Kids and Money
January 23, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Parent's Advice
By Francesca Sidoti
Jan. 23, 2010
Everyone wants the best for their kids. They want their kids to be able to have good relationships with their peers, be reasonably human throughout the teenage years and end up on the other side as a responsible adult.
Teaching your kids about money is one of the most important ways to ensure your kids get through life in the best way possible.
Here are some of the best strategies:
An allowance
From an early age, it is important that kids understand how to use money and the best way to instill that is for them to have an independent source of income. The actual level of allowance is less important.
I functioned off 50 cents a week for most of my youth, as well as a bit of money every birthday and Christmas.
People tend to differ as to how a child receives an allowance; is it dependant on chores or independent of their contributions to the household?
That’s up to you, but it is crucial to introduce ideas of budgeting and discipline with money whenever you set up an allowance.
Big dreams? Big savings plan
Help your kids to develop good saving habits from the start by setting out budgets for big purchases. Kids may spend their money on lollies from the local store at first, but once they realise that long-term saving can result in something like a new lego set or doll, they’ll be able to put their (financial) nose to the grindstone.
If Christmas is coming up, offer to contribute a portion should they reach their financial goals.
Help them to invest
My Dolomites account was a stalwart of my childhood, and a big reason why I have any skills in saving now. I loved the glittery ruler that came with it but, most of all, I loved the feeling of affirmation every time I could deposit a bit of money. Dollarmites by CBA is a good start.
Take your kids through the benefits of each account, and each investment idea. If your kids are a bit older, talk to them about term deposits or saving accounts.
Talk about it
If talking about money makes you uncomfortable, get over it now. The more communication around money issues with your kids, the better they’ll be prepared. Debt is something every household should know about, and kids (especially adolescents) need to understand what can happen when it gets out of control.
Encourage your kids to steer clear of credit cards for as long as possible.
It sounds extreme, but show your kids how it’s done when you pay a bill or do your tax. These are essential life-skills that get no attention in education. Show them how to write a shopping list, and stick to it.
It’s a harsh reality but a child’s way of saving and spending money will be largely derived from the example of his or her parents. Demonstrate restraint in how you use money, and they are likely to learn from that.
It’s not enough to talk about the starving children in Africa at dinnertime; instilling a sense of the real value of money in your children is essential. So they tell me (childless as I am).
Piggy banks, budget plans and saving goals are all important parts of growing up, and becoming an adult who can function financially.
It’ll help you financially as well if your kids have a sense of money matters, as it’ll decrease the likelihood you have to bail them out of a $300 phone bill any time soon.
What tips do you give your children in money matters?
Source: Savings guide
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
The Life of Martin Luther King Jr.?
By: Sally Tusa
Jan. 18, 2009
Americans honor the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. annually on the third Monday of January.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a wonderful holiday for families because it allows parents and teachers to discuss the valuable lessons of equality, compassion, and understanding to children of all ages.
Read this biography of Dr. King’s life and accomplishment about this civil rights leader, then discover ways to add fun to your Martin Luther King celebration with some Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities. Also learn about other important African-Americans for Black History month.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929 into a family of pastors–both his father and his grandfather served as pastors for many years. King came of age in a time where blacks and whites were separated in much of the U.S.
The two groups were unable to attend the same schools, drink from the same water fountains, or eat in the same restaurants. King himself attended segregated public elementary and high schools.
He also went to an all-black college in Atlanta, Morehouse, from which he graduated in 1948.
King saw his calling in the family business, going on to attain graduate degrees at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and Boston University, where he received a doctorate in Systematic Theology in 1955.
This schooling set him up to lead a church, but his beliefs and determination–and, certainly, his circumstances–propelled him to do even more.
After marrying a woman named Coretta Scott, whom he met while in graduate school in Boston, King moved to the South, where racial segregation and prejudice was deep-seated and rampant.
The situation was especially marked in towns like Montgomery, Alabama, where, in 1955, as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, King started fighting for change.
Spurred on by Rosa Parks’ refusal–and subsequent arrest–to sit in the rear, “colored” section of the bus, King advocated a boycott of public buses that lasted more than a year. In 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court banned segregation on public buses, and a movement fueled by nonviolent protest began.
For more than ten years, King’s inspiring speeches (he gave more than 2,500 in his lifetime) earned him followers across the United States and internationally.
He travelled millions of miles; led protest marches, sit-ins and boycotts (which often led to his arrest) everywhere he saw racial disparity; published five books, numerous articles and essays, including the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” now famously known as the call to action for the civil rights movement; and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Yet King is perhaps best remembered for delivering his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech in front of a quarter of a million people in the Mall in Washington, DC.
His famous line, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” still resonate today.
Five years later, he was killed in Memphis, where he was to lead a protest march–shot by an assassin while standing on the balcony outside his motel room.
To find out how Martin Luther King Jr. Day came to be a national holiday and learn about creative ways to celebrate the holiday with our article, “Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2008: Remember and Celebrate.”
Source: Kaboose
Editor’s Note: Sally Tusa is a freelance writer and editor based in Manhattan.
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Strength Available
January 18, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Jan. 18, 2010
Do you know what “Joylogy” means? It is the study of caring, sharing, and listening and Sacrifice.
This was written by Mr. Jeineke in 1975
We would like to know what you think: dan@youngchronicle.com
What is a Joyologist? A joyologist then would be one who studies joy logy. Frankly our world could use a great many joyologists whose mission in life is to actively research the effects of discussing and sharing joy.
The research could branch out into how joy affects our careers, family lives, and friendships. The very act of doing the active research should spread jubilation throughout the world and bring about positive results. What a fun job!
All one needs to start with is to share the words joyism, joy logy, and joyologis with others. Use the words daily and make them a part of the world’s vocabulary.
The upcoming year is going to challenge us all. Here is something we need to think, this is from an unknown reader. It is called: Strength Available
By Unknown
A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox. He had with him his box of cars and trucks, his plastic pail, and a shiny, red plastic shovel. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox.
The lad dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With a little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy and the rock was very huge.)
When the boy got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, he found that he couldn’t roll it up and over the little wall. Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox.
The little boy grunted, struggled, pushed, shoved-but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his chubby fingers. Finally he burst into tears of frustration.
All this time the boy’s father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. At the moment the tears fell, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy’s father.
Gently but firmly he said, “Son, why didn’t you use all the strength that you had available?
Defeated, the boy sobbed back, “But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!
“No, son,” corrected the father kindly. “You didn’t use all the strength you had. You didn’t ask me.” With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox.
Do you have “rocks” in your life that need to be removed? Are you discovering that you don’t have what it takes to lift them? There is One who is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need.
Isn’t it funny how we try so hard to do things ourselves. Sadly, many adults who have been Christians for years are trying to do everything themselves and only turning to God as a last resort.
God wants to be your first resort. Let Him help you with your trials, tribulations, and temperament. He loves you so much … all He wants you to do is ask Him to help.
“Do you know? Have you heard? The Lord is everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Ephesians 40:28-29
Source: Joyology
Naming Your Baby Obama
January 18, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Human Interest
By Fox Nation
Jan. 18, 2010
It is hard to imagine a more personal endorsement of a politician than to give your baby his name – after all, a vote takes a moment, a name is for life.
But there is a tradition of Americans reacting to their presidents in this way. The name Franklin reached its peak of popularity in 1933, when Roosevelt’s tenure was beginning.
Dwight jumped in favor in both 1945 and 1953 when Eisenhower helped win World War II, and then became president.
But the worldwide fascination with Obama – who became the first black US president exactly one year ago – was startling. Here is the story of how babies from three different countries – Kenya, the UK and the US – came to be named after Barack Obama.
Source: Fox Nation
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Kids Anxious and Depressed
January 18, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Parent's Advice
By Dr. Laura
Jan. 18, 2010
There’s a new study out from San Diego State University saying that children and young adults today are the most anxious and depressed of the last seventy years.
I’m not surprised at all. Having too many choices is chaos. Morals and values have been sacrificed in favor of infamy and fortune.
When sports heroes are infamous and rich because they took drugs to increase their performance, that is demoralizing to kids who work hard to aspire to athletic greatness simply by practicing a lot.
When other young people get famous for flaunting drugs and anti-social behavior, it makes it difficult for the kids who simply work hard.
When you have a major Hollywood producer/director putting together a movie to excuse and explain Hitler (in context, he says), you have a generation that has no clear understanding of evil.
When you have military dying in the fields of foreign countries because we are at war with a religious ideology that wants to terminate western civilization, and one of their combatants is caught and tried only as a common criminal, you have a generation that is confused.
When you have a culture that does not support the basic building block of education – the family – we have children turning to equally confused peers and pop culture.
When the people in positions of power, authority and fame turn out to be of little character, you have a generation that doesn’t know what to respect or whom to emulate.
It all matters.
Our kids pay the price.
Source: Dr Laura
Editor’s Note: we would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Easy to Make Chicken Noodle Soup
January 18, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By Alison Needham
Jan. 18, 2009
This recipe is my go to when I’ve got sick kids or we need a comforting and filling supper. I usually use rotisserie chicken when I make this, or any other leftover chicken I have on hand, and I add lots of vegetables and noodles to make it extra chunky.
Grandma was right, chicken soup really is a cure-all, especially when it can be made from start to finish in just over half an hour. Serve with biscuits or crispy crackers to sop up all the flavorful broth.
Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon each olive oil and butter
1 cup peeled and sliced carrots
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 quarts good quality chicken broth, low sodium preferred
3 cups uncooked egg noodles
3 cups cooked chicken meat, chopped into bite sized pieces
Handful of chopped parsley
Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions
- In a large stockpot, melt butter with olive oil over medium low heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add broth, turn heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook for approximately 9 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, stir in chicken and parsley and cook for 5 minutes more, or until chicken is heated through. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Source: Family
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Giving in Tragedy in Haiti
January 16, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
By Dave Ramsey
Jan. 17, 2010
Sixty seconds.
In the amount of time it takes to walk to your mailbox, an entire country was devastated. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 left unimaginable damage in its wake.
Images and video from the impoverished country show bodies lining the streets and decimated cities. Hospitals, schools, prisons, and small family dwellings collapsed.
The death toll could reach as high as 100,000, according to some estimates, and the International Red Cross says three million people will need emergency aid.
For a country that was still reeling from a slew of hurricanes in 2008, an earthquake of this size must seem insurmountable.
That’s where we can step in and provide some measure of relief. All through Christmas, we talked about “giving like no one else.”
Maybe some of the articles and videos on daveramsey.com got your attention or made you want to do something special.
Well, here’s your chance. The Christmas season of giving may be over, but now we have an opportunity to give something greater than a stocking stuffer. Now, we have a real chance to give hope.
Last year, several of Dave’s team members traveled to Haiti to work in an orphanage. Having experienced the country and interacted with the people of Haiti first-hand, they have a personal perspective on what Haiti is going through right now.
“By the world’s standards, the people of Haiti are tragically poor and destitute, and yet they are some of the happiest people I have ever met,” said Chris Thomas, Director of National Sales and Sponsorships for The Dave Ramsey Show.
“Being there at the orphanage last year, I remember seeing the kids we spent time with—most of them without mothers and fathers—who were just happy to be alive. Now, all that they know has literally come crashing down.”
“While there’s never a good place for a disaster like this, I can’t think of a worse place for such a thing to happen,” said Joe Leavitt, Syndication Strategist for The Dave Ramsey Show. “The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere just got poorer.”
“If this earthquake happened in the United States, it would be a disaster, but we would be able to rally finances, hospitals and doctors to help in the long run,” added Blake Thompson, Senior Producer of The Dave Ramsey Show.
“Haiti doesn’t have this privilege, so they’re counting on us, as the richest country in the Western Hemisphere, to help.”
Within days of the September 11 attacks, many Americans could simply hop on a plane to New York City to lend a hand.
In this situation, travel isn’t so easy. As we sit in the comfort of our homes and watch this tragedy unfold on our televisions, the question is—how exactly can we help?
“As much as I want to take my girls shopping for supplies, I think Haiti needs money the most right now,” Leavitt said. “Getting the supplies there will be so difficult.
And, many times, large shipments will get hung up in customs and red tape.”
Hundreds of organizations are working in some way to help with relief efforts. If you would like to help, here are just a few organizations to consider:
The American Red Cross has released $10 million to Haiti relief. According to the Red Cross, individuals can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at http://www.redcross.org/ or by calling 800.REDCROSS. You can also send a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999.
All funds will support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
Samaritan’s Purse deployed its first emergency relief team just hours after the earthquakes. Samaritan’s Purse will use donation money to help with critically needed assistance, including water, temporary shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, medical aid and other essentials.
SafeWaterNexus is a program arm of GO InterNational. This Tennessee-based nonprofit organization is gathering basic medical supplies and hygiene products.
They are accepting donations through their website, as well. Blake Thompson is planning a relief trip to Haiti with SafeWaterNexus next week.
“Any funds donated to safewaternexus.org will be used immediately,” Blake said. “The need is urgent.”
The opportunities are unlimited. But be careful: Frauds and scam artists always crawl out of the woodwork after disasters like this, hoping to capitalize on a tragic situation.
So make sure the organization you are dealing with is reputable.
If you can afford to give—even if you have to make some sacrifices in your budget this month (one less restaurant visit or cheaper groceries)—then please give. Every single dollar means something to Haiti and its desperate citizens.
Chris Thomas’ comments might best reflect the thoughts of many Americans right now: “I hate to admit it, but, for the first time in my life, I have wept for a tragedy that didn’t occur on American soil.”
Like Chris, so many of us feel the tragedy of Haiti in our hearts. Now, let’s take that passion, give like no one else, and see how quickly we can help get Haiti back on its feet.
Source: Dave Ramsey
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
One Grandmother’s Story of Caring in Haiti
by The Editors
Jan. 17, 2010
All of us at Grandparents.com, like you, have been moved to do our part to support the people of Haiti in the wake of this week’s devastating earthquake.
Rose-Marie Chierici, a grandmother in Rochester, N.Y., has worked for years to help children in her home country through the organization she founded, H.O.P.E., or Haiti Outreach.
In 2009, we recognized her efforts to support education, nutrition, and social programs in one of the most underserved communities in the world, in our Today’s Extraordinary Grandparents program.
The day before the earthquake struck, Chierici, a professor of anthropology,
returned to Rochester from a visit to Haiti. She later sent this message to her group’s supporters:
“First of all, I would like to thank all who have reached out to us and inquired about the fate of people in Haiti and especially in Borgne (the area on the northern coast where H.O.P.E. works).
I am extremely touched by your concern, your warmth, and generosity toward my homeland. Words fail me to express the depth of my feelings and confusion at this point.
This is a tragedy of incredible proportions for an already vulnerable country ravaged by poverty, underdevelopment, political turmoil, and tragedies.
“I returned from Haiti Monday evening after a week of hard work but also of incredible promise. Everyone I met last week was hopeful and excited. They told me that this was the best time we have seen in Haiti in the past 25 years — political stability, more security, less violence — and hope that the country was finally on its way to recovery and development.
As for H.O.P.E., the picture looked great. Our health-care program was on track. We laid the groundwork for a Mobile Teacher Program to take education to the most vulnerable kids — children 4-to-7 years old — whose parents could never afford to send them to school; orphans; and children whose parents had emigrated.
We formed a new partnership with an international organization to bring relief to families who lost someone to AIDs and start a micro-credit venture for women. So, this tragedy hits even harder! From my vantage point right now, the high of these last few days seems to have crashed.
“We at H.O.P.E. have decided that the best way for us to help is to prepare and plan how to resupply and meet the critical needs of people in our area. With roads cut off, nothing will move to the north so food, medical supplies, and other necessities will not reach our area.
Although most of the damage occurred in Port-au-Prince, like a cracked windshield, the tragedy will spread quickly to the rest of the nation. To this end, we will collect funds, harness the good will of our students, and find the best way to bring much-needed relief and hope to those in the north.
While most of the relief work will focus in the Port-au-Prince area, H.O.P.E. will think of those on the margins who will likely be forgotten.”
Source: Grandparents
Editor’s Note: Your donations to help the people of Haiti begin to recover from this disaster are needed both immediately and for the long-term:
Send a donation to the American Red Cross.
Find out more about Rose-Marie’s organization, and how to support her work
We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
We Need Each Other
January 11, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Encouragement
by Mike DeVries
Jan. 11, 2010
The LORD God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will
make a helper suitable for him.” –Genesis 2:18
The book of Genesis is a book about beginnings. It tells of how our world came into being and why it is the way it is. Genesis 1-3 is a painting, an epic story, a beautifully crafted piece of poetry.
And like all good poetry, its use of words and phrases are important to the overall message.
If you read Genesis 1-2, there’s this phrase that is repeated over and over again in the creation story.
God speaks something into existence, and it appears. God surveys His work of creation, while the following phrase is repeated over and over again: “And God saw that it was good.”
This is the image that we are given of creation at the very beginning. Whatever God created, He saw as good.
Everything was good. Everything was right. Everything was as it should be. Except one thing.
Genesis 2:18 captures an astounding statement. In a world where everything God has created is “good,” one thing in the garden isn’t – “It is not good for man to be alone.”
Now what makes this statement so astounding is that it comes before Genesis 3. We have this image that everything before mankind’s fall into sin was perfect and the way that God wanted it to be, but apparently there was one thing that was not working so good. Aloneness is the only thing wrong in the garden.
Humanity was never meant to live life alone.
From the very beginning of creation, the portrait we see is that humanity is wired for relationship. People crave relationships. The account of Genesis 1-2 tells us why.
God is a relational being, and when He created humanity in His own image, He created us as relational beings as well. A human being, out of relationship with the rest of humanity, is… well… un-human.
According to Genesis 2:18, we have a need for others. Just consider how many times God has used others in your own life, through a friend or loved one, who was “there” for you at the right moment.
46 times the New Testament reminds us of what we should be doing for “one another” – loving one another, serving one another, forgiving one another, meeting one another’s needs, bearing one another’s burdens… to mention just a few.
The Scriptures from beginning to end proclaim this one fact – humanity was not meant to live life alone. We really do need each other.
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com
Easy No-Bake Macaroni & Cheese
January 9, 2010 by Dan
Filed under Kids in the Kitchen
By EatingWell.com
Jan. 5, 2010
Not only is this ultra-creamy version of mac-and-cheese nearly as fast as the boxed variety, but your family will be able to pronounce every ingredient. If they aren’t broccoli fans, substitute a frozen vegetable of your choice.
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Ready in: | 25 minutes |
| Yield: | 4 servings, 1 1/4 cups each |
| Ease of Prep: | Easy |
| Recipe Ingredients | |
| 8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles (2 cups) | |
| 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli | |
| 1 3/4 cups low-fat milk , divided | |
| 3 tablespoons flour | |
| 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder | |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | |
| 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper | |
| 3/4 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese | |
| 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese | |
| 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard | |
Recipe Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta for 4 minutes. Add frozen broccoli and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta and broccoli are just tender, 4 to 5 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups milk in another large pot over medium-high heat until just simmering. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined.
Add the flour mixture to the simmering milk; return to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in Cheddar, Parmesan and mustard until the cheese is melted.
Drain the pasta and broccoli and add to the cheese sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, over medium-low heat, until heated through, about 1 minute.
Health Advantages: high fiber, low cholesterol, high calcium.
| Nutrition Information | ||||||||
| Servings Per Recipe: 4 | ||||||||
| Amount Per serving | ||||||||
| Calories: | 412 cal | Carbohydrate Servings: | 3 | |||||
| Carbohydrates: | 56 g | Dietary Fiber: | 7 g | Cholesterol: | 37 mg | |||
| Fat: | 13 g | Sodium: | 640 mg | Saturated Fat: | 7 g | |||
| Protein: | 22 g | Potassium: | 236 mg | Monounsaturated Fat: | 1 g | |||
| Nutrition Bonus: | Vitamin C (70% daily value), Calcium (40% dv), Fiber (27% dv), Vitamin A (25% dv), Magnesium (16% dv). | |||||||
| Exchanges: | 3 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 reduced-fat milk, 1 high-fat meat | |||||||
Source: Family.Go
Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com