Kindergarten is Over and Grandma Can Exhale

For those of you who have been following this blog you know my frustration last year over trying to get my grandson into kindergarten as an early entry due to the fact that his birthday falls six days after the cutoff date. Well, he did get in for $500, the amount we had to pay a psychologist to have him tested. Was he ready for kindergarten? Academically, yes. Socially, yes. Emotionally, maybe not. Jarod spent about half the school year in play mode meaning he still had a daycare mentality. What I learned was he spent way too much time playing in daycare than he did preparing for kindergarten. The structure of the daycare environment he was in was much different than a classroom setting. He had a lot of free time and free reign to just play and have fun. That thought pattern continued into the school environment, which took its toll on the teacher's nerve from time to time. In hindsight, I still believe we did the right thing by getting him tested as an early entry, however, if I had it to do over again, I would've looked more discriminately at the daycare providers. Meanwhile, it's on to First Grade.

Blueberries Are Good for Soccer

On the way to my grandson's soccer game today, I asked my grandson if he wanted some of the blueberries I was eating. Of course, he said yes and then proceeded to eat them all. After scoring the first goal of the game, he proudly told his coach that his grandma told him if he ate the blueberries, it would make him strong enough to kick some goals. Yes, I did say that and he listened. One of the things I love about young children is how trusting they are. That's why it is so important that we, as adults, give them the love and resources needed in order to help them grow up to be happy and healthy-minded. In an article titled 7 Strategies to Build Trust with Your Child, the writer says it's important to build a bond between you and your child by practicing what you preach. What that means to me is, if my grandson had not seen me eating (and enjoying) blueberries (as I often do), chances are he would not have been as receptive to eating them or believing they could have a positive impact on his soccer game. Did those blueberries have an affect on his play today? I can't say that for sure but I can promise you before his next soccer game, he'll be asking for some blueberries. What tips can you offer to help instill trust in your child or grandchildren?

Grandma Wears a Hoodie Too

The other day I had to stop and think twice before I left for my regular visit to the gym. You see, it was a little chilly outside and I reached for my green jacket---which just happens to be a Hoodie. Of course, Hoodies are in the news these days following the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. I put the Hoodie on, looked at myself in the mirror and thought, "What if I walked down the street in my neighborhood---would my white neighbors become frightened and call the police or would I discover we had our own version of a neighborhood watch captain who might become trigger happy?" After all, with a hoodie on I could pass for a man. It's a shame that I, as a grandmother, must deal with this subject.

The Lengths We Go to to Protect Our Grown Children

It is a parent's job to keep their children out of harm's way---but there is such a thing as over-protection and cover-up.

One might argue that is the case when it comes to 64-year-old Robert Zimmerman and his 28-year-old son George. We all know George as the pistol-packing self-appointed neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26 in Sanford, FL. We all know Martin was unarmed and only carrying a bag of skittles and an iced tea.

A month after the shooting, Robert Zimmerman has finally spoken out in defense of his son. Why it took so long is anybody's guess. He says his son is NOT a racist---as a push back to all of those who claim his son engaged in racial profiling and Martin was his target. He also says his son did what he had to do since he was being brutally attacked by the victim. It doesn't matter that the police video doesn't reveal George in a near death state.

Robert Zimmerman is doing exactly what he believes is the right thing to do---to support his child no matter what....to defend him to the end.

But here's the thing. George isn't a CHILD anymore and he didn't just turn 21. I don't fault Robert for giving love and support to his son but he must also realize that if he raised him well, his son will man up and take responsibility for his actions or at least be respectful enough to apologize.

Trayvon Martin Could Be My Grandson

After death threats and an avalanche of hate mail, the man who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26 has packed up his belongings and moved away to an unknown location.

So how does that happen? How does George Zimmerman get to receive a pass for shooting the unarmed teen who was just walking home from a convenience store with some skittles and an iced tea? How come the police believe Zimmerman's story that he was defending himself when he was the one who got out of his vehicle in pursuit of Trayvon and then pulled a weapon as the young man screamed for his life? Zimmerman was also told NOT to pursue the teen but failed to obey? Why did the police lie to the media and say Zimmerman had a squeaky clean criminal record---only to discover he had been charged with assault on a law enforcement officer?

All one has to do is listen to the 9-1-1 tapes - and realize this kid was screaming for help.

Trayvon could've been my grandson. How sad it is to know that, even with a black President, some of us still remain defenseless at the hands of police.

May George Zimmerman get exactly what is coming to him.

Have You Had the Talk With Your Spouse Yet

For many couples, talking about death is difficult. Nobody likes to think about dying. It's scary to think the person you're growing old with will no longer be around someday.

The other day my husband said, "I can't imagine my life without you. That's why I'm going to die first." Of course, his comment shocked me and I wasn't sure how to respond. Trying to lighten the mood, I said, "No--I need to go first because I know you will be able to re-group a whole lot better than I would." Then, jokingly, I suggested we die together.

That brief conversation got me to do some serious thinking. How would I cope emotionally and financially should my husband pass away before me?

Preparing your finances for your death is a topic many don't want to talk about. Death is inevitable, however, and if you don't take the time to plan, your wishes (and your family's financial security) could be at risk.

Here are some tips I found, which I hope will be as helpful to you as they are to me:

1) Creating a living will and name an executor.

2) Discuss your finances with your spouse and make sure you know account numbers, passwords, billing arrangements and insurance information.

3) Talk about about funeral arrangements and find out if your spouse wants a coffin or prefers cremation.

4) List insurance and medical policy numbers, investment and other financial account numbers, along with passwords, social security information, and login data for websites.

5) Make a rough draft of your monthly budget, factoring in living expenses and income.

Getting your house in order while you're both still alive will save the surviving spouse (and other family members) a lot of frustration and paperwork during the grieving process.

Celebrating Dr Seuss with Grandchildren

Dr. Seuss and I share something in common. We've both been around long enough to inspire a lot of children over the years.

I was always taught "reading is fundamental" and is tied to EVERYTHING you do in life. If you can't read, you can't effectively communicate. Not knowing how to read may result in having people cheat you out of your money. Poor reading skills may leave you jobless.

When my daughter, now 22, was learning how to talk, Dr. Seuss and I became her reader advocates. Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut--- all became favorites. Even though I had a full-time job, I always tried to find the time to go to my daughter's school and read to the class.

The same holds true today with my five-year-old grandson. I'm a rockin' reader grandma at his school. I want him to know how much I value reading and how much I support him in getting the best education he can---PLUS I absolutely adore his class. They all give me big hugs every time I visit.

Yes, Dr. Seuss and I are still hanging tough.