Naptural RootsM
e n i z ga a
Unifying the hair, mind, body, and spirit - Naturally
Volume 1, Issue 4
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4
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Advocating For Your Child
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Beautiful Pain of a Baby Doll
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What is Domestic Violence
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Childhood Obesity
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Teaching Children about Money
www.NapturalRootsMagazine.com
Wanted: Men of Standard & Women of Vision Building Excellence... Exceeding Expectations According to a study prepared by the Justice Policy Institute, there are more black men in jail than in college and the numbers have increased fivefold in the past 20 years. In the news, there is no shortage of headlines promoting negative images of our black men. Well we at Naptural Roots would like to show the world that our men are men of standard, men of vision, and men of the highest quality. If you are a Man of Standard, or know one, please send us your stories. We are looking for short stories (500 words or less) to feature in our coming issues of Naptural Roots as well as on our website. We are also looking for Women of Vision. Are you are a single mother working hard to raise your children, a community activist fighting for our rights, or an entrepreneur that encourages others to reach for their higher potential? Well we want to hear from you as well. Let the world know that you are in fact a Woman of Vision. Please submit your short story (remember, 500 words or less), along with your name, location, age, occupation, and contact information. We also request a recent photo of yourself to be displayed with your story. Entries can be via email or postal mail. Postal mail entries will not be returned. Please address all stories to: Naptural Roots Magazine Men of Standard/Women of Vision P.O. Box 68926 Seattle, WA 98168 (206) 331-4984
Destiny Leadership Consults
Specializing in: • Women’s Management styles • Culture Proficiency • Employee Retention • Childhood Preservation • Safe School Environment Strategies Karen Keys (206) 853-3264 entrantt121@yahoo.com
or via email: MenOfStandard@OurNaptu ralRoots.com Sincerely yours, Naptural Roots Magazine staff
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Naptural Roots Magazine Hair & Beauty
The Saga of the “Mixed Hair Children” ............8 How To: Fun Kids Styles and Techniques .......10 The Beautiful Pain of a Baby Doll .................20 Skin Anatomy 101 .....................................22
Health & Wellness
Children’s Misconceptions of Being Black .......17 Teaching Your Child About Money.................19 Childhood Obesity: Saving our Children ........28
Model Photos
B Buren .................................... 5 D Jackson .................................. 9 J Farr .......................................16 J & J Jackson ............................21 J. Jackson.................................23 K & A Morphis ...........................25 M Lay ......................................27 Little Boy..................................29
Lifestyle
What is Domestic Violence ..........................18 Greatness - A Call to the Darkened Proud .....24 Advocating for your Child ...........................26
Poetry Corner
Submit your poetic thoughts for inclusion in the magazine. Please email all submissions to POETRY@OurNapturalRoots.com. Please include your contact information as well as a short bio and a recent photograph.
Staples
Oh My Word .............................. 4 Editress Address ......................... 6 Contributors .............................. 7 Naptural Bill of Rights ................12 Naptural Recipes .......................13 Naptural Entrepreneur................14 Naptural Fun .............................18 Book/Product Reviews ................20 Classified Ads ...........................30
ISSN: 1556-6714. Contents Copyrighted December 2006. Reproduction or use in any part without prior written permission of Akili Publishing, LLC is strictly prohibited. Naptural Roots. Volume 1, Issue 4 Published 4 times a year by Akili Publishing, LLC. Postage paid in Seattle, WA. Postmaster please send address changes to Akili Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 68926 Seattle, WA 98168. All manuscripts, drawings, or photos sent to Naptural Roots/Akili Publishing, LLC, or any of its designees will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to the magazine’s right to edit or comment editorially. All monetary payments must be submitted in U.S. Dollars. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4
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Oh My Word > In Support of our Children
Naptural Roots Staff Publisher & Distribution
LeAnne Dolce Akili Publishing, LLC Publisher@NapturalRootsMagazine.com
Editress
Karen Entrantt Editress@NapturalRootsMagazine.com
Marketing & Advertising
SalesAd@NapturalRootsMagazine.com
W
Makeup
elcome to all the mothers and fathers out there. This issue of Naptural Roots is dedicated to helping parents support their children. As a parent myself, this issue is of major importance to me. You see, I have a 16 year old daughter who recently told me “you never say anything positive to me.” In short, I am not supporting her how she most needs it now. From my perspective, I don’t see it that way, but it isn’t about what I see, it is about what others glean from the words and actions that I take.
Jennifer Billingsley Essence of You Skincare jengsley@hotmail.com
Hair
Kayla Jackson
Advisory Board
These questions should be asked of each of us as parents. Are we doing the best that we can to support our children? Are we encouraging them enough or do we just assume they know how we feel? Are we giving them praise or constantly on their case for every little issue.
Frank White Reseda Young
Rhonda Hodge Gurline Stevenson
Photography
Now I am not saying that you should stop disciplining your children, quite the contrary. What I am saying is sometimes we need to take a step back and look at our actions and words from our children’s perspective. This will help us truly see how our actions and words are affecting our children’s emotional and even physical health. Do you remember what it was like to be a child? Our main concern was that we were home before the street lights turned on. Childhood isn’t nearly as simple for today’s children as it was for us. With drugs, sexual predators, and gangs on the rise in our communities and now our schools, we need to step up and ensure that we are the catalyst to help our children overcome these obstacles.
Angela Lister Photography Unlimited, LLC an-gb@mail.com
Printer
Consolidated Press (206) 447-9659
Subscriptions
We offer print and online subscriptions $16/year (4 Issues) Order online at www.NapturalRootsMagazine.com
Your Naptural Roots family is here to help you work towards that goal. We have provided insight into childhood obesity, pride, domestic violence, and given you tips on how to support your child’s success in school. Remember that we are always here to help you. When you feel that you are at the end of your rope and have no where else to turn, be sure to reach out to us, your Naptural Roots family for an encouraging word and links to resources we have amassed.
Contact Us
Akili Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 68926 Seattle, WA 98168 (206) 331-4984 At Naptural Roots Magazine, we want to be the voice of the natural community. We want to ensure that our magazine represents the issues and concerns that our readers care most about. Let your voice be heard. Join our forums at www. NapturalRootsMagazine.com.
In The Spirit of Napturality, LeAnne Dolce
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From The Desk of The Editress > Supporting Our Children
other outward displays of having what all the “other” kids have at the time. Those things have a place, but support does not have a dollar amount attached to it! It is always heart-driven. Here’s a few illustrations of how we support our children: • As the parent/caretaker/foster-parent/ grandparent you provide the essential, absolutely necessary foundation for this child to develop a sense of identity, self- esteem, self control, values, character, behavior patterns and spiritual principles. This is mainly done by observation, interaction, demonstration. Your child is watching you to learn the “manual” of how to live and cope in the world! Granted there will be other influences, but none is greater than yours even when it doesn’t look like your hard work is being effective it is!
When I look back at my years of Active ChildRearing it is still one of the most challenging accomplishments of my life! Not because I did such a perfect job or that my children never faced serious challenges, but because I found a way to do the best I could with the limited resources and life experiences I had at the time. As a young parent, I did not have a clue about parenting! Of course I knew the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. The rest came day by day; week by week; month by month; year by year. Sometimes I did great and other times I fell flat on my face. Whatever the end result, my love and determination to give my children a certain quality of life never waivered. That’s what supporting children is all about! It’s not the latest fashions, gadgets, or
sionate person as a result of having parented my children and mentored others. Parenting is a faith-walk! Very seldom do you see the results of your labor on a regular basis and unless you remain strong in your goals of raising healthy, stable and relatively happy children it can be quite discouraging and thankless. It is up to you to form your own support system/friends/family of choice in order that you don’t crumble during the tough times. As a parent of adult children, I can assure you who are still actively parenting it can be done and you are succeeding. Be encouraged! Stay Committed! Take time to Rest & Rejuvenate!
Live Well K. Entrantt
• To supply your child with the necessary tools and guidance to effectively navigate through problems and challenges successfully. It doesn’t matter if it’s teaching a toddler how to use the bathroom or teaching a teen how to fill out a college application. Although there is a goal, it is the process that bonds you and your children for life. • To encourage and affirm strength, success, stability. Nothing plants the seeds of success like a parent showing interest and telling their child “you can do it!” “I’m proud of you!” “Go for it!” Now that my children are grown, I realized that I too grew/changed/evolved along with my children. I am a better/wiser/more compas-
We welcome your comments and questions to the editor. If you have a question about the following topics, we have the answer for you. • Naptural Roots • natural hair care • health and wellness • beauty • lifestyle • spirituality
Naptural Roots Magazine
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Staples > Contributing Authors & Poets
Rhonda Hodge
Calvin Rivers
A Seattle native working in the financial industry for over 10 years, Rhonda has a passion for finance and investing. As the owner of The Balance Sheet Financial Consulting Services, she takes great pride in assisting families as well as individuals in reaching their financial goals and dreams. The Balance Sheet can be reached at 206-568-7729.
Calvin developed an interest in the field of Psychology and social interactions while accompanying his mother during hair salon appointments. In 2005, Calvin became the owner of Enhanced Interactions, LLC, which is a company that helps couples to achieve a deeper understanding of their partners within relationships and individuals to heighten their self awareness. Calvin and or Enhanced Interactions can be reached at 1-866-305-4986 or emailed at EnhancedIn teractions@onebox.com.
Not Pictured Jennifer M. Billingsley
Jennifer is a licensed esthetician and medical assistant. She is the proprietor of Essence of You Skincare providing affordable skincare to the community. She can be contacted at jengsley@hotmail.com for more information on her services.
Ellard Thomas
Upcoming writer and speaker, Ellard Thomas, was born in Seattle, WA. As a survivor of childhood abuse, Ellard never let that hold him back. He went on to graduate with his bachelors in Business Management; has written and published a book, completed a screenplay, and currently participates in people development at Lost Sheep Ministries where he is the pastor’s assistant and the male youth leader.
Gurline Stevenson
A founder of Central Area Mothers For Peace and Improvement (CAMPI), Gurline has dedicated her life to teaching children with behavioral issues whom others have written off. Now retired, Gurline is pursuing new adventures by creating floral arrangements for every occasion.
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Hair & Beauty > The Saga of the “Mixed Hair Children” By Karen Entrantt For most African Americans this topic seems to be a mute point, because of the impact of slavery on our biology. The topic appears to become more pressing when the present day parents are from different genealogical lines. If the child has a soft or wavy hair texture, the care for the hair can sometimes be easier learned with minimal research. If the texture of the hair is more course, the unique curl pattern and kink can be quite a challenge for the parent/care taker who is not of the same heritage/ has not been exposed to African American natural hair care. The tighter the curl pattern the more likely it is that the usual products, methods used by other cultures will not work with our hair and may cause actual damage to hair follicles. A higher level of research is usually needed. Because our community has such rich oral traditions, there are many things that are just “passed down”. Natural hair care is one of those areas. There was always someone in the community that knew how to care for our hair: if the hair is long do this..” “if the hair is short do this..” “if the hair is coarse do that,” etc. Many families today do not have that kind of support or inside information for various reasons. This is why more information is needed on how to appropriately care for natural hair. Over the years I’ve heard many hairy stories from biracial adults/their parents/family describing what it was like for them to learn about caring for black hair: “My (Jewish) grandmother broke at least 2 combs in my hair, every time she tried to do my hair. It was an awful experience for both of us, I cried and she cried. No one in my whole family had hair like me!” “I washed my niece’s hair every day when she came to visit me during the summer. I used the same shampoo and conditioner, just like I did my own hair. By the time her hair 8
dried it was too tangled to comb, so I just brushed it back. I felt bad that I did not know how to plait or braid her hair like the other neighborhood children. One day my neighbor volunteered to take care of her hair for the summer. She told me I had been doing all the wrong things to care for black hair.”
• Kinky-Curly hair should be washed at least once a week. A good cleanse with a clarifying shampoo is beneficial. This way you have a ‘clean slate’ of hair to start with.
“My mother permed my hair when I was really young. It left gaping sores in my scalp and a lot of my hair fell out. Her frustration with my hair, eventually became my frustration too! Twenty years later I began locing my hair and loving it.”
resources and products: www.kinky-curly.com
There is a growing natural hair community full of professional natural hair stylists, personal experiences, suggestions, how to’s, etc. If you have a child with a different texture of hair than your own, you owe it to your child and yourself to learn more about natural hair. The library, internet and of course Naptural Roots are all good resources.
Web Resources
products: www.blendedbeauty.com naturopathic approach to healthy natural hair: www.fabricnaturals.com resources: www.motowngirl.com
Tips
• Kinky-Curly hair should be combed ONLY with a wide tooth comb. • Kinky-Curly hair is best de tangled when wet and loaded with a good conditioner/detangler.
International Photo Unlimited Angela Lister Photographic Artist Phone: (206) 293-0214 email: an-gb@mail.com
• Kinky-Curly hair does not need to be shampooed everyday.
• • • •
• For those of us who need to re-wet our hair in order to get a fresh look try rinsing with conditioner only.
NAPTURAL ROOTS
Individual, Group & Family Shots Professional Headshots Glamour Shots Wedding and Event Services
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Hair & Beauty > How To : Fun Kid Styles and Techniques
Detangling Your Child’s Hair
easier to detangle. - Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner
Items Needed •
Wide-toothed detangling comb
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Your Fingertips
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Detangling Conditioner
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A lot of patience...
about 15 plaits the night before. In the morning, I unbraid it and shake my head to make it full.
- LeKair Cholesterol Plus Aloe Conditioner - Aussie Slip Detangler - Biolage Detangling Solution - Eluence Conditioner
(The more plaits you make, the tighter the wave pattern will be and the longer the hairstyle will last.)
NOTES •
The direction the hair is parted is how it will flow when taken out. If you want to wear your hair all back with a headband, then do not make a part down the middle of the head.
•
You don’t have to braid very tight, but braid with a firm hand and try to make a neat braid for a neat braid-out.
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Braiding with damp hair gives tighter, longer-lasting braid outs
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You can also have different braid-out looks. Doing a “cornrow-out” or a “flat-twist out” with about 10 cornrows or flat-twists.
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Make sure that the hair is completely dry once you unravel the braids. If the hair is not completely dry you will end up with a fuzzy look.
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For a “crimped” style, create around 15 - 30 plaits
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For a deep wave look, create 14 - 16 plaits
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For a chunky fro, create 5 - 8 plaits.
Detangling may be needed if:
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Start with the hair soaking wet. 2. Part the hair into 8 sections with your fingers. 3. Apply detangling conditioner to each section of the hair in turn. (MotownGirl uses Biolage Detangling Solution) 4. Work the solutions through the strands in each section. 5. Let the solution sit in the hair for the recommended amount of time (see detangling solution for timing instructions). We recommend leaving the solution in for at least 10 minutes. 6. For each section, take the comb and start from the ends, combing the hair out all the way to the scalp.
•
The Products - The following are recommended Detangling Conditioners. These are recommended for their “slip” properties that make the hair 10
•
If you see or feel hair balls in the hair If you are having difficulty finger combing the hair even when wet.
Braids and Braidouts
ITEMS NEEDED •
Comb
•
hair clips
•
hair products (Gel/pomade)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. With damp and detangled hair, grab a section of the hair (the size you use is your choice) 2. Apply a little of the hair product to this section only. 3. Take this section and part it into three pieces: (outer left, middle, outer right). 4. Place the outer left piece over the middle, and the middle piece becomes the outer left. Keep doing this process all the way down towards the ends. I usually leave about a half an inch and twirl the ends to make the braid stay together. You can use perm rods on the ends.
NOTES
The Comb - make sure the teeth of the comb are spaced widely apart.
You are starting to see a bunch of knots in the hair (a trim may also be needed in this case).
•
7. Some sections of the hair may require more water before combing out. The Biolage Detangling Solution provides a “slip” which makes the hair much easier to comb out.
•
•
5. For a braid-out, I usually make
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Hair & Beauty > How To : Fun Kid Styles and Techniques
Twists and Twist-outs
keep a spray bottle near you in case your hair starts to dry out.
Afro Puffs
ITEMS NEEDED
ITEMS NEEDED •
Comb (to make parts)
•
dryer (optional)
•
hair products (Gel/pomade)
NOTES •
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Wash and condition the hair. 2. Towel dry the hair or blow dry to show more length. 3. Apply a moisturizer all over your hair. 4. Take one section of the hair (you can either part it with a comb or just section it out with your fingers). Smaller twists equal tighter waves that will last longer. Larger twists produce a loose, wavy pattern. 5. Coat the section with a dab of your favorite hair product (gel or hair butter) 6. Split this one section into 2 sections. To avoid puffy roots, keep your fingers close to your scalp and twist straight down, not out. Twist the two sections around each other in a clockwise fashion. This is close to braiding, except there are only two strands as opposed to three strands. Keep doing this until you get near the end of the section. 7. Leave about 1/4 inch at the ends and twirl each end with your finger to make the ends curly and to make them stay together. You can also use perm rods on the ends only.
•
•
A twist-out is a hairstyle where you unravel the twists and wear your hair as is. It will have a looser wave pattern to the hair. You will need to do nothing further unless you plan to put it into a puff, updo, or place a scarf around the edges. Length is not an issue. If you can twist your hair, you can wear a twist-out.
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Twist-outs last longer when you start with wet hair.
•
To get rid of the parts in your scalp, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips.
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You can also create various looks of a twist-out with different size twists.
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Twist-outs created with very small twists will give you a crimped look.
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Ponytail holders
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Gel/leave-in conditioner
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hair ornaments/clamps
2. Apply leave-in conditioner or gel to damp hair. 3. Split the child’s hair into at least two sections and use a ponytail holder to make ponytails. 4. To make a single puff in the center of the head, checkout instructions for making a PHHB or Brastrap headband below. 5. Let the hair air dry. Instructions and photos for these and other fun styles and techniques you can create with natural hair, visit www.motowngirl.com.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to the entire head. If you have longer, thick hair, try fingerparting your hair into 4 sections. Separate the three sections into ponytails and work with one section at a time. Also VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4
•
1. Wash and Condition your child’s hair.
I find that I have the best twistout when I detangle the hair and smooth the hair down as I twist. At night, I put the hair in about 4-8 large twists, sleep with a stocking cap and unravel in the morning.
Comb
INSTRUCTIONS
If you plan on wearing a twistout, make sure you part the hair and twist in the direction you want the hair to go. (For example, make your center or side part before twisting and twist in that direction.)
•
•
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Naptural Bill of Rights
1. I have the right to wear my hair in a way that expresses my heritage, my culture, ME. 2. I have the right to pursue excellence in health, wealth, and personal welfare without man-made limitations, judgments and obstacles. 3. I have the right to initiate, engage and pursue my highest potential. 4. I have the right to stand on my personal code and live life accordingly. 5. I have the right to build a community, family, a legacy. 6. I have the right to be free in mind, body, spirit, and expression. 7. I have the right to be wrong, make mistakes, change and grow at my own speed. 8. I have the right to create, deliver, extend, retract and still be valued. 9. I have the right to a peaceful existence. 10. I have the right to many beginnings and endings. 11. I have the right to exceed all expectations. 12. I have the right to live ... napturally! © Akili Publishing, 2006 12 LLC NAPTURAL ROOTS
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Health and Wellness > Healthy Soul Food Recipes Recipes taken from “The Family Style Soul Food Diabetes Cookbook” by Fabiola Demps Gaines, Roniece Weaver, Rojean Williams, & Shawn Fralin
Soul Sistah Slaw
Exchanges Preparation Time: 5 minutes Serves 50 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Serves 50 Serving Size: 1/2 cup
3 Vegetables Calories ........................... 91 Calories from Fat ............... 6 Total Fat .......................... 1g Cholesterol ................... 7mg Sodium ..................... 410mg Carbohydrate ............. 16mg Dietary Fiber ................ 6mg Sugars ............................. 3g Protein ............................ 7g
Ingredients
1 lb shredded cabbage 4 ounces grated onion 9 ounces Splenda baking sugar 2 ounces vinegar 12 ounces bell pepper thinly chopped 1 lb low-fat mayonnaise 12 ounces grated carrots 1 can evaporated milk
Cooking Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Chop the cabbage in a food processor. Add sugar, bell peppers, carrots and onions in a large mixing bowl. Add the vinegar, and low fat mayonnaise. Toss gently. Add milk and mix well.
Heaven Sent Cake Preparation Time: 15 minutes Serves 24 Serving Size: 1 slice Ingredients
1 ½ cup flour divided 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp ground ginger 2 cup Splenda baking sugar 2 sticks low fat margarine
Exchanges Preparation Time: 15 minutes Serves 24 Serving Size: 1 slice Calories ......................... 242 Calories from Fat ........... 57g Total Fat .......................... 6g Saturated Fat .................. 1g Cholesterol ................... 0mg Sodium ..................... 488mg Carbohydrate ................ 40g Dietary Fiber ................... 3g Sugars ........................... 20g Protein ............................ 3g
2 tbsp honey 6 eggs separated ½ cup low fat milk 1 cup almonds 2 cups dates chopped 2 cups raisins 2 tbsp flour
Cooking Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees. Spray cake tube pan with a non-stick baking spray. Mix flour, baking powder spices and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl mix sugar, margarine and honey and beat until fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with milk. Beat until smooth. Beat egg whites in another large bowl and beat until peaks are formed. Stir egg white into batter. Toss in almonds, dates, raisins and the 2 tbsp of flour. Pour into a prepared pan. Bake 2 hours and 45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Loosen from sides of pan and remove cake. Cool before serving. Slice very thin.
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Naptural Entrepreneur > Ellard Thomas - Author
Often times we see and hear about our favorite stars overcoming certain adversities in their lives to becoming the well respected images of inspiration. Oprah Winfrey survived a childhood of abuse and molestation only to become the talk show mogul she is today. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, yet would soon become the general consensus’ greatest basketball player in the NBA. Tyler Perry conquered years of child abuse and periodic homelessness only to become the famed producer, actor, and writer of many award winning plays and movies.
ous past. He did, however, know he would have to make some sacrifices to give his brothers a chance to live a better life.
The list of celebrities and icons that have undergone adversities is endless. But what makes these individuals different from the people that highly esteem them? Nothing really, except these individuals refused to let their pains, failures, and obstacles prevent them from succeeding. However, before they became the icons they are today, they were individuals like you, me—Ellard Thomas.
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Upon completion of high school, Ellard was presented with the opportunity to attend Southern University New Orleans, the college he had always wanted to attend—the place where he had desires to be an Alpha Man. Unfortunately, he was presented with another trial. A caseworker, representing his youngest brother, informed him about his youngest brother’s availability for adoption. When Ellard asked what he could do to prevent this process, he was urged to join the military to show the State of Washington his level of responsibility. Therefore, he joined the Marine Corps at 18.
Upcoming writer and speaker, Ellard Thomas, was born in Seattle, WA. As a child who could have had everything he wanted, his life took a drastic change through a series of events. Innocent and naïve, he couldn’t imagine that his grandfather and grandmother would die. He couldn’t fathom that his mother would soon invite a man into her life who would abuse her and him frequently, molest his sister, endanger his family’s lives by inviting drug dealers into their project home, and become the reason to his siblings’ admittance in to foster care. He had no way of knowing that he would be molested and soon face low self-esteem issues, stemming from his odi
NAPTURAL ROOTS
Shortly following his service in the military and many classes on child development, Ellard received custody of his 12-year-old brother then, shortly thereafter, he became the caretaker of his 15-year-old brother. Although he faced economical strains due to a lay off, Ellard continued to take care of his siblings by any means necessary, working at Labor Ready and low wage jobs to cover the mortgage on his home. He refused to fail. Blessed to see his siblings reach the age of maturity, Ellard looks back on the very things he accomplished during his life’s challenges. He provided his brothers the option to succeed, graduated with his bachelors in Business Management; written and published a book, completed a screenplay, and continues to participate in people development at Lost Sheep Ministries where he is the pastor’s assistant and the
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Naptural Entrepreneur > Ellard Thomas - Author
male youth leader. Despite the obstacles that stood in his way, the story for this recently-turned-30 Afro-American man has just begun. “God is essential to overcoming and conquering the very obstacles in our lives,” says Ellard. “We must understand that true failure comes from not acknowledging God as our only source of strength in times of affliction. My life does not reveal a great man, but rather a great God who has given me mercy and put in my life the very people and experiences necessary to be the man I am today.”
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Lifestyle > Children’s Misconceptions of What It Means to be Black By Calvin G. Rivers, M.Ed. village raising our children.
Several years ago I went shopping in a local mall for additional clothing for work. Because I had decided to complete my shopping trip immediately after work, I was still wearing my business suit. Upon entering the mall, I noticed a group of young people who were viewing an outfit in one of the store windows. As I approached the gathering of young people I began to hear snickering. As I passed this group, I heard the remark, “He is just trying to be white”.
Music Industry Influence
Granted, I was shopping in a mall that was located in a predominantly white suburb, the remark made was still rude and very inappropriate. I was upset the most by the fact that the group of young people was admiring an outfit in the store window that resembled a uniform that would be worn by a person in prison. A designer had come out with a clothing line that was based upon the concept of a prison uniform. As I passed by my co-shoppers, I had noticed that the young men of the group were wearing their pants below their waists. This particular style of dress caught my eye because neatness was always one of my pet peeves. Later, I found out that this was called “jailing” and was fashioned after prison inmates who were not allowed to wear belts due to the fear of them being used as weapons to inflict harm upon others or themselves. I found it astounding that these young people could identify more with fashions that were based upon prison life rather than a business suit. In their minds the business suit and using proper English represented an attempt to be like a Caucasian and not an African American. Why do our children have such a limited definition of what it means to be black?
Limited Parental Influence
Where are the parents was the question that came to mind as I contemplated my shopping mall encounter? The question spoke more to the lack of parental influence than their physical presence in the mall with the aforementioned young people. The painful answer to this question was that the parents were probably working two jobs in order to keep up with the Jones’ or to make ends meet. This would leave very little time for the level of communication that would result in significant influence in the lives of these young people. There would be very little time to have influence on the peer group that made up the gathering of young people who participated in our encounter. Studies have shown that peer pressure can have greater influence on our children than parenting. This fact makes our interaction with peer groups a critical function of the
Today, our young people find even more difficulty expanding their frame of reference in defining what it means to be black. This is partially due to the fact that musical artist who glamorize the prison lifestyle have become roll models in our communities. These artists have become personas in which our young people define themselves instead of characters that should be used strictly for entertainment. Our young people have abandoned the long road to success that education has to offer in exchange for the “quick fix” of the music industry that only a hand full of our children will ever get to experience. The lyrics of the songs intensify our young listeners desire not to be like the “white man” which is good. It is unfortunate that the same lyrics often paint a very limited picture of what is means to be black. The graphic nature of the music lyrics often depict black women as sex objects who are unworthy of true love and black men as being incapable of showing it. Ironically, the same “white man” that is often referenced in the music is the same invisible hand that controls the distribution of this material and the cash flow.
Media Influence
It was once written that if you can control the media that is being heard or viewed by a group of people then that same group of people could be controlled by the source of that media. Recently, I saw evidence of this through an email that I had received from a friend. The email consisted of pictures from a prom in some unknown city that occurred in “the hood”. The young women were revealing themselves in a manner that did not indicate their true value to our society. The males were dressed in a manner that further exploited the females. The chaperone in the prom photos was wearing a gun on his hip as though it was necessary to maintain control. Even more disturbing were the photos of parents taking pictures of our future leaders dressed this way with smiles upon their faces. The parents did not realize that they were encouraging our young people to display themselves in a manner that confirms the views already held by other races that would use such photos as evidence of our children not being good enough to receive a fair chance to compete.
Societal Pressures
Who is to blame for our children’s limited definition of what it means to be black? We live in a society that likes to lay blame for its woes. There is certainly enough blame to go around. At first glance, the paragraph above seems to lay the heaviest burden at the doorstep of the music industry. Certainly, fault could be found with the music industry that use black artist to perpetuate and exploit the problems that exist within the black community in the name of huge profits instead of helping to find solutions. Also, blame can be found with a government that finds war affordable and education to expensive. As a result our school systems lack
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the resources to adequately prepare our children for the future. Our young children are not receiving the instruction that educates them about all of the positive contributions of their forefathers that were the foundation for many of the socio-economic and technological advances seen today. Instead, they are left unprepared for the future and unable to participate in the effort to make positive change. Some of the blame can be placed on our children themselves. It would be a mistake to think that they are helpless participants in the problem. After all, what you put into education is what you get out of it. Our children have to make the effort to become active participants in expanding their definition of being black by taking advantage of every educational opportunity.
Positive Parental Influence
Ultimately, it is our responsibility as parents to make sure our children are adequately educated so they can more accurately define what it means to be black. As parents we have to accept the fact that schools may teach, but it is our responsibility to make sure our children learn. It is not good enough just to see them thru the front door. We must make sure that the education process continues well after the school door has closed. We must stop allowing video games and television to influence the minds of our future leaders and encourage them to pick up a book so that they can unlock the many pathways to success that our forefather have left for them in their writings. I once read a disturbing article written by a member of the Klu Klux Klan who indicated that the best place to hide secrets from black people is to put them between the pages of a book. Unfortunately, today this is true. Tomorrow this can be made untrue. By encouraging our children to read, they can learn that participating in the world of opera like Paul Robeson is being black. Through reading books our children can learn that performing open-heart surgeries is not an anomaly for black people, but more of a birth right thanks to our Egyptian/African forefathers. Also, they can learn that mother Africa may hold the cure for the common cold and possibly AIDS, but her secrets may never be unlocked because the pharmaceutical industry can not afford for this to occur. Reading can help our children to understand further that the courage to challenge the status quo is the only prerequisite to finding new ways to define the meaning of being black and that only self-imposed limits can stop them.
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Lifestyle > What is Domestic Violence
What is domestic violence? It is physical, verbal, mental, sexual, emotional assault on another individual. As a child/adult survivor, having the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity has helped me understand the devastating affects domestic violence has had on the Black community. Domestic violence has many faces, affects and victims unfortunately our children are the ones who suffer the most. The myth is that domestic violence just affects low income people of color. Fact is domestic violence knows no color, political status, economic position or gender.
our children are impacted by many issues and they all work well together. Domestic violence for youth has increased and we have seen more teen dating/domestic violence in the past three years in Washington State. With so many cuts in human services, programs for youth have not been up to par, but there are many advocates, parents, and teachers that know there is a great need for more
comprehensive preventive education and services. Get Involved!
Resources
WA State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: www.wscadv.org/help/index.htm Women’s Law Legal Information and Resources by State: www.womenslaw.org
Naptural Fun > Space Word Search Find the words in the list hidden in the puzzle grid below. Answers available at www.NapturalRootsMagazine.com
In the Black community there are many taboos. One taboo in particular that we don’t identify what it is or talk about is domestic violence. I have, as recently as this summer been at festivals attempting to pass out information only to have folks say, “We don’t need that, ain’t no domestic violence goin’ on here!” The point is that it is happening and has been happening. Family has been a pillar of foundation in our community so when it is attacked with debilitating elements like, drugs, black on black crime, an unjust criminal justice system, poor health/access, failed public systems/schools and socioeconomic disparities what you have is an ailing, flailing broken community. The African American Community has a generation of adults that have been lost to drugs and the criminal justice system leaving a generation of youth in limbo. In African American culture, grandparents often assume the responsibility of their grandchildren when the parents become absent. We are seeing too many of our youth in foster care/child welfare system. African American children make up nearly half of the foster care population although they constitute less than one-fifth of the nation’s children. There are many statistics that I could recite to you all day but most important is that we understand 18
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Dollars and Sense > Teaching Your Child About Money By Rhonda Faye Hodge Teaching children about money is not the daunting task we adults seem to visualize. This task is definitely challenging and there are a number of forces such as the Media encouraging you, your family, friends and children to buy. If children are taught basic money principles at an early age those lessons will last a lifetime. As you guide your child toward a financially secure and prosperous future keep a few of the following suggestions in mine.
Age Appropriate Information
Make sure the information you give your children is age appropriate. Preschooler’s thru 2nd Grade start with teaching them to recognize different coins and bills. Allow them to count, give and receive change at the grocery store, pharmacy or market. Take children to the bank with you so that they observe you deposit and withdraw money. Let them accompany you while paying bills at the local utility office. Let them ask for change from the laundry attendant. Bring out your inner child and play grocery store. Purchase a toy cash register and play money to assist with the learning process. Fisher Price has a line of toy items for preschoolers and early elementary kids that include: cash register, canned goods and shopping carts. Purchase a piggy bank and encourage them to place a portion of birthday money or the 50 cent piece the neighbor down the street gave to tick or treaters. Allow your children to see their piggy bank coins grow. This is a very great start to teaching your children to save. Once the bank is full, empty the bank and have the children count their savings. They will quickly learn that the quarters, nickels, dimes & pennies place in the bank add up quickly to dollars.
Counting Your Change
As they progress to 2nd & 4th grade teach them to count change. Allow
the children to make small purchases for items they enjoy and teach them to count the change they receive back from the cashier. Ask, did the cashier give you the right amount of change? Review receipts from their purchases and teach them to properly read a receipt. Stress the importance of keeping receipts for returns and proof of purchase. Ask were you charged correctly for the items? Were you charged for items you did not buy?
Growing the Lesson with the Child
In the 5th & 6th grades, allow your children to accompany you to the bank and assist with opening a bank account for their piggy bank savings. Children will become very excited about an account with their very own name on it. (Be sure these minor accounts have parental control). Most credit unions and banks have special passport savings accounts for children with very low minimum initial deposits and lots
Continued on page 20
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Lifestyle > The Beautiful Pain of a Baby Doll by Leilani Farr We all can agree having your hair shaved off is a big step even for men. Now imagine being a two-year-old baby girl. This is definitely a life altering experience that my daughter J. Farr has gone through. In August of 2001, just a month after J’s 2nd birthday, she was burned in a scalding accident. After being admitted to the Burn ICU at Harborview Medical center for three days, she was transferred to the step down unit where she underwent dressing changes. Due to the extent of her burns, she had to have her curly mane shaved off. She asked me just last week, “Mom, what do you call me?” I replied, “You mean besides your name?” “Yes”, she said. “I call you Baby Doll.” “Why do you call me that?”
I thought back to the time in 2001 and she had no hair she looked just like a baby doll. That has been her nickname ever since. God’s blessing and the support of her family and friends brought her through this ordeal. She was discharged home at the end of September and so began her healing journey. The months passed and it seemed like years. She remained strong and even when she was in so much pain that she just wanted to be held she never cried. Playing with her sisters and cousins were her focus.
she could twist her hair. From that moment on, she embarked upon a bi-weekly healing ritual that has brought us to the beautiful 7-year old J of today. Who by the way has stated ever since that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. When asked how she feels about her locs, she smiles and says, “I like my hair, it is beautiful.” There fore with that said, J. has been through some pain in her short life and still has some scarring, but she is naturally beautiful in all aspects.
After her burns, she got better and she no longer needed dressing changes and daily head shavings. Her hair began to slowly grow back. My sister who at the time had locs asked if
Product Review
Dollars and Sense, continued
Lock & Twist Gel
of fun extras to teach banking and saving. Ask about these accounts at your local credit union or neighborhood bank. Avoid accounts for minors that carry a fee for failing to maintain a balance over the amount of $10.00 Once the account has been established teach your children to complete deposit & withdrawal forms and read their monthly statements. This will introduce them to compounding interest.
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When I started my locs 8 years ago, I looked high and low for a twisting gel that would 1. Not dry out my hair 2. Not leave a greasy build up in my locs 3. H o l d the t w i s t e d new growth strong Having used a variety of products in the past, I started using lock and twist gel about 4 years ago. I can honestly say that it is the best product that I have tried to date. It holds the new growth strong like beeswax without all the nasty buildup. It also doesn’t flake and it doesn’t dry out my hair. Those are very important aspects to me since black hair is typically dry and in need of moisture daily. Sitting under a hair dryer allows the gel to dry to a nice sheen without over drying your hair. Because my hair is down to the middle of my back, I don’t have all day to sit under a hair dryer. For that reason, I would let my hair air dry and was very pleased to find that it still held the twisted new growth in place strong and tight. Naptural Roots endorses Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel as a high quality product. Use it on your hair today 20
Allowances for Older Children
For those children in grades 7th thru the 12th Step up the pace give allowances. Expect for your children to pay for some items totally from their allowance. Demand that they deposit at least 5% - 10% of the allowance to the bank account. Teach the difference between wants and needs. (i.e. we need electricity the new X-box has to wait). Also mention causally how you may want a new handbag or power saw but the new refrigerator is more important. Let them know that you don’t buy everything you want either. Start a piggy bank for yourself and advise the children you are saving for a new a Handbag, Power Saw,
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or trip to Disneyland and let them help you count the money once it is accumulated. Discuss the need for a rainy day stash of money for unexpected emergencies. Teach them to write a check and balance a checking account. Also practice a little tough love. If your child spends his whole allowance in two days and doesn’t have money to purchase snacks at the roller rink then let him go without the snacks. Advise the child to take something from the pantry and obtain water from the fountain. Sign your children up for Money Camp. Children from 5th grade thru High School learn life altering skills about money from spending, saving, budgeting, credit cards, ATM’s, Fico Scores, pay day loans, identity theft and scams to stocks, bonds and retirement planning. Most importantly the majority of children learn their money skills from their parents and observing adults. Lead by example, if your financial house isn’t in order your children will notice. Practice What You Preach!!!
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Hair & Beauty > Skin Anatomy 101 By Jennifer M. Billingsley
Skin Types
Have you ever heard of the phrase “Black don’t crack?” People have often said that people of color don’t need skincare or makeup. “They don’t wrinkle, they age very gracefully so they don’t need to use all those solutions on their skin, just soap and water.” In order to clarify these common misconceptions, I will give you a lesson on the anatomy of your skin.
• Daily skin care using a regimen of facial cleanser, liquid exfoliate, toner or astringent, facial lotion and a mask once or twice a month.
Everyone has a skin type or a combination of two or more of the types listed below. • Normal
• Use natural foundations and makeup.
• Dry • Oily
• Use SPF 15 or higher sun screen lotion or wear protective clothing in the sun.
• Actinic (acne) • Couporous (distended blood vessels)
Skin is a very important part of the body. In fact it is the largest organ of your body. It helps protect us from harmful pathogens, keeps us warm when it’s cold and when it’s hot it keeps us cool, holds all our internal organs and body fluids in, and secretes waste. There are two major layers of skin: the Epidermis (the outer layer) and the Dermis (inner layer). For every square inch (6.452cm2) of skin there are: • 9,500,000 cells • 19,500 sensory nerve cells at the ends of nerve fibers • 1300 nerve endings to record pain • 95-100 sebaceous glands (oil) • 13 sensory apparatus for cold • 650 sweat glands • 160-165 pressure apparatus for perception to touch stimuli • 65 hairs • 78 sensory apparatus for heat • 19 yards of blood vessels • 78 yards of nerves While all skin has these components, healthy skin has some additional benefits. Healthy skin has the appearance of moisture, is soft and flexible, and is also free from diseases or disorders. 22
• Rosaceous
• Drink plenty of water.
• Mature/Aging
• Avoid abusing alcohol or drugs.
Skin can have abnormal conditions that can cause the skin to become dry, oily, flaky, or dehydrated. It can have a combination of these conditions. Too much or lacking of these conditions can cause the skin to have disorders and become actinic or couporoused, which can cause the skin to become scarred, keratinized (hard or tough), too thin, or too loose. Some disorders can lead to the skin becoming diseased by pathogens (disease forming bacteria). Skin is your first defense against disease. The truth is, generally people of darker skin have thicker skin than lighter skinned people, larger sebaceous glands (oil), better heat tolerance, more melanocytes (pigments that produce color) that protects us from ultra violet rays from the sun (less wrinkling) and skin cancer is less frequent. However, if skin is injured, the scars may be more prominent or may form keloids (raised scars), deep pits. Men of color frequently have follicle inflammation caused by ingrown hairs. Due to pollutants in the air and harmful rays from the sun your face is exposed to, my advice to people of color is protect your skin by
• A well balanced diet.
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The differences between darker and light skinned people are very small and do not guarantee freedom from skin disorders and diseases. Your best protection for your skin is to commit to good health habits.
Resources
For more information on skin types and skin anatomy visit the following websites. Yahoo Health - Skin Types http://health.yahoo.com/topic/ beauty/overview/article/islco/ skin_and_beauty_isl_beauty_skin_ types Women Fitness http://www.womenfitness.net/ beauty/skin/skintypes.htm Herbal Luxuries http://www.herballuxuries.com/ skin_types.htm
Essence Of You Skincare Jennifer Billingsley Licensed Esthetician (206) 329-4887
Facials * Face/Body Waxing * Body Treatments * Make-Up Pedicures * Manicures Aromatherapy * Massage Call For an Appointment
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Health & Wellness > Greatness - A Call to the Darkened Proud by Ellard Thomas, M Phi G Team Leader As the adolescent African-American male faces hardships toward manhood, direction from already productive black men is greatly needed. Due to grievances stemming from their households, environments, schools and other circumstances, today’s young black men have fallen to self-destructive behaviors and actions. Who can blame them? If a young man is not given the fundamentals to become a leader—a man—what other options does he truly have? Eventually, he will inherit and exemplify the attributes demonstrated by other individuals that falsify the characteristics of a man.
ing productive lives. Today’s child will become tomorrow’s man. Let’s help make him successful.
Do you have an topic that you would like to see addressed in future issues of Naptural Roots? Are you a up and coming author that would like the opportunity to contribute to the Naptural Roots vision?
Despite today’s perceived definition of a black man, a black man is beyond the immediate “hustla’s” mentality, the “grind” or “bling bling.” He is not defined by the amount of women he has intimate access to. He does not believe he is worthless or inferior to anyone. A black man, is an individual who is accountable for his own actions and responsible for his own success. He set trends and seeks the greatest gain out of his life. He strives to succeed, empowered with a vision and a purpose. He demonstrates respect for himself and for all others with whom he comes in contact. He knows and understands that greatness is an immutable task; not an overnight trait. No matter from where he comes or the area in which he grows, every black man has the attribute of greatness instilled in him.
Then we are looking for you. Log onto the website for directions on submitting articles and/or photos as well as for volunteer opportunities that are currently available.
Initiated in the summer of 2006 at Lost Sheep Ministries in Seattle, under the direction of Brother Ellard Thomas and Pastor Gary Hay, Men of Greatness (M phi G) helps young African-American men, ages 1216, realize their innate greatness. Coupled with the disciplines taught in the Marine Corps, the program is designed to help young men deal with self-confidence and self-esteem issues by working on three aspects of a man: his spiritual, mental and physical beings. The focus is not to change the individual, rather help him realize that the difference between success and failure is a matter of choice—not because of his friends, family or environment. Although in its infancy stage, M phi G’s goal is to reach out to other young black men to help them achieve greatness in all areas of their lives: financial responsibility, education, and business. The young men today must understand success lies beyond the life of a rapper and an athlete, although discouragement is not a practice. However, if introduced to other successful black men who have also struggled to get where they are today, continuing to live destructively is no longer a perceivable obligation; it is a decision. Therefore, there is no better time than now for the young black men to reacquaint themselves with the greatness that many their forefathers exhibited. This is only possible if these men are given the tools necessary to begin build24
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Health and Wellness > Advocating for your Behaviorally Challenged Child Gurline Stevenson
None of us alone can save the world. But each of us can make a positive difference with kids… If we commit ourselves to doing so. The tolerance and understanding necessary must come from each of us, parents and teachers. Both the parent and the teacher should have a positive attitude that the child can see and hear. The teacher should call you and ask to meet with you about “Johnny’s” behavior. This should be in a nice and respectable tone of voice.
Teachers and Parents: Comments are important, particularly if you are using motivations with a single student (not and entire class). Encourage the student by making positive comments such as, “Johnny received a 75% on his spelling test-what a great job!”
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Communicate with other staff in the target settings for their assistance in monitoring the student.
You should always keep the teacher well informed about Johnny’s behavior at home. The teacher should provide the same information about Johnny’s behavior at school. This is important and it shows the child that both you and the teacher care about him.
Parents: If there are times when you feel that you cannot communicate freely with staff at school, then you need to get an advocate to help you speak for your child. Remember as the parent, you have the right to see your child’s file and you have the right to be heard about your child’s education.
Benefits of Tracking
Remember
• An effective means for parents, teachers and other staff to monitor students’ behaviors and academic performance in home and school settings.
The teacher should communicate to you the need for behavior tracking at school, and if necessary at home. You should ask for a list of behavior that “Johnny” should work on. The list should be sent home before the parent-teacher meeting. This gives time for both you and the teacher to see what type of behavior is desired and most needed. This provides some specific choices that your “Johnny” can improve on and they can be seen/measured by the teacher. (In ones seat ready to work before bell, finishing assignments with at least 70% accuracy, following classroom rules, completing homework on time.)
in which these behaviors take place.
• Particularly helpful for students who have multiple teachers in one school day and who require assistance in organizing their homework and regular feedback on their performance. • Allows for consistent and appropriate reinforcement for the desired performance and correct consequences for undesired performance in a timely fashion. Determine the academic or special behavior you want the student to model in classroom activities and at home. Determine the settings
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1. It helps to think like a child…. 2. A note promotes information exchange between you and the teacher(s) 3. The first program suggested for kids in secondary schooling is self-monitoring their compliance to the classroom rules 4. Indicate that the rewards and criteria for the target behavior rewards are negotiable 5. Student frustration can result from expectations that are too difficult 6. Gain the your child’s commitment to correct the problem
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Health & Wellness > Childhood Obesity - Saving our Children Karen Entrantt Childhood obesity has become a national crisis. Physicians are reporting increases in diseases such as Diabetes II, Respiratory Disorders, Heart Disease in much younger patients. This increase is said to be a direct result of childhood obesity and the physical complications that follow. Not only is it a national health issue it is an international concern also. Some European countries are reporting a 20% increase in overweight/ obese children & youth, ages 5 - 17. Even China reports a 10% increase for the same age group. According to the Center for Disease Control, American Childhood Overweight/ Obesity has doubled in the last 22 years (1980-2002.) The latest statistics for American children & youth ages 6 – 19 are 30%. For children of Color the numbers are higher, reports the Center for Disease Control National Center for Health & Nutrition Examination Survey. African American girls have the highest numbers for females and Mexican males have the highest numbers for males: African American girls ages 6-1137.6% are overweight and 22.2% are obese.
Major Familial Contributors
• Total Social Evolution: Industrial surges, technology revolutions, parental career relocations, decrease in turning to the extended family/community for support.
Physical Suggestions • Stand often. • Bike-riding. • Walking.
• Transition from a predominantly physically active society to a more sedentary/less active society.
• Low-impact aerobics (work up to 20 minutes/day.) • Walk up the stairs instead of taking the escalator/elevator
• Increase in using Fast Food restaurants for meals. • Elimination of Physical Education in most school districts.
Social Suggestions
• Provide low fat food choices for school breakfast & lunch.
• Continuous unhealthy& poor nutritional food choices. • Emotional eating
• Grants for reinstating Physical Education in all schools.
• Life stressors
Where do we go from here?
Just as the African Proverb says about needing the whole village to raise a child, it also takes the village to bring about the life style changes and eating pattern changes necessary to help our children regain their optimum health and activities.
• Culturally sensitive public service campaigns.
Resources
“An Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crisis” www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/ pubs/cope_with_crisis_book/index. cfm
Family Suggestions
African American females ages 1219-45.5% are overweight and 26.6 are obese. Mexican males ages 6 – 11-43% are overweight and 27.3% are overweight. Mexican males ages 12 – 1944.2% are overweight and 27.5 are obese.
• Visit your cabinets. Review what your current food choices and eating patterns are showing you.
US Department of Agriculture www.mypyramid.gov
• Do a little research about portion sizes. Find out what is a healthy serving size of meat? Vegetables? Bread? Cereal? Etc.
American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org
• How can you use what you already have in the fridge & cabinets to begin your healthy food plan?
How does one become overweight/obese?
Heart-Healthy Home Cooking African-American Style www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/ heart/other/chdblack/cooking.pdf
• Eat at the table often.
It occurs when the amount of calories taken in exceeds what the body needs for fuel and physical activity. The “extra’ calories eventually become extra pounds.
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• Seek out community resources: free nutrition classes, food-coops, internet, support groups, clinics.
• Eat breakfast daily. • Lead by example. • Encourage physical activities & play.
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