Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. I know the groundhog just said there will be six more weeks of that dreaded cold weather, but I hope Spring will come early.
Quote of the week: “Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” –James Baldwin
Book of the week: This week I want to tell you about a great book and movie: Holes by Louis Sachar. The story centers on a boy named Stanley Yelnats (Stanley spelled backward) and how, when wrongly accused of theft, he must spend time at Camp Green Lake. The book and movie both tell of the adventures of Stanley and Hector “Zero” as they adjust to life in Camp Green Lake. I hope you’ll have a chance to either read the book or enjoy the movie.
Joke of the week: What is a groundhog’s favorite book? Holes
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: This week, I want to introduce the subject of our featured podcast. Bullying is defined as using force or threats in an attempt to harm, intimidate, or persuade someone to do something. I also want to talk about teasing, which is defined as provoking or making fun of someone in a playful way. I have never liked teasing, because it is a very fine line before someone gets their feelings hurt. We should all be respectful of others, even when we have differing opinions. No one deserves ridicule for thinking for themselves. At my school, posters help people think about whether certain behaviors (and their frequency) are positive or if they lead to bullying. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you would like to hear the words you are about to say spoken by someone else to you. If not, then chances are good that the person you were about to direct them toward would not like them either. We should be encouraging one another, not tearing each other down. Let’s take Bill and Ted’s advice and “Be excellent to each other.”
Podcast of the week: Have a problem with bullying? What are you doing now to help stop bullying? Dr. John DeGarmo focuses on this very important topic in today’s edition of Parent Factors. Click here to listen as Dr. John speaks with guests Ron Shuali, M.Ed., and Irene Clements of the National Foster Parent Association. Ron Shuali began pursuing martial arts when he was age 12 and has extensive experience in stand-up comedy, improvisational theater, and professional wrestling. He is a best-selling author of the award-winning book Breaking the Bullying Circle. I hope you’ll listen to the podcast and take from it what you need.
Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
