dpenna's comments

White Chocolate Fudge with Brownie Chunks - Blog Entry

19 Oct 2006 09:30 AM

OMG, how am I gonna lose weight reading recipes like this?! :)

Yummy.....

What is NOT Appropriate Sexual Development in Early Childhood. - Blog Entry

29 Sep 2006 05:23 PM

This is great information. Not long ago, my daughter had a friend over. I found out later that the girl coerced my daughter into pulling her shorts down and letting her friend touch her, using threatening words. My daughter (then 5) didn't fully understand that it was wrong, and did it because of what the other little girl said to her. I was appalled and saddened, and needless to say, that little girl was never allowed near my daughter again. Her fosters parents were lucky I didn't call police, because I'm almost certain that foster child was a victim at some point.

Ignoring Bad Behavior - Blog Entry

29 Sep 2006 08:37 AM

I agree. There are just some things that are not worth fighting or stressing over. You have to pick your battles, because if you fight them all, well...you'll go insane.

Do You Kiss Your Mother With That Mouth? - Blog Entry

26 Sep 2006 04:42 PM

I never used to be a big lip-kisser, until one day when I was a little girl, I was going to give my uncle (whom I hadn't seen in ages) a kiss on the cheek. He said "in this family, we kiss on the lips." I admit I don't kiss my mom much anymore...not because I don't love her, but because I see her just about every other day, so we are always hugging. My husband's family doesn't kiss -- they were the type of family that didn't say "I love you" much to their kids, either. My kids get kisses on the lips, and they can continue to do so as long as they want. I don't want them to have any weird misconceptions about the beauty of love, like that it is bad or wrong or only for adults. So, in my family, we honor love and affection.

Are Teachers Underpaid? - Blog Entry

25 Sep 2006 09:08 AM

Hi Kaye! :)

Actually, I live in a really poor part of the state, but with that said, I also live in California! To me, that says it all. LOL!

Book Review: ScreamFree Parenting - Blog Entry

25 Sep 2006 08:29 AM

I need that book. I plan on learning about Parenting with Love and Logic, another program that promises the ability to straighten your kids out without screaming and/or extreme discipline.

Are Teachers Underpaid? - Blog Entry

25 Sep 2006 08:28 AM

I hate to say this, but as long as schools are publicly funded by the government, teachers will not get paid as much as those in other professions. Our local district is going through a problem with this now - as the teachers are working without a contract and are fighting the district. New teachers earn about $35k and senior teachers about $60k. It's less than other districts in the area, but our district also uses more of their funds towards programs those districts don't have -- like continued before and after school programs, transportation, sports programs, an enhanced elective program and much more. As class sizes get reduced and programs such as no child left behind are implemented, districts are forced to cut back where they have to, which includes huge yearly teacher raises. This is why I'm a fan of charter shcools, where the parent is responsible for a portion of the work done at the school...so more money can be distributed to the teachers.

A Sleep Later Strategy for Your Preschooler - Blog Entry

25 Sep 2006 08:21 AM

Wow! Wish I could get my dd to do this! She'll be 3 in November, so she may be a little young for it. I remember when both my kids would sleep in until 9:30 a.m.! Boy has that changed. I have to get my oldest off to school in the morning, so I have to get up anyway, but I still wish the little one wasn't a morning person like her daddy. She's his little alarm clock, waking up at 5:30 each morning.

Diary of an Overweight Mom: Day 17-Get Out of Jail Free Pass - Blog Entry

22 Sep 2006 05:49 PM

I'm still here! Yes, I slid downhill -- fast. I had major PMS (nope, not pregnant) and of course gave in to all the cravings that came with it. I didn't exercise because my cramping was so bad (it's not usually bad at all), and I probably did say "what the heck" a few times. I'm so sorry! I know you need the support -- we all do! Your last post touched on the exact problem I'm having...needing something healthy to snack on. Today was hubby's payday and we had no good-for-you food in the house, and no money (until today) with which to go buy some. Good news -- tomorrow we are going shopping. :) I promise I will be back on the wagon with you...and hey, I have another friend joining too, so she'll be here in a few days. Maybe Monday -- the best day to start a diet, again. LOL

Strategies To Improve Coping for Kids--STICK It to ADHD - Blog Entry

21 Sep 2006 10:07 AM

I would love to know how it works! I have been considering this myself (for my daughter) but have had bad luck with other patch medications, including birth control. I am also curious to know if it really "lasts all day," since even my daughter's extended release pills only work for 6-8 hours, when they should work for 12-16. Nevertheless, I only give her a pill in the morning, because I'd rather not over medicate her...so an option like the patch would be wonderful to help with evenings and "homework time."