A powerful partnership

If you’ve been listening to Coffee with Susan and Friends on blogtalk radio (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanjsohn), I’m sure you’ve heard conversations about keeping kids safe. Not having my own children yet, my take on these discussions would be quite different from many of you, although I do care greatly about this issue. As someone who works with children and families, I understand the amazing partnership between parents and childcare workers.

I remember an incident that happened when I was in Grade 6 which showed this partnership in action.

There was a student in another Grade 6 class who would bring Tylenol with her to school and distribute it to other students during recess. The students who took the Tylenol didn't have any aches or pains, they took it just for the sake of it.

A bit confused (I had trouble swallowing pills as a young girl), I talked to my mum about this. As a concerned parent, she naturally (or maybe not so naturally) contacted the school so that the Grade 6 teachers were aware of what was going on in the playground.

Within a few days, all the Grade 6 children were crammed into a room with the school nurse who proceeded to tell us about the dangers of taking medication – when it’s needed, when it’s not needed, the possible side effects and so on.

Soon after this meeting, the "Tylenol dealing" came to an end.

A little while ago, my husband and I had a run-in with a young man who was telling us about watching inappropriate movies for someone his age (or any age in my personal opinion). At first we were both uncomfortable with how to deal with this. Were his parents allowing him to watch these films? Should we ask at the risk of seeming judgmental, or would our concern be welcome?

Thankfully, this mother came to us asking if her son had mentioned anything. We then proceeded to say that he had. It came as such a relief to her to know that we were concerned as well. Together, we came up with a plan on how to discourage this young man from watching these shows in a diplomatic, yet very serious manner.

I think parents often feel they are alone in educating their children how to be "street wise" and how to make wise decisions. This is quite unfortunate because of all the resources available through schools and other places where extra-curricular activities happen.

Let it be known that I personally believe in these partnerships as I have seen a very positive outcome. If you are a parent, I would encourage you to spend time voicing your concerns to your children's teachers/childcare workers etc. Together the two are capable of shaping incredible young people.

Love you loads!
~cj

Won’t you be my neighbour?

I remember watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when I was young. He would always sing a song asking me (and all the other children viewing his show) to be his neighbour. After watching each 30-minute episode, I'd plan ways in my head to become a neighbour to someone so kind and friendly ...

Although I've never been Mr Rogers’ neighbour, I most certainly have lived in communities with people much like him – people who genuinely care about those in their communities. That's the kind of neighbour I aspire to be.

I live in a small town just minutes from the city I grew up in. It's quite incredible the difference a smaller centre can make in bringing neighbours together.

There's a bakery in my town that has the most delicious pastries ever! It's locally owned and it seems like there's always a vehicle parked out front picking up a loaf of freshly baked bread, or goodies to take home and share with the family.

There's also a gas station just as you enter our town. It's one of the few “Full Service” stations in our area. There always seems to be teenage boys standing about waiting for the next customer to roll up and proclaim "fill 'er up".

In this economic crisis, it’s quite evident that people are tightening their belts, including my husband and I. I have become quite the sale shopper and spend time going through flyers looking for the best deals on the goods needed in our home. However, one place that we refuse to cut costs is when it comes to supporting our local businesses.

Sure, I could buy bread at the grocery store for a more inexpensive price. And I could fill up my car with gas at a station that's self serve and spend less.

But then, what kind of neighbour am I being?

If I fail to be a good neighbour and support those who invest so much of their time into making my town better, I'm not only tightening my belt, but I'm also becoming stingy. This economic crisis is no doubt affecting the small businesses in my community, I would hate to be a contributing factor to businesses closing and my neighbours moving away.

I want to be known as someone who lives generously. I want to contribute to a community that lives generously.

I want to be like Mr Rogers.

CJ

You reap what you sow

We’ve all heard that line at some point in our lives. Perhaps you heard it from your mother, warning you as she sent you off to school after hearing about incidents of a child being teased in your class. Or maybe you heard it in reference as to why someone’s marriage has failed. Or it could be that you heard it as a good deed was done for you after you willingly helped someone else. Sometimes this phrase has negative connotations, and sometimes positive. But whatever the situation, this is one of those lines that, more often than not, tends to be true.

I’ve recently witnessed this to be so in my own life. A couple of weeks ago my paternal grandma passed away. It was rather sudden, and came as a shock to many of us (that could be a blog all of its own!). As we grieve our loss, my family has been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we have received from those around us.

From the meals, to the flowers, to the cards, to the emails and Facebook messages, to the phone calls … it has touched our hearts and lives and helped us realize what a great community we live in.

The other day, as my dad was on the phone going over the details of the funeral, the person on the other end of the line commented on the overwhelming response we’ve received. He simply said: “Rick, this is your time to reap what you’ve sown.” How profound …

Many people in my parents’ world know that when in crisis, Rick and Cindy are the people to call. Whatever your need is, they’re always prepared to drop everything and come to your aid. From meals, to helping with renovations, to babysitting and picking up and dropping off kids, to helping with moving … you name it, they’ll do it. But they aren’t the only ones, my in-laws would have the same reputation. And so, as it’s in our DNA, my husband and I are the same. The families of those on thefamilyroom team, and others in my life, are the same as well.

But why do we do what we do? Is it because we want to stock up for when our time of need comes? Absolutely not! Rather it’s because we know the value of family and community.

We know the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one.
We know the trouble that comes with undergoing surgery and spending weeks in recovery.
We know the hassle and chaos that come with a big move.
We know that every once in a while a mom needs some time to herself.
We also know that there’s nothing like overcoming. And that’s why we do what we do. To help overcome. To be the support and encouragement that true friends and family are meant to be.

And so my challenge to you - as part of the greater familyroom network, no matter where in the world you are reading this blog - begin sowing something wonderful into the lives of those around you. Help those who have sown into your life reap what’s being deposited in you.

As all farmers know, in due time you will reap a harvest.

Love you and believe in you,
~cj
xoxox