his mama, he wants to love and save anything with a heartbeat.  His goal is to train it to be like Sneakers, ha ha.

Mila on her 2.5 hour ride home.  She's already claimed me - but that's typical for pets I figure.  They love their feeder the best!

Will be an interesting couple of months for Mila, she will be fixed ASAP!  Shots, training, etc.  She's a cutie though!