The Correct Way to Post A Missing Child

Namastè!

I'm still up, y'all. I legit just closed out my last post with a drowsiness and a hopeful heart to catch the remaining 28 of those ever-elusive 40 winks.

Ain't happening just yet.

Piggybacking off what I was talking about earlier (read here)...

It was a harrowing experience when I dreamed my baby was missing. I can't really imagine the terror that goes through a parent's mind when their baby is actually missing.

Social media is an amazing tool. We can share info with hundreds or even thousands of people with just a few clicks. When a child is missing, the phone network has nothing on the spread power of social media--when it is used correctly of course. That power lies in numbers. There are billions of people on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram alone. That staggering number increases exponentially when you count Twitter, and Reddit. Factor in the special interest sites like Tumblr and Pinterest and you have a veritable explosion of active users who are excellent at relaying and reposting everything they come across.

Make that power, your power.

When a child is missing, seconds count. You need their info out there, and it needs to be spread far and wide. Every set of eyes needs to be on alert.

However...it also needs to be correct.

Parents panic when their children go missing,  and that is 100% understandable. Expected, even! In the rush to get those babies' faces and descriptions out to whoever could possibly help bring them home, sometimes things aren't accounted for in the releases.

Details are crucial. I can only imagine the terror and actual physical pain that grips a parent when their child can't be located. Howecer, information is key. When creating a post for social media, we need to be thorough.

A missing child (or person, period) post needs to include the following:

☆ SHARES, NOT SCREENSHOTS.

If Facebook is your chosen medium of informing, please create a public post. Why? Even if the rest of your page is private, that public post can be shared. If people have to screenshot your missing person post, they can only share the screenshot--not any updates you provide.

☆ Up-to-date Photo (seriously, make it as current as possible)

If your child is ten, have a photo of them at age ten.

☆ Name

Spelling and pronunciation.

☆ Nickname

If you call the child by a nickname and they would be frightened or would not respond to their given name, make this clear. (Especially in cases of children with a deficit.)

☆ Last Seen (time and date)

Time can be approximate of course, but you need to have at least a time frame.

☆ Area

Where was the child? "At Walmart" is too vague, in my humble opinion. What side of the store were they on?

☆ Seen with?

Was the child alone, with friends, with family? (Especially of note for older kids, the tweens and teens set.)

☆ Contact information for involved law ebforcement agencies, as well as parents and guardians.

Should someone have information to relay, they need a direct contact. Law enforcement is best, but parent or guardian info (or trusted representative chosen by the parents or guardians) is a definite plus.

☆ Update status of missing person as needed...

If your missing child (or person) is found, please update your post. This is the main reason to make a public post and encourage sharing of that versus a screenshot. A screenshot will not include any updates made after initial posting.

...for those of us on the sharing side...

Effectively Spread Posts

When sharing these posts, we must check to ensure the preceding information is included. Simply sharing a photo with no info spreads more confusion than anything.

Also, please confirm that the missing person you share is indeed still considered missing. In my "travels" on Facebook in particular, I often come across outdated or closed cases. Many heartbreaking times, I will notice a friend has shared a missing person post that has ended with a body and not a  happy conclusion. In our zeal to help, we must be attentive to detail--and request detail if it is not already included.

Can you imagine someone approaching your child at the Walmart or calling the police because they have seen a "missing" person?! How scary would that be for the child?

Keep it updated. At conclusion, which I hope and design with every fiber of my being to be a happy reunion, make note of that in your original posts. Leave the update for a day or two, or longer if it was particularly harrowing or a widespread effort.

...

Coming to the present moment.

I'm still drowsy. I truly dislike feeling this tired, yet unable to sleep. Mainly because it leads to me taking sleep later only to wake up more tired than I started, or sleeping so much that I need more sleep to rest from the excessive sleep I just slept.

I wish I had a USB to just recharge myself periodically. I'm like 208% tired.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Lost?! (A Nightmare...and A Course of Action)

Namastè!

Hello, darkness, my old friend... It's not quite 4 am here and I'm awake, as always. I think I actually sleep like a baby these days: I'm awake sporadically, sleeping 2 to 3 hour stretches, and waken ever so often to try to eat. Plus I seem to have my days and nights mixed up. My Circadians are so bad.

I had a pretty vivid bad dream during my most recent stretch of snee, but it spurned an idea.

Picture it: I'm in the mall with Kids Namastè, and Baby Namastè wanders off. I remember, in the dream, that I was looking at a blouse. Next thing I know, I look up and he's gone! I didn't see him anywhere. I panicked. When I was trying to describe him, I drew a blank when asked what he was wearing. My princess was crying. I was crying. The cop was telling me something about seconds counting and asking for a recent, clear photo--and for some reason I couldn't find one. (Word, add I take pics of the kids almost daily!)

I woke up terrified, cold arrest and all. Tears. Chest tight. It took a long moment for me to realize that not only was my baby safe and sound, but he was lying right in the crook of my arm. Right where he had slept since day one.

My scenario was a dream, thank goodness. Now that I've calmed down, I'm putting together a plan of action. Well, rehashing what I already know to do. Which I'll share with you.

Note: As with any tips or advice I offer here on the NamasBlog, please note that I am not a law enforcement officer. I am not an expert at preventing kidnappings or runaways (short of trying to provide the kind of life my kids don't want to escape)--take anything I say with a double shot of caution, shake liberally on the rocks of common sense, and dash generously on your particular situation. Your mileage may vary.

Now...my princess is ten, almost eleven now! I've been in the game for a while, and in the know even longer. I like to think of myself as an informed mama, especially on matters of safety.

So, walking through the scenario in my dream ( and let me reiterate that this was a dream--Kids Namastè are both safe in bed! I know because I almost woke them as I was settling back into reality!), I can see some mistakes I made. I'll walk you through how I should have prepared.

Note: I'm just examining what I recall from this dream. I was not being a negligent parent, nor was I intentionally inattentive. I was buying a shirt! Kids can wander off in a split second though. Despite being a dream, it was extremely vivid and very taxing. I'm an analyzer and planner, so I tend to take a proactive approach rather than reactive. Rehashing what I already know to be valid survival tips for outings.

I will skip the statistics sites for this one--you may find those on your own. Here we go...

Take a clear photo of each child, periodically.

No fussy background, no props, no Snapchat filters or photo editing. Have the child stand by a wall or your car (please obscure your tag) & get a head-to-toe photo. If you have multiple children, each child needs a separate photo. You may take a group pic, but the solo shots are more beneficial in an emergency. Update this photo AT LEAST every six months.

This is especially valuable before an outing--field trips, mall outings. Personally we make a point to take a pic before any outing involving any crowds or unfamiliar areas. (Don't forget--we often do New York. We also watch Law & Order...oy vey.)

Get a child ID kit!

Children would generally not have a state-issued ID, but parents can get an identification packet made for them. We use the child ID kit available here. It's a simple, straightforward process.

Make note of your child's description.

I know, I know--you know your kid. But in that dream, I was unable to describe Baby Namastè. It was only that, a dream, but in that moment of exigency,  could not recall his hair color or what shirt he was wearing.

Height
Weight
Age
Outfit and shoes
Hairstyle
Hair color
Eye color
Any identifying marks (scars, birthmarks, unique physical traits, etc.)

This is where that "take a clear photo before an outing" comes into play.

Be aware.

I am keenly aware of our surroundings, even when we are just doing basic errands. Random child snatchings are not the norm, but not an impossibility. I pay attention to places as well as the people in those places. I'm not paranoid, just rather observant.

Keep them close!

The rule for Kids Namastè is that they must be within arm's reach of me at all times while on an outing. The rule is simple: "If I can't reach and touch you WITH OUT stretching, you have gone too far." Even though Princess is almost 11, she is never allowed to wander off, even if just one aisle over. Time permitting, I'll go with her to look at any item she's itching to see. Baby Namastè would still be in the kangaroo pouch (I babywear, and he's still small enough that it isn't uncomfortable for either of us!), the shopping cart, or his stroller.

Speaking of carts--don't leave that thing unattended if it happens to be holding your kids! Keep one hand gripping it. Not just touching, consciously gripping. (No need to strangle the handle but definitely hold it.)

Teach your kids what to do if they find themselves separated from you.

As soon as they are able to recite cute phrases for YouTube and Snapchat, they need to also be able to recite their first name, last name, and age. Ideally they need to know mommy's and daddy's name. Even if their speech isn't 100% clear, this is beyond beneficial. Adults will often try to clarify what the child says, and even if the child can't clearly pronounce names, they can still identify when they hear them! Example: Baby Namastè cannot pronounce our last name just yet, but he recognizes it when he hears it. Ask him if he's a Kingston or a Kathmandu and he will say "no, no, no." He knows our K, though. He will nod and smile.

They need to know how to spot security officers and police.

...there.

My personal preference is to never be too outnumbered. I have but two hands, and I need at least one of those hands to do errand-y, shopping-y things. Princess Namastè is often able to grab the cart or her brother while I'm getting an item off the shelf, but I don't make her responsible for the baby. She's a huge help though!

All in all, the biggest tip I can offer is common sense: Pay attention and be prepared. No one wants to think what would happen for their child went missing, but it does happen. Children wander off and get lost, and sometimes children are carried off. Either way, the best defense we have is preparation.

Add always, I hope this helps you plan for your family's safety or perhaps enhances the plan you've got in place already.

I feel the drowsiness coming on again, so I'm going to attempt to take sleep now. I'd typically be dicing into another day by now, but it's Monday and I just don't feel up to tackling anything besides my pillow and my remaining 28 of those ever-elusive 40 winks Iwill need to make it through the morning.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Unplugged

Namastè!

Good morning-ness!

I'm preparing for another school term...and getting ready to buy some more board games, craft supplies, and books.

As you're well aware, we are a homeschool family.

As you may also be aware, we do things a lot differently. We absolutely do not buck technology, modern convenience, but we DO try to retain the old family feel we were raised with.

We unplug. As often as possible, we untether from technology and its appeal, and just enjoy each other's company. We are working to create a strong familial bond, and sometimes that means putting in real effort to connect to each other instead of phone screens, computer keyboards, and consoles.

How, in 2017?!

Well...

We don't have televisions in our bedroom OR our kids' bedrooms. (They watch their shows and movies, they just do so in the family room.) Video games, electronics, and cell phone use is kept to a comfortable minimum--the kids aren't glued to screens 24-7, and the parents aren't engaging empty mini screen time either.

Do I agree with screen time?

While it may appear that I don't, I very much do. We give the kids ample time to enjoy age-appropriate, developmentally-targeted technology. Age-appropriate means my ten-year-old is not watching reality television series on her phone. She's not in message boards or on social media apps being unbearable.

Note: I did not say she will never do those things--that is a trap. (Never say what a child won't do, say what you hope they won't and instill why they shouldn't!) I'm saying that right now, she is sticking to what she's been taught. That's all any parent can do, eh? She's a good apple.

I digressed, but only a little.

I refuse to spend this post harping on what we don't do or why, because that tends to divide. What I really aim to do is impart a viewpoint and perhaps a new understanding. Another glimpse into Lifestyle Namastè! I prefer to effect that by sharing what we do.

When people hear unplugged, they typically think a negative. Because we depend so much on technology and convenience, it is a scary thought to be without it and a crazy notion (sometimes) to be without it by choice.

But!

Think about your favorite childhood memory.

Mine is probably when I was about 9 or 10. I was sitting in the flowerbed with my Grandma (rest her soul, may she truly sleep in the sweetest forever  peace), and we were putting out gladiolus bulbs. She was telling me about how the soil has to be turned and aerated a few days prior, and how she liked growing flowers.

We didn't have a video of that afternoon. There aren't any pictures. But what there is, is a memory. Through head injuries, life changes, and the sheer fact that over 20 years have passed since that day, I still recall it vividly. I can almost smell the dirt. If I close my eyes I can hear her telling me about those bulbs and how pretty the blooms would be. It's as if I can almost go back to that exact moment.

...that should what I want for Kids Namastè. Videos and photos have their merits for sure--but nothing compares to being so invested in a moment that it becomes a part of who you are.

To this day I still turn the soil around my plants by hand, using only a spade and a little claw tool. (It's got a name but for me, it's a little claw tool.) I do not hire landscapers for my flower plots, and I plant every flower from either seeds or bulbs. Why?

Because it takes me back to those sweet, unplugged moments with my Grandma. It gives me the kind of peace I'd be hard-pressed to find doing anything else.

So...we do game nights. We have an assortment of board and card games, which we parents get in and play with the kids. We put our phones away, we get in the family room on the floor usually, and we laugh and create memories.

While neither of our kids is currently all that into gardening just yet, they each will have memories of their own. Maybe they won't close their eyes and conjure a warm afternoon, complete with grits fingers from turning soil, soil they can practically still smell. Maybe they won't get the rush of giddiness while waiting for seeds or bus to sprout, grow, then bloom.

But they will have real recollections of holidays spent with family, and fun reminiscences of vacations. Of course there are photos, but in none of those photos will you see a child on a screen. At no gathering have they been allowed to retreat into their devices versus diving into whatever activity or conversation we're checking out. They have photos with Grandma, but they also have had real, meaningful time with her.

Speaking of my dear Grandma... one of the main reasons we started the unplug periods was because I did not want the kids to be at Grandma's playing Angry Birds instead of bonding with her, gathering all that wisdom and experience. When we spent holidays there, we left our phones in the car. Because we did this, even Baby Namastè will have memories with her.

No doubt, photos, recordings, and videos will help make her legacy more tangible for them. These things have helped immensely in the healing process as we adjust to life without her physical presence.

So...when I say we live as unplugged as possible, I don't mean so in an unfair, overly restrictive way. I just mean this:

Life is very much about pictures, videos, and fun. But it is even more about being present in the moments to be inspired enough that a video or picture holds meaning! As parents we know our kids will grow from newborn to college student in the blink of an eye. Somewhere in that little bitty stretch of time, must exist moments that they can hold onto as life propels them forward.

We're not forcing Stepford-perfect, Kodak commercial moments...we're just providing opportunity for them to happen.

That's it, and that's all.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Baboochi!

Namastè!

It's my favorite time of awake--the wee hours. *insert smirk*

I generally check my social media most in the wee hours and tonight I got a double whammy: I made the 400 Club on my Instagram, and I got the chance to speak with an actual toy designer.

Laura C. Byrnes is the creator of the Baboochi, and the author of its story. The Baboochi is my new obsession and I can't stop talking about it. (Yes, I'm talking about it at 12.40 am--I'm excited and this is why my Hubby Namastè and I are a good match. He supports my wacky.)

What's the Baboochi?!

Y'all...it is the cutest little blue fuzzy wuzzy I have ever laid eyes on. He is the perfect fuzzy lovey for boys and girls of any age (I'm an adult and I'm in love with it!), and it comes with a book featuring its story! The Baboochies are all about positivity. They teach kids about so many positive traits: kindness, respect, responsibility, being good stewards of their belongings, and sharing. They also incorporate friendship, and how to be a good apple.

The Baboochies are adoptable fuzziness, and they each come with instructions to get an official certificate. (I'm melting into my pillows from the cuteness of this whole concept.)

Note: All images are the property of Laura C. Byrnes, and used with permission. 

This is the stuff my life is built on. As you may know, the Namastè is more than just an easy portmanteau or branding for my name--it is really our principle, and how we want to live. Our legacy will be built on effecting positivity.

The Baboochi just fits, and I couldn't pass up a chance to investigate it. Get into it, hanging out on the Great Wall of China like a little blue boss. *squeal*

Back story to how this is even happening: I'm obsessed with stuffed animals and plushies. I amassed a huge collection when I was growing up, which now belong to Kids Namastè. While I no longer sleep in a bed full of them, I still love watching them be made and learning about them. (I legit study the history and origins of stuffed animals, and it never disappoints.)

Back to now: one of my newest friends on Instagram had a blue fuzzy as their profile photo. I clicked on it. Y'all,  I about died.

She. Is. A. Toy. Creator. (And children's author!)

I have never gotten to sit down with a real live toy creator. I immediately had to ask about an interview. I wanted to know as much as I could, and she was so sweet and took the time to answer all of my questions...

...which I will share with you now, because it's so cool. (She's the bold italics.)

T: That blue fluffy wuffy is adorable and I'm always curious about how stuffed animals happen. (I am that type who goes to build a bear mainly to watch the bears be made.)

LCB: Haha that's awesome! Baboochi originally started as the book first and the stuffed animal after. The book was created to be a fun, easy to read, bedtime story book. We then had Baboochi come to life, because in the story Baboochi leaves their planet and comes to Earth! We wanted that special friendship to be really real to little kids by letting them have a Baboochi of their own, just like in the story. We made the toy cute, soft, but also durable so that it can go on adventures with children!

T: Also...what inspired him/her to be blue??? How long have you been writing?

LCB: Oh no problem! The inspiration just came from my imagination The blue is a bright Royal blue which I am in love with. I feel as though it's bright enough and fluffy enough that you can't help but smile! Baboochi is all about positivity! I've loved to write for awhile and my style is more suited for children's book as I also love fun colors and adventures myself. Eventually I plan to write more books and expand with more Baboochi like creatures.

T: Your imagination is epic. Don't ever let this world steal it.

LCB: Thank you so much!!

T: Positivity is a MUST. Especially to arm our kids with what they need for success. Is there an age suggestion for Baboochi?

LCB: Age wise, Baboochi is a great for toddlers. It's VERY easy to read and is a beginner level book.

T: Is there a turnaround time for production or are they made in large numbers?

LCB: Usually we have them made in batches to meet demand, so that no one has to wait an overly long time to receive theirs.

T: I'm in Georgia and dying to know if and when they would hit stores here.

LCB: We would loveeee to be in stores but for right now we have baboochi.com and Amazon until we expand.

...that's all I will reveal about the Baboochi, for now.

Why am I leaving you with a cliffhanger?

One, because its late, and you need to be in bed. Two... Because Laura is sending one out for us to check out. She has honored sweet Baby Namastè with the opportunity to represent the Baboochi brand with his own blue fuzzy wuzzy.

You know I wouldn't hold out on you. Tsk tsk!

Y'all, my kid carries around a spoon. Have you ever tried explaining why your toddler is carrying a spoon? Most people see it and shrug it off as toddlerness, but there are those who need more info. Which I provide as best I can. I mean, it's a spoon, and he's a toddler. Life of Tayè, I suppose. It's adorable enough, but Baboochi is so much cuter.

I am so looking forward to his adventures with his Baboochi!

So...that's why I won't be telling you everything I know about the adorable fluffy Baboochi--I would rather to tell you when he is in Castle Namastè and Baby Namastè is happily  running around with him.

My baby is getting a new little friend, but I got to fulfill one of my bucket list dreams. I have always wanted to sit down and chat with an author, and I have always wanted to meet a plush toy creator. I got to do both, in one fell swoop. I'm so ecstatic. Y'all have no clue. Even better, I get to work with her as I help Baby Namastè show off the Baboochi! I am so beyond excited. 

Another pic because it's so cute. It's reading its little storybook! *squeal*

In the meantime, you can check out its official website AND follow its Instagram. Lauren mentioned more stories and even some fuzzy friends for Baboochi, so keep your eyes peeled and stay in the loop! 

Namastè'!

-- Tayè K.  ♡

Ask A Homeschool Mom! (NamasLEARN Series, Ep.4)

Namastè!

As you know, school is just around the corner. For Family Namastè, that means it's time to begin another run of homeschool.

I get many questions, assumptions, and opinions about this homeschool thing. I decided to make a NamasLEARN "episode" about it, as well as share some commonly asked questions.

I began homeschool with my Princess when she was 7. We moved to an area with great real estate pricing BUT with that inexpensive house came some undesirable schools. When we toured the classroom, children in first grade were just learning to spell their colors and numbers.

I knew this probably wouldn't be an ideal or even feasible learning environment for my princess, as she had been reading since age two and a half. She could read, write, and calculate simple math before she ever entered an official kindergarten. (We worked with her early, but all credit goes to her--she soaks up knowledge like a sponge, and retains it well!)

We had two choices: Drive her an hour each way to the district she was accustomed to, or homeschool. Sending her into that new district was not an option for us.

We embarked on the path of homeschooling...and haven't looked back! Because we wanted to make sure she could realign easily with public schooling should we ever opt to send her back, we enrolled her at Georgia Connections Academy. While we control what she does and when, she still participates in state testing and our curriculum runs parallel to the one used by kids in tradition school, known as brick and mortar school in the homeschool set.

She has and continues to excel--her scores are in the very top percentile of fifth graders, and have been since she was in third grade. She reads at college level. She comprehends mathematical calculations at early 8th grade level. Her overall retention of material, early high school. She has actually been offered the opportunity to skip grades, to be with kids at her academic level, but we declined because she needs to at least finish out elementary school with her peers.

Note:  This is not our child being held back, kept from succeeding. This is us as parents respecting that she isn't ready to make that leap. She is more than academia, and her maturity to not leap at the chance to rush growing up screams at us that she is making the right choice. She has time to skip grades. Right now she is choosing to enjoy the freedom of a 10-year-old's schedule, rather than jump headfirst into a class where she would always be the youngest, therefore never feel included.

Then came the questions and assumptions...

Is it easier than regular school?

No. We do the same work, often times more, than kids in brick and mortar school. Unless one is lazy, homeschool is never the "easy" route.

Does she have homework?

Yes. We have her practice new concepts and curricula just as she would in brick and mortar. She does extra practice in the evenings. However, she is never given homework on the weekends, save the occasional project assigned by her teacher at Connections.

Do you grade her work?

NOPE. Her assignments are submitted through an online grading system. We love this part of it because it lets her know, she is earning these grades. Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Namastè aren't just giving her high marks because she's cute. We wouldn't anyway, but the grade portal is our friend because it relieves us of that responsibility. We get to focus on teaching, not on grading.

Is it expensive?

Define expensive. We do invest a fair amount in her materials--her learning space, her supplies, and extracurricular activities are not free. Connections Academy provides her textbooks and some materials, but while the extras are wonderful additions, they are not sufficient for an entire, successful year.

What's the work like?

She does the same assignments and concept development as her public school peers. We designed hers to be a bit more challenging (to keep her interested and avoid stagnation), but the work load is roughly the same. She doesn't have it easy, as in she doesn't coast through or do busy-work.

What do you have to buy?

We purchase paper, pencils, pens, art supplies, spiral books, and binders. We purchase storage solutions. We purchase her desk and computer. (The desk and computer are generally one-time deals unless it's time to upgrade...and this year, it is! Her current PC is four years old and we'll be adding memory as well as a better monitor and updating/optimizing the operating system.)

Doesn't she miss being with other kids?

No. One, she isn't without company. She has several very close friends. Her little circle isn't really all that little. (I'm usually cool with this but at birthday time, it gets hinky--trying to remember all those invites, SHEESH.)

Is it really that beneficial?

Yes. For us, anyway. Because of our own schedules, we have the freedom to just up and go. Our daughter gets to enjoy that same freedom. She has done her class work in the library in New York City. She's studied while looking out over Washington DC. She has even visited some of the sites mentioned in her American Story lessons. Reading is absolutely great but seeing those sites in person? Yeah...pretty beneficial if you ask me.

The ever-snide, "I wish I had time to homeschool."

This one fires me up, so here we go! I wish other parents had less time to judge or assume about what we do! Our daughter is homeschooled because that's what's best for her. Will that change? Maybe! Maybe not. Right now we work diligently to provide the income base and family structure so that I can do this for her. I wasn't magically given the time--I made it by moving my own schedule around and even giving up a few things in order to devote those hours to her.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong NOT homeschooling. I'm saying there's something very wrong with trying to shade or even guilt those of us who have aligned and adjusted our lives so that we are able to.

Why not let her skip that grade?

She doesn't want to.

Why does she get that decision?

Her academic success is for and about her. If she does not currently feel comfortable being thrown into a class of older kids with already-established friendships and bonds, I see no reason to force her. It'd do more harm than good. She wants to be with kids her own age. There's no college competition brewing at the moment--she's fine. A

Early graduation is still a wonderful thing, and a very real possibility for her, as is dual enrollment when she is old enough. For now, we aren't skipping anything.

We have talked at length to her, as well as among ourselves (with her teachers and counselors) and the consensus is, it's her choice. We adjusted her work to be more challenging, and she is happy. Happy and successful don't always go hand in hand in life. She has that right now, and we're not going to shake it just so we can ship her off to the next challenge.

...that was a whole mouthful!

I hope this sheds some light on what it's really like. Maybe seeing our journey will inspire yours! I'll be talking about it more in depth as August approaches. Stay tuned over on Instagram for photos of our work space, as well as some DIY tips here on the blog!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Open Letter to The "Just Wait" Crowd

Namastè!

I'm annoyed this morning. I haven't had my coffee and I'm not feeling so great...and I just got hit 3 times by the Just Wait Crew. Augh!

For the uninitiated, the "just wait" crew hangs around social circles just like normal, average people. They have a magic superpower though--the ability to make you fear what's to come. (If you let them, anyway.) 

Examples? Pregnant mom is uncomfortable in her early stages and voices that discomfort. The Crew swoops in. Just wait until you reach *insert farther week, with bigger discomfort*

Toddler mom is experiencing a new toddler thing that her sweet baby wasn't doing before. Oh, just wait until *insert another, possibly more annoying toddler behavior*

Dear Just Wait Crew,

Salutations!

As politely as I can, I must tell you--SHUT UP.

When a mom is uncomfortable in her pregnancy or having a hard day with symptoms, your "just wait" is plain rude.

When a toddler is going through a phase that wears on his or her parents, your "just wait" is really not warranted.

When a parent is experiencing something new, unexpected, or unplanned for (and honestly, what about this isn't new, unexpected, or unplanned for?!), your "just wait" is really not needed.

Are you sensing a trend here, one-upper?

Are you beginning to see how your "just wait" does nothing to soothe the current fray but (for some) can do everything to undo whatever confidence they have that it does get easier?

What do you get out of it? Is there some benefit to being a harbinger of doom? Is it fun being a dark cloud?

The root of my aggravation with you? I will happily expound. You are a dark cloud. You rain on parades that are not necessarily happening. Do you really think that things have to be your level of uncomfortable/unnerving/etc before people are allowed to speak on them?

When a kid has a tantrum and mom or dad is slightly undone, exactly what do you gain by telling them "just wait til they do it worse?"

What if they don't?  What if they never ever tantrum to that level again, and they never get worse? Would that disappoint you?

I have a suggestion for you "just wait" types.

When a parent, or human in general, is speaking on something they're experiencing and you feel that tingle to chime in like you so often do?

JUST WAIT.

Just wait until you're not trying to win the one-up contest. Just wait until you realize there IS no one-up contest. Just wait...

Until you're NOT trying to steal spotlights people haven't even turned on yet

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Homeschool: Knocking Out Another Year!

Namastè!

Ah, it's almost August. I'm glad, but mainly because I have really big ideas for my daughter's classroom this year.

No, I'm not commandeering the Feng shui of some unsuspecting teacher's space. We are a very proud homeschool family, and it's about that time of year to set up her work space. This is our first time making an actual class space in Castle Namastè, as we just moved here in December.

I'm so jazzed. So is Princess Namastè.

Desk!

Of course any class space needs a desk. Hers will have space to write, as well as room for her computer. Her chair will be comfortable enough to sit for a couple spells...but maybe not so cozy that she sleeps there. We think a corner desk is best, because that allows some space for her to stretch between lessons. Given our planned spot, she'll also get some good sunlight while she studies.

Organization...

I am big on organization. I dislike clutter, and I feel like it kind of takes away from the learning environment when things aren't in their proper place. To that end, I'll be providing some shelving and storage solutions. My sweet little princess is allowed to customize within reason, but nothing distracting.

The shelving unit will hold her books and binders. I will get some bins (coordinated to her chosen design scheme) to hold pencils, pens, and smaller necessities. When a student's supplies are organized and within reach, the learning goes smoother. Organizing is key to success for us especially, as Princess Namastè is sometimes distracted if she doesn't have a clear work space. She got that honest.

Style!

Because I want her to be as content as possible, I allow my little Bug to customers and design her space. She chooses the colors and textures, as well as the layout. I'm perfectly fine with the music notes and Bollywood theme we will be doing this year--it encompasses two things she loves and adds some personality to her learning space.

Learning materials?

Yes! I will be helping my princess design her charts this year. We go all out! We have a chart for basic stuff like multiplication refresher and the metrics chart, as well as her weekly goals. It is truly a classroom...it just happens to be at our house.

Class'ogram!

This is a big deal for us. The Class'ogram is our weekly telegram. I put all the lessons from her scheduler in there. (While our schooling is online, I still maintain as much hands-on, hard copy as possible.) The Class'ogram is our guide to the week. Everything of import goes in there, from class assignments to enrichment assignments to appointments! It outlines all the expectations and goals we've got, along with the objectives and learning goals. We also include a weekly empowerment quote and journal assignments centered around a character education objective. I even teach my baby about credit! I am so serious with this thing, y'all.

The Class'ogram also teaches my princess responsibility. She receives one copy at the beginning of the week, typically Sunday night before bed but no later than 8.30 Monday morning. (We begin lessons at 9.) If she loses that copy, she must pony up a quarter for a reprint. Since she does not receive an electronic copy of the Class'ogram, she is required to handle her copy with care.

Note: Let go of your pearls. The quarters for lost copies (which are few and far in between) go directly toward supplies for her. She's being taught responsibility and acountability, and that is something people twice her age often lack. We are strict about it, but the discipline she receives now is molding her into an even more awesome young lady.

The Schedule...

Our school day begins promptly at 9 am. We are typically done by 2 pm, but we give our princess until 5 pm to have all her assignments for the day done and her work area cleaned. We loosely follow what she would be doing in brick and mortar, but because we are home we can customize the time frame for each lesson based on how difficult it is, and allow more time for new concepts. We generally wrap our days up around the time kids in brick and mortar get out of school.

Socializing?! How?!

Princess Namastè is very social, actually. Contrary to popular yet misinformed belief, homeschool does not equal shut in, awkward, or uncultured. Due to our work, she has friends all over Georgia. I host a co-op for homeschool families in our area, and she has formed friendships with some of those kids. She also has (limited) social media, so she is able to interact and correspond with our family, which reaches from here in the US all the way to India and Sri Lanka.

It is not really difficult to provide her with social interaction. She's involved in a few activities and she is the kind of kids who just makes friends very easily. She's reserved like her mother,  so her dance cats never gets to full. She likes tone with her friends but also likes time with herself.

Sooooo...that's how we get ourselves situated each school term. It's fun and exciting. It's a lot of work but so worth it.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡