https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html 0 All New Blogs @ JosephMichael.coach Contact Joe Van Deuren Bio Thank you for checking out Balanced Life Skills Parenting, Educators & Dog Training – Follow the same strategies for success How to help a bossy child 3 Steps to get past the fear of not being enough Dig for this treasure – find a fulfilling life! Angst the Movie: a review and some thoughts Balanced: A Blog Blog Gift of Character: Strength – The Definition How does empathy effect integrity to values? 3 Questions About Authenticity That Influence Your Children 4 Important Facts About Promises Kids Need to Know 3 reasons keeping promises is important 7 simple steps to teaching children integrity 3 Facts You Need to Know About child behavior problems Gifts of Character: Integrity – The Definition How does accountability show optimism? Defining Optimism for our children Gifts of Character: Optimism – The Definition The benefits of kindness for provider and recipient Thoughtfulness gives opportunity for random acts of kindness Practice kindness: look for ways to help others Gifts of Character: Kindness – The Definition Self-reliance and when to ask for help How to make self-reliant kids The number one rule to build self-reliance in kids What is self-reliance and how can our kids learn it Loyalty is faithfulness, integrity and trustworthiness Should I keep a secret? Teaching children about secrets The practice of loyalty is shown in multiple ways Loyalty to aging parents sets example for our children Gifts of Character: Self-Reliance – The Definition Gifts of Character: Loyalty – The Definition Stop Shaming Procrastination – Develop your virtues Setting goals or intentions in the new year Learning to respect others who are different than ourselves Life Skill: Goal-Setting – The Definition Children can learn to respect property and surroundings Learn to show respect for yourself Establishing respect as an important virtue in family Gifts of Character: Respect – The definition How to hold a child accountable How children learn responsibility Teaching responsibility is R.A.D. Gifts of Character: Responsibility – The Definition How to practice fairness and accountability Bringing out fairness in our children Fairness begins with personal integrity Gifts of Character: Fairness – The Definition You are a leader, like it or not – What kind will you be? Leadership is the opposite of Bossy even with children Gifts of Character: Leadership – The Definition How to deepen your capacity for compassion Learn compassion for self and others Strengthening our empathy and compassion Compassion can be learned by adults and children The Physiology and Psychology of Resilience Gifts of Character: Compassion – The Definition 4 Steps To Coach Our Children To Have Resilience Resilience – we have a choice of what we believe Gifts of Character: Resilience – The Definition Skills, Failures, Learning and Success Builds Confidence in Children and Adults The can and can’t of success Confidence comes from taking risks and trying new things Teaching confidence and what it looks like to our children Gifts of Character: Confidence – The Definition How we deal with frustration in competitions affects our children Following the rules is good sportsmanship Sportsmanship begins with how we think about success Gifts of Character: Sportsmanship – The Definition Be generous with your gratitude Generosity – The spirit of giving Generosity – Sharing the gift of time The difference between generosity and charity? Gifts of Character: Generosity – The Definition Using empathy to help with feelings of anger Gifts of Character: Empathy – The Definition Developing empathy in a social media world Reading, Understanding & Responding with Empathy Gifts of Character – Impulse Control Life Skills: Anger Management – The Definition What makes us angry and where do you feel it? Calming ourselves when feeling angry – Part 1 Unlock peace with these two common beliefs Teaching children the value of meeting new people The truth about open-mindedness and finding balance The value of open-mindedness in a diverse world Gifts of Character: Open-mindedness – The Definition Teaching children not to make up excuses! Doing our part in an inter-dependent world If you do not say “I promise” is it a promise? How our dependability affects children Gifts of Character: Dependability – The Definition Melt frustrations, train yourself to focus How to get your focus back on task Focus – How to block out distractions Focus vs. Multitasking – Are we as good as we think? Gifts of Character: Focus – The Definition How to choose a positive attitude Can you pick out a negative attitude? Thoughts = Feelings = Attitude Our positive attitude helps children believe in themselves Life Skills: Positive Attitude – The Definition Connecting gratitude and charity in the family Practice charity – Lower your likelihood of dying Teaching children helpfulness is a boost to their self-esteem How the Talents of Children Are Used To Teach Charity Teaching children charity is not just about money! Share our treasures to serve others Gifts of Character: Charity – The Definition Determination is time and effort resulting in success Determination begins with the growth mindset Goal setting and determination for children What Gives Determination To Succeed? Gifts of Character: Determination – The Definition 7 Strategies To Practice Cooperation At Home The one skill we need to get cooperation The Three Skills of Cooperation Practicing cooperation in life Three questions to ask to develop patience Gifts of Character: Cooperation – The Definition Appreciating the patience of others Impatience – Selfish or Unhappiness? Patience – Is the world waiting or are we waiting? Gifts of Character: Patience – The Definition Bully Prevention and the Virtue of Thoughtfulness Having manners or Being mannerly? Teaching manners to our children – Part Three Teaching Children Empathy with Manners Teaching Children Good Manners In Our Culture Gifts of Character: Manners – The Definition Honesty Virtue Video Are there times when honesty is not the right thing to do? Being dishonest creates a calloused conscious. Honesty in School – Stop the Cheating! When children are not honest – Am I a bad parent? Gifts of Character: Honesty – The Definition Showing we value our friends What does loyalty look like in friendships? Friendship requires strong communication skills What virtues do you look for in a friend? Gifts of Character: Friendship – The Definition Initiative leads to internal rewards – based on virtues Dreams – Goals and 5 momentum stoppers Helping children learn to take the initiative Taking initiative – first get past fear Gifts of Character: Initiative – The Definition Giving children care and attention to build dignity Take a pause for the sake of dignity 3 step compliments to build dignity in others Listening and Fairness – The Foundation of Dignity 3 Ways to Practice Showing Others They Matter Dignity: showing that we matter to ourself Gifts of Character: Dignity – The Definition Good citizenship and blessing others Our personal responsibility in citizenship Helping children be good citizens in their community The Citizenship of Susan B. Anthony & Others Answering the question: Is there an opposite of anger? Three rules of showing good citizenship Gifts of Character: Citizenship – The Definition Your child can learn to manage their anger! Discipline in your most important team – Family What will help to practice discipline? The results of discipline / lack of discipline – not immediate Rewarding the practice of discipline The “I Rules” of Self Discipline The What, Will, Won’t of Discipline Gifts of Character: Discipline – The Definition Extreme Violence Is About More Than Guns & Mental Illness Black Belt Test 2015 Avoiding retaliation with courage Develop Courage in Children to Attempt New Activities Black Belt Candidate Support Suicide Prevention Gifts of Character: Courage – The Definition Setting the example of courtesy in the home Does bias get in the way of courtesy? Courtesy requires manners for all generations Helping children be more courteous in the family Pre-School Enrichment Program teaches respect Gifts of Character: Courtesy – The Definition The Perseverance Circle to Success Helping children succeed through perseverance Perseverance to Achieve Success Gift of Character: Perseverance – The Definition The Biggest Trust Questions Decide ahead of time: I will not cheat or steal Self reported cheating statistics by students going down Teaching children when to keep or tell a secret When your child lies to you – what do you do? The results of losing trustworthiness Life Skills: Trustworthiness – The Definition 3 Characteristics That Defines Teamwork Family is our most important team Have you been robbed of Gratitude? Gratitude or taken for granted? Life Skills: Gratitude – The Definition Health – mental and physical equally important Health is a matter of choices Time travel – what will health allow you to do? Life Skills: Health – The Definition 2 Questions To Guide Our Loyalty Decisions What to teach children about keeping secrets How to choose safe, healthy relationships: the role of loyalty What if you are loyal – but your friend is not loyal? Practice loyalty with family members first Life Skills: Loyalty – The Definition Choose the character traits you want for your child the most Action with Vision is what achieves goals Vision – imagining your goals as real Life Skills: Vision – The Definition Rules for having a fair argument Fairness when mistakes are made A tough world for adults and children What would you do if..there is someone at the door? Fairness and our personal responsibility What is fair? Helping young people learn about fairness Reduce anger by stress guarding your life Making assumptions may lead to bullying Life Skills: Fairness – The Definition Roles and Responsibilities of Theatrical Production 3 steps to fixing that mistake! Dealing with the stress of being criticized Finding the strengths of children to ward off bullying Taking on personal responsibility Teaching responsibility by being punctual Reduce Stress – Don’t be a control addict! How do we change the culture in our schools? Keeping our commitments shows responsibility You are most likely to know your attacker – now defend yourself Who is responsible to do this job? Being mindful of your thoughts and self talk How to help a child with aggressive behavior Helping children learn about responsibility Life Skills: Responsibility – The Definition Respect for role models to role modeling Keep your goals in mind – reduce stress Create healthy anti-bullying habits early Six ways of role modeling for our children Children showing respect in a restaurant A lesson on respect for yourself for young people Respect on the mat – at your martial arts school How to be a respectful community member Overcoming stress with the right question Showing respect in school A treatment for PTSD – with great success! Helping students understand respect for property Solving anxiety and bullying for our students The Importance of Staying Busy Showing respect for property – when visiting other homes Understanding respect of property – ours or others Martial Arts makes students stronger How to show respect for yourself How are you looking at that stressor? Will you know if your child is being picked on? Respect for yourself – 3 part formula for great health – SLEEP Respectful actions shows others our feelings of value We are aware – Now we need to change What would you do if you saw someone being bullied? Actions that show respect What do you have the courage to do when you see bullying? Stressed? The resources I can turn to, reducing anger Respect is shown in our attitude and actions Strange car self defense Life Skills: Respect – The Definition The opposite of bragging damages confidence too Reduce stress & reduce anger Bully prevention: First step for – What if my child is the bully? How to show confidence without talking about ourselves The science behind why anyone brags Time management for students The Confident Actor External or internal negative talk erodes confidence First Technical Theater Week – Huge Success! The feeling of anger is not the same as the expression of anger Real Artists Six Skills every child needs to protect themselves 5 Reminders in dealing with diminishing confidence in children Reducing stress the Balanced Life Skills Way What your teen is really worried about Core Arts Standards and Life Skills Self Defense: What would you do…. Building Confidence in Children in 5 Easy Steps Fear is the root cause of anger Imbalance of Power Leads To Bullying In These 5 Ways Building kids confidence to think on their own Practicing confidence just like my students Family Fun Day: Sept 20, 1-3PM @ BLS Three Arts, 1 Dojo Method Healthy risk taking can build confidence Why domestic violence victims don’t leave? Interact & BLS students meeting with Fr. Valcourt about work in Haiti Which is better – Confidence from praise or encouragement? 2 Lesson Learned From Aggressive Behavior In Children Confidence is believing in ourselves The Truth About Bullying Don’t believe everything you think! Life Skills: Confidence – The Definition Three Arts… One Dojo Compassion for a Villain Compassion in Action: Humane Education Model Compassion is an action word Life Skills: Compassion – The Definition BLS CAMP COMMEDIA REVAMP: Summer Camp Week #2 and Week #3 3 ways to renew our efforts in reaching our goals 5 Keys to being persistent MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM FEATURING BLS SUMMER CAMPERS 4 attacks from inside that keep us from persisting Persistence – Annoying or Positive Quality Persistence vs. Perseverance Life Skills: Persistence – The Definition SEE THE LIGHT! “Creating original work to improve ourselves and the world around us.” Are You THAT Parent? Are You A RESPECTFUL Rule Follower? You win some…you lose some Striving Lil’ Dragon Classes “HELLO” Life Skills: Sportsmanship – The Definition Walk a mile in your child’s shoes Empathy for others may encourage showing integrity The Wudang Swimming Hole “Quackles” is our entry in Duck Race for Hunger To Thy Own Self – Be True Talent and Kungfu Keeping our promises are so important to our kids Making and keeping promises to ourselves Weapons Integrity and the ‘little white’ lie Life Skills: Integrity – The Definition Am I doing or am I being kind? Do not ignore abusive behavior Meeting success and failure with centering on practice Teacher appreciation – They do so much for our students Permutations of Kungfu Helping teens who feel stressed Student stress over getting into “good” schools Kindness & Empathy Go Hand In Hand How to recognize and help anxiety in a child Should children be allowed to fail? Kindness & Mean-Spirited Behavior – an Important Discussion Appreciating Mom’s in the world Junk Food Should your family have a mission statement? Programs to create peace in families Self-defense Prerequisite Acts of Kindness Challenge Is On! Your Children – Kindness Leader Teaching children to be kind Intention – The first step to creating peace Life Skills: Kindness – The Definition BLS has a new app! The voice inside your head may be lying to you The JNP Project – children finding “Inner Awesome” Fixing a mistake with one question and optimism Optimistic People Tell The Truth The Will and Way of Optimism Understanding Optimism For Our Children Life Skills: Optimism – The Definition Family Mission Statement – A “Constitution” For The Family See how BLS girls Kick It! 4 Stumbling Blocks to Self Reliance Happy Valentines Day – Preventing Heart Disease Is Self Defense Self Reliance & the Challenge For Parents Are we more dependent than ever before? Tips For Teaching Self Reliance to Children Humane Education – In Vieques, PR Personal and Family Mission Statement Should Be Inspirational Life Skills: Self-Reliance – The Definition Girls “Kick It” at BLS Projection or Blaming Others Leads to Procrastination Goal Setting – Why We Use Procrastination The Mission Statement of This Martial Arts Instructor Creating S.M.A.R.T. goals The Martial Arts and This TED Talk Agree on Success How to ensure that you keep the resolutions you make Life Skills – Goal Setting – The Definition Success is a journey; Have patience with yourself! Patience With Ourselves Will Lower Our Stress Levels I love getting notes like this one! H.A.L.T. Impatience Thanksgiving Is Complete, Saying “Thank you” Should Not Stop The Minds of Balanced Life Skills Black Belts Integrating the Arts in Education The 4 Goals of Negative Behavior That Undermines Our Peace Holiday Gift Card Collection — Crunch Time! Peace is Possible Life Skills: Patience – The Definition Parent Coaching Series Looks At Anger Management In The Family Expectations and Uncertainty Parents Who Are Interested In Quiet – Conflict Resolution 5 Emotions That Trigger Most Anger How Others See You May Trigger Emotional Reactions Learning Conflict Resolution Begins With Listening Learning About Taking Care of Our Teeth Should We Keep This Friendship Or Back Away? Conflict Resolution: 6 Steps to Cool Heads What To Do With All That Candy in Annapolis, MD Life Skills: Friendship – The Definition Balanced Life Skills 10th Anniversary What Triggers Anger? Focus On Others Is Empathy Back to Basics Message on Calories Distractions That Keep Us From Achieving Our Goals Personal Conflict – Which Need Is Not Being Met? Who is more angry, men, women or children? Bay Babies In Need: Understanding Poverty in Anne Arundel County The Connection of Stress, Focus & Time Management Exciting Goings On Why Does My Child Get So Angry? Anger: Do You Explode or Implode? Is Yelling Safe? Fire Prevention Week The Similarities of Bullying & Domestic Violence Life Skills: Focus – The Definition Your Child is Feeling Anxious, Now What? 3 Steps To a Positive Relationship With Our Children Parenting Leadership & Forms of Power Power Struggles With Children Is A NO WIN Situation Learning To Set Goals Is Leadership Training Anger Management : Hot buttons getting pushed? October: Preventing Domestic Violence & Bullying Active Listening Improves All Relationships Learning to Listen is Leadership 101 Suicide Awareness Activities in Annapolis Area The Character of Leadership Life Skills – Leadership: The Definition Visual Arts at Balanced Life Skills Begins In One Week Usefully Useless Put Downs Are Not Cool at Home or In School! How Much Help With School Work Should We Give? September 7 -13 is Suicide Awareness Week Emphasis on Teamwork In the Family Builds Volunteering Habits Teaching Listening Skills Builds Peace in the Family and Classroom X-men: Paradigms of Perfect Health Charity Demonstrates: Compassion, Awareness & Respect Video Games Relationship to Impulsivity & Aggression Self Defense – Health – Ovarian Cancer Awareness Charity (giving) begins by learning to give at home Healthy Choices: Sugary Drinks Affect Toddlers Life Skills – Charity: The Definition Bamboo Bikes Made in Greensboro, Alabama Push-hands with the Elements How Determination Grows Confidence Three Tips For Parents To Teach Determination Economics of Qi “Limitations” overcome by determination Strengths or weaknesses – Determination wins! Visualize your goals How We Set Goals Helps Us Have Determination Procrastination Can Stall Determination Three things determined people say to themselves Kungfu Attitude Life Skills: Determination – The Definition Life Skills: 5 Facts about children and lying & how to deal with lying Life Skills: Honesty is taking responsibility for our actions Self-cultivation — Emphasis on Self Life Skills: Honesty – The Definition Atmosphere of Change Life Skills: Learning to Apologize Another Milestone Children growing independent still need good manners Why We Are Learning Great Manners at Balanced Life Skills Riding a Bike in Winter Life Skills: Manners – The Definition Black Belt Test 2013 is this Sunday May 5 at 3 PM Positive Attitude – Who do you surround yourself with? Sausages are like Laws Creating a Positive Attitude – Ask “What is so great about this?” Want a positive attitude? Start with gratitude! Positive Attitude affected by thoughts and feelings Rubber Duck Fun Race for a great cause – fighting hunger in Anne Arundel County How to Search Your Brain For Positive Results Relationship Premises Life Skills: Positive Attitude – The Definition Should You Hit a Pillow When You Are Angry? Another Turn Around the Circle 3 Questions To Ask When We Are Angry Teaching Anger Management to Students Life Skills: Anger Management – The Definition Self Control: Making mistakes and apologies Art In Mind: VIsual Arts Program Assertive speech requires self control, yields self esteem 4 STEP’s to learning self control Wudang in Washington Life Skills: Self Control – The Definition Chinese New Year/ Wudang Workshop in Rockville Black Belt Candidate Creates Visual Art Project As Part of Her Test TED talk: Why Victims of Domestic Violence Don’t Leave Parenting: Bully Prevention For Your Child Learning to Listen with Empathy Sandy Aftermath – How can we help? 2013 Wudang Qigong Seminar Is it OK for our kids to fail? Empathy Can Help Us Keep Our New Years Resolutions Reconciling Health Practice and Real Life Life Skills: Empathy – The Definition Life Skills: Open Mindedness Allows Us To Create Peace Balanced Life Skills Visual Arts is coming! BLS student highlighted on CNN Life Skills: Open mindedness when meeting someone Showing support for the families in Newtown, CT A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope Work and Reward Life Skills: Open-mindedness is listening to new ideas Life Skills: Open Mindedness & Trying New Things Life Skills: Open-Mindedness – The Definition Life Skills: Citizenship – Giving our time sets example for children Operation: BuddyPack Life Skills: Citizenship is showing respect for rules The Fruit of Three Years Life Skills: Citizenship – The Definition Suicide Prevention Training – Annapolis MD What message about self esteem are we sending our children? Life Skills: Giving to Others & Self Esteem Feeling like a Tree Life Skills: Self Esteem Building Tips Bully Calls News Anchor Fat – But Was it Really Bullying? October is National Bully Prevention Month Life Skills: Discipline and Goals Part 4: Setting Goals Life Skills: Self Esteem – The Definition Children’s Television & Social Aggression Whitney Kropp: Bullied Teen & Community Show Courage Life Skills: Discipline and Goals Part 3: Persistance Life Skills: Discipline and Goals Part 2 – Motivation Life Skills: Discipline and Goals Part 1-Self Control Life Skills: Discipline and Our Words Martial Realism Wounded Warrior Project event Laugh Live & Listen blog post World Suicide Prevention Day The Rewards of Discipline Discipline: External or Internal Life Skills: Discipline – The Definition Discipline Student Shot at Perry Hall HS – Reminder that we must not ignore bullying Chesapeake Speech and Language Associates adds new services Cultural Blind Spots Life Skills: Cooperation – The Definition Teaching in Hunan Accountability for older children Not allowing “but”, to replace accountability Life Skills: Accountability – The Definition Bully Prevention Workshops will begin after the holiday Squat Virtue Ready, Set, Get Tough! Dad’s Matter, especially to your daughter Fathers Day Message: Check Your Blood Pressure Reconciling Opposites Culture of Peace is the answer to bullying Habitat for Humanity Build in Baltimore Connor S. takes part in Bello Machre “Every Step Counts” fundraiser Life Skills: Courtesy – The Definition Martial Arts Testing and Getting Rank: An Aikido Perspective Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet this Summer Life Skills: Trustworthiness – As Adults the Stakes Are Very High The new Bully Prevention Partners Public site is now available Life Skills: Trustworthiness – Why Do Children Lie? Life Skills: Is Trustworthiness Our Legacy? Bully Prevention Workshop for Parents Illusions of Power Life Skills: Trustworthiness – The Definition Life Skills: Legacy – How We Behave is How We Will Be Remembered Kungfu Blog Become a QPR Gatekeeper Black Belt Test Essays From the Candidates Life Skills: Legacy – Is It Just About After You Die? Life Skills: Legacy – The Definition Shen Yun – A Great Performing Arts Show Life Skills: Courage To Stand Up To Peer Pressure Internal Self-Defense Part II Balanced Life Skills Students Support the Fight Against Childhood Cancer Life Skills: Courage to Get Uncomfortable Black Belt Test 2012 Life Skills: Teaching Courage and Empathy to Children Evan W. Takes Part in Jump Rope For Heart 948 Homeless Students in AA County Schools – What you can do? Showing Courage in Our Body Language Life Skills: Courage & the Stories I Tell Myself Life Skills: Courage – The Definition Back in Training Tough Mudders – Support the Cause! Summer Program: The Friendship Focus Evan W. Birthday Party and Evan W. Community Service Life Skills: Loyalty – Keeping Secrets – Should I Tell? Invitation: Students Testing For Black Belts on April 22, 2012 Making the Break James K. is Supporting Childhood Cancer Research Life Skills: Loyalty to our Community Life Skills: Loyalty in the Family 100 Day Challenge Life Skills: Loyalty – How To Be Loyal To Our Values Life Skills: Loyalty – The Definition Fast Food: Should We or Our Children EVER Eat This? Eating Healthy in the New Year Thoughts While Home The Rewards Are On the Journey – Not Reaching the Destination Life Skills: Health – Why We Should Avoid Processed Meats Life Skills: Health-The Definition January Qigong Seminar Corey Hopp Returns From China and Will Teach Classes at BLS Life Skills: Acceptance of Others Without Judging Them Holiday Greetings and a New Year is Coming Life Skills: Acceptance – Starting With Ourselves Back in Maryland Bully Prevention Requires Proactive Intervention Life Skills: Acceptance – How We Deal With ‘Mistakes’ Life Skills: Acceptance – Expanding Our Life Experience Life Skills: Acceptance – How Parents Can Start Teaching Acceptance to Our Children Life Skills: “Acceptance” the Definition Why Martial Arts? Balanced Life Skills Supports Teens in County Foster Care Bully Prevention: 3 Steps for Assertive Response Thoughtful Ways of Showing Gratitude How to Break the News: The Truth About Santa Thanks to you! Life Skills: Generosity Includes Giving Thanks Adapt to Survive Life Skills: Generosity – Make a Life By “What We Give” Yuxugong Temple Life Skills: Generosity – Our Time is Valuable & Appreciated By Others Life Skills: Generosity Is About Giving Murmuration – an amazing moment in nature BLS Students Make Bully Prevention Presentations How much screen time should young children have? Life Skills: The Results of Practicing Diligence What Matters Now – Generosity Life Skills: Generosity The Definition Bacon Ridge Natural Area Open House BLS Students Go to SERC 5th International Wudang Tai Chi Tournament Grants 4 Teachers Advisory Board Meets to Make Grants Available What Bullies Look For In A Target and Who Is Most At Risk 31 Bully Prevention Messages Day 12 Life Skills: Distractions and What Will Help Us Keep Our Focus to Work With Diligence What Are Your Beliefs About Bullying? Life Skills: Diligence Even With Distractions 7 Abilities Every Child Needs to Manage Life Well Examining the Effects on The Bully 31 Days of Bully Prevention Videos Day 8: How do different age groups bully? Life Skills: The Results of Diligence and Mindfulness Bully Prevention Messages: Day 6 Bully Prevention: Day 5 Balanced Life Skills October Newsletter Bully Prevention Month – Why Children Do Not Report Bullying National Bully Prevention Month Messages Life Skills: Diligence – Definition The Highest Level of Self Reliance Moon Festival 2011 Self reliance means we will “try, try again”, but be willing to ask for help when needed. Today September 21 is International Peace Day 4 Ways Parents Can Build Self Reliance in Their Children Grants 4 Teachers is Accepting Grant Request From Anne Arundel County School Teachers Life Skills: Depending On Ourselves to Make Good Choices Shows Self Reliance Conscious Conformity Joey S. Completes 32 Mile Bike Ride Balanced Life Skills September Newsletter Life Skills: Teaching Our Children Self Reliance Is Key to Building Confidence and Responsibility Life Skills: Self Reliance – Definitions Life Skills: Our Practice of Teamwork and Self-Reliance in the wake of Irene Checking in with our community Lion Dance Costume Talking To Our Children About Natural Disasters and World Events Lessons on Stress What Targets of Bullies Need to Know Life Skills: Teamwork – The Value of Contributing to “The Team” Life Skills: Teamwork Spells Success for Families 10 Part Series on Teacher Characteristics and Classroom Management Backpack Drive by the Junior League of Annapolis at Punks Grill Tonight Sensei Keiko Fukuda is Awarded her 10th Dan Life Skills: Teamwork In Sports or Family Results in Success Life Skills: Teamwork – The Power of We Gulongzhong Trip – Rebuffed by Myth and History Most Important Skill In The Universe – Listening Life Skills: Finding Ways To Make Teamwork A Part of Everyday In Our Life Life Skills: Teamwork Teaches Children To Think About The Needs of Others Life Skills: Teamwork Discussions Will Focus on Family and Schools Life Skills: Teamwork – Definition Office Depot, Target and You Can Help Students Get The School Year Started With Confidence Life Skills: The Practice of Perseverance Builds Confidence In Ourselves Balanced Life Skills Contributes 600 Pairs of Shoes To Sole4Souls Bully Prevention: Teacher Strategies For Handling Bullying In the Classroom Life Skills: When Perseverance Does Not Appear To Be In Your Child’s DNA Life Skills: Goal Setting + Perseverance = Confidence 150 Jump Ropes Made by Students of Balanced Life Skills My Younger Older Brothers Making Jump Ropes for the Children in Kenya Life Skills: Answer the Question Why to Teach Children To Persevere Life Skills: Persevere to Your Goals By Getting Knowledge & Skills Life Skills: Teaching Children Perseverance by Taking Action How to Reduce Stress: An Action Plan That Keeps You In Control Life Skills: Teaching Children Perseverance by Finding Their Passion Life Skills: Teaching Children Perseverance by Demonstrating Support How to Reduce Stress Part 10: Coping With Stress With Positive Thinking How to Reduce Stress Part 9: Making Good Decisions Keeps You In Control How to Reduce Stress Part 8: Don’t Try To Be Perfect! Life Skills: 5 Tips For Teaching Children Perseverance With a No Excuses Attitude How to Reduce Stress Part 7: Finding the Time To Do Everything Life Skills: Meeting the Challenges of Perseverance, Getting Through the Roadblocks Life Skills: Meeting the Challenges of Perseverance, Getting Through the Roadblocks How to Reduce Stress Part 6: Set and Reach YOUR Goals Life Skills: Perseverance Starts With S.M.A.R.T. Goals Life Skills: 5 ways Parents Can Teach Perseverance How to Reduce Stress Part 5: Building a Support System Life Skills: – Perseverance is the Best Predictor of Success Colin & Gavin S. earn belts on the same day! How to Reduce Stress Part 4: Being Assertive Life Skills: Perseverance, Effort & Hard Work Will Lead to Reaching Your Goals Life Skills: Perseverance – Definition Jessica W. pre-school training earns her a Tiger Tot Black Belt How to Reduce Stress Part 3: Learning to Relax How to Reduce Stress Part 2: The Effect of Food on Stress How To Reduce Stress: A 10 Part series on reducing stress – Part 1 Do Something Physical Stress: Part 3 – Escapism as a coping tool Pain and Injury as Part of Training Life 4 Year Old Students Learn How to Stop a Nose Bleed What Parents Can Do to Help Stop Bullying 4th of July Safety Stress: Using Avoidance to Cope Life Skills: Integrity – Standing Up For What Is Right Life Skills: Integrity – Your Support System is a Valuable Aid Life Skills: Integrity – Start With Goals and Mission Statement Using distraction as a way to cope with stress Life Skills: Integrity – Be Prepared to Make Good Decisions Dealing With Stress; How are You Coping? Life Skills: Integrity To Our Personal Values Teen Stress: Recognizing The Signs That You Might Be Stressed Out Teen Stress: What Does it Feel Like? Internal Self Defense Life Skills: Integrity is being true to yourself Confessions From a Child Development Expert: (My Not So Perfect Children) What Stresses Our Children Out? Brooks C. does best push ups ever! Child Safety Drowning Rescue Verbal Judo Founder Passes Away, Leaving Us a Language to Make the World a Better Place Tacos in Wudang Child Safety: How to Stop a Nose Bleed Austin C. has determination to jump rope Jack D. breaks board & joins his brothers Tyler M. supports Wigs for Kids Child Safety: Fire safety and prevention Daily Life at Wudang Daoist Traditional Kungfu Academy Food and drink is SELF DEFENSE Life Skills: Integrity – means doing the right thing Life Skills: Optimism – Can be Gained with Practice and Kindness to Ourselves Life Skills: Integrity – Definition Teaching Your Child to Save a Life: Choking Life Skills: Optimism – When We Make a Mistake Teaching Your Child to Save a Life: Lesson 1 Susie C. lemonade stand supports First Book Life Skills: Optimism – 3 Ways to Learn Optimism Life Skills: Optimism – The Powers You Need to Be Optimistic Do not forget Japan: A visiting martial artist reports The power of a smile Graduation from college and improv, 20 lessons learned Lila G. cleans up Aberdeen Creek with her family Return to Wudang Mountain 3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed Ryan R. performs leadership with art “You can’t play with us” – what can you do about young girls who bully? Are Pre-School Children Being Bullied? Life Skills: Optimism – The Definition Greensboro, AL needs our help following devasting storms What’s Really Causing the Childhood Obesity Epidemic? Life Skills: Respect – How To Respect Teachers BGE fixed their underground problem at BLS Advice for Parents: If you suspect your child is being harassed digitally 6 Dangerous Trends: Bullying: What is Bullying? Life Skills: Respect For Teachers Life Skills: Teaching Respect – What If We Treated The Earth The Way We Treat Our Friends? Andrew R. leads classmates in support of troups Life Skills: 5 Lessons in Teaching Children Respect of Their Body and Mind Life Skills: Teaching Children Respect – By Role Modeling Our Expectations, Not Creating More Rules Bully Prevention: What Is a Parent To Do When a Child Does Not Stand Up For Themselves? Life Skills: Respect – How We Speak and Act To Others When They Are There and Not There Stewart M. & Friends Clean Up a Stream April 5th is ‘Golden Rule Day’ Bully Project: A Film Worth Supporting Life Skills: How Children Lose Confidence and Creativity Life Skills: Respect – The Definition Life Skills: Build Confidence in Children To Try New Foods & Meet New People How to talk to your child about “Sexting”? BLS students complete fundraising for St. Baldrick with head shaving Basic Rules & Pledges for Online Safety for Parents to Teach Children Hailey & Ryan S. deliver food to Lighthouse Shelter Collin brings toys for Prize Project Aiden C. Contributes Care Bears to Prize Project Dangerous Trends Facing Children: What Causes Eating Disorders? The 6 Most Dangerous Trends Facing Our Children Today Life Skills: Building Confidence in Mind and Body What parents can do about childhood bullying? Life Skills: Teaching Children to Make Choices with Confidence The Truth About Bullying Panel Discussion Community Service: Susie C. environmental clean up Community Service: Emma C. cleans up a park Life Skills: Confidence Raises Self Esteem Life Skill: Confidence- The Definition Grants 4 Teachers: Balanced Life Skills Community Project Ryan R. supports Kidsico Orphanage in Kenya Fairness: Listening to the whole story Ryan B. helps My Brothers Pantry Helping Kids with Cancer, James K. Clean up project by Cameron W. Safety Tips for Kids: Broken Glass Using Failure as a Growing Tool Listening Required to be Fair Fairness: Doing our fair share Five Element Qigong class Fairness and healthy competition Maintaining the trust of our children How to build the confidence in our children Self defense for girls: 10 simple lessons Fairness: Losing and winning with good attitude Book & Toy Swap, Annapolis, MD Deep breathing brings better health Fairness: What it means to be fair or unfair Fairness: Definition Our Personal Influence on Others Creating a Vision for our Family 10 Tips for Martial Arts Students, to Deepen Your Practice Radical Acceptance Mom, Dad, Here’s The Honest Truth About The Martial Arts for Your Child, Age 5 to 13. Parents most important asset: Strong character Balanced Life Skills Closed due to weather Balanced Life Skills afternoon and evening classes are canceled Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Karate, Taekwondo, or Jiu-jitsu, which is Best? Empowering children to reach their potential Valuing each member of your family Vision: One month into goals – where are you? Developing Solid Relationships With Our Children The Value of Your Time Self Defense: Personal Safety Strategies for Children and Adults Balanced Life Skills will be closed today Building a strong team with your family starts with relationships Be Safe: How to spot a bad situation Vision: What if our vision needs to be changed? Will your child succumb to peer pressure? Vision: Action with Vision makes positive difference Seeing the big picture Parents & Leadership: Focus on what you can do. Parents are Leaders: Value Your Team Excellence in Leadership: Vision without procrastination Project Leadership: Influencing others to follow Vision: See, Believe, Achieve Martial arts helps us be the change you want to see! Vision: Bully Prevention in our schools 5050 pushups on Saturday Vision: Definition 3 keys to communication in the family 2011: What are you excited about? Goal setting: Fall down 7, Get up 8 Friendship: Manipulation is not acceptable Attitude: Your most important asset in relationships Give first, no matter what 8 Steps to Prevent Bullying in the Classroom for Teachers Do Not Neglect Your Family in the Name of Success Parents and Teacher Can Correct the Bully Problem in School and at Home 2011: Success is not perfection Lunar Eclipse Reminds Us To Appreciate Our Lives Free perfect gift to give to our children Friendship: Understanding our Differences Equals Peace 4 Steps for Parents and Teachers to Prevent Bullying at Home and School Friendship: How to be loyal Quest: Black Belt Excellence Bully Prevention: Parent & Teachers role Friendship: What happens when we disagree? Balanced Life Skills Holiday Schedule A look to the New Year The Christmas Jar Project Friendship: Qualities of good friends Foster children in Anne Arundel County will have a Christmas Gift Wrapping is this evening New website for Balanced Life Skills Patience: with each other Friendship: Definition Patience: waiting for the right time A call for help this Christmas Patience: teaching children The Roots of Happiness Patience: Definition The Junk Food that Makes up our Children’s Diet Responsibility: definition Student’s demonstrate doing good for others Adult and children leaders take responsibility How do leaders make choices? Leadership: skills & 3 types of leaders The Baby Sleep Project Leadership: goal setting & initiative Leadership discussion: who is qualified? Leadership: Definition BLS helping Lighthouse Shelter Is medication the answer? Parents do you know what this means? Can pre-school children be depressed? Out of the Darkness Walk Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful Charity: acting on our desire to help others Charity: definition Student demonstrates spirit of Charity The Reading Chronicles: Mastery Charity: giving of our treasures BLS work influences others in the United States Attitude: 3 things that control our attitude Work on dangerous trends facing our children Children & hot cars do not mix What is Bully Kindness? Jump ropes for Kenya students Attitude: Definition Why we want to keep soda out of our diet Summer Safety Tips Focus: reaching our goals Disaster in Gulf creates a challenge for us What to do when you get tired? Focus: this is our moment Anger management: #5 we need empathy Focus discussion: changing our results Focus: Definition Anger management: #4 One word answers Sportmanship and Empathy Anger management: #3 The Blame Game Sportsmanship: the rules of character Project: Ladybugs, all good? Anger management: our thinking ability Kindness is self defense Manners: compliments and critique Sportsmanship: Definition Teachers are honored Anger management: characteristics The Four stages of anger: the aftermath The Four stages of anger: the explosion The Four stages of anger: the spark Manners: the way we say words Manners: saying please & thank you The four stages of anger: the buildup Manners: Definitions Anger management: speaking calmly Anger management: hitting your pillow? Anger management: Tune in Do you get angry? Garbage patch found in the Atlantic Ocean too! Anger Management: Definitions Self control: dealing with temptations Self control: doing the right thing Sea of Plastics Self Control: Apologizing Self control: asking permission Self control: using manners Self control: yields consequences Self Control: making choices Self Control: Definition Emapthy: expressing concern Empathy: Understanding what is said Empathy: two people, two reactions Empathy: our actions affect other people Empathy: Communicating feelings Empathy: predicting feelings Disaster in Haiti Emapthy and anger control Kindness is contagious Empathy: needs focus on others Making choices or living on automatic? Christmas Jar project Happy Holidays to our community Can you teach children empathy? open-mindedness: we are all the same Kindness is… art entries open-mindedness: listening to new ideas open-mindedness: overcoming fear of meeting new people Open-mindedness: trying new things Open-mindedness: Definition Creating peace at Thanksgiving gatherings How do ants get home? Dependability: when we make a mistake Setting priorities keeps us dependable Dependability: time management Tai Chi class begins Nov. 15th AA County Schools compete in Sole for Souls challenge Dependability: keeping our word Dependability: Definition Discipline: Thinking for yourself What makes disciplined people successful? The choice to show discipline A powerful message for parents and teachers Discipline is about following rules Discipline: Definition Animal Safety Program Courage for a cause Do we have the courage for compassion? Vancouver Peace Summit Courage: making good choices BLS families take part in the suicide prevention walk Courage: standing for what it is right Parenting a leader – not a bully Courage: trying new things Courage: getting beyond fear Special awareness day invitation Courage: Letter to Parents Courage: Definition An Act of Kindness Using time and talent is good citizenship Clean up of our waterways Citizenship begins with awareness Citizenship and following rules Citizenship: Definition Back to school tips Getting back into routine Overcoming commitment obstacles Determining purpose Rewards for keeping commitments Keeping your commitment Keeping our commitments – a personal story Commitment despite conflicts Commitments to ourselves What are our commitments? Commitment: Definition Courtesy – first impressions Courtesy – teaching manners Courtesy Kind words accomplish much Courtesy: Definitions Teamwork responsibilities Business Partner of the Year Reduce our consumption The first to complete the entire 5/6 program Teamwork – making contributions Teamwork equals success Balanced Life Skills on your team Teamwork discussion Special award for Balanced Life Skills Appreciation: in difficult times Appreciation: No complaint zone Appreciation: with respect Appreciation: with gratitude Appreciation Giving for Good: Grants for teachers • Columnists (www.HometownAnnapolis.com – The Capital) Grants 4 Teachers Martial Arts school in Annapolis, Balanced Life Skills, Rain Barrel Project is underway What’s your tree? interview “O, the places you’ll go!” Return from Alabama community service Parenting for personal excellence Confidence & body language Achieving confidence Alabama, UBBT, Mr. Joe Teaching “failure tolerance” How to gain confidence from failure When we are not confident Continuing to learn Training in Alabama for Mr. Joe Rain Barrel Event is coming up! Confidence Living with Focus Trustworthiness: not cheating or stealing Giving to others The Greensboro Alabama project Successful goal setting Setting a goal Goal Setting Successful goal setting Teaching Leadership Happy New Year Tolerance: Be the example Tolerance: Be involved in diversified groups woman on fire…. Tolerance: Provide positive images of all groups Never quit! Tolerance: No discriminatory comments in your presence Tolerance: Commit to raise a tolerant child Tolerance: Confronting our own prejudices Building Tolerance in our children Gift Wrap Project Holiday Safety Tips About CNN Heroes Tolerance Shopping Safety Tips Acts of Kindness Help a Teacher new request Rain Barrel awareness at Leadership AA Winning or losing reactions What is fairness? Fairness Mattie Stepanek Our responsibility Learning to make a ‘peace crane’ Facing the future Making choices responsibly Passion for your vision Honesty with ourselves Effective Listening Vitamin D in kids Halloween is coming soon! Responsibility to keep our promises Going beyond the requirements Acts of Kindness Belt Test Responsibility there is looking for truth, and there is looking for truth Childhood Anxiety Respect for Ourselves BLS September Community Service Respecting the Environment Out of Love Preserving the ‘rules of respect’ Focus on listening shows respect An easy way to avoid bullying Influences on Respect The crisis of disrespect Respect September Community Service Chesapeake Ecology Center Open House No Classes Held Rain Garden Planting Work Party Fall Schedule Begins Generosity Instructions from my instructor Randy’s ‘Last Lecture” Agricultural Education Day A victory everyday! How important is gratitude? Not just about test scores Living with simplicity Determination: A no quit, go for it attitude Dupont Circle Farmers Market New Book / Story to be told Here is a philosophy for all to live by Least toxic mosquito spray Creativity & children SPAN Visit Determination Class Trip: Quiet Waters Honesty with ourselves and others 8 Percent of Americans have diabetes Honesty about wants and needs June Belt Testing Baltimore Farmers Market Teaching children to tell the truth Fathers Day thought Six benefits for being honest Honesty creates confidence Commencement Speech Jackson & Ella Art Show 2008 When life brings you lemons, make art! June Announcments Farmer’s Markets Facing difficulties Honesty BLS email is down BLS Students @ West Annapolis Elementary School Kids and Creativity Compassion for those we do not know Intermediate Test Living Hero: Pam Dorr Compassionate Actions Children’s Summer Schedules Sticks and Stones do what? Teaching Compassion Compassion’s effect on the mind Student Art Show Belt Test -May Compassion May Announcements Gratitude in the bad times The consumption treadmill Getting to Black Belt Jr. Diabetes Walk April 12 testing Gratitude Trumps Worry April 10 Announcements Gratitude makes us feel good! Gratitude brings joy Diabetes Awareness Honor your Teachers A note from my instructor Gratitude is a magic key Appreciating what we have April Word of the Month: Gratitude Facts about Diabetes Diabetes Awareness Camaraderie Anger Management SPCA Day- January 27 2007 Charity Appreciation