10 Ways NOT to Raise Your Toddler

Today on Shine.yahoo.com
I am a parenting editor and a mom. This means that all day, every day, I read about how to raise better children, and then go home and mess with my own. You know, it's all fun and games until the therapy bill arrives! In full acknowledgment of how little my advice will help any parent out there, I've decided to stick to letting the wonderful experts on this site tell you what to do, and give you this handy guide on what to DON'T: 

1. DON'T ask, "Why did you do that?" Why did you bite that boy? Why did you hit your sister? Why is there spaghetti in your ear? Why am I asking you a question you can't possibly answer in any way that will make me feel better? Oh yes, because it's easier than accepting the idea that I am in charge of a tiny lunatic. 

2. DON'T be surprised by the number of things that can end up in your toilet. This includes shoes, spatulas, cell phones, small animals, keys, and a whole eggplant that looks an awful lot like a human head to your middle-of-the-night eyes. 

3. DON'T be surprised by the number of things that can NOT end up in your toilet.Number two, for example, can occasionally end up in your purse. 

Related: 10 things you should NEVER say to your toddler 

4. DON'T assume that repeating directions increases their likelihood of being followed. DON'T assume that repeating directions increases their likelihood of being followed 

5. DON'T over-explain adult situations. "Sorry, honey. Mommy is just in a bad mood because she doesn't understand why she chose to make a living on the Internets. And taking out a second mortgage to fund your preschool appears not to have been the prudent thing to do. And wow, your sitter is expensive! That noise? Oh, that's just Daddy weeping through the wall." 

6. DON'T say, "Let's wash your hair!" This is akin to saying, "Let's put this large needle in your eyeball." If you really feel like you have to warn your toddler about the upcoming sudsing, consider something relatively benign and tangentially related, like, "Let's put this large needle in your eyeball."

Related: 7 things toddlers don't actually need 

7. DON'T wear a short skirt to a toddler birthday party. You know that fantasy you have about being unintentionally violated by giddy elves? Yeah, me neither. 

8. DON'T let a boy shorter than the toilet try to pee standing up. Too late for that? Try not yelling helpful tips like, "Point your penis up!" Too late for that? Wipe your chin. 

9. DON'T ask if your toddler if he wants to do something you need him to do. This includes Do You Want To Wear A Jacket? Do You Want To Eat Something? Do You Want To Hug Grandma? Do You Want To Wash Your Hair? and Do You Want to Keep Me From Running Out The Door To Jamaica? 

10. DON'T try to catch vomit in your hands. A) It doesn't work. B) You don't get points for trying. C) You get vomit in your hands. 

- Mira Jacob 
http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/15-ways-not-raise-toddler-184200408.html
http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2011/11/10/what-not-to-do-with-your-toddler/?pid=1714#slideshow

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all thesongs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
I have been wanting to write this for sometime. I know three out of the five of them will be able to read this in the near future and perhaps the other two soon as well. So this Day Of Truth, This Entry into my blog, This letter, This playlist is to our kids.

Dear Alex we haven't spent a lot of time together because a few days after joining the family you became a man and joined the Army left for boot camp not even a week after I married your dad. I was put unknowingly at the helm of the family and I saw the hurt in your brothers face when you left. I don't know how much you were willing to take on that kind of responsibility or if I put it on you without you wanting it. But as the oldest you have your own responsibilities being the oldest. The brood looks up to you. You know this and I think at times you enjoy it. You like sharing things with your sister and playing with your baby brother. You and James can deny all you want but when you are here you two haven't grown that much apart. Yeah you've gotten a lot more social than James, you date, go out on the town where James doesn't yet but when you want to get into the family inner geek dom its not all lost. I am sure when your dad deployed in 2007 you understood that your brother was thrown into a new life (as well as your sister she's just better at dealing with it and expressing herself) that your brother had natural feelings of abandonment. That I needed you while you were at AIT and Korea to still be his brother, his best friend because you ARE supposed to be there for him. In my heart of hearts in my deep part of my soul I feel like that's the way families are supposed to be. Rick and I don't have that but I REALLY want that for you kids because one day you will realize the blood running through your veins means more than anything. Something happened in Korea where you didn't call back to the states for three months... then it happened again while you were deployed. I don't know what happened out there. You won't open up to me. When you do open up I see anger. I see your angry with your upbringing but sweetie you can't stay angry at the past. Its not healthy and its just you hiding from the truth. I know the past doesn't define you and if your sick son you will get help. I know if your angry you will work it out but burning the bridges of your dad and I, Aunt Pat, and Aunt Beth and Uncle George aren't the answer either. I know your a faithful man so you have to give all those hateful and angry feelings to God and work on the present Alex. The Alex who has seen more countries and probably more terrible stuff than most people. That you can put on the plate of experience. You can't work on repairing something actively by acting like its not there. We are here loving and worried about you. Alex we have talked and you know I am right you admitted to yourself that you have a problem. Stop hiding from us. Start working on your hurts, the pain that was caused to you totally unintentional. My song for you I chose is Innocent by Taylor Swift. Why did I choose this song? I know you probably don't like her singing but as to why I chose this song for you its personal and I don't think its the right thing to put out there. Its between you and I. If you could just give me a few hours of your time and let me tell you how we feel. I love you and you can't deny that. When you were in Korea I found a way to call the Chaplain there to hunt you down. When you didn't come home for R&R again I harassed the FRG.. WHY do you think I did this Alex? Why do you think no one cares about you? Just look up the lyrics to the song and if you have any questions you know my number and I don't avoid calls from you. I am always here unless your disrespectful toward me. Have faith, trust in God, Give it to God, God is God and God is always GOOD! 

Dear James
Unlike Alex and I you and I have gotten very close over the years. I think you have opened up to me more than most people. I think you know I can relate. I am hard as bricks on you but I think you very much need it. I think you know that too your just not willing to take that step. I am waiting for you and Rick to take that step. I think you have to initiate it though. I have seen some tough crap you've gone through. I have been heart broken with you. I have felt helpless that I couldn't make it better. I have seen you overcome things when you put your mind to it and in agreement with outside people it does take time... but the bird never left the nest because they wanted to.. usually mom has to be the one to push them to fly. You can try to hide the pain you have from the past and the present but I see it because I am a mom and I know you very well. I believe in you. I believe in your dreams if you don't want to be too blind to see them. Yesy your blind to your own dreams. Dreams your afraid to achieve. I believe you can do it. I believe you still have faith even though you don't want to worship anymore. I do believe you don't believe you can do anything you set your mind too. I do believe you can! Reach for the moon if you miss you will fall amongst the stars. Do you ever think about quotes like that? I don't think often enough. Find some inspiration, find your dreams and achieve them taking baby steps... You can do it! I chose for you well you know this song very well and you know that this is my song to you. Its 3 doors Down Its the Only One you Got. Why? Because I think you punish yourself for the past much like your brother you've learned to punish yourself and let it hold you back. This song is really meant for you and Alex. James you think its a good thing to run away and not face reality when its not because even if you don't try because your afraid of failure you still fail trying... I pray about you every single day to find the strength to move forward and NOT take the two steps back. I have seen you do it James! I know that you probably don't push to get your drivers license because your scared of that responsibility. Your scared to move forward scared of what is over the bridge. Just pray... look before you leap and dream! There is nothing else to it.


Dear Mackenzie
Mama Loves you and always will. I will always want you. Remember when I told you when you were little every time you see a butterfly its me thinking about you. Every May 31st I celebrate you. I celebrate the young man your becoming and wonder what its like in your world. Most days I get through okay. Some days I just have a harder time because its like time stopped at the age of three and I know your still growing and changing and surely being a good boy. I loved seeing you be a big brother to your sister and your unique personality. Sweetie soon we will be reunited and I can tell you all about your dad, you as a baby and us... I hope so soon. I chose Always by Building 429 for you because I believe in Gods promises and there is a reason for the past 7 years without you and one day we will be together again and hopefully you will let me be in your life and give you the love I have been waiting to give. As a baby Breathe by Faith Hill was my song to you. I'm Already There by Lonestar

Dear Skylar.
My only princess. Right now you don't understand how quite special that is. To me its very special. I love your brothers very much but your unique to me because it was just you and me for so long so I am much more protective or protective in another way. Its just us girls in pink in our house of Camo... rightly so.. I love our girl time together. Since William was born we don't get it as much but perhaps more during the Summer it will be easier that we can go get our nails done together and do the makeovers at Spoiled Rockin Kids. Things Daddy and William don't enjoy. I love that your the only princess I can spoil you and be there for you.. No competition! My princess I hope you grow up well and that I have taught you how to be a good person and a best friend. One day you might fall in love, get married and have a family.. and your daughter will be just like you! I am very proud of you! The songs I have chosen for you are In My Daughters Eyes by Martina Mcbride and Never Grow up by Taylor Swift. Dear my favorite daughter keep your faith and never let it go...

Dear William
aka Destroyer of Worlds (apparently moms eye sight) your so curious in this big world. Your fearless at times and other times you cling to mom and dad. I hope as you grow I can show you that you can always come back to me. I hope you always keep your sense of curiosity but remember to follow the right paths. Your so curious to see how things work and how we do things. Of course being the youngest of five your in a hurry to grow up. What I can't tell you is your mama's baby boy and you need to slow down and enjoy your adventures now without taking on bigger ones. I hope you have the best in life like we couldn't provide your brothers and sister. I chose for you God Speed by Dixie Chicks, Pure Imagination which is your favorite song from the Willy Wonka Sound track

Whether I gave birth to you I will love you just as much as you did. I promise you that. Just remember even when I make you scrape your knees its out of love. It doesn't mean I love you less. It just means you have to fall before you learn to get back up...

To All of you I dedicate I hope you Dance by Lee Ann Womack and Watching You by Rodney Atkins.

** to Facebook This was very emotional to write but I have been trying to do it for a long time not succeeding. I still don't think I succeeded and for the actual play list check my blog..

Day 4 of the 30 DOT

Disclaimer:: This is my day of truth not YOURS. Its how I feel not you If you weren't there you don't know. I am not blaming anyone for how I am today either!
Day Four -- Something I need to forgive someone else for... I didn't have a hard childhood but it has effected me for the rest of my life. My biological and adopted father's were both abusive when they drank. My biological father has psychological problems and has been out of my life completely since 2001. He burned his bridge into my life and I haven't seen him since 1989. He took a lot from my soul I can never get back. I can't speak for my mother but I wasn't a priority in her life for a very long time. I faced many operations without her by my side because she was in another state, with a different guy, doing what she needed to do. I don't know why my sisters and I were often dropped off at my "adopted" mother's house many summers. I don't know why one year she didn't come back for me. I don't know why when I flew alone from my sperm donors in California why she wasn't there to get me at the airport. I don't know if I want these answers. Some of the answers I have gotten have been things I probably didn't want to hear anyways. At the age of 10 I lived with my "adopted mother and father" I was a sick child and had to have operations every summer. She cared for me and watched over me. When I was a late teenager. I had some rough times and got into trouble like most teenagers do. I rebelled some but I wasn't in bad trouble. I felt like I became the black sheep. Slowly but surely my adopted family pushed me out and we stopped talking all together in 2007. So when I was 18 I was left feeling like I wasn't wanted by my biological mother because she was hurt. I was left feeling like my "adopted" mother didn't want me because I was 18 and no longer her burden. She turned her cheek because she didn't like some of my actions... Again I didn't do ANYTHING horrible! I have never served time in prison, I am not a drug addict, alcoholic... I didn't get pregnant as a teenager and drop out of school-- not that THAT is horrible but it would be to her. I guess both of my mothers were going through their own turmoil and the result was me without a complete relationship with my mother. Most people have their mother at the birth of their child... I didn't get that. My biological mother stayed for the vows at my first wedding but I didn't see her afterward. My grand parents didn't come to my wedding. There were fights with my sisters because I didn't have bridesmaids. I think my "adopted" mother didn't want my oldest sister in the wedding. Perhaps because she just didn't agree with her lifestyle. Perhaps it was because she is bi sexual. I don't know. Again I never asked for answers and answers I never have gotten. Not sure I want them now. Many times in my grown up life my adopted mother thought I stole heirloom jewelry from her when I didn't. Many times I had an ex boyfriend or my abusive first husband tell her HIS side of the story and she always picked his side over mine. DAMMIT I am your daughter! Your faith is supposed to be in ME or at least ASK! I asked her for help getting out of my last relationship because he was an alcoholic abusing xanax (6 at a time mixed with moon shine?) and she just said wait till the holidays are over. Well I broke up with him right before New Years Eve.. I wasn't going to spend another year with his torture (almost five years dealing with that!) I moved on and looked for other help. I had an opportunity and I took it. That night I had to live horror all over again. my ex took Skylar and hid with her in the woods. I went to several different police agencies and no one would help find her. She was KIDNAPPED. He isn't her FATHER. I lived the issues with Mackenzie all over again. Thankfully his uncle returned Skylar to my arms. Rick and I developed a relationship but I NEVER cheated on Donnie EVER. Yet she took the crazy drug addict's side over mine! She told people that I was crazy and I deserved to have Skylar taken from me... after she watched Mackenzie being ripped from my arms and acted like she was helpless to help. For awhile she was supportive in taking me to the lawyers, helping pay for her at first, taking me to visitations... Then I had to have a major operation. I was told to stay away from Mackenzie. After that her life was always too busy to take me to anymore visitations. She stopped helping me pay for the lawyer too so I lost a lawyer... yet I was too sick to get a job to pay on my own. EVEN if she knew Mackenzie would be placed in a potentially volatile situation. The day of court she didn't even show up for support. NO ONE DID! She was under the weather with a UTI she said... Of course when I lost Mackenzie she said well I knew that would happen. WHO THE HELL SAYS THAT TO THEIR CHILD? Complete devastation set in for over a year. Yet Skylar not yet a year old still needed a mother. She still needed me and I was reeling! Begging for help.

Another person I have to forgive is Adam my first husband. Through his abuse, Him not taking care of himself so he wouldn't DIE. He should have been treating his epilepsy... It almost felt like selfish suicide. Epilepsy isn't deadly if its treated! At least his was never that bad. I have to forgive Adam for keeping Mackenzie away from me and treating me like I was the abusive one. Treating me like I was a criminal which lead to the circumstances above where Mackenzie was finally taken by his mother. If he would have taken care of this and worked out issues with Mackenzie and taken care of himself I would still have my baby... yet his hate drove him so far. Adam's father always told me he would be a father to me no matter what. Yet when Adam covered his ass and spread his lies to his family they turned their back on me and as far as I am concerned they turned their back on Mackenzie too. Robert (Adam's dad) knew what kind of situation it was. He KNEW he would probably never see Mackenzie again either... yet no one was there at court. It was very painful for me. I was mourning for Adam, dealing with my issues with my "adopted" mother, My boyfriend at the time was having issues, I had a newborn, plus trying to keep up with the custody battle. It will be a long time before I can forgive Adam.

Now I am told I have Borderline Personality Disorder. Its possibly a chemical imbalance that I was born with triggered by these risk factors...
Risk factors for BPD include:

• Abandonment in childhood or adolescence
• Disrupted family life
• Poor communication in the family
• Sexual abuse

This personality disorder tends to occur more often in women and among hospitalized psychiatric patients.

I also have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome because of the events that happened with Mackenzie and Skylar. I never trust anyone with Skylar. I mean ANYONE. I have blown up at her school for not letting me in the building during operating hours. I don't like her not being accessible to me. Now I am showing the same triggers with William.

No I am not blaming anyone but myself for choices I have made since adulthood but sometimes the proof is loud. BPD is caused by childhood trauma. PTSD is caused by Traumatic events. Most of my operations are caused by environmental (drugs, alcohol, etc) properties not genetic defects... Doctors say this... NOT ME. How are these things not putting a direct effects on my relationships and decisions?

William Update

William had an appointment today.
His first well baby appointment.
He is one month and 6 days old. He weighs 10 lbs even and is 22 inches in length.
He started smiling on September 2, 2009. He's been holding his head up really strong just not as steady yet.
He's been obviously doing pretty good with nursing I guess like all things we just hit rough patches.

Updates on the Family

Rick returned to work. Monday he had Peridontal Surgery and was on rest for three days. He's still hurting a bit and not able to chew correctly. Poor baby. My sciatic nerve is still hurting. I woke up at 1 am with a knot the size of a softball in my back. Rick literally fell asleep with his fist putting pressure on it and I could go back to sleep for a little while. Now my hip is just stiff and sore... Ugh its going to be a rough 100 days... I am doing Love Dare http://bellaslovedare.blogspot.com/
Alex sent a brief email to let us know he was still alive and got yahoo messenger. James has the day off today and he's still asleep he was a bit grumpy yesterday. Skylar went on a field trip today to the Railroad Museum and I feel HORRIBLE about not being able to go with her. Little William is still cooking away I went to the OB on Wednesday and he is measuring two weeks ahead and his heart rate is 150 heart beats per minute. http://anotherrecruitontheway.blogspot.com/

Modesty?

After I posted the blog on Modesty and your Child here on my blogger this is the quote that was posted for the day

Set standards for your children as you teach them the importance of modest dress. They should represent themselves as holy and acceptable unto God.

Things I want to tell my children

First of all to Alexander and James. They are my boys. I may have only been in their life for 18 months but I care for them like I do my own kids. I carry the responsibility of making sure their needs are met. Yes they are adults but even adults need moms. I sure have in my life. I have heard so many times to count. James needs to be out on his own. You need to do this. You need to do that. But you know what? I know James. James and I have gotten pretty close partly because I am all he's got to lean on at times. James is far from being a social being so when it comes to his need for social interaction he does come chit chat with me. We can go for a ride in the car and out for dinner. He tries to treat me with respect and I treat him with the same respect and I am trying to give him the building blocks into adulthoood he is missing. If something happened to Rick I would be still left to clean up the pieces with James and Alex. I try to make sure Alex gets his care packages even though they are not as often as I like. I try and stay on top of them. I email Alex probably too much he probably finds me annoying and James probably thinks I am a royal bitch but they both realize I have good intentions. So as far as what I would tell the boys. James and I have already talked about it for the most part. The things I would tell them well I am not going to post in the blog because they do have the abilility to read it and its private but I guess ultimately. Alex and Jamesy. I am not your birth mother, adopted mother or anything like that. Nor am I trying to be. I care about you because you've both grown on me. I respect you for being the good men you are. I respect you even in your anger and frustration you still love your parents. I know how difficult it can be at times to understand why Dad is always nagging at you. I know how it is to be a teenager and just want to do things on your own without a parent lingering. HA! Alex what more do you want now your on the other side of the world? LOL Rick has no choice but to let you be and grow up. Alex and James are different where Alex wants to grow on his own, fall down on his own and pick himself up and learn on his own. James on the other hand needs coaxing and hand held to show him how to do things. BOTH are totally fine actually I like it that way for the most part. Alex and James.. I love and respect your dad and I will treat you with the same love and respect as he does Skylar. However I will say FAMILY. We are a family, not a broken home but a FAMILY and we will only choose to be as Blended as we want to be. Thats up to you boys for sure.

To Mackenzie

Mackenzie... Hello Beautiful, Some of you may not know the whole story behind Mackenzie and where he is. I am not even sure he does. Mackenzie's father passed away in 2003 and since then I have always wanted to jot down my memories of him before they fade so one day his mom can share some good memories of his father. Also one day I will see him again and I will tell him about the mistakes i made and that I never stopped loving him. I never hurt him. I thought what I did was the best i could for him. Some of my decisions weren't the best but I think as parents we all have those bad moments where we don't make the wisest decision. So when Mackenzie is older I will tell him the truth and show him love. Thats all I can really offer him and thats all that prevails.

This song by Travis Tritt has always been my song to Mackenzie. After Adam and my marriage fell apart and then he died I promised Mackenzie so much and I couldn't hold on to my grip and I slipped. I fell down several times as matter of fact. I was steered down the wrong roads but never did I sink to the level of abandoning my son and not putting him first with Skylar.

Tritt Travis, Best Of Intentions Lyrics

and Finally to the baby, My Princess now Five years old and getting ready to start Kindergarten. 

Skylar my Princess.

I wanted her to know we have also had our challenges that I was sick for the first few years of her life and I didn't get to truly enjoy her first mile stones. I had to work really hard from the time I found out I was pregnant and for a few years of her life. All I have ever wanted for her is the same thing I have worked very hard for stability, hope, faith, trust and love. I promised Adam I wouldn't give her up for adoption and I had times when I felt like I wasn't the best thing for her. At times I was very selfish living for her and waking up in my depression for her. I felt such guilt when she was born for ever being suicidial. I promised a friend that I would work through out Skylar's life to be like a best friend to her. I can say right now we are extremely close. I choose not to do things on my own because we are never without each other and I think that if its not a kid friendly enviroment more times than not I probably don't need to be there either. I think my place now is being the best and wife and mother I can be. I hope through the rest of Skylar's life she can be honest with Rick and I. I hope she knows I have tried to have strength and give her the best she deserves. I hope we remain close for a very long time

I am sure there will be... more to be continued.

Modesty and your Child

A fellow Army wife I met when I moved here, actually one of the first one's I met when I moved here. She blogs a bit. She had a new blog talking about God and Modesty.

Here's a link to her blog just to give her credit. Credit where credit is due.

Our Adventure: God, Family, Country.

Her blog talks about while she was on Vacation in Florida with her three small children and husband they had to have a discussion with their oldest about Modesty.

I have had my own battles about small children and modesty. When Skylar was a baby I knew a person that would dress her chunky monkey of a two year old in the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen line of clothing. Much to my disgust this woman was dressing her two year old in mid drift shirts and shorts where I could plainly see the diaper. Yes its just a diaper and it usually covers the precious baby parts needed to cover but I still didn't like the image of a two year old showing that much skin. Nor have I agreed with Skylar wearing a bikini at this age. I don't know if I will ever be comfortable with it. It is fine if you dress your child in a bikini (they are real cute on babies) but just not my daughter. Skylar being the kind of wild child she is. If the skirt is above her finger tips I am reluctant to let her wear it at all. (Those were my moms rules when I was young). If she does wear it she wears some type of cover underneath (even when she was a baby). I was blessed with a lanky skinny minnie five year old. She weighs 42 lbs and she is 3 foot 9 inches today at her check up. She's got a very small waist and very long legs so finding something that is long enough to cover skin and small enough in the waist without making her mummified is quite the challenge. I have the shirt test if we are going to a very public place that if she lifts her arms over her head and her belly is exposed the shirt gets put in the donation pile.

Life came as a big change when Skylar and I went from our apartment in Georgia of Freedom here to where we have to watch our every move because we are out numbered with boys. Plus with Rick around (when he's around) She has to learn she can't just be around when someone is naked or in the shower as well at her age she is starting Kindergarten she has to learn she can't just be naked around people too!

As Leah asked what talks have you had with your child? What are some rules and guidelines you have for modesty and privacy in your family?

Grandfather builds Web browser for autistic boy

By BRIAN BERGSTEIN, AP Technology Writer Tue Jun 3, 1:54 PM ET

John LeSieur is in the software business, so he took particular interest when computers seemed mostly useless to his 6-year-old grandson, Zackary. The boy has autism, and the whirlwind of options presented by PCs so confounded him that he threw the mouse in frustration.

LeSieur tried to find online tools that could guide autistic children around the Web, but he couldn't find anything satisfactory. So he had one built, named it the Zac Browser For Autistic Children in honor of his grandson, and is making it available to anyone for free.

LeSieur's quest is a reminder that while the Web has created important communication and educational opportunities for some people with cognitive impairments, computers can also introduce new headaches for families trying to navigate the contours of disability.

The Zac Browser greatly simplifies the experience of using a computer. It seals off most Web sites from view, to block violent, sexual or otherwise adult-themed material. Instead it presents a hand-picked slate of choices from free, public Web sites, with an emphasis on educational games, music, videos and visually entertaining images, like a virtual aquarium.

Other programs for children already offer that "walled garden" approach to the Web. But LeSieur's browser aims to go further: It essentially takes over the computer and reduces the controls available for children like Zackary, who finds too many choices overwhelming.

For example, the Zac Browser disables extraneous keyboard buttons like "Print Screen" and turns off the right button on the mouse. That eliminates commands most children don't need anyway, and it reduces the chance an autistic child will lose confidence after making a counterproductive click.

Children using the Zac Browser select activities by clicking on bigger-than-normal icons, like a soccer ball for games and a stack of books for "stories." The Zac Browser also configures the view so no advertisements or other flashing distractions appear.

"We're trying to avoid aggressive or very dark or complicated Web sites, because it's all about self-esteem," LeSieur said from Las Vegas, where he lives. "If they're not under control, they will get easily frustrated."

Autism generally affects a person's ability to communicate, and Zackary doesn't speak much. But his mother, Emmanuelle Villeneuve, reports that the boy can start the Zac Browser himself. He enjoys listening to music through the program and trying puzzles — things he always liked before but hadn't been able to explore online, she said from her family's home in suburban Montreal.

Perhaps most tellingly, while he still acts out aggressively against the TV, she said, he doesn't try to harm the computer.

LeSieur didn't create the browser by consulting with people who are considered experts in disorders on the autism spectrum. The small software company he runs, People CD Inc., essentially designed the Zac Browser to meet Zackary's needs, and figured that the approach would likely help other autistic children. Early reviews have been positive, though LeSieur plans to tweak the program so parents can suggest new content to add.

Several autism experts were pleased to hear of LeSieur's work, and not surprised that he had not previously found anything suitable for Zackary.

After all, the autism spectrum is so wide that a particular pattern of abilities or impairments experienced by one autistic person might be reversed in another. In other words, creating software that would work for huge swaths of autistic children is a tall order.

Indeed, the Zac Browser might do nothing for another autistic child.

That said, however, LeSieur's approach of limiting distractions and using the software as a confidence-boosting tool "is a very good idea," said Dianne Zager, director of the Center for Teaching and Research in Autism at Pace University. She said many autistic students tend to do best with educational materials that make unnecessary stimuli fade from view.

"Some parts of the Web have so much extraneous material that it can be distracting, and for the nonverbal child, there might not be an ability to negotiate that information," added Stephen Sheinkopf, an autism researcher at Brown University.

This is not to say the Web is necessarily barren for autistic children. James Ball, an autism-education consultant in New Jersey, said many children he works with enjoy Webkinz, where kids care for virtual pets. Others find chat rooms and instant-messaging a lower-anxiety way of socializing than talking to someone in person, he said.

But the Zac Browser might turn out to be the rare tool that can be configured to strike a chord with a wide range of autistic students, said Chris Vacek, chief innovation officer at Heartspring, a special-education center in Wichita, Kan. Vacek is considering using the Zac Browser at Heartspring.

One huge advantage is that the browser is free, while many assistive technologies cost upward of $5,000 and work only on specialized devices. But Vacek, himself a parent of an autistic child, said the Zac Browser's best credential is that it appears to pass what he calls Heartspring's "acid test": It has a high chance of increasing a child's ability to do things independently.

"Let's hear it for grassroots innovation," Vacek said.

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On the Net:

The Zac Browser can be downloaded or run directly from

http://www.zacbrowser.com

Homeschool Families Call for Boycott of Subway Restaurants

Homeschooling parents across the United States are now crying "Boycott" when it comes to Subway after the popular restaurant chain chose to exclude homeschooled students from entering their Subway Fresh Fit for Kids writing contest.

The contest, which you can view the details of here, invites students to write a story based upon one of four story starters, and encourages kids to be creative, while even encouraging parents to help their children write the story. Prizes for the contest included one Grand Prize winner who will receive $5,000 worth of athletic equipment for their school, a Scholastic Gift Basket for their home, a $100 Subway gift card, and the chance to have their story published on Subway's website as well as in Scholastic's Parent & Child Magazine. Six additional runners up will also receive a Scholastic Gift Basket and a $50 Subway gift card. In addition to the seven top prizes each entry that includes a Subway receipt store number will receive a free Scholastic book.

The homeschool community is a tight knit arena in which news travels fast. Forums, blogs, and email lists of homeschool parents have been a buzz all weekend over the exclusion with many heated discussions taking place. The number of parents choosing to homeschool their children is growing each year, and homeschooled students compete with public schooled children in many contests through out the school year. In 2007 the winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee was Evan O'Dorney a homeschool student who resides in Danville, California.

Many homeschooling parents understand that the reason for the snub may be the fact that the grand prize includes $5,000 worth of athletic equipment but they believe that this could have been gotten around by requiring homeschool families to donate the equipment to a park or charity of their choice, their homeschool association or co-op, or to a church.
Not only are parents who homeschool their children upset that they are not allowed to participate in the contest but they have pointed out the appalling typos that can be found in the writing contest rules. The writer of the copy misspelled United States by spelling it the "Untied States" and gift basket was misspelled "gift bakset".

While homeschooled parents across the web cry for a boycott and a public apology from Subway we can only wait to see if the proposed boycott will make a difference, and whether or not Subway can recover from this disastrous PR debacle.

Reference Link http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/787653/homeschool_families_call_for_boycott.html?page=2&cat=3