School Bullying- What Can Be Done???

Yes, I know every school has bullies and it's something every kid will have to deal with at some point in their school life. But as a parent I HATE IT! I don't want to go up to the school and have to hurt some kid- just kidding of course!!!

 My 10 yr old son is being called some HORRIBLE HURTFUL names and wants to go to another school so bad! If he tells on the bullies then of course he gets picked on for that too. He has been at this school since he was in Kindergarten and we have held on because I wanted stability for my kids (something I didn't have). The school has been going through changes the whole time we've been there and now its a whole new school environment- nothing like it was when we started. Different kids/Different parents!

 My 7 yr old daughter has this one kid in her class that disrupts the class, hurts others, and takes the teachers attention away from teaching EVERY DAY! She is tired of dealing with this everyday. She wants to LEARN and not have to battle with others to do that!

 As a parent of course I want to MARCH right in that school and DEMAND CHANGE but of course that's not going to happen just like that. So how do I do this without being that PARENT that admin and teachers hide from because they don't want to deal with you? I'm disappointed that my children have to deal with the bullies everyday.  Every morning it's a challenge to get them out the door- today I lost the fight with Lil Mama- I let her stay home.

I do know I will be asking for some ANTI-BULLYING prevention. Will it help though??? I guess it might be time to move on for my kids sake but then will be it be different at other schools?

 What are ways you deal with bullies in your kids school?  Or how does your school deal with bullies?

CLOSED End of the MONTH BLOWOUT GIVEAWAY~ 1/24- 1/31

 JANUARY'S END OF THE MONTH BLOWOUT!! THIS MONTH 11 BLOGGERS HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO OFFER YOU $55 IN PAYPAL CASH OR A $55 AMAZON GIFT CARD! a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLOSED Forget The Resolutions Giveaway HOP 1/21-1/26

Forget The Resolutions Giveaway Hop

January 21 - 26, 2012

Hosted by Planet Weidknecht and
Going Crazy!!Wanna Go??

It's been three weeks since you've made all those resolutions.It's said that it takes 21 days to make a new habit, so you've probably already broken your New Year's Resolutions. I say - FORGET THE RESOLUTIONS! Let's have a giveaway hop instead!

The Forget The Resolutions Giveaway Hop runs from January 21 @ 12:01 a.m. EST to January 26 @ 11:59 p.m. EST. Each blogger is hosting their own giveaway of at least $20.00. After you enter my giveaway, be sure to visit the other blogs and enter theirs too!


PinkMama's Place is giving away a PERSONALIZED Custom Airbrush Pillowcase from Mr Airbrush Hands  (value $25.)  You pick colors, simple design, name/nickname.

Examples:

a Rafflecopter giveaway "

Fabulous bloggers hosting amazing giveaways:

Putting on My PTA Hat Tonight

It doesn't FIT!  Just kidding LOL!  I've been fighting being on the PTA (we call ours PTC-explain later) all year because I've been Secretary and Vice Chair for 2 years and this past summer I put myself in retirement. 

Which by the way didn't really work.  I thought I was home safe when in September we had ALL officers positions filled and everything was going great.  I got to sit back and be a PARENT not plan/work at/communicate what was happening at the school- I was LOVING it!  Then BOOM- Secretary left to go to another school and no one wanted to step in so I was asked very nicely by the Chair who is one of my closest friends- and for her I would do it.  Then BAM our Vice Chair had to move- GONE.  We were able to fill that position but that parent was put on the spot so not sure how she feels about it. 

I've been slacking and not really doing my job- kind of like a spoiled brat who doesn't want to do something.  So tonight I will let the parents know I'm sorry and I will do better!  I just need to suck it up and hope next year they can get some parents who can commit and stay at the school, lol! 

I get some great PTA/PTO ideas from: http://www.ptotoday.com/

Maybe I'll takes notes tonight and actually write up minutes for the first time this year!  I keep telling myself its for the KIDS!  My kids love me being so involved with their school and my son says he is proud of me. 

Day 3- Blogging Buddies- 31 Days To Build a Better Blog

Oh WOW they really want me to get out of my comfort zone.

I have a couple bloggers I wish were my buddy but the "hey let's be blogging buddies" conversation never really comes up. We comment on each others blog, google page, fb page and an email here and there but that is it. 

Guest posting always scared me because what if I'm not a good enough writer (you know that grammar/spelling mistakes everyone loves to point out lol)or what if my post is stupid. Can someone have blogging low self esteem because I think I have it! Great yet another issue I need to overcome. Now I'm always OPEN to other's people posting on here- I would love it actually so if you want to ever guest post on my blog just contact me (pamallen68@gmail.com)and let me know!

I've joined a couple Facebook Groups on giveaways, mom bloggers, and yesterday joined a blogging buddy one so I know I'm reaching out now I just need to make that leap to engage!

I do agree that having blogging buddies will help with:

• Support
• Encouragement
• Be a sounding board
• Advice- ask or give
• Tips/Tricks
• Promote your/theirs projects
• Blog growth
• Being part of a community

With all those points above who wouldn't want a BLOG BUDDY!!!

Okay better catch up on Day 4!  http://www.thesitsgirls.com/

DAWGS FOOTWEAR Giveaway~Win it Wednesday

I got my DAWGS the other day and I LOVE THEM.  As a waitress I need comfort, slip resistant, and support because I'm on my feet for 8 hours.  I like how they feel and OMG they are so light!  I'm looking forward to wearing them at work.  Also if I spill anything on them all I need to do is wipe them off.

DAWGS FOOTWEAR also has many other styles of shoes, boots, ballet flats, and slippers.  They have something for everyone in the family.  I saw a couple things I plan to get the kids soon.

Here is some info about the shoes:http://www.usadawgs.com/Women-Mary-Jane-Pro.html

Do you want to WIN A PAIR of Mary Jane Pro's (I'm telling you so worth it) then please enter below and GOOD LUCK.

I received a pair of DAWGS Mary Jane Pros for the purpose of my honest review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessing in Disguise- Life Lessons!

Yesterday I wrote a BOOHOO whiny post and today I deleted it!  Wow, I was on a emotional roller coaster and I guess I needed to vent out my issues for all of the INTERNET to read. 

Today though NO whiny post but a THANKFUL post is needed! Found this quote and it made a lot of sense to me:

Stop looking at what you don't have and Start being thankful for what you do have.

OMG...how TRUE is this!  Last night between breakdowns I had so much fun with the kids.  Even daddy got involved- which barley ever happens. Without cable we actually had conversations with each other and found other ways to occupy our time.  After dinner (which we ate together) Lil Man and Dad had a dance off-  I wish I had video to show you because man that was heck of funny! 

I wasn't sad we didn't have cable I was sad because I felt I was letting my family down because I didn't have the money to pay our bills.  When I picked up the kids at school they could tell something was wrong and wanted to know if I was OK.  I was honest and told them I had a hard day and cried a lot, they both told me everything will be okay and we will get through this- I love my kids!!! 

My husband told me that yesterday morning on his way to work (3am) he had stopped at the gas station and was getting gas when a pregnant woman came up and asked for change to get something to drink.  He didn't have much but he still gave her all his change.  He told me even though we are going through some hard times there is worse off people out there and we should be grateful for what we do have.  So very true.  I've been there before- homeless and I guess that is what scares me the most- going backwards.  I want to give my kids everything but most of all I want to give them stability.  I want them to never have to worry about where their next meal might be or if they will have a roof over their head. 

As for the other things that are weighing down on my heart~ I can't feel guilty for other peoples actions.  They need to own that- not me! 

I think I needed to go through yesterday to make me appreciate TODAY!  As for NO CABLE- we will be just fine and as a family we decided to change some of our nightly routines and have more family time- also cut back on the cable! 

Tonight~ Wii night!!! 



Day 2: Set Up Alerts and Monitor Your Niche

Key Concepts for Today:
In addition to writing actual blog posts, watching, monitoring, reading, and listening to what others are saying are important activities.
Reasons to be aware of what others are talking about in your niche include getting ideas for new posts, being aware of breaking news, profile building, networking, and managing your reputation.
You can set up alerts through a variety of different sources, but the two most common include Twitter Alerts and Google Alerts.
Types of alerts to set up include words relevant to your blog’s niche or your industry, i.e. “wedding dress” if you blog about weddings. Other keywords to monitor include “vanity alerts”, which are keywords like your name, blog name, or company name.

Today’s Assignment:
Use knowledge from alerts in your niche to brainstorm a new mini-series or to develop a new weekly feature or Meme for your blog. Share your ideas here. You can also share your favorite Meme’s from other bloggers here in the forum. What do you think makes them successful. Use that information to help you with your upcoming planning for a future series or Meme.

Reference posts:
SITS: http://www.thesitsgirls.com/education/blog-tips/google-alerts/
****************************************************************

Oh I love GOOGLE ALERTS!  I have several alerts already but added a few more today like:

• mom blogs
• blog giveaways
• school pta

I added those because I wasn't thinking Google Alerts=Blog Posts, shaking my head I didn't think of that.  I have google alerts set up to ALERT me when someone mentioned Airbrush (hubby) or Social Media Manager (me).  Now this is cool and I hope it helps with the brainstorming. 

As for the assignment~ that means I need to PLAN.  I do a WIN IT WEDNESDAY when I have giveaway to do~ which I'm working on one today.  TIP TUESDAY is always a fun one to do too!  Also would like to incorporate my Pinterest finds in a weekly feature!  Okay good figured that out!  Now I need a name for my Weekly Pinterest Finds~and what day.

WIN- 6 month Blockbuster Gift Subscription

A group of bloggers have come together to bring you this awesome giveaway! One winner will be selected to win a 6-Month Subscription to Blockbuster with unlimited through the mail and unlimited in-store exchanges. Only 1 DVD out at a time.

Enter using the super easy Rafflecopter form below. For the first entry be sure to say that PINKMAMA'S PLACE referred you. Then, just "like" all our Facebook pages using the Rafflecopter form below for a total of 26 entries. You can also earn up to an additional 6 entries per day by coming back and clicking on the daily vote links and tweeting about giveaway.

This giveaway will begin on January 17th at 10:00 PM EST and run through 11:59 PM on February 1st, and is only valid for U.S. residents 18 years and older. Please note this giveaway is in no way associated with Blockbuster or Facebook.

Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Analyze a Blog in Your Niche~Day 1 (31 Day to Build a Better Blog)

I signed up to do a 31 Days to Build a Better Blog on http://www.thesitsgirls.com/ and I'm looking forward to learning more about blogging.

This week's theme is Assess Your Blog

Key Concepts for Today:
Studying successful blogs in your niche will show you what’s working well for them, as well as topics you might be able to tackle. Look close and see how they implement advertisements or promotions and what their readers are asking about. It’s important to note you don’t want to copy another blogger. Be unique, but allow them to inspire you!

Today’s Assignment:
1. Identify a successful blog in your niche.
2. Take 10-15 minutes to analyze the blog.
3. Share what you have learned here in this discussion string or on Twitter using #SITS31DBBB.

I LOVE http://www.scarymommy.com/ so I wanted to analyze her blog.  She doesn't have a lot of junk on her sidebars.  It's clean and she has other info about her blog on the bottom.  Now all her social media buttons are up on top where everyone can see and its just plain SIMPLE!  Also she has a COMMUNITY!  I haven't joined yet only because I've had some crazy history with message boards.  She also BRANDED her blog BIG TIME!  She now has a book coming out and I applause that hard work. But most important she is REAL and I love her posts because I can relate to a lot of them.

I also ENJOY http://www.aboutamom.com/ because she has a little bit of everything.  I like how she has Sponsor buttons but also all her sidebar info is nice and neat.  There is a lot going on but its organized beautifully and flows very well.  She has a "Pin" button on every post and since I'm a Pinterest addict I love that.  She has all the information I want on one page.


I have some ideas now and really need to do a blog makeover.