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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sweet treat for a worthy foundation



 (The Spokesman-Review)

THE THIRD ANNUAL world’s largest ice cream cake social will be held Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cold Stone Creamery at 9502 N. Newport Highway. Guests will be treated to a complimentary slice of the Make-A-Wish ice cream cake, while accepting donations to benefit the worthwhile cause.

The ice cream cake is a blend of devil’s food cake, sweet cream ice cream, Oreos and chocolate shavings wrapped in a rich chocolate ganache.

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. For more information, call 466-1699.

Calm the chaos

Ten minutes to finish your breakfast, brush your teeth and be in the car!

That is the usual conversation in our home. Being a mom and having a full-time job is challenging in itself, but getting kids ready in the morning and out the door on time is not impossible. You just have to have a routine and stick to it. This summer I have one child in day care and one in camp and we are generally out the door within the time allowed. Some friends call me a drill sergeant, but this system works for us.

As during the school year, my seven-year-old Alyssa is awakened by me or her alarm clock, gets dressed, makes her bed and comes up for breakfast. Since this is summer, the only difference is we don’t have homework to do the night before. She still chooses her clothes the night before (I still give final approval), and there’s no bickering in the morning about what to wear. Her lunch is made the night before, and her backpack is filled with the essentials for the coming day.

Here are tips for parents provided by KinderCare Learning Centers with suggestions to help calm the chaos in even the most hectic household:

Plan ahead. Schedule after-school activities. Lay out school clothes, pack lunches, plan breakfasts, be sure homework is done before bedtime.

Involve children in some decisions. Let them choose the red shirt or the blue, Cheerios or Chex.

Motivate them. Experienced moms swear by stickers or gold stars, even an occasional piece of candy as a reward for getting out the door on time.

Be sure everyone gets enough sleep. Rituals can be helpful. Read the same books, sing the same song at bedtime.

Focus on getting out the door on time. Avoid anything that can wait. Monday morning is not the time to do a load of laundry or pick up toys.

Treat children with respect. Like adults, some are morning people, some aren’t. Some need a little extra reassurance — or another hug — before they leave home.

Whether getting ready during summer camp or the school year, it is possible to have a stress-free morning if it’s well planned.

Got 2B Safe!

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently developed “Got 2B Safe! Think Smart and Take Charge!” Got 2B Safe! is a nationwide program that educates 8- to 10-year-olds and their parents on how to prevent child abduction and kidnapping.

The four rules to preventing child abduction:

Check First — children should always check with parents and guardians before accepting gifts, rides or invitations from anyone, including friends, acquaintances and people they don’t know.

Go With a Friend — simple and straightforward — never go anywhere alone. Being with another person in public is safer and more fun.

It’s My Body — anyone who violates the sancity of a child’s body or threatens or attempts to do so is committing a crime. Tell your children it is okay to say “NO!”

Tell a Trusted Adult — teach your children to TELL a trusted adult — parent, teacher, etc., - if anyone or anything makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.

These rules help children develop the self-esteem and confidence necessary to stay as safe as possible in any potentially dangerous situation. They also teach parents and children about one of the most dangerous conceptions of preventing child abductions — that most child abductors are strangers. This is false. Most kidnappings take place by people children know, including family members and friends.

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