Don’t Be A Wimp Of A Parent!

You know when you’re 17 years old and you have the teenage angst that allows you to fool yourself into thinking that when YOU become a parent you’ll be so much cooler than your parents, and your kids will like you SO much better than you like yours? C’mon, I wasn’t the only one thinking I’d be the fun mom, the hipster mom, the mom with kids who were her bff…

Well, maybe I was. Then I became a parent. Turned out I had completely different ideas on how to raise my kids now that I was an “adult”. I was a stay at home mom. I was completely hands on.  I started getting new ideas on how to parent my kids.

First, I’d have to credit my faith as to changing my way of thinking and second, when I went through Growing Kids God’s Way I had an even more intentional way of parenting.

When my girls were young, I had a fabulous roommate who had 4 girls! She was a single mom doing an amazing job. She and I had differing opinions on what would happen to our kids in the future. I felt that we, as parents, were in control of our kids lives and how they were raised so that when they were gone from our home, they’d still have the same core values and stick to them. I think she felt that once her kids left, they’d do what they pleased any how. She did raise them with strong values, don’t get me wrong! It was just this one discussion that she and I had about how our girls dressed that always stuck with me.

Of course, that’s true, when we become adults and leave home, we get to make our own decisions. Well, even as you grow older (while at home) you make many of your own decisions. I just really feel that if we train up/teach our kids our core values, that they will take those values and add to them as adults on their own.

Soap box ahead…It was important for me to teach all of my kids how to dress appropriately and why. Girls, if you let your cleavage show, boys and men are going to look. And if you’re a 10 yr old girl, I’m talking to you. Men, grown men as old as your dad, will even look at you “in that way”. We live in a perverse society. Parents, if you allow your daughters to dress that way, I believe you’re encouraging her that sex sells and to show off her “attributes”. As a mom of 2 boys, I don’t appreciate that because it will be extremely hard for my boys to NOT look at what’s available to them. We as parents do not HAVE to buy things that aren’t modest. Nothing wrong with letting our girls be girls! YOU have control of that as the parent. If you say you don’t, then don’t come crying to me when your daughter is being felt up at 14 and “going all the way” at 15. One thing leads to another as we all know.

Parents of boys, you let your kids play violent games, watch movies that aren’t age appropriate, and listen to music that degrades women, promotes sex, and is full of swearing? What do you think the results of those options will be? C’mon, let’s be real here. Your 11 year old son, playing games that are rated M for Mature (17 yrs old), watching R rated movies, or listening to music that comes with warning labels? You’re promoting what…in your kid? Oh, because they’re going to listen to it, watch it, or play it with their friends you may as well jump on the bandwagon and let them join in?! Are you KIDDIN G me? Ugh, that is the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard. Coming up with excuses to allow all of the negative into their lives doesn’t pass the mustard with me.

I’ve navigated the waters with boys and girls. My girls didn’t listen to Britney Spears back in the day, or dress like they were available to any dude that came along, or watch movies like American Pie. My boys don’t go see movies like Twilight or listen to music from Rihanna, or play games like Assassin’s Creed. Those genres just aren’t part of who I want my kids to grow up to be or emulate.

If I were to let them watch those kinds of movies, listen to that kind of music, or play those kinds of games, simply because I felt that I had no control over their lives as their parent, then what’s the point of parenting them?! It’s such a freaking copout! “Well, they’re going to do it anyhow” is the dumbest thing a parent could say. Do you have that little concern over who your kids are becoming that you would just turn a blind eye or hand them the reigns when they’re not ready for it? A 10 yr old playing games rated for someone 7 yrs older? Do you see what I’m getting at? A 14 yr old boy watching a movie filled with an 18 yr old chick giving it up to more than one guy? Ooooook

I talked to all of my kids about WHY I didn’t want them being involved in any of that crap. Giving them my reasons why made it so much easier to swallow. I didn’t just say, “because I said so” or “because”. We had discussions. They’re old enough to ask about any of it, they’re old enough to hear why I didn’t want it for them.

Listen, I’m not saying that individually each of those things are completely unacceptable. I don’t want ANY of it in my home, but I’m saying it all works together…against your kid and family dynamics. I’m saying that as parents, we DO have control. And I don’t mean the kind of control that doesn’t allow your kid to grow, explore, and experience life. I’m saying we as parents are supposed to be the ones helping them with those positive choices, giving them acceptable alternatives, learning that they don’t HAVE to do what everyone else is doing.

Yes, my views are conservative and you don’t have to do the same as me, but what I think you have to remember is that you’re the head of the home until your kids leave the nest. They’re your responsibility, one that should have you considering the ramifications of being hands off or such a wimp that they make poor decisions. The world will have to deal with your kids after they leave your home. Wouldn’t you want them to be a positive addition to it?

What ways do you teach your kids to live positively?

Tailgate Bash Event Blogger Sign Ups!

CALLING ALL BLOGGERS! 2014 Tailgate Bash Event Sign Up Is NOW OPEN!!!

It's FOOTBALL season!

Actually, we are nearing the end of Football Season, and that means just one thing! The BIG GAME - The Super Bowl!! Coping With Frugality, Joy Of Momma Joyner, and Woven By Words have teamed up to bring a SUPER fun event to help celebrate!

EVENT DETAILS:

Dates: January 6-20

Price: FREE! You will get ONE LINK for free! You have the option to buy more links for $3 each.

*You can post about the event sign up to be entered into a $10USD PayPal Drawing, but this is completely optional! Everyone who posts, is entered into this drawing!

*The blogger that refers the most people to participate will receive $20USD PayPal, so help spread the word! Prize: Amanda, Courtney, and Mimi are gathering up a great prize package for ONE WINNER Your Part: We will send you HTML to post and have running during the event dates. It will include all the information about the prizes and the entry form. All you have to do is post! Hashtag: #TailgateBash

To sign up:

• Please fill out the form below

• Grab the button and place it in your side bar so your readers know it's coming.
  
  <center> <a href="http://wovenbywords.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Woven by Words" src=" http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/bigguysmama/TailgateBashEvent-1.jpg " /></a></center>
• Help promote! #TailgateBash

Let's Make This HUGE! Celebrate The Super Bowl!

*Feel free to use the information in this blog post in your own posts about this event!*

Are you a company or brand looking to participate? Contact Amanda at amanda@copingwithfrugality.com or Courtney at joyofmommajoyner@gmail.com or Mimi at mnjesusfreak@gmail.com to discuss joining us.

Four Fashion-forward Carmex patterns Giveaway

I love lip balm. I’ve always got at least one, if not more, in my purse or in my car. Usually it’s just a stick that doesn’t stand out or say anything about my personality. Then comes along Carmex and they make some really cute fashion-forward lip balms.

They have the Limited Edition Collection that features the same Moisture Plus lip balm Carmex fans have come to love, with its high-shine finish, ultra-moisturizing formula, and SPF 15 sun protection. There’s even a fun Uniquely You Personality Quiz that you can take to see which will tell you the lip balm design that fits you best. Here’s the results of my quiz:

I think my style would go between Whimsical and Fab. Then again, that’s just my opinion. =) I love gifting lip balms as well, so these are making their way into my daughters’ Christmas stockings. I’m guessing as to what their personalities are.

Now you have the opportunity to win a set of the Limited Edition Collection. You want to be sure to keep your pucker moisturized through the winter! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buddy Looking At Getting His First Mobile Phone #APlusPlan #shop

This is totally going to be a proud mom post, and hopefully you’ll be ok with it. Because he’s been doing so well in school, we’re looking at him getting a student mobile plan. He already carries around a mobile phone in school, but as Fred mentioned the other day to me, students will more and more be using smartphones in every day life.

So, let me explain how I became a proud mom in this area. Buddy has struggled in school pretty much from the start. He’s a great student and very well liked, he just had a hard time because of his ADD. He started meds in middle school, but they didn’t seem to do much. Then we moved. The school in Virginia was about a year behind and it helped him feel smart and confident! He knew what was going on!

Now, in Maryland, he’s had the best first quarter…EVER! He’s not a fan of going to school, but he’s excelling! And he’s a freshman in a high school, where he started the year with no friends. All A’s and B’s! Can you see why I’m a proud mom?

We were going to the mall this past week to see a movie, and since we were at the mall, I figured it was a great opportunity to check out the Sprint My Way promotion at the Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store. I’d heard about the program and having 4 kids, it’s an option that’s pretty hard to not want to take a deeper look.

As soon as I told Buddy we would go look at smartphones, he was pretty stoked! One of the phones we looked at was the Samsung GS4 Mini. My mom has the Galaxy 3 and dad has the 4! We talked with the store manager and if we bought the phone at full price ($349.99) Buddy would get FREE talk, text and data (up to 1GB) for 12 months! Knowing this boy, I’d have to go unlimited for him and heck, that would only be $10/mo! Better than what I already pay!

Of course, he thinks this is the best thing…eh-ver! And truly, I can’t argue with how amazing the plan is and that he really deserves something like this for all of the hard work he’s put in the past year! We’ll have to decide on whether or not this is what we’ll get because the promotion ends on January 4th. Thankfully we have until the new year to figure it out. He has literally asked me every single day when we’re going back for his phone. lol

The good part about the Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store being in the mall is that we go there enough for other shopping and the movies. Makes it easier to do one trip for everything than going from one place to the next. I also like that it’s a store where you can get personalized attention because it’s such a small store. Ugh, and have I mentioned, I still have Christmas shopping to do? I’ll probably go back in and look a bit closer at the phone options.

So, like I said at the beginning, Buddy has put a lot of hard work into this school year and I’m really proud of him. I can tell he is going to keep up the hard work because he wants to keep having the opportunity to tell people how great his grades are. lol

How do you reward your kids for their hard work?

Angry Birds Go! Jenga Pirate Pig Attack Game Giveaway

My boys happen to be fans of very specific things. I have a feeling we’re going to have a game shelf devoted to Angry Birds! I may even end up with a phone screen full of Angry Bird game apps! Ah my boys.

Their latest Angry Bird game addition is the Angry Birds Go! Jenga Pirate Pig Attack Game. It coincides with the new Angry Birds Go! app that just came out December 11th. I have to say, my boys have been bored with the app selections they have so a new Angry Bird game came at just the right time!

Doodle put the Jenga together. It was a bit tricky, but after a few tries and some help from mom, he got the frame of the boat on the base. We thought we were missing a piece, but we weren’t. He got the flags up and got ready to start the attacking!

This was a pretty funny game. The boys had to figure out how far to have the car back and how to shoot them just right! They’ve actually preferred playing by themselves to see how many tries it takes for each of them to destroy the entire ship! Like any boy, they just love watching the ship get destroyed!

They can rearrange the pigs to make them a bit harder to earn points when playing against each other. They can also move the flags around to give the point chasing a bit more variety. Nothing like a healthy dose of competition, right?

Hooray that you have the chance to win the game! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Tree

Yesterday Fred got his tree out and his small box of ornaments and the kids decorated the tree. Sometimes it surprises me how simply bachelors live. hahahaha I have a closet full of Christmas ornaments and decorations! Kgirl and Mboy picked up ornaments while we were out after church on Sunday and Kgirl helped us find our First Ornament!



Be sure to visit Full Time Mama and her WW post!

Indie Author Kindle Paperwhite Giveaway

I wish I had more time to fill my need to read book, but I always seem to be so busy these days! A Kindle Paperwhite sure would come in handy for on-the-go reading!

I’m so excited to partner with a group of bloggers to give you the opportunity to win one! Check out these Indie Book Gift ideas and then enter to win!

The Best in Indie Book Gifts

Horns of the Devil by Marc Rainer

The second book in the Jeff Trask crime/legal thriller series, a series hailed for its realism by those in the law enforcement career field, Horns of the Devil is the story of the havoc wreaked upon the nation's capital city by a drug gang turf war. As one career prosecutor wrote, "As a long-time prosecutor, I continue to be astounded by Rainer's perfect pitch for police/prosecutor dialogue. Outstanding Read! Rainer is way ahead of his contemporaries in this genre."

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) $9.45 (Paperback) via Amazon

For: Thriller Fans

Palmetto Review Take:  Nonstop legal and procedural crime novel that’s rich with detail and suspense.

More: Embed clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV5P2awy__g) Fan Marc Rainer

Too Quiet In Brooklyn: A Fina Fitzgibbons Mystery by Susan Russo Anderson

Twenty-two-year-old Fina Fitzgibbons stumbles upon a throttled woman in the heart of Brooklyn Heights and discovers that the dead woman’s four-year-old grandson is also missing. She begins a wild hunt for the strangler-kidnapper, Ralph. During the chase, she resists falling in love with her boyfriend, Denny, an NYPD patrol officer, steps on the toes of Detective First Grade Jane Templeton, and uncovers secrets about her own past. In the end, Ralph has a deadly surprise for Fina.

Price: $.99 (Pre-order) $3.99 (After 12/20/2013) via Smashwords

For: New Adult

Palmetto Review Take: Crime, passion, and New York City - count us in!

More: Follow @susanrussoander Fan Susan Visit her via her Website and on Amazon

Tug of War by Ross Collier

An action packed, tension filled espionage thriller set in Melbourne, Australia during WW2, based on actual events between the US forces and the Australians.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) $16.95 (Paperback) via Amazon, B&N, and iTunes

For: Fans of Thrillers and Espionage

Palmetto Review Take: A fresh plot line to enjoy as you follow the political intrigue down under in this historical look at the relations between two seemingly cozy nations as friction emerges.

More: Follow @CollierRoss Visit Collier’s Website

Night Chill by Jeff Gunhus

For fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz -- Enjoy a creepy supernatural thriller with over 100 Five Star Amazon Reviews.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) $12.78 (Paperback) via Amazon and Audible (12/20/2013)

For: Adult Supernatural Thriller and Horror Fans

Palmetto Review Take: One of the most highly rated books we’ve reviewed, read at your own risk of being frightened half to death.

More: Follow @jtmonsterhunter Fan Jack Templar Visit The Author’s Website

The Jack Templar Monster Hunter Series - Books 1-3 by Jeff Gunhus

A new series for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

Price: $.99 (Kindle) $9.79 (Paperback) via Amazon, B&N, and Audible (12/20/2013)

For: Middle Grade and YA

Palmetto Review Take: Ignite your imagination with this trio of supernatural books focused on monsters, mystery, and mythical adventure.

More: Embed clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNeq99GVzVE) Follow @jtmonsterhunter Fan Jack Templar Visit The Author’s Website

Vengeance Out of the Shadows by David Peretz

In the third thriller to feature Ross Cortese, NYPD, the detective contends with both a killer targeting landlords and a Russian assassin out for retribution. Kirkus Review described it as "a seamless blending of stories and first-rate characterizations."

Price: $4.99 (Kindle) $11.25 (Paperback) via Amazon and B&N

For: Suspense, Romance, and Thriller Fans

Palmetto Review Take: Indie Must-Read Book of Summer Winner as voted on by everyday readers. 

More: Embed clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpYLmI7xIyk) Visit NYPD Crime Novels and Fan on Facebook

Lunch with Lucille by Annarose Ingarra-Milch

Readers can expect to be inspired and entertained as “Lunch with Lucille” whips up a delightful dish of hope and optimism, served by a fun-loving, sassy, female character who shares a message all women need to hear – you are your best asset, at any age. Voted overwhelming the Buzzworthy Book of Summer, “LwL” overflows with nourishing wisdom and humor as you are treated to simple, practical solutions to some prickly issues such as aging, confidence, self image, and achievement. This fast-paced novella is thought provoking and leaves you hungry for the next course.

Price: $4.99 (Kindle) $13.13 (Paperback) via Amazon and B&N

For: Women

Palmetto Review Take: A perfect gift for any woman in need of Inspiration.

More: Embed clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMDD-X1X-Xg) Visit Facebook, Author Website, iTunes Podcast, WFMZ TV, Berks County Living Story, BCTV

Tall, Dark, and Handsome and Other Devotionals by Christopher Hall

A collection of Christian devotionals based on one man’s life experiences. “This book makes you think! It is funny, uplifting and a down to earth view of Christianity. We all have those bad days at work that make you wonder if it is it all worth it. Chris Hall takes a bad day and redirects it to a lesson in Christ... I highly recommend this book to all my friends.” Karen Brooks-Rochelle

Price: $5.99 (Kindle) $11.57 (Paperback) via Amazon

For: Anyone interested in uplifting stories related to Christian Living

Palmetto Review Take: Deepen your walk in faith, or take your first step to finding it with this inspirational book rooted in the real world, and written for you to discover the next.

More: Fan the author on Facebook

At The Gates of Walhalla By Justen Forge

Suspense, intrigue, and action. A page turner that makes you feel like you're in the scenes. This novel sets itself apart with its vivid writing and top notch storytelling. Perfectly priced so you can give this to all the readers on your Christmas shopping list.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) via Amazon, Sony, iTunes, B&N, and $21.99 (Paperback)  McNally Robinson

For: Thriller & Mystery Fans

Palmetto Review Take: After a horrific series of events a hero emerges to set wrongs right in spellbinding detail.

More: Embed video clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiDlihGXyOY) Visit the Author’s Website

Liberty's Torch (Dystopia Trilogy Book 3) by Janet McNulty

Expect excitement action, and to learn the meaning of true sacrifice. All it takes is one spark to ignite Liberty's Torch.

Price: $2.99 (Kindle) via Amazon

For: YA, Teens, Dystopian Genre Fans, Those Who Like Strong Female Characters

Palmetto Review Take: Like Hunger Games and Divergent, this dystopian drama is both entertaining and plausible.

More: Embed video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-CJb-hrRV8&feature=youtu.be) Fan on Facebook, follow @JMRUL, visit the author’s Website

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Very Lucky Reader Will Win a Kindle Paperwhite prize package complete with:

• Kindle Paperwhite
• $50 Amazon Gift Card
• One copy of each book included in the holiday gift guide

To enter, just complete the options included below on the GiveawayTools form. Be sure to come back each day for additional entries, such as daily tweets! This giveaway is open to US Readers, 18+ years of age, begins Monday, December 16th and will end on Tuesday, December 31st at 11:59pm. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Prizes will be provided by Children Teaching Mama and Reader Spoils.