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E M P O W E R E D P A R E N T I N G E Z I N E
http://www.EmpoweredParent.com
Information For Today's Parent!

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VOL. IV : Issue 11 September 26, 2002
Editor: Joan Bramsch
E-mail: hijoan@joanbramsch.com

Common sense solutions for Today's Parenting Challenges!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Empowered Parents = Strong Families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ENJOYING OUR FOURTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION!

You must be the change you wish to see in the world -- Ghandi

EP PARENTS ON OUR PLANET --- Is your country listed?

The Empowered Parent Ezine now serves members in the following countries:
Israel, Turkey, Greece, United States, Canada, Australia, South
Africa, Great Britain, Islands of Fiji, Scotland, New Zealand, Panama, Malta,
Spain, Brazil, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Latvia, India, Nigeria, The
Netherlands, Croatia, Mexico, Namibia, Poland.

Please continue to send in your location. Send to:hijoan@joanbramsch.com

========================================
Welcome To The Empowered Parent Store
Be a proud Empowered Parent!

http://http://joanbramsch.com/store/store.shtml">joanbramsch.com/store/store.shtml

===================================

"First keep peace within yourself, then you can bring peace to others."--
Thomas Kampis

WELCOME!

===========================

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
They keep our service "priceless."

===========================
THIS WEEK'S EDITION SPONSORED BY:

"Kid Safe: How To Protect Your Family From Molesters & Kidnappers" - An absolute must have for all families. With school started, and so many children at risk in an increasingly dangerous world, Kid Safe brings expert advice, detailed instruction, and hope to families.

"Your Chapter on keeping children safe was excellent, and you had mentioned some that I did not even think of. One (of yours) that I taught my 3 children about strangers in cars is.."Adults never ask children for directions, always other Adults". So when my daughter 8 years old was asked for directions by a man in a car she told him "Ask a Adult" and ran inside. Thanks for your advice." Lisa

Buy it Today!.
http://joanbramsch.com/book-kidsafe.html">http://joanbramsch.com/book-kidsafe.html
======================================
INSIDE YOUR EP EZINE
<*> Letter to Parent
<*> Article
<*> Letters from EP Parents
<*> This 'n That
<*> Marketplace
<*> Subscribe/unsubscribe Information

============================
"You do what you know how to do; and when you know better, you do better." - Maya Angelou

============================
<*> Letter to Parent

Hi dear Parent,

I want to thank you for reading EP. Without your support there's no reason to publish this ezine or improve EP's web site. Webmama Sara tells me, even tho' I only have about 25 countries listed at the top of this issue, that I now have regular visits from 83 countries!!! Every week's number tops the week before. I am so glad because my life's work is to serve you and your children.

There have also been 532 free downloads of the Special 9/11 Tribute book. Have you gotten yours yet? It's a time capsule of the two weeks following, when we all stuck together to make it through.

Because of the terrible recent child kidnapping and brutal murders, I brought the book KID SAFE to market as quickly as possible. The information it contains is more valuable than gold; it's as valuable as your child's life. I've also added the Amber Alert system to the EP home page and Kid Safe order page. This is the special national system to let everyone know about a new abduction, in minutes, rather than hours. See it yourself: http://www.EmpoweredParent.com

I try to keep up on the lastest TV marketing craze aimed at the Children and, did I ever find one this month! "ECLIPSE FLASH STRIPS... more on your mind than breath."

Have you seen this ad? Talk about alluding to the drug culture where similar squares contain drops of mind-altering chemicals to dissolve on the tongue... just like this breath freshener.

Here's the definition of "Trips," from Crystal Elliott's new, fascinating book - EVER WONDERED IF YOUR CHILD WILL USE DRUGS? I am honored to be Crystal's Editor. Come read sample chapters here, 3rd book down:

http://www.joanbramsch.com/store/parentingbooks.shtml

"Sheets of LSD soaked paper are divided by perforations to form single trips (5mm by 5mm square). Each square is so potent, that even a quarter of one square has a marked effect. Trips commonly have cartoon pictures to distinguish each batch and potency. For example, Red or Green Dragons, Daffy Ducks, or Double Daffys (double strength Daffy Ducks)"

And what's really really horrific is when the young girl slips an Eclipse strip into her mouth, while riding on the subway, she instantly has "flashes" as she begins tripping - weird scenarios bordering on S&M and out of body type acts, all accompanied by acid/punk/heavy metal rock sounds.

And don't think this isn't being done on purpose:

"Wrigley's Breaths $20M Into Flash Strips Wrigley Jr. will extend halitosis-zapping Eclipse gum into the breath strip category with Eclipse Flash Strips and support it with a $20 million TV, print, radio and sampling campaign that will break in Oct. and run through Sept. 2003... to hone in on teens and 18-24-year-old adults to steal consumers away from...Listerine PocketPaks from Pfizer.

That advertising budget is chickenfeed compared to the increase in profits they are seeing. "Wrigleys, the world's biggest gum maker, said profits climbed to $110 million, or 49 cents a share, on a 15 percent gain in sales to $708.5 million."

I suggest, if you don't like this advertising slant, that you let Wrigley's know about it. Together, we have the Power of One! One group of Empowered Parents who care! Go here and tell Wrigley's your feelings. http://www.wrigley.com/wrigley/contact_us.asp
Try something like this:

"I know what you're doing to influence my child to buy Eclipse - but you stoop too low when you encourage my child to enter the drug world. I am educating my child AGAINST your products because you do not have my child's best interest at heart. You only want profits. Well, not with my child! No more Wrigley's! No more Wrigley's!"

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I VALUE you for your job of Parenting, right here, right now.

Love,
Joan

p.s. Have you gotten your copy of KID SAFE? You'll find ordering information here: http://joanbramsch.com/book-kidsafe.html
p.p.s. And have you tried the sample CD game for the Nutrition and Kids CD Game program? http://joanbramsch.com/health/obesity.ppt
========================
ATTENTION -
TEENS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, DOWNSIZED ADULTS
New pages concerning entering college, coping in college and finding employment after college have been up for about a week now on the Empowered Teen section of EP. They will change weekly so be sure to have your Teen keep tabs on their special section. http://joanbramsch.com/teens/greatinterview.shtml
=======================
<*> Article

LISTEN UP, DEAR PARENT... especially if the following scenario rings true in your home.

I received the following note from a friend who is also a grandmother.

"Little grandchild is becoming quite her own person--and I pray that the Mommy and Daddy start "guiding" her instead of letting her call the shots (if you get my drift). I want her to grow up to be a nice person and not a spoiled little brat."

Following is my answer to my friend. If you see yourself in this mirror, please, please learn how to raise nice, kind boys and girls, and NOT brats! You do them a great disservice when you give them everything. In fact, you will ruin them unless you change your ways. Here's my reply:

"Yes, I get your drift... send your kids to me and I'll straighten them out. They are...

1. talking too much.
2. giving in.
3. not carrying through
4. being led instead of leading
5. making a brat who others will not like and it will be THEIR fault, not hers.
6. And what will they do when she gets to be a teen, or sooner, and looks them right in the eye and dares them... "Like hell I'm going to do that!"

And then what?

I just had to talk to one of my friends, my kids' age, about talking too much. Had to explain about subliminal guilt that was taking her down the wrong path and letting her child call the shots. Wrong! But she saw the light. :)

I should be a dang preacher!!! Well, I am. Of sorts. But sometimes I cuss... and then what? ;)

Love, Joan

=====================
WANT TO SEE THE LATEST CROP CIRCLE IN THE UK?

http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/2002/Crabwood/crabwood2002a.html

Yes, it blows your mind, doesn't it?

======================
ANGER MANAGMENT FREE COURSE

Take the FREE ANGER SMART eCourse by sending a
mailto:angertoolbox@getresponse.com or go to
http://angertoolbox.com/ecourse.html

=======================
PUMPKINS

A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What is it like to be a person filled with Love... like you?" The co-worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. Creator picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. I liked it enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch. If you too, like it, please pass it on... It's all about Love! :)

JB

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NEW MEDICAID CHANGES

A change in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 allows states to offer Medicaid to individuals who are working and who have a disability. Prior to this, states could only offer Medicaid to people with disabilities who were NOT working. The income limit goes up to $40,000 a year. Contact your state Department of Health to identify your Medicaid office.

======================
CHECK THIS OUT - our kids are being force-fed tv ads in SCHOOL!!!

http://adbusters.org/campaigns/commercialfree/

======================
ALAN IS MY FRIEND AND I KNOW THIS IS TRUE!

Is it true that a Rhode Island man is donating $5 to fight hunger whenever someone clicks on his website? Yes! Philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein is donating $5 for every person -- up to 200,000 -- who clicks on his website. Do your part to help. Go the website and click on the picture. Thank you! Click here: http://www.helpthehungry.org

This project has been Alan's driving force for the more than 20 years that I've known him.
JB
======================
Does HUD Owe You A Refund?

If you got a mortgage loan after September 1, 1983 you may be eligible for a refund of a portion of the insurance premium from HUD/FHA. People hire others to search HUD's database for missing money, or you can search your own name, or anyone else's name for that matter, for free at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/comp/refunds/index.cfm

======================
<*> Letters from EP Parents

Subject: Info. about Molesters
Comments: That was a great article about keeping your child safe from molesters. However, I feel it is important to stress that many Pedophiles are someone the child knows, and are comfortable with. Too often, parents do not inform their children about \"good and bad touching.\" Please stress this. Also, be sure to tell parents to NEVER make a child who doesn\'t wish to, hug or kiss someone. This is just setting them up for a potential abuser. No one deserves to go through the hell sex abuse victims go through all their life. Thank you for your time. Susanne

Joan's Note: A good rule - Nobody can touch where your bathing suit covers.

---------
Regarding the free 9/11 Tribute book:

Joan~ What a labor of love! Thank you! It was awesome and very thought provoking. Cindy

----------
Thank you, Joan, for the beautiful tribute site. It is a wonderful, endearing remembrance to not only those who lost their lives that fateful day but also to those who endured --so bravely -- afterwards. All that I saw in the days that followed made me realize that there is no other Country as blessed as ours is, no other peoples that are as strong as we are. Forever in my heart and mind will be etched the remembrance of our people -- those that risked lives to save others, those that gave their all afterwards, and those who lost their lives that day. I hope a day never passes that we, as Americans, realize just how blessed we are. We have Freedon. We have Faith. We have EACH OTHER.
love and blessings,
Kari

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Subject: homeschooling sports
Comments: I would like to know if you could help me find out where I can go to find homeschooling sports for teens. I am new to homeschooling and would like to know about how and where I can go to involve her in sports. She was on the swim team last year at her highschool and she really enjoyed it. Are there any sports for homeschoolers to join??

Thank you, Jacki

Hi Jacki!

I'm Joan Bramsch's "homeschooling" friend, the one with five children ...
I live in Virginia, and this is an area with tremendous support for homeschoolers. There are actually homeschooling sports teams that play/compete against the students from local private schools. My children have also participated in many "city-wide" sports teams, and being homeschooled was never a problem.

I realize that every state has different regulations, so you need to check the situation in MO. Have you connected with any homeschooling support groups there yet? I bet there are several at least, you just need to do some searching around.

If you can't find anything on google.com, you might want to give a call to some local Christian bookstores. Many homeschoolers are Christians, so I bet they'd know of a support group or two ...

Also, sometimes private schools have sports programs open to homeschooling families, you could check that out as well. Make a few phone calls, look around on the net, and I'm sure within a couple of days you'll have some answers for your daughter! I wish you all the best!
Warmly,
Mary Jo Wehniainen
The Virtual Success Coach
http://www.VirtualSuccessCoach.com
and founder, http://www.SmartMomsOnly.com

---------
I've been doing some research on mercury poisoning and see that Thimerosol, a common preservative in contact lens solutions, contain 49.6% Mercury by weight. I happen to be allergic to it and have not been able to use products containing it for years. It is, unfortunately, contained in most vaccines given to children and is thought to be a factor in autism. http://tlredwood.home.mindspring.com/thimerosal_letter.htm
BL
BLOchman@whatsnextonline.com Marketing strategist,
journalist, speaker 212.369.8312 http://www.whatsnextonline.com

------------
I found a website that lets you create personalized stories for your kids/grandkids. Thought you might want to try it. It's free and the stories are cute for the little ones. It's http://www.bookhugs.com Cindy

======================
THIS 'N THAT!

I've been getting Reiki treatments from an R.N. Trained in this discipline. In doing research I found the following and wanted to share the sage advice with you:

REIKI SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES :

Only for today, I will be thankful for my many blessings
Only for today, I will not be worried
Only for today, I will not annoy myself
Only for today, I will work honestly
Only for today, I will be kind to my family and to all living things
Beyond these five principles, there is one more - Only for today, I will not criticize

=====================
Job and Business Opportunities of the Future

Here is what Robert Reich in his new book, "The Future of Success" (Alfred A. Knopf),

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0375725121/104-0447528-6029549

sees as big growth opportunities for the future:

- Health: no end to the demand for medications, gadgets,
treatments and exercise regimes
- Entertainment: people want more fun, thrills, surprise,
titillation and excitement
- Attractiveness: we all want to be more sexy, charming,
persuasive or otherwise enticing
- Intellectual Stimulation: no natural limit to the desire
for news, information and insight into why things happen
the way they do
- Contact: more convenient way of connecting and for being
pampered and cared for
- Family Well-Being: no limit to products and services to
care for, educate, inspire and ensure the welfare of loved ones
- Financial Security: a limitless market for financial
advice and planning, schemes to maximize returns on
savings and insurance against bad luck

Opportunities for entrepreneurs abound in this list.

====================
A VERY NICE ART PROGRAM FOR THE LIDDLE KIDDLES!

"I can teach your kids how to draw step by step online!"
Why it is important for your kids to join? See for yourself!


http://art4Ukids.netfirms.com

When a child creates a work of art, they are not just drawing a picture, they are engaging in self expression and the creation of self esteem and individuality.

========================
FREE: TAKE THE FIGHT OUT OF BULLIES

New Publication Helps Take the Fight Out of Bullies. "Bullying In Schools" (54 pp.) is the twelfth installment of the Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series. The guide describes the most common forms of bullying and reviews contributing factors. It also provides a series of questions to facilitate analysis of the local problem. Police interested in increasing school safety can use their influence to encourage schools to effectively address the problem. (COPS) Access full text at: http://www.usdoj.gov/cops/pdf/cp_resources/guidebooks/e1201140.PDF To obtain copies, contact the DOJ Response Center at (800) 421-6770 Bulk orders are available to school districts.

========================
I LOVE THIS ONE! :)
http://www.flowgo.com/flowgo2_view.cfm?page_id=30194

AND THIS ONE, TOO. Rainy Day Blues!
http://www.flowgo.com/flowgo2_view.cfm?page_id=32397

=========================
I THINK THIS MUST BE A TRUE STORY cuz I've lived through similar experiences!

Kindergarten Teacher

Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten
students put on his boots?

He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing,
the boots still didn't want to go on. When the second boot was on, she had
worked up quite a sweat.

She almost whimpered when the little boy said, "Teacher, they're on the
wrong feet." She looked and sure enough, they were.

It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She
managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on --
this time on the correct feet.

He then announced, "These aren't my boots." She bit her tongue rather than
get right in his face and scream, "Why didn't you say so?" like she wanted to.

Once again she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off. He then
said, "They're my brother's boots. My Mom made me wear them." She didn't
know if she should laugh or cry.

She mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on
his feet again. She said, "Now, where are your mittens?"

He said, "I stuffed them in the toes of my boots..."

Her trial starts next week. ;)

=======================
REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY "BUSY" DAD!

FROM: http://www.mountainwings.com

How Much Do You Make In An Hour?

A boy asked his father, "How much do you make in a hour?

The father got mad and answered roughly, "Don't bother me." He
was tired and irritable after a tough day at work, but the boy
insisted. "Please, how much do you make?"

The father said in a bad tone of voice, "$8.00 dollars for now."
Then his son asked, "Father, can you loan me four dollars?"

The father said to him in a bad way, "I told you not to bother
me, shut up and go to your room!"

At bedtime the father was more calm and felt bad about the way
he treated his son. He went upstairs to his son's room and
asked, "Are you asleep?" And he gave the boy the four
dollars that he asked to borrow.

The boy thanked his father, put his hand under his pillow,
pulled out four crumpled dollars, and said, "I have $8.00,
father, could I buy one hour of your time?"

Author Unknown

==========================
RAISING KIDS WELL HAS JUST GONE UP A NOTCH!

HARRY POTTER "VIBRATING" BROOMS These are reviews of a Harry Potter toy broom from Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/toys/B00005N EBW/customer-reviews/ref%3Dcm%5Fcr%5Fdp%5F2%5F1/103-5310046-1803868

You'll have to copy and paste because it's a looooooooong 2-line address.
Check out the 2nd & 5th ones Makes you wonder how many so-called adults just don't get it! A vibrating broom for our children to "ride!"

==========================
"There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.
Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; my philosophy is kindness."
-- His Holiness The Dalai Lama
ME, TOO! JB

==========================
FIND OUT WHAT DAY YOU WERE BORN?

http://www.maxxmktg.com/birthday.html

========================
25 REASONS YOUNG PEOPLE DON'T USE DRUGS
Research often focuses on reasons why youths use various substances. But we know that many young people do not use substances at all. The reasons that young people themselves have for for not using may be potent prevention messages for other youths. The following is a list of 25 reasons why young people say they don't use drugs, which comes from national surveys. It includes annotations from those surveys, as well as references. http://www.health.org/govpubs/ms510/novdec97/25reasons.htm

========================
<*> Marketplace

Check out special offers, deals and reviews

========================
"Kid Safe: How To Protect Your Family From Molesters & Kidnappers" - An absolute must have for all families. With school started, and so many children at risk in an increasingly dangerous world, Kid Safe brings expert advice, detailed instruction, and hope to families.

Buy it Today! http://joanbramsch.com/book-kidsafe.html

===========================
HOW SMART DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE? A Course for Children, 2.5 to 7 yrs. Joan will give you what you need to help your child - Gifted, Average or Special - learn the skills for success in school and in Life. Let her help you. http://joanbramsch.com/tmiy.shtml

========================
THE SAFE MONEY REPORT is 100% satisfaction guaranteed Enjoy all the
benefits of the Safe Money Report for a full year for just $99 … or better
yet, get two years for just $198… It's risk free. Call (800)-236-0407 Ask
for Doreen. This is HALF-PRICE for EP!

===========================
Real Life: hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries, soda, coffee and doughnuts
Real Important: apples, oranges, pineapple, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes
Real Simple: JUICE PLUS+ Seventeen nutrient dense fruits, vegetables and
Grains! We also have Gummies and Chewables for children. Ask about getting your child's FREE for a year! You can read more at:
http://www.juiceplus.com/+jb65253 For a free audio tape on the importance of whole-food nutrition or if you have any questions, send your request to: joan@schoolofhealth.com

===================================
"Nutrition and Kids Adventures" is a cutting edge computer game designed to help kids teach themselves about proper nutrition, healthier foods, and having a healthy body. This CD-ROM game is for our elementary age children to have fun as they learn about health and nutrition.
http://www.nutritionandkids.net/10617/index.shtml

If I didn't think this program could make a difference in the health and
well-being of Families I would not recommend it. Please, see for yourself,
dear Parent. Then ACT! My grandkids love to play it.

====================================
SUCCESS NET -- Michael Angier is the founder and president of Success
Networks. Success Net's mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to
be their best -- personally and professionally. Want help with your goals
for this year?
http://www.1automationwiz.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=27610

================================
War cannot be humanized, it can only be abolished.
-- Albert Einstein

The ultimate oxymoron: "Holy War"

=====================================
FEED THE HUNGRY:
http://www.thehungersite.com
http://www.heifer.org/

FOR PEACE ON OUR PLANET: We are not going to be able to operate our
Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a
whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody.
-Buckminster Fuller

NEXT ISSUE: More of the best I can find for you, dear Parent. And those EP
Bulletins will continue, if sporadically. .

* . (\ *** /) * . *
. * ( \ (_) / ) * Guardian Angel * .
. (_ / | \ _) . * .
* . /____\ * . . *

In the meantime, here is an angel sent to watch over you for me...

===================================
FROM BILL:
We are Angels born with but one wing,
In order to fly we must embrace one another.
===================================

Till next time, don't forget -- Parenthood is Wonder-filled!

Fondly, Joan
===================================

DISCLAIMER: The Empowered Parenting Ezine is intended to increase your
knowledge of the opinions and options in the fields that we cover. There is
no guarantee of validity or accuracy. Its contents should not be used to
replace professional advice. Empowered Parenting assumes no responsibility
for injury and specifically disclaims any warranty, express or implied for
any products or services mentioned. If expert assistance or counseling is
needed, services of a competent professional should be sought.

===================================
To SUBSCRIBE: EmpoweredParenting-subscribe@egroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE: EmpoweredParenting-unsubscribe@egroups.com
===================================

© 1999-2002 Joan Bramsch/JB INFORMATION STATION.
All rights reserved worldwide.
ISSN: 1526-2154 - Library Of Congress, Washington DC, USA

Permission to download text is for personal use only. It is illegal to
reproduce or transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage and
retrieval system, any part of this copyrighted text without permission in
writing from the publisher.
===================================

http://www.EmpoweredParent.com

All material copyright © Joan Bramsch 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 (unless otherwise
noted)

===================================
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