What we grow up with is what we carry with us throughout our lives. It becomes who we are and what we share with others. The foundation of social change is made up of learning, observing, absorbing, and teaching.

I wanted to please a father who was a tough disciplinarian, so I appeared brave while inside there was a little girl wanting to be loved, forgiven, protected, and just cuddled once in awhile. Growing up in the country on a farm, I assumed a certain leadership role with my peers. Sometimes it was great and gained me admirable attention, sometimes I failed to gain anything, except, laughter.

One day in the early spring, I stood on the edge of Kenzo’s pond with Sandra and Elaine. We had our skates thrown over our backs and expected to enjoy the last days of ice-skating for the season, but Elaine spotted some melted ice on the far edge of the pond. She refused to go with me and so did Sandra. Bravely, I stepped forward. With every step, I became more convinced that the pond was still safe for skating. Sandra and Elaine did not share my confidence. I glanced over my left shoulder to see that they were just watching as the cold nipped their cheeks… fear permeating their expressions. Then it happened… a reason for the fear… a loud cracking sound. I was under the water quicker than I could think. As much as I tried, I couldn’t find an opening. I kicked my feet, to stay near the top and tried to pound the ice above, as my clothes becoming heavy with water… dragged me down to the icy bottom. Thinking Kenzo’s pond would be my end, I searched the rocks below to see my would-be grave, and noticed that my feet were getting closer and closer to touching the ground. When I finally could touch the rock directly below me, I pushed really, hard. I shot up to the top and broke through the ice above me. I inched my way onto the ice and to the other edge of the pond by cracking the ice bit by bit. My girlfriends just stood there… laughing! They didn’t come to my rescue until I was completely out. At the time, I thought they were amused by my stupidity, but their laughter was relief.

I eventually traveled all over the world for work, and ultimately ministry. As a weak woman who never ventured out while young, I never would have survived many of the ordeals I’ve gone through.

On the other hand, Diane always seemed so fragile. She rarely came to play because her parents feared she’d catch a cold, or get a rash, or fall down, or some other possible non-descript ailment. We were deprived of her friendship and she was deprived of all the fun things we did, and discoveries we had playing on the farm, in the orchard, at the lake, and in the woods. She never caught a crayfish or salamander at the creek, never jumped in the hayloft, never climbed high in a pear tree to taste the first fruits of harvest, she never jumped from a rope into a cold spring lake, or picked huckleberries in the woods. She probably never spotted a deer outside of her yard or road, or bear, or any other exciting woodland creatures. Being adventuresome was not a part of her country living experience. It wasn’t allowed. To this day, she has never even been outside of her state.

There is a balance between overprotecting and not protecting our children. My best advice is to stay somewhere in the middle… to ask your child what they want to do, listen to them, teach them good morals, make sure they’re safe at all times, show them that you trust them, and allow them to make mistakes.

Let Me Be Me!
Help me mom and dad, but let me be,
I’ll do what’s best cause you did teach me,
I make mistakes and at times, I am wrong.
But, if you trust me now, it won’t be long.
Show me what to do and then let me be
I want to learn who I am, and who is me,
So, when I grow up I won’t have fear
To live in a world that changes year by year.

Please let us know your concerns, or advice to help today’s children by leaving a comment at: http://www.polamuzyka.com/allnews/

…Children come to understand right and wrong through exciting and creative adventures.

Source: Darrell Williams

In the Adventures in Learning Land book series, Pola Muzyka brings stories about making right choices together with artistic activities. Four ordinary children are about to discover the mystery of Learning Land. Each story takes them on a wondrous adventure. These four always seem to run into trouble as ordinary kids do. Fortunately, before they suffer the consequences of some wrong choices they make during, something very unusual happens. An angel takes them to the workshop of the “master teacher” in the magical world of Learning Land.

At the workshop they are taught a creative project, which, while they are completing, teaches them to deal rightly with their situation. The children reading the book can also complete these artistic activities with step by step instructions included in the books. The first of these great books is now available as an audio book featuring the voice talents of Ed Knutson. The audio book can be used with the printed book to teach reading skills. A sample is available for download online at: http://www.polamuzyka.com/childrensbooks/childrensbookcdsample.html

Muzyka explains how the stories came about, “As I put my young son to sleep at night, I would make up stories that had biblical morals in them. The stories helped him figure out what to do when faced with issues during the day. It worked for me. Now it’s time to share those stories and help other parents and children as well.

Raised on a sheep farm in the Pocono Mountains, Pola Muzyka entered the arts field upon graduation from High School. She studied art and drama in NY and Los Angeles, then moved to Italy, where she was inspired to incorporate her art with her dramatic talent. She has starred in several TV shows, movies and documentaries, and utilizes her artistic talents whenever the need arises.

The “Adventure in Learning Land” books are now available online at http://www.polamuzyka.com/childrensbooks.html … ebooks at: http://www.polamuzyka.com/childrensbooks/allebooks.html

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Joshua loved to climb and roam from almost the day he was born. He climbed ladders when he was only 5 months old, and in fact, I took a picture of it because I knew no one would believe it. One day, while traveling from PA back to where we lived in GA, we stopped by a Mall to eat and rest our weary bones. I ordered a coffee latte and my oldest, Gianpaul, ordered a latte macchiato. For those of you who don’t know, a latte macchiato is a lot of milk with a dash of coffee. When I turned around to ask Joshua what he wanted, he was gone. That fast!!! He was no where in sight. Of course, I panicked! We roamed the mall, called security, and had people we never met looking for a cute little three year old in Oshkosh overalls and a red T-shirt.

Finally, I remembered that he had asked me if he could see a transformer in the toy store. Quickly, I made my way to K-Bee toys, the store we passed on the way in. Sure enough, there he was picking up the transformer he asked for. I was lucky, but every year it becomes more, and more, difficult to keep track of your child’s safety.

Our parents had no problem allowing us to roam free around the farm and around the neighborhood. I loved the flowers in the spring, the smell of fresh cut grass and hay in the summer and fall; and my friends and I especially loved hunting ripe apples, pears, and peaches in the orchard. Yep, we had the ideal situation. Nothing to worry about and no predators, or were there.

When we got old enough to explore further and further territories, there was one man who seemed to always show up no matter where we were. We were thrilled, and yet worried about him. Why was he always there? What did he want from us? He didn’t talk… he just watched us. Eventually his stalking became alarming. He began to touch himself while standing just fifteen feet or so from where we were. We ran home to the safety of our parents. Mom was usually home at my house. Elaine and Sandy had both mom and dad nearby because their dad worked a night shift. Again, there was a safety net.

What about your children? Are you always home for them? Do they roam around the neighborhood safely and freely? It’s nice to think that we live in a perfect world where children are safe and moms and dads never fight. Of course, we know better. In our own community, we’ve become acutely aware of the dangers of having predators live nearby. Internets have become a playground for predators. Children going online while mom and dad are working become likely prey. So, what can you do to keep your child safe?

Safety Internet Tips for Parents
• Have your child ask for permission before they log onto the internet so that you can be aware of when and how long your child has been on the computer.

• Establish an internet-usage agreement/pledge with your child. Discuss with your child exactly what is OK and what is not OK regarding what sites and chat rooms your child can visit and what kind of information they can share over the internet. http://www.safetyed.org/ and http://www.netsmartz.org/resources/pledge.htm

• Make sure your child knows not to give out personal, identifying information about them or the family to anyone on the internet. This includes last names, phone numbers, addresses, school information, and passwords.

• Make sure children know that they should alert a trusted adult if they are faced with material on the internet that makes them uncomfortable.

• If children use chat or E-mail, talk to them about never meeting in person with anyone they first “met” online.

• Keep the computer in the family room or another open area of your home.

• Internet accounts should be in the parent’s name with parents having the primary screenname, controlling passwords, and using blocking and/or filtering devices.

• If you suspect online “stalking” or sexual exploitation of a child, report it to your local law-enforcement agency. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has a system for identifying online predators and child pornographers and contributing to law-enforcement investigations. It’s called the CyberTipline®. Leads forwarded to the site will be acknowledged and shared with the appropriate law-enforcement agency for investigation.

• Never respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounters such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.

• If you have cause for concern about your children’s online activities, talk to them. Also seek out the advice and counsel of teachers, librarians, and other Internet and online service users in your area.
• Talk to your children about cyberbullying: http://www.ncpc.org/parents/cyberbullying.php

Please let us know your concerns or advice at: http://www.polamuzyka.com/allnews/

I grew up in a traditional home where mom and dad both taught us the values of right and wrong. Mom stayed home and canned, cooked, tended the garden, the animals, the home, and tended to us. Dad went to work and came home at a reasonable hour to follow through with any discipline that was needed and any chores a woman and children couldn’t do. They protected us from predators, made sure we knew all the rules of safety, that we ate properly, had enough sleep, sunshine and fresh air, did enough chores, and had respect for our elders.

In short, they kept us well and healthy and guided our decisions. Growing up on a farm wasn’t all that easy, but it did give us an appreciation for the simple things in life so when we left home, mom and dad knew that we were totally prepared for the future.

During the last 20 years or more, our society has changed immensely, and raising children has become a system of calculated risks. Some children are put through rigorous schedules, and more than 40 percent of today’s youths live in a single parent home where it is almost impossible to teach the values that are so necessary to their well being. Latch key kids have an unreasonable burden on their shoulders. A balanced life where play, friends, chores, family and school all fit into the growing up years seems to be a fairy tail from the past. Where’s Mommy? Where’s Daddy? Who’s mind the children?

We’d like to hear from you. What is your situation and your solution in protecting your son/daughter/grandchild and helping them to grow up healthy and prepared for the future ahead?

According to the U.S. census, one third of all school age children  in the United States are, for some part of the week, latch key kids;  that is, they go home to an empty house or apartment. The total number  may be between five and seven million children between five and 13  years old. Marian Wright Edelman, the director of the Children’s Defense  Fund, thinks it’s close to 16 million children. The Census Bureau  found that 15% were home alone before school, 76% after school and  9% at night. Presumably, the 9% have parents who work night shifts.

In addition to the child’s readiness to be alone before or after  school, certain characteristics of the home environment need to be  considered. Some of these are easy to control; some are not:
•      The safety of the neighborhood—can  a child safely walk home, or get from the bus to the door without  risk?
•     Are there adults nearby and accessible, always available, and  familiar to the child or children? Is there a backup plan?
•      How much time is involved? How long must the child be alone? Is  there a planned structure of activities planned for the time alone?
•      Are there siblings? Pets? What are the ages of the siblings?
•      Is the home equipped with dead bolts, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors,  first aid kit, evacuation plan, emergency phone numbers by  the telephone, flashlights and batteries, money in a hiding place  known to the child, lights on timers so that the child doesn’t  get home to a dark home in winter, all liquor locked, a cell phone  for the child with the important numbers in it, a hidden key or  a key left with a reliable neighbor who is sure to be home?
•     Is there time to set aside every single day for a quiet talk, a  review of the day, an opportunity to tell the child how wonderfully  responsible he or she is, and a willingness to help the child with  whatever is current in her or his life, homework, a problem with another child at school, a wish for a special snack?
A heart for the leaders of tomorrow! ‘Adventures in Learning Land’ (the best books available with Biblical values for ages 6 to 12). http://www.adventuresinlearningland.com

My concern for her and her children has been growing. Every time I speak to her, she is either taking one of her children to a competition, or to some other type of activity, or is in a rush to pick one up. I watched and listened to her children as they played nearby. It seems as though they were either scrapping and fighting or quiet and tired-looking. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I think that if my friend asked them, she’d find out that their busy schedule is just too much for them to handle and her, too. If they were honest with her, they would probably say, “Can’t we just do something together as a family or just do nothing today? Do I really have to go?” and she would probably welcome the reprieve.

Lessons, organizations, chores, homework, school, church, computers, projects, competitions, etc. etc. etc. Don’t overbook your children’s schedules. They’ll have plenty of time to get stressed out when their little bodies get stronger. Spend some quality time just being a family and relaxing with them enjoying nature, music, or some family stories. That’s my advice… what’s yours and what’s your story?

A heart for the leaders of tomorrow! ‘Adventures in Learning Land’ (the best books available with Biblical values for ages 6 to 12). http://www.adventuresinlearningland.com

Here are some things to look for to see if your child is under too much stress:

Disorganization: The child may have trouble completing assignments or projects and following directions.

Lack of interest in self and others: The youngster may appear withdrawn and unable to experience pleasure.

Preoccupied look: The child may spend time staring into space and seem to be in another world.

Sadness and crying: Particularly in older children and teens, tears in public may be a sign of inability to cope with problems.

Opposite behavior from usual: Careful children become reckless; pleasant children become abrasive; social children withdraw from friends.

Violence: The child/teen is aggressive, hostile, destructive, or verbally abusive.

Regression: Behavior may become quite immature for the child/teen’s age and previous behavior.

Weight change: The child/teen may be overeating or under-eating. A drastic weight change, up or down, often accompanies depression in both children and adults.

Fear: The child may become afraid of many things and may not want to participate in any activity involving risk taking.

Fatigue: The child/teen may not be getting adequate sleep due to turmoil. Fatigue is also a common symptom of depression.

Extreme obedience and compliance: The child/teen may think that if he/she is “good” everything will be o.k. again.

Absence from school, or organizations: The youngster may withdraw from the presence of others because of shame or depression.

Please let us know your concerns or advice.

My older son went to private schools throughout Europe for the first nine years of his life, but unfortunately that didn’t last. I ended up with the short end of the stick in the divorce. When I first discovered that I would be a single parent, probably for the rest of their lives, I realized that I had no particular plan for their education.

My older son attended the public school system but when he was in the last two years of his education, he announced that he wanted to drop out. I insisted that he continue. My younger son went through pretty much the same bout in wanting to drop out in his later years. I’m not sure if it was the school system’s fault or mine. It was the same school they both wanted to drop out of. I allowed my younger son to be home-schooled because he, being bolder than my older son, told me about some of the lessons they were learning in classes that completely contradicted the Biblical values I had been teaching them.

More and more children are being home-schooled and statistics are beginning to show a higher IQ average and higher SAT scores among home-schooled children. Although home-schooling could be a good thing, I wonder if our children are getting enough social interaction. With church attendance staying the same, and church hopping going up, do our children get enough time with one group of children? What about the ‘real world?’

This may be a very difficult subject to tackle, but we’d like to hear your input and comments, too. Please leave a comment and let us know how you feel about home-schooling or public schools for the future leader in your family.

Personally, I’m glad I home-schooled my younger son and wish that I had done the same with my older son. There are so many resources available today including satellite classes, and there is even graduation through accredited organizations. There are also classes available they may join on a regular basis so that they can be with other children their own age. These classes are a few hours a week on a regular basis, usually given through a church group. They prepare our children for a college curriculum and allow them to socialize with the same children on a steady basis.

A heart for the leaders of tomorrow! ‘Adventures in Learning Land’ (the best books available with Biblical values for ages 6 to 12). http://www.adventuresinlearningland.com

A heart for the leaders of tomorrow! ‘Adventures in Learning Land’ (the best books available with Biblical values for ages 6 to 12). http://www.adventuresinlearningland.com

Have you ever wondered what the world will be like 20 or 30 years from now? We have progressed through time, and technology has far exceeded every expectation, particularly with the advent of the Internet. Our children have access to more news, information, ideas, and examples than ever before in history.

You’ve gotta ask yourself, though, “is the information they’re getting going to produce a better world tomorrow?”

Some may answer a resounding, “yes.” Others may answer, “it depends on what input they are getting.” Both could be right. It’s up to us. Our world could be changed in such a way, that we wouldn’t even want to live here. Why? Because our children are our future leaders, and they copy whatever they see and hear.

Have you ever heard your son/daughter/grandchild say something, which shocked you? “Where did they ever get that from?” you might have thought.

The next time you are tempted to complain about what our leaders are doing, spend some time with the future leader in your life. Listen to, and see, what they listen to, and see throughout their day. You’ll be surprised to learn the outcome.

For a better tomorrow, encourage your children to read and watch media that is positive and has good moral values. If you do, you’ll have had a positive role in shaping at least one future leader of tomorrow.

Be the first to leave a comment (where it says ‘no comment’) and let us know how you feel about the future of tomorrow’s leaders.

A heart for the leaders of tomorrow! ‘Adventures in Learning Land’ (the best books available with Biblical values for ages 6 to 12). http://www.adventuresinlearningland.com

Be the first to leave a comment (where it says ‘no comment’) and let us know how you feel about the future of tomorrow’s leaders.

Adventures In Learning Land testimonial: “Wow, TaeTae was rivited to the TV. I can’t believe it! Nothing would keep her attention before. Now she was watching a group of kids working on a project and she wanted to work on one, too. I was relieved cause I knew she was watching something that would teach her good morals for her future.” - Debbie Ross