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As part of The Mommies Network, CharlotteMommies.com is a free community for moms in Charlotte, Pineville, Matthews and Mint Hill, North Carolina. We realize that all moms need local support -- and who can't use another friend? CharlotteMommies.com offers a simple way to connect with local moms for friendship, support and fun. Members meet on our private discussion forums to share information on everything from where to get the best haircut to tips on transitioning to a "big kid" bed. Each month, we also offer many face-to-face events for our members, their children and their families.
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My Eeyore Experience I have been thinking of going back to graduate school for years. School was always really enjoyable for me, even though I was not the most diligent student, and taking some classes at the graduate level is really appealing at this point in my life. Now that we are in Charlotte and settled here for the foreseeable future, it's the perfect time. Back in September, I got my application all together and applied to the Masters in Liberal Sciences program at UNC Charlotte. I was accepted and am all ready to start!
As a SAHM, I naturally have to find something for my children to do while I am away expanding my mind. After calls to all my regular girls and asking around, I was lucky to find someone who was a full-time nanny for a friend but now has time available right when I need it. Perfect! She came over and met the kids, and I am all set.
I ordered my book for my class (I'm only taking one?don?t want too much pressure my first semester back in a decade) and when it came in the mail, I was a bit surprised by its weight. Books for graduate school are quite big, I soon learned. And in-depth. This is much more reading than I have done in a while. But I got my first assignment and delved in. I certainly want to be prepared for my first day!
After nearly falling asleep several times, I managed to make it through all 73 pages to prepare myself for the first day. Upon reviewing it with a friend, I explained the pages were completely full of words, two columns worth, and were very dense. The sight of a chart was exciting, as it meant less to read.
So here I am, the week that class starts. I am more excited than I have been in quite some time. My homework is done, I have a new computer, and my kids are taken care of. Until I get a text message from the sitter that I arranged, that is.
First of all, it is completely inappropriate to quit a job via text message. Second, regardless of what kind of emergency has come up, a person should always live up to commitments made. Third, I am incredibly upset. My anger subsides and turns into complete deflation. (Here is where Eeyore comes in.)
In Chapter 6 of Winnie-the-Pooh, it is Eeyore?s birthday. Pooh is going to give him a pot of honey. However, Pooh eats all the honey, as he often does. Piglet is going to give Eeyore a red balloon, but while running to see Eeyore, Piglet pops the balloon.
So here I am, with an empty pot of honey and a busted red balloon. All dressed up with no place to go. A dog that doesn't hunt.
But, in this story, Eeyore is quite pleased when Pooh shows up with the empty pot of honey. It is because his popped balloon fits perfectly inside of it.
Sometimes, things fall apart so that others may fall into place.
Post submitted by Katie from The Mommies Network's Content Team
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
Changing the Misconception: All children with ADHD are behavior problems?not true! A child with ADHD, whose needs are not being met in a mainstream school setting, may exhibit characteristics that can be misinterpreted as behavior problems. These behaviors are often the result of academic frustrations felt by very intelligent children unable to succeed within an educational system that is not designed to meet their specific learning challenges.
Schools such as Dore Academy have teachers and staff with years of experience, understanding and expertise in this field. They can "read through" the child's comprehensive performance in a mainstream setting. Often professionals identify these characteristics not as behavior issues, but as educational and environmental issues.
Once the child is in an educational environment that can address and remediate their specific learning challenges, these negative characteristics fall away. The child begins to relax as they realize they can succeed. Self esteem rises as the child raises their hand in class with the right answer, completes classroom assignments, finishes their homework and retains the information needed for an upcoming test. Where their previous lack of success made them the object of ridicule by others, they now have positive social interactions with their peers. What a difference the right environment can make in how a child feels and responds!
Dore Academy happens to be just such an environment. We are a community of teachers, learners and creators that have bound together to craft an educational experience for children with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder that transcends 'school'.
Founded in 1978, Dore Academy was the first school in Charlotte created solely to focus on the needs of children with learning disabilities and ADHD. Dore Academy is now one of the leading K-12 independent schools in the U.S., and has helped more than 2,500 students achieve their full potential through personalized educational approaches and a low student-teacher ratio of 7:1.
LD and ADHD kids are smart. Really, really smart. They just need help learning in ways that accommodate their unique style of knowledge acquisition. A richer curriculum, including technology, the arts and sports programs, provides multi-sensory experiences and "hands on" immersed engagement, creating opportunities for children to express themselves in new ways.
Dore builds self-confidence while encouraging creative thinking and exploration of the world. We strive to create a family-oriented environment that nurtures and protects what we value most in our children: their curiosity, talents, character, humanity and dreams.
Reading Specialists use a specific, multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham approach at a student-teacher ratio of 3:1. Dedicated arts and music program. Intermural and Intramural sports programs. Passionate faculty are experts in learning disabilities. Master's-level Guidance Counselors on site help with self-esteem, social, organizational, and self-advocacy skills.
Take a look at success and your child's full potential realized. Take a look at the special place called Dore.
February Is Cultural Awareness Month!
February is Cultural Awareness Month at The Mommies Network, and we're thinking globally! Share a love for foreign language and different cultures with your child in our Multicultural Mommies forum on our National Chapter. Each week, we'll feature several languages and cultural tidbits. You may also participate and strengthen your language lingo in a special webinar. Additionally, our sponsor will provide information on how you can continue your language-learning experience after the month is over.
According to Associated Content, brain research shows that children are at an optimal age for language learning. Although language study is effective at any age, some studies suggest that the human brain is more open to learning a foreign language from birth to preadolescence. Fortunately, researchers have not found an age in which the language window closes completely, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.
Take advantage of this opportunity to think globally, and join us as we learn about foreign languages and different ways of life during Cultural Awareness Month at TMN!
February Is Cultural Awareness Month!
February is Cultural Awareness Month at The Mommies Network, and we're thinking globally! Share a love for foreign language and different cultures with your child in our Multicultural Mommies forum on our National Chapter. Each week, we'll feature several languages and cultural tidbits. You may also participate and strengthen your language lingo in a special webinar. Additionally, our sponsor will provide information on how you can continue your language-learning experience after the month is over.
According to Associated Content, brain research shows that children are at an optimal age for language learning. Although language study is effective at any age, some studies suggest that the human brain is more open to learning a foreign language from birth to preadolescence. Fortunately, researchers have not found an age in which the language window closes completely, especially in the areas of grammar and vocabulary.
Take advantage of this opportunity to think globally, and join us as we learn about foreign languages and different ways of life during Cultural Awareness Month at TMN!
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
Websites to Keep Your Health Goals on Track Staying healthy and active can be fun, easy, and even free! We all need a little nudge from time to time to stay the course. Motivation, inspiration, and support can be found within our families, friends, and ourselves. However, it can also be just a mouse click away!
Below, you'll find some visitworthy sites to assist you in your journey to your most optimal health and wellness! What's even better is that they are all free resources!
Recently, Learn Vest (www.learnvest.com) posted a chart detailing the costs associated with various forms of exercise and activity.
Be that change YOU want to see in yourself and your loved ones! Enjoy the journey!
Activity
Cost
Time Commitment Per Day
Good For
Willpower Required
Running
$100 for shoes and timer watch
20 minutes+
Weight loss and cardio.
Some. "Runner?s high" can be addictive.
Gym
$10?$120 a month
45 minutes+
Weight loss, cardio, toning, flexibility.
A lot. Unused memberships abound.
Yoga
$10?$20 a class or $100+ per month
1.5 hours
Toning and flexibility. Weight loss is slower but possible.
Some. Instructor will lead you; challenging but pleasant.
Pilates
$80+ for one-on-one, $30+ for group studio classes, free with gym membership
45 minutes
Toning and flexibility. Weight loss possible with cardio Pilates classes.
Some. Instructor will lead you; challenging but pleasant.
Biking
$150+ for a bike
1 hour+
Weight loss and lean muscle.
Some. It?s fun, and you can make it your regular transportation.
Team Sport
$75+ for season
1.5 hours+
Camaraderie and some weight loss, depending on level.
Low. It?s fun!
Swimming
$2+ per session, plus cost of bathing suit
30 minutes+
Weight loss and toning.
High, especially in the winter months!
Walking
Free
15 minutes+
Getting started in a fitness routine.
Low. Easy to get started and keep going.
Personal Trainer
$30?$80 per hour
1 hour+
Everything.
Low. You?re paying someone for motivation!
Post submitted by Marisa from The Mommies Network's Content Team
***** The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping moms find support and friendship in their local community. We were founded April, 2005 and currently have 100+ communities in 33+ states with over 31,000 active members.
