I really truly believe that people are more tense and irritable now (fall 2009) than I recall before in my adult life. Everyone just seems stretched to their limit, and anger, grief, and anxiety are simmering just below the surface. If you make an innocent mistake people just freak.

:grouphug: You are getting great advice here.

1. Wicked, and working on Son of a Witch right now; 2. The Miracle Worker with 10yo DS 3. The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

wendilouwho, I just grabbed a bag of candy pumpkins while at the store to buy heathy food for the preschool party. They have not hit the freezer yet!!!!!!

My OB's nurse does a domestic violence screening every few years. It is just part of their routine care. I can see a discipline screening at a medical clinic in a similar light. Not trying to be mean or confrontational, but you surely know that many people do consider hitting children with objects abusive. You should probably check and see what the laws are in your province.

Our Halloween candy has to be put in protective custody - from me. We keep it in the freezer, and since I have sensitive teeth, I have to defrost whatever I eat, which slows me down a lot. The kids think it is hilarious that I am a candy hound.

How devastating. I am so sorry.

We have a reel mower, and my son ha been using it since he was 8 or 9. He is very responsible. I don't think I would have allowed it so early with a mower with a motor.

Throwing to the wind! We've gotta live!

That's awesome! Don't be embarrassed about sloshing the water. I usually take 2 cups, and dump one over my head. Just act like you meant to do it. Congratulations!

Anything VTech - too many noises and flashing lights. Very overstimulating. My 7yo got Floam in her stocking a few years ago. After a few minutes of play, she got it in her hair and ultimately had to have a shampoo to get it out. It disappeared shortly thereafter never to be seen again.

I praised my son for being patient while learning to take science notes. He hates writing, so spending time writing what he thinks he can keep in his head is hard work for him.

I have not seen the Wife Swap shows, but the father did seem off to me as he did his interviews. I can believe a personality disorder.

At one time we attended a co-op that held similar beliefs about praise as Aldort and Kohn. We were even required to attend a short class on how to talk to the kids as they did their work, so as not to inadvertently spoil their love of learning by praising. The hilarious thing was, the Director of the co-op LOVED praise for her program and was constantly asking things like, "Don't you just looovvee the co-op? Isn't it the BEST place for kids?" She was a praise seeker, LOL. I believe in praise for a job well done or for showing positive character. I do not believe in the empty "self-esteem" movement that tells kids they are special because green is their favorite color. I know I feel wonderful when receiving praise for the right reason, why wouldn't children feel the same way?

It's hard that it has to be inside, but I think I would do target shooting, which is the obvious choice; load your gun races; bullet hunt and then race to shoot something; maybe mark a few bullets and have them confer special power to shooter or victim? Outside of shooting games, you could do army boot camp exercises and have them crack a code or something. Good luck and have fun!

I saw the most BRILLIANT idea on a blog. I have not done it yet but I guarantee that I will next summer. The recipe is called Walking Tacos. Before the trip, fully cook the taco meat. Cut up and bring tomatoes, onions, cheese, etc. Bring a single serving size bag of Fritos for each camper. At the campsite, warm up the meat. Have each camper mildly crush the Fritos, then open the bag and add the rest of the taco ingredients. The kids can eat the tacos out of their bags with a spoon. How fun is that?!? In terms of storing meat, I keep it in a cooler full of ice for no more than a day or two. if the trip is longer, we go to a store and buy the day we need it. I try to precook things like tacos, chili, pasta sauces, etc, so it only needs to be warmed up. I do not like the risk of hoping that raw meat has been thoroughly cooked over a campfire.

Colleen, in sea to ski nirvana

I would have done exactly as you did. I would not tolerate any kind of name calling, especially crude ones. At some point in the future, maybe you can explain why you need to know when she'll be home so she can see it as a safety issue. I suspect the situation is a lot more complicated with a child who is an older adoptee than it would be with a child who you have raised since birth or infancy. This child probably has had a lot of bad experiences and poor role models in her early life. That doesn't mean she gets a pass for her behavior, but it would affect the way I'd respond. :grouphug:

That's awesome! Congrats!!

You never get over the loss of your mom. :grouphug:

I do not believe our ability to homeschool in Washington State will be changed anytime soon.

I get so much out of these boards! Thanks to everyone, old and new, who has given help and advice on this homeschooling journey!

Not a thinking game per se, but my sister sent us a magnetic poetry set that my kids like to spend some individual time with. It would enhance a different set of skills.

We have done the six o'clock scramble for years and love it. If you go to the website you can do a free trial. The other nice thing about the scramble is that is tags all the dishes in a variety of ways so you can see wheat-free, vegetarian, etc, if you have special dietary needs.

LOL. Don't be snarky, you don't want to anger the people who can make your financial life heaven or hell! I'd be tempted though......