TJ’s Room

T.J. & TJ

November 16th, 2008

T.J. Attended a New Jersey Nets Game against the Indiana Pacers and had a chance to meet some of his favorite NBA players.

Air T.J. with T.J. Ford of the Indiana Pacers

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No One On The Corner Got Swagger like Us!

November 14th, 2008

Air T.J. headed to a Basketball game

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TJ Voted!!!

November 13th, 2008

This blog entry was Submitted By Nikki White

I was talking to my Godson, TJ, the other day about voting. We were at the high school for my voting district, in line, when he let me know he had registered to vote AND voted on Nickelodeon. Then, he proceeded to question me adamently about why “kids” can’t vote for the Presidential Election. I, spouting the first thing that came to mind that at the same time made a little bit of sense, said that kids can’t vote because they would vote for whoever their parent told them to vote for. I mentioned how that wouldn’t be fair because what if one person just had a whole bunch of kids JUST to have them vote for who she wanted to become president. This, to me sounded like it could be understood by a child without too many technical terms and getting into a convo out of my league. He then told me, “If my mom told me to vote for McCain, I’d still vote for Obama AND THEN, I’d move with my dad!” Can’t say I’d blame ya, buddy, can’t say I’d blame ya! LOL

By the way–those are Shirley Temples (Sprite with a spash of Grenadine.) I guess we didn’t pay much attention to the angle of the shot before we took it! No children or animals were harmed in the process of creating this blog–I promise!

Peace And Love,

Nik

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15 Ways to help your child become a better student

October 23rd, 2008

This list was published in 1997 but every suggestion is valid and absolutely works if applied. Some of this comes as natural instinct but some of it, we don’t know until someone tells us. Parenting is definitely not an exact science but there are certain things that are pretty universal. I practice the suggestions on this list, every single day and the results are WONDERFUL.

1. Become your child’s most enthusiastic cheerleader. Build Self- Esteem with frequent reminders of his or her specialness and intelligence.

2. Never withhold Love from your child based upon his or her disagreeable behavior. Emphasize that it’s the behavior that you dislike, NOT the child. Affection and love are as vital to children as air, water and food.

3. Reward good grades, positive behavior and a child’s effort.

4. Maintain a regular routine that includes a nourishing, well - balanced breakfast and adequate rest.

5. Make learning a priority in your home by setting aside a time and a place for studying.

6. Encourage curiosity and create a climate where learning is fun. Discuss school assignments on a daily basis and help when you can with homework.

7. Encourage your child to read by reading to him or her daily, regardless of age.

8. Always speak correct English, use complete sentences when addressing your child and insist that he or she does the same when speaking to you or others.

9. Use a dictionary to teach your child at least three new words every day.

10. Practice open, honest, non - judgemental conversation with your child. Be willing to talk about school and any other subject that’s important to him or her.

11. Set limits on Television, interactive computer games, and monitor his or her choice of music.

12. Communicate often with your child’s teachers. Discuss with them any problems at home that may affect your child’s academic performance.

13. Don’t speak negatively in front of your child about his or her teachers or school. Support the school’s rules, regulations and discipline.

14. Encourage and support extracurricular activities.

15. Become acquainted with your child’s classmates and friends and their parents. Not only their names, but the names of your child’s teachers, principals and guidance counselors.

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Children Learn What They Live

October 17th, 2008

TJ’s New Shoes!

TJ Loves Basketball. He believes that he will play in the NBA, one day. I find myself, at times, wishing he would tell me he wants to be a Doctor, Lawyer or Teacher. But, I remind myself that his future is his to dream, not mine. My job is to nurture his interests, provide him with the basic necessities and plan financially for his future.

I am fortunate that my friends and family are always there with an ear, a shoulder or a helping hand.

When he decided that his new name was Air T.J., I told him that I thought he was getting a little ahead of himself. He told me; “No, Mom, that is my Basketball name all the way to the NBA.”

Who knows if he will play in the NBA or if he will be a Fireman? I don’t. What I do know is that I will 100 percent encourage his dreams because when children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

Thank you, Auntie Nikki, for buying Air T.J. his first pair of signature shoes.