Fighting in the Sandbox - What Political Presidential Campaign Mud Slinging Teaches Our Kids


Parenting




Generally I stay away from politics and religion on this blog. However with this non-partisan post I'm breaking that self-imposed rule to stimulate a conversation with parents and family-oriented kindred spirits about all the mud slinging the Obama - Romney Presidential race has seen lately and the kinds of messages this might be sending to our kids.


Daddy, me (green swim suit) & siblings at Cape Cod, Vintage Photo
Amid accusations by his opponent of outsourcing jobs abroad, Mitt Romney is being pressed to reveal more than the usual one year's worth of tax forms. On the other side President Obama is under attack for lavish fundraising junkets while neglecting the economy and wreaking havoc on our nation's faltering healthcare system. Who is right and who is wrong here? If you ask me it's hard to tell because all the sand flying back and forth is blinding me and the rest of the American voting public right now.

This piece is not about liberal vs conservative leanings nor is it about an older candidate challenging a younger encumbered one. It's about the dirt fight in the sand box that seems to be escalating and there's no parent or responsible adult in sight to stop the raucous from turning this into something much worse.

The way both leading candidates are misbehaving of late as we move closer to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions coming up in August is disturbing to a lot of moms like me. Like many others of my generation as well as most readers of Mommy Blog Expert, my parents did not raise me to throw dirt in someone else's face. I was taught from a young age by example how to respect others, be kind, play fairly, and to be a good sport. 

Based on my experience as a child myself as well as the first-hand knowledge I've acquired on the other end as a parent, I don't think either Obama or Romney is acting like a very good boy right now. Likely their mothers once long ago taught their respective sons not to throw sand in the sandbox. Wouldn't it be nice if they were to recall this important lesson from childhood and apply it in the present before the Presidential race traditionally starts on Labor Day Weekend?


My 1 year-old playing in the sand nicely with our Aupair, Vintage Photo
The big question is: If a one year old toddler can play at the beach without throwing sand, why can't two very intelligent adult politicians do the same? 

Admittedly I wasn't a perfect child any more than I'm without my flaws as a grown up and a a mommy, but I am trying my best to keep things reasonable in all my personal and business human relationships. Believe me, I'm keenly aware my kids are watching my every move as a role model for how adults are supposed to behave. Likewise the eyes of our youngsters -- this country's future leaders -- are taking mental notes during this Presidential Campaign to emulate. Maybe the two contenders could try a similar approach to modeling for the younger generation?

What do you think of all the mud slinging? What do you imagine your children are learning from this kind of behavior that is lacking for a better phrase, Not okay? Feel free to comment below this post, sharing your thoughts. Remember please stay on topic as this is a family-friendly blog, not a place for politicking or arguing about which candidate should be elected.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and I'm a mom of four, though I don't claim to be an expert parent or professional political commentator. This post includes my personal opinions about a thought-provoking topic.  No payment or other compensation associated with this post was involved. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar July 23 - July 29

Twitter Parties

Lots of Prize Giveaways, Events Updated Daily


Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Calendar that lists a ton of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes to win and links to RSVP so you can sign up and participate. Remember to keep checking back as new events are added -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter and Facebook.





THIS WEEK

Monday, July 23

It's the Monday night #TMom Twitter Party 9 pm EST this week talking about traveling with pets. Panelists @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @CindyRichards and @CarmelLeeMooney. For chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card prize. 

Tuesday, July 24 

You're invited to the @OrbFactory Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Prizes: Lots of fanciful children's craft kits and toy products from the brand's website. Use #OrbFactory to participate 

Come to the @NubyUSA 
Twitter Party at 2 pm EST. Hosted by @FabFindsbyNGxo and @Genofsavings. Prizes: $20 Walmart gift card and Nuby Prize Package #NubyParty

Bark! That is if you'll be at the Purina Pro Plan Twitter Party from 8-10 pm EST that @MomSparkMedia  is hosting. Panelists:@MomSpark @Crissy @Makobiscribe @MomStart @Momof3Boys3702 Prizes: several Visa giftcards. #GreatDogContest

Christmas in July Twitter Party at 9 pm EST hosted by @Savings_Nation @mindicherry @BargainBriana @SurvivingStores @UHelpmyBudget @Savings. Prizes: $200 Amazon and Sears Gift Cards. #SavingsNation

Preparing for Bloggy Conference Twitter Party at
9 pm EST with @CityChiconaFarm and @BloggyMoms. Prize: One Bloggy Conference Pass will be given away. #BloggyCon

Wednesday, July 25 


Come to the eMeals Back to School Twitter Party Bash at 11 am EST with @eMeals @Momiverse @HipHmSchoolMoms Prizes: #eMealsKP

If you love ice cream you will want to be at the #IceCreamMonth Twitter Party at 2 pm EST. Hosted by @Blue_Bunny @DippinDots @perrysicecream @PierresTweets and @VelvetIceCream FIVE (5) prizes

@MomBloggersClub invites you to the @BabyTVChannel Twitter Party from 6-8 pm EST. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 Amazon gift cards, Baby TV goodie bags and Baby TV DVDs. #BabyTVParty

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  Prize: TBA. #TheOnlineMoms.

You're invited at 9 pm EST to the @EgglandsBest Twitter Party hosted by @MomItForward and co-hosted with special guest @CandiceKumai. Giveaway prizes during the party. Use hashtags to participate #gno #EBeggs
 

Thursday, July 26

Don't miss it. The @CleverGirlsColl Ultimate Clever Sleepover Twitter Party at 3 pm EST. Kleenex Hand Towels is sponsoring. Details soon but here's the hashtag #CleverKHT

Come to the #CrocsStyle Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes: 8 pairs of Crocs from the Spring/Summer collection to be given away, 1 per winner. To be eligible to win follow @Stylishwife and @Crocs

You're invited to the @Mompact Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with @TheIQMom @SunandSipCups and @HorridHousewife. Prizes: Baby swag. #Mompact

Win a ticket to @She_Heard 's #BrandsWeLove Affair During BlogHer at the #TweetParty at 9 pm EST. Plus more prizes. Hosted by @viviscal_US with moderators @makobiscribe @deals4dummies @TweetPartyNet

Friday, July 27

@SocialMoms invites you to celebrate the opening of the Olympics in London with the @Bounty Olympic Games Twitter Party All Day. Prizes: A total of TWENTY (20) $20 Visa gift cards and Bounty gift packs to be given away: 10 who tweet in advance of the party and 10 during the event. To join the fun follow the hashtag #Bringit

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for the weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm EST. Prizes TBA. To be eligible for prizes participate in the party with hashtag


NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, July 31

You're invited to the @GottaGettaGund Twitter Party at 9 pm EST hosted by @BlogRConnection @RachelFerrucci @TeamMomMedia. $1000 in prizes including a chance to win a $250 Gund Gift Card just for saying you'll be there; plus more Gund GCs to be given away during the party. #GundTopDog

Wednesday, August 1

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  Prize: TBA. #TheOnlineMoms

Friday, August 3


Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for the weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm EST. Prizes TBA.



COMING SOON 

Wednesday, August 8

Domino C&H Light Sugar Twitter Party at 8-10 pm EST hosted by @Bookieboo @ResourcefulMom and sponsored by @candh_sugar and @dominosugar Prizes: $500 in Visa gift cards and other prizes #DominoCHWhite

Thursday, August 9

You're invited to the Monroe and Main Fit for You Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. They'll be discussing tips and clothing styles to camouflage problem areas to help you find the best looks for all shapes. Prizes TBA. Follow @Monroeandmain and use #FitforYou hashtag to participate. More details soon.

Friday, August 10

Come to the Label GMOs Twitter Party with @CARightToKnow and @LabelGMOs at 10 pm EST. Prizes include healthy snacks, goodie bags, Kalso Earth Shoes, a gift basket and more. #VoteYeson37 and #LabelGMOs

About this Weekly Twitter Party List Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your  message. 

Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis at janiselspas.com for information with Consulting Query in the subject line. 


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on some. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Oogies Loves Kids Movie Labor Day Release & the New Direction and Vision of Kenn Viselman

Movies




Oogies Loves Mom Blogger Event in Hollywood

Rarely do media, including women bloggers like me that regular review feature films, get the chance to preview a major movie six weeks in advance of opening to the public. Yet that's exactly what happened earlier this week when I had the opportunity to attend a special event just for mommy bloggers and their young children at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood to view The Oogies Loves in the Big Balloon Adventure which is set for national release this Labor Day Weekend.


What a unique hands-on experience to screen this feature film. First our select group of Southern California mom bloggers was treated to a healthy light breakfast then we re escorted into Raleigh's Charlie Chaplin Theater for an in-person presentation by Kenn Viselman the mastermind who brought Teletubbies to critical acclaim on PBS here in the U.S. several decades ago. A question and answer session followed to further flush out the intriguing logic behind this project.

Oogies Loves preview held at Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, California


Then the children, mostly toddlers and preschoolers who had been entertained outside at a supervised arts and crafts table, joined us in the theater for an interactive movie experience like I've never seen before. 


Stay tuned for more about this tomorrow. I'll be elaborating upon Viselman's vision as told to our mom blog group and why this movie could quite possibly turn out to be a landmark picture for the 2 to 7 kids age group. I'll also be sharing my preview experience, particularly my observations about how the kids reacted to everything that was going on up on the big screen. I'll also be sharing additional pictures I took at this studio event. 


A separate full length movie critique will be published on MommyBlogExpert in late August after the embargo is lifted shortly before the film opens.


FTC Disclosure: This was a hosted event. However, I did not receive payment for writing this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Cyberbullying Tips for Moms, Dads to Help Kids

Parenting


Kids Need, Want Involved Parents


Unfortunately, with back to school season, bullying increases among students. In fact, the school year before the worldwide pandemic closed schools across the country, a 2019 -2020 National Center for Educational Statistics study found that around 22% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school. For younger children in elementary school, bullying manifests itself somewhat differently with teasing, name calling and exclusion from friend groups all being quite common.


School No Bullying Zone


5 Anti-Bullying Tips to Support Your Child 

Read on to learn what you can do as a Mom or Dad to protect kids and help them navigate a world that includes both IRL (in real life) physical bullying which is more likely to happen to boys and cyberbullying online which tends to have more female victims.

  • Set a good example: Kids learn from everything you do and will mirror your every action.
  • Talk about it before it happens: Make sure your child is prepared to identify cyberbullying and knows how to deal with an incident should it occur.
  • When you see it, address it: Whether it is bullying in your house or on your computer, if you discover a situation where your child is being bullied or bullying another child, it is your responsibility to intervene and stop it.
  • Talk about your House Rules: What happens if your child gets caught being a cyberbully? Would you consider an amnesty policy for encouraging your child to tell you when something is wrong? Think about your house rules and discuss them with your whole family so everyone plays by the same rules.
  • Use a Parental Intelligence System: At the very least you should monitor your children‚ social media accounts. Some parents choose to allow their child access with their knowledge but be aware that if you are not in control of their privacy settings, your kids can easily block what mom and dad see.

Remember, no matter how old they are, your child needs a parent, or other responsible adult such as school staff and counselors, to be involved because bullying transcends all age groups. From the innocence of early school age children to the increasingly complicated interactions and behaviors of tweens and teenagers, bullying does leave emotional scars which can follow youth into adulthood. The troubling statistics reveal that there is an urgent need today for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies which ideally should begin with and be reinforced by parents at home.

Organic Basil Pesto Spaghetti Rigati Recipe from Garden to Family Dinner Easy for Kids to Help Make

Good Food





I love summer. The warmer weather and longer days almost make you feel as if there are really more than 24 hours in a day right now. This time of year is also when when my Southern California organic garden is bearing more heavily than it does during any other season.


Here's what my vegetable & herb garden looks like right now
The bumper crop of herbs and vegetables is now beginning to roll in, beckoning me to bring it from garden to the family table, on the way dreaming up ideas for incorporating the freshest ingredients on the planet: homegrown produce.



My basil was over 18" high so I decided to snip off a bunch today. I also picked the first few dozen juicy sweet cherry tomatoes to ripen of two different varieties in beautiful tangerine and red hues. Then I set about the task of making dinner for my hubbie and four hungry teenagers with the produce  just picked along with some other things I happen to have on hand in my kitchen.


Tonight's Menu

Romaine Hearts & Cherry Tomatoes Tossed Salad

Spaghetti Rigati Al Dente With Fresh Hand Pounded Pesto

Waterford Sauvignon Blanc Lismore Reserve 2007
A kosher Central Coast California Wine from Eagles Landing

Milk for the kids


This nutritious and light meal was perfect for a summer supper. My hubbie and kids devoured this in no time. Perhaps you and your family will enjoy it as much as we did.




Organic Basil Pesto


Organic Ingredients:
1 cup fresh basil, washed
3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
Pinch of sea salt to taste


This can be made a few days ahead or on the same day for dinner that night. All ingredients are raw and there is no cooking involved in making this pesto sauce so get the kids involved with whatever tasks you think are age-appropriate for them. As always be sure that they are supervised at all times and that they are not using anything sharp that could cut their little hands.

Mortar & Pestle with pounded basil that may appear black in color at first
Using a mortar and pestle like the one pictured in this post, take off the stems of the basil and pound just the leaves into mortar. At this point it will look very black but don't worry it will turn greener as the other ingredients are added.


Next, you'll cut the garlic cloves into large chunks and add them to the basil mortar,  grinding to blend them in. Then add the pine nuts and pound some more, followed by mixing in the parmesan until you have a thick grainy looking paste.


The pesto turning into a beautiful green
Finally, slowly pour olive oil into the pesto in a thin stream mixing gently but thoroughly with a spoon until it is well incorporated. Add a pinch of salt to taste. You can also leave the salt out altogether if cooking for someone who is on a low-sodium diet. Then pour a thin film of olive oil to cover the surface and keep it fresh. Cover and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to use toss with your choice of cooked pasta (I like Spaghetti Rigati) and a little olive oil. If you like top with fresh ground black pepper then garnish with some pine nuts and cherry tomatoes to make this even more appetizing to the eye.


My oldest as a toddler loved picking tomatoes with Mommy


FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.