My Precious KidŽ - Precious Kids Newsletter
November 2004

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Subjects: Homeschool / Adoption / Parenting / Work at Home
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My Precious KidŽ - Protect that which is most precious to you...Your Child.
Order an "ID KIT" Today and feel SAFER and more secure tomorrow. The Child saved could be yours. http://www.MyPreciousKid.com  

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RECIPE

I have just found out I am allergic to Eggs so am looking for more Eggless recipes.
This one is VERY good chocolate cake!

Eggless Wacky Cake

1 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 c sugar
1/4 c unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
1 T white vinegar
1/3 c vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 c water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease and flour 8 inch pan
Combine first 5 ingredients and sift them together in baking pan.
Shake the pan to level ingredients.
Make three holes in flour mixture with back of spoon.
Pour vinegar in one hole, vanilla in one, and salad oil in one.
Pour water over all.
Use fork to mix well.
Mix 1.5 minutes
Bake 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely
Dust with powdered sugar.


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ADOPTION

Sensory Integration Safety
By Kay Green http://www.mypreciouskid.com/  Copyright 2004

Child safety has always been a passion of mine. I am mom to 4 great kids. Our youngest daughter (adopted at birth) has always been a bit of a wanderer and given me a few more grey hairs. I have been even more diligent about making sure she ALWAYS is wearing a physical ID product every day.

SID - Sensory Integration Disorder My 4 1/2 yr old daughter Haley has recently been diagnosis with SID. This diagnosis was an answer to so many questions we have had about her - why she needed to be touched to sleep - why she would not eat certain foods - why she was always moving. This diagnosis has so many facets and looks differently for all children but mostly they either crave sensory input or avoid it. Their brain system to handle sensory information works differently than for other people.

Infancy - As a result Haley has tightly bonded to me as an infant. She solved all stressful situations by nursing. She wanted to be held at all times (mostly in a
baby sling ). She cried if anyone else held her. She required one of us to be holding or touching her at all times in order to sleep. And she slept very little (30 minute naps). She needed the physical touch in order to sooth down to sleep.

Toddler - As a toddler she was constantly on the move. She is afraid of nothing. She is always looking to climb higher, jump taller, run faster, sing louder. So when we are out of the house there is always the worry that she will wander away. Her ID bracelet with my cell number and phone number in it, give me some peace of mind. When she was tiny I could keep her in a cart. As she is getting bigger that is harder.

Preschool - As a preschooler now, she is also sometimes without me: at school, church, a friends. I want to be sure if she should wander away from someone else she is protected. So she wears an ID bracelet (even when swimming) and has ID stickers in her shoes. I have taught her that if mom is lost to find another mommy and give them her shoe to call me. I also make sure if anyone else is caring for her they have a signed medical release card that explains her SID diagnosis and needs plus her doctors number.

SID - Sensory Integration Disorder is many times mis-diagnosed as ADHD. And while most ADHD kids also have SID not all SID kids are ADHD. SID can also be associated with Autism and Aspersers and other disorders. However SID can be the single diagnosis for a child, like Haley. It is suggested that roughly 25% of all kids have some form of SID but most are mild enough they function within it.

Therapy for her includes meeting with an occupational therapist weekly to give her tools to regulate her system. It also includes gymnastic class and dance class. After only 3 weeks I am seeing improvement in her behaviors and movements. One example is Haley was having a hard time learning to count. She could read words at age 3 but could not count to 3. I taught her to count by jumping on a small jogging trampoline. This helped her brain to process the information more effectively since it gave her sensory input along with the brain information.

Books - There is a great book called "Out of Sync Child" that is very worth reading if you think this might apply to your child. Also Fun Activities for The Out Of Sync Child. There is also a yahoo group of support for mothers of SID children at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sensoryintegrationdysfunction/

Special Needs Kids - I hope if you have special need kids like Haley you make sure they also wear physical ID every day to protect them and give you peace of mind. Please leave message on my blog to tell me about you incredible child.

See our many other safety and travel items for your special child. We offer back packs, sports packs, safety books, baby sling, adult safety products, pet safety products and much more. We also have some combination packs of these items for even better pricing. Family Safety Products / Wholesale.

More ARTICLES about business, parenting, adoption, homeschool and more by Kay Green! http://www.mypreciouskid.com/articles/  Articles written by Kay Green, Christian homeschool mom to Melissa 22, Jordan 19, Allison 17, Haley 4. Her and her husband of 25 years live in rural Oregon with their children. Kay owns My Precious KidŽ, Kay Green All rights reserved. Reprinting permissible with this author's box and copyright intact.

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HOMESCHOOL

Communicating Awareness for Safety
By JoJo Tabares

There is a knock at the door and your teenager opens it to find a young man standing there asking if the old car that is parked in your driveway is for sale. Your son is home alone for an hour when the phone rings and on the other end is a wrong number. You and your young children are walking in a parking lot at night when you hear footsteps behind you... Each of these scenarios can lead to disaster, but there are some things you can do and say that will communicate to a thief that you or your children are not worth the trouble.

Criminals are generally a pretty lazy bunch or they would go out and work for their money like the rest of us! They usually pick on people they think are weak, unaware or easy prey because they don't want to chance getting caught or hurt. They usually rely on the element of surprise to catch their victims off guard in order that they will be unprepared. This is their greatest asset. Knowing this is YOUR greatest weapon against them.

The way you walk and how you answer the phone/door communicates how aware and savvy you are. The idea is not to give the bad guy any more information than he already has and to show that you are fully aware of all that is going on in your surroundings. If you do that, the likelihood is that Mr. Criminal will choose another victim.

Tips for communicating awareness at the door:
1. Children should avoid answering the door if at all possible-even teenagers.
This makes it appear that an adult is not at home and can give the visitor the upper hand whether it is true or not. Children are not as ready or able to deal with people they don't know and can get flustered in situations that are unfamiliar with. What is your 14 year old going to say to this man asking about your old car?

2. Always look through the peephole or window before opening the door.
If it is a stranger, size him up. Is he carrying a clipboard? Is he wearing a uniform of some sort? Does he look menacing to you. Use your intuition and common sense.

3. Never give out any more information that the visitor already has.
He knows your address, your car and now he knows what you look like. Don't give him any more information that he can use against you.

If you tell them that you still use the car for work, he now knows how to tell when you are not at home. Do not tell him how many people live in the house because then he knows how many to watch out for. Do not tell him who the car belongs to... "Oh that car is my brothers, but he is away at college." Now he knows that you have a brother and that the car is probably not used. It is amazing what information you can give this man just by answering his questions. And NEVER admit that you are alone or even who is not at home. "My brother isn't home right now, but I can have him call you if he wants to sell it." Do you see all you have told him?

Many years ago, I was asked this very question about my car that I drove to college and back in. I inadvertently gave him all the information he needed to be able to tell when the house was empty. He had been watching our house for weeks and then broke in when the last person had left that day. My mother happened to forget something and found him in the house! Thankfully this man found a safe route out of the house and didn't stop to hurt my mother.

4. Just because someone asks a question, doesn't mean that it's your obligation to answer!
You can simply say that you are not selling it and close the door. If he continues to ask questions, it is perfectly within your rights not to answer. You can tell him that point blank or, if you prefer, you can simply say that you have to go now (have something on the stove, have to make a phone call, whatever).

5. Be careful about letting strangers into your house.
If you have an appointment with the air conditioning repair man-fine, but unexpected strangers are a different story. I make it a policy never to let unexpected strangers into my house. I don't feel comfortable letting a man that I don't know into the house when my husband is not at home. Even if a scheduled repair man is coming into my home, I do not allow my children to be in the same room alone with him.

There was a story a few years back of a woman who let an unexpected repair man into her home and left her baby crawling around near him while she went to finish the dishes in the kitchen. He kidnapped the baby. Don't give a stranger the opportunity to hurt your family!

Tips for communicating awareness on the phone:
1. Children should not be allowed to answer the phone until they are trained in telephone safety.
It is cute to have your 4 year old answer the phone when relatives call, but is your 4 year old savvy enough to avoid telephone safety pitfalls? Will she remember that you told her not to say that Daddy is on a business trip for two weeks?

2. Never give out your family name or phone number to anyone you don't know.
Caller: "Is Josh there?"
You: "There is no Josh here. You have the wrong number."
Caller: "What number did I dial?"

Don't tell them what number they dialed. Ask them to tell you what number they wanted!
You: "What number did you want?"
Caller: "909-555-1212 Who is this?"

Never give out this information!
You: "I'm sorry. You have the wrong number." (And hang up-even if they don't.)

Tips for communicating awareness when walking:
1. Walk with confidence.
Hold you head up and walk with purpose from place to place-especially at night. This communicates that you are strong and have a plan about where you are going.

2. Walk with your keys in your hand.
Preferably with the key between your fingers poised to use as a weapon if needed. This shows that you are ready to get into your car or house as soon as you get there. And it gives our villain a lot less time to do any mischief.

3. Look around you.
Notice what is around you at all times. This communicates that you are aware of your surroundings. It is much more difficult for Mr. Criminal to use the element of surprise to catch you off guard if you are aware of things that are going on around you. And it helps you to identify when you may be in danger so that you can take the necessary actions.

4. Look under and all around your car as you approach before getting in.
This tells our perpetrator that you are further aware. It also helps you identify any potential problems where you are headed and normally feel safe.

5. Train your children to follow a command.
If there is ever trouble afoot, you should have your children trained to follow a simple order you give that tells them to get into the car immediately. Have the older ones get in themselves as you put any babies or toddlers in car seats.

Communicating awareness is essential for safety these days. It is imperative also that you train your children to be aware of their surroundings and to respond to a rehearsed command that you have in case the situation warrants.

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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication and has over 20 years of experience in the field. She is the author of the Say What You Mean series of studies on effective communication skills. For more information, please visit her website, Art of Eloquence at http://www.ArtOfEloquence.com

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HOME BUSINESS

Business Suggestions
By Kay Green Copyright 2004

Suggestions for your business if you are serious. These are some things I have found to be very important to making my business look like a real business even though I work at home and have no employees. If can work for you too.

If you want to be a REAL business in the business world you HAVE to be able to take all credit cards. I know a few of you who have lost big orders because you only accept paypal. Please if you want to be take seriously get a merchant account. Some options are at http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/articles/creditcards.html

If you want to have a web page that will get your traffic and regular order get your own domain name (not a free server one). Take the free SEO class to learn how to set up your pages correctly. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SEO_Techniques/  THIS IS SO IMPORTANT

Get your business name registered with your state and then get a SEPARATE checking account, and debit card for your business. LOOK like a business.

Get a separate credit card for your business. You will need it to give you cash flow when ordering supplies and inventory for events. You will need it when handling large orders from vendors. It gives you 28 days grace to buy now and pay later for your business.

Figure out how to budget money each month for your business (maybe a credit
line) for advertising, printing, inventory, etc. It is really hard to start and run a business with no cash flow. Make a plan for how to handle these things and how to get enough business to pay for them. It really makes a difference. Make a plan set a budget, work the plan.

Create business cards, letter head and nice look receipts/invoices with your business info. Give your business the professional look. If you can do not this hire someone else to do it or barter with someone to get it done.

Create a package of info that goes out with every order that helps you get future business. Create a packet of info for those hosting your classes or events.

Get a PO box if you want to protect your home address.
Get distinctive ring or another phone line for your business calls.

Treat your business like a business - working every week day. Male 10 new contact calls every week day - 50 a week - 200 a month - 2200 per year. Keep business hours. Be predictable and someone your customers can count on. Look professional to the business world.

Let them see you as the safety expert. Offer to speak for events to parents on safety. Create a short presentation on family safety. Practice it at home.

Set up your table of products in advance at home to get the feel for it.
Make it look crisp and clean and professional - neatly printed items - cleanly cut papers - nice presentation board

Kay Green of http://www.123HomeBusinessGuide.com  

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Home Business Distractions - The Success Killer
By Vivi Gonzalez www.eproservices.com  

If you are a home business owner, then you are surely aware of the many distractions that can take your energy, time and attention. Many distractions including: children and family, friends and neighbors, pets, visitors, phone calls, and even household duties can really zap your time and energy, putting a strain on your daily work day.

Depending on what your main reason for becoming the owner of a home based business was, you need to adjust and find a workable balance between your business and that which fights for your attention. If the main reason for your home based business was staying home to be available to your children, you will need to find a balance that suits both your business needs and that of your kids. If distractions are causing headaches and they do not really take part of the main reason for working at home, some adjustments need to be made.

There are a couple of ways that you can help yourself stay focused on your business at home:
Foundation – Keep in mind the foundation of why you decided to work from home in your own business. Make this foundation an essential part of your day and schedule your responsibilities around it. If the foundation are your kids, then schedule time for them specifically but also time to dedicate to your business.

Focus – Working at home is quite different then being on ‘the job’. Your paycheck is directly proportional to how productive you are on a daily basis. You need to organize your day and work habits so that you can do the most productive work in the shortest amount of time, of course without short changing your business. This may sound much easier than it truly is but it’s essential to your success.

Family and Friends – It’s important that you let others know, including family and friends that your home business is no different than you going to work. Unnecessary phone calls and visits will only distract you from your work. Make your work hours clear and encourage them to contact you after hours.

Outsourcing – When business has you spending too much time doing some of the essential tasks that take up a lot of your time, perhaps it’s time to outsource these activities. There are many time consuming tasks that are necessary yet are they really your most time-productive duties? Is your attention and time better spent on marketing your business? Pursuing sales? If so, it may make sense to find an outsourcing avenue, such as a virtual assistant.

Basically, you are the only one that can establish the success or failure of your home business, based on your time management habits and focus. Keeping your attention focused on what you need to accomplish in your work day and what the foundation for working at home, you can find an essential balance to be successful both in your business and your private life. Success is within your reach, but you must remain focused at all times.

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Vivi Gonzalez is the owner of eProServices – Virtual Business Center….. offering the best in Virtual Assistance for all business types and sizes. www.eproservices.com  mailto:mail@eproservices.com
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Kay Green
kay@mypreciouskid.com
503-693-2832

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