Valorie Delp's comments

Merry (Poison Free) Christmas

06 Dec 2007 05:17 AM

LOL Nope . . .they put money first.

Merry (Poison Free) Christmas

05 Dec 2007 07:03 PM

Go to this page and read the last two questions: http://www.healthytoys.org/faqs.php

As far as how the toys got there. . .my understanding is that there have not been good enough regulations requiring manufacturers to disclose how their toys are made and/or whether or not they used certain chemicals. The point of places like the site I linked in the article and the report I'm referring to, is to put pressure on the FDA and others to enact regulations determining how much of chemicals can be used in a toy.

Personally, I wouldn't use a home based test. Your results are only as good as your test and home based tests are not as good as a lab. Not to mention the fact that they can only test for lead.

Conduct Unbecoming

04 Dec 2007 08:31 PM

Well the teacher part of me has to say. . .I taught a gifted class and I would never have had a rule like that LOL. They couldn't be up while I was talking, but otherwise I didn't care as long as they were on task. I had a really good college professor tell us once that the burden is on the teacher to make the class so interesting the kids want to be there and participating. So that's how I tried to teach.

The parent in me however, would probably handle the 'minor' issues by rewarding good behavior. Major issues are different. But your options are limited and I think I would just try to explain it (repeating as necessary!) that this is the best available school for him, etc., etc. and just try the positive rewards tactic. But it's tricky when your options are so limited.

Conduct Unbecoming

04 Dec 2007 06:58 PM

I'm assuming that your options for schooling are limited. . .I wouldn't want my child to sit bored in a class. I would probably look for a gifted school. (You have described perfectly actually one reason why we homeschool.)

As a teacher. . .gosh, I'd have to say 'of course' you should encourage him to improve his behavior. His misbehavior can easily bring down the whole class and limit not only other's opportunities to learn but his own. Furthermore, I always think teachers should support parents.

The parent part of me though would be concerned about the boredom and also the 'why'. What exactly is unsatisfactory about his behavior. Is he sharpening his pencil one too many times? Too wiggly in his seat? Or is he talking, distracting and/or being disrespectful. I know for me, disrespect is untolerable whereas wiggliness I'm more prone to be more lenient.

So all that to say is I have no advice and can see both sides of the coin! ;-)

Tips for Getting Your Holiday Baking Done Easily

04 Dec 2007 03:41 PM

Oh I'm so there! We don't have a Walmart near us so I don't see stuff like that unless I'm tipped off! But we'll make the drive for Christmas tins.

Charitable Celebrities Who Should Be Celebrated

04 Dec 2007 03:40 AM

Good for the Queen. I had read about this story and may actually talk more about it in baby. I think she's fantastic bc bfing is not the cool thing to do among royalty in that part of the world.

The Great Cookie Debate: Crispy vs. Chewy

04 Dec 2007 03:37 AM

There is so NOT a debate about this! ;-) ;-) Chewy is yummy and better. Crispy folks are just. . .well. . .their taste buds are 'altered! ;-) BTW, did you know sticking a piece of bread in with stored cookies will keep them softer longer?

Post-Op Exercise

03 Dec 2007 04:15 PM

Welcome back Heather!

Music News: December 3, 2007

03 Dec 2007 03:57 PM

I really like Jordin Sparks.

The Prince and Me (2004)

03 Dec 2007 07:40 AM

Totally agreed!