#LoveWins Diversity for A Diverse World

With the recent decision to allow same sex marriage has been a myriad of 'opinions' from different parties  of different racial disparities and religion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs but at what point do we recognize that these decisions are those of the individuals participating in matters and those who are directly affected rather than everyone who has an opinion. I've heard many state in defense of their opposition that it is against God and that it is not right, we are leading the children down the paths of hell, and so forth. I'd like to share with all of you a story, or my personal observations on the outlook of a child with gay parents in today's modern society. While this is just a story and will not mean much to many this story happens to be that of my personal life that I'm sharing in the hopes of not changing anyone's mind or beliefs but their approach and outlook on what is right as opposed to what is condoned.  

I grew up in a small, close knit community; everyone mostly knows everyone and who doesn't know each other knows their family. Myself included, many know me as my mother's daughter or even my grandmothers granddaughter as I now reside in an apartment that she taught members of the this very same community in for years at one time before her retirement. While I do not resemble my mother, nor do we have many of the same views, I still have always been known as her daughter within our neighborhood and abroad in the territory as well. Growing up a little girl with a mother whose choice of 'style' was that of a man's wasn't easy due to teasing from my peers and other adolescents, also every once in a while a teacher would too chime in on their thoughts from my mother's lifestyle and wardrobe. I explicitly remember once sitting in my mother's car in the backseat trying to shrink myself down in size as she came to her boiling point (which does not happen often) after school one day with some men that decided to 'test her masculinity'. Needless to say these incidents did not change my mother's stance, nor my opinion of my mother; regardless of her sexual orientation or who she chose to have as her partner we always had food on the table, name brand clothes on our backs and shoes to match ( and in the closet), an appreciation for books and education, and last but not least we grew up with the realization that the struggle of diversity wasn't over. 

As I grew older I learned not to shrink in the backseat anymore for it was not my behavior worthy of being embarrassed but those who were making the condescending remarks and living lives of hypocrisy themselves. As children we always went to church, with or without our mother who at times worked weekends to ensure our family was never less than another or without necessities; it was there that we learned acceptance for diversity, race, religion, and love. So why do many assert that same sex anything is against God? God didn't make my mother unloving, undeserving, nor an instigator so isn't she allotted love and respect too? For doing all things that mothers do? For not being any less of a woman but for invoking more of what many wish they had at home in their closets, under their beds, or in their hearts; the power to teach that of love and acceptance.  

I implore everyone to use this time to think about the strides the human race has made and how far we still have to come as far as acceptance of race, gender, religion, and other diverse factors and the implications of repercussions if things continue the way they are any further. The civil rights movement ended so many years ago, but we still see the opposition rallying against change; don't be the opposition on this matter. Spread the message of love and acceptance and show the world that things can change. The bible was also once the backbone of every argument for slavery and segregation, don't you think it is time we use the good book for positive purposes rather than to promote negativity.  

Healthy Summer Activities To Stay Active

Healthy Summer Activities To Keep Children Active

Stumpy Bay

       Summer is approaching and many will be planning trips to visit family and friends or go on a vacation; many of us will be staying at home looking for things to do. Keeping children active and engaged in their learning and development as an individual is crucial to their success in life endeavors. Through engaging activities parents can promote self esteem as well as physical fitness, after all parents are our first role models and role modelling is how children learn best. Engaging activities during the summer months can also help deter or decrease weight gain as we are all too aware of the 'obesity epidemic' and the initiatives in place to reduce the rising numbers. Summer regression is also something we're familiar with that happens after the summer, summer enrichment camps aren't the only to prevent it; engaging in culturally aesthetic activities also stimulates one mind as well as their intellectuality. So you may be wonder just what could be done to encourage your child to develop active healthy habits, well the best way to form a habit is through a routine so here are some engaging, active summertime activities that the whole family can partake in!

• Going to the Beach 

 As any beach goer would know going to the beach is a blast and a free workout! Beach activities can range from sand sports to water activities, all of which are fun in the sun awaiting you and your loved ones. A few balls, boogie boards and a float are all that needed for a full days fun!

•  Bicycling 

Do any of you have an inkling of an idea of the beautiful scenery you take for granted and pass by all nonchalant everyday? I promise you the first time you go bike riding you'll never forget to appreciate it again! We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth with clear waters, white sands and relentless sun; why not take advantage of such beauty and keep healthy while doing it. There are walking and bicycling paths all across the territory, and many near beaches and ports making it nice and breezy no matter what time you decide to ride

Waterfront, Charlotte Amalie U.S.V.I

• Walking/ Jogging

As was aforementioned there are walking paths all over the territory strategically placed to appeal to our sense of nature (or so I believe). Jogging and taking walks with the family is a great way to exercise and to get in quality time, with the silence of the trail it make the time ideal for conversating and catching up on lost time. Other than using popular trails one could go sightseeing in various part of town and explore whatever there may be to offer you at the time.

• Camping 

Our National Parks are known for their breathtaking views, twenty beautiful hiking trails in wet tropical or dry forest, your preference. During  your stay visit the welcome center for a brief history and camp on Cinnamon Bay Campground 

• Visiting Local Museums & Art Galleries

I love Tillet Gardens Center for the Arts! It's your garden variety one stop and shop center with various art studio's, shops, restaurants, and live concerts, fairs, and theater performances (just to name a few) there's never a dull day within their beautiful garden. 

• Coordinate With Others 

Coordinate with family members and friends to encourage your families getting active together, most people are just looking for someone to do things with, engage and reach out to others. Teach your children (as role models) that they don't have to be ashamed to get active and the benefits of such, like staying healthy!

 

National Public Gardens Day In U.S.V.I

As a child whose role models where all seemingly 'plant lovers' I too grew an appreciation for one of natures more delicate forms. I found during adolescence that nature had many different uses with regards to healing, both medicinally and spiritually. Growing up in the Caribbean many of us are exposed to gardening in many various forms and usually from young ages, by family members, friends, community ties, or educational efforts with regards to our culture. As a result of such many of us are aware of a variety of commonly used plants that have a variety of medicinal uses that can be found literally in our back or front yards ( like aloe vera, morenga, bush teas, etc.) if not growing wild publicly within our communities. 

Yet there are some small communities that have taken the time to cultivate the most beautiful of flowers in such a wide array as would only be seen in the tropics. These small communities like our various botanical gardens and national park, housed within our very territory, have continued on their dedicated missions to the perseverance and cultivation of pieces of natures art and many of the medicinal foundations of healing. 


This May 8 is National Public Gardens Day, an annual celebration of public gardens to raise awareness of the important roles all gardens, especially botanical gardens, play in promoting environmental stewardship, plant and water conservation, green spaces and education regarding such, in communities worldwide. Lets celebrate and educate ourselves as well as others through exploring our territories various botanical gardens and even our  national parks. Many of us tend to our own gardens, take some time and share your knowledge and your garden with members of the community and your neighbors. 

Here are a listing of Botanical Gardens within the territory that I've found, and three that I've had the pleasure of visiting myself, I implore you all to continue and spread our heritage as well as promote green living and raise awareness for public gardens day!

Botanical Gardens within the U.S Virgin Islands include but aren't limited to;

• Tillett Gardens

• Estate St. Peter's Greathouse And Botanical Gardens

• Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

• St. George Village Botanical Garden

• U. S Virgin Islands National Park

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands read Too Much Violence And Abuse In Our Schools, Too Much Violence: Shootings Near USVI Preschools, and Educational Institutions Need New Blood.

RETRACTION: Excessive Corporal Punishment in U.S.V.I

       So I sincerely feel the need to apologize to my readers as well as the educators at the Yvonne Bowsky Elementary School, located within our territory, with regards to a blog post published last Sunday due to reports received and read (from various publications based within the territory and teachers) about the use of corporal punishment by a principal on one of their students which is in fact, NOT TRUE. We were delighted to hear that while the video and comments attached to it and articles on the subject may depict a much more gruesome scene it was actually nothing like illustrated, but an actual crude offense made by another to seem so. While the screams and cries in the video were completely real they were the result of a tired student trying to pt his way out of the punishment received, which I am told was raising his arms above his head for long periods of time. I would like to also take this opportunity while acknowledging that my opinions were in fact biased because of my stance on corporal punishment to note that those were my only objections and I'm sure many would agree as we've seen in recent senate legislations world wide and at home that a change in our schools policies and procedures with respects to such is much needed.

The views expressed within this blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands read Too Much Violence And Abuse In Our Schools, Too Much Violence: Shootings Near USVI Preschools, andEducational Institutions Need New Blood.

Excessive Corporal Punishment In U.S.V.I

    (Picture below is of Yvonne Bowsky Elementary School, U.S.V.I)

      While doing my nightly reading (this time via the internet) I came across an article about one of our local elementary schools within the territory, Yvonne Bowsky Elementary School and couldn't resist reading about the latest news within the institution that inspires me so much. I always try to keep abreast of things happening within our territory's educational institutions, call it my way of staying informed. As I began to read this article I was confronted with many mixed emotions. First, I was happy to know that steps were finally being taken to rid our territory of such an unrealistic trait/ behavior for any educational professional since it was first off ridiculously bizarre ideal within educational guidelines and secondly we are in much more informed times, or at least I thought we were; after the article and attached video I wasn't to sure anymore. Next was fear to confront me, as I continued to read the article I realized that there had been an actual incident of this sort within the territory. In an effort not to become too overwhelmed I began to slightly rationalize the different situations in my head but everything I came up with was still bad. As the article came to a close I thought of two things; one I really do think that our new commissioner was much to light with the 'punishment' given for such an infraction especially since it was the vice principal of the school; a weeks suspension with pay and then a promotion to principal doesn't sent a good message. As noted within the same article featured within the St. Thomas Source and various others, such incidents do continue within the territory and abroad and reap the same horrid results. If the vice principal is allowed to get away with such behavior how do we really expect to deter others? Unfortunately it may actually be the only way for teachers to get a week off with pay. My second thought was about those present at the time of the incident; of everyone there including the person videotaping I wonder how many of them call themselves education professionals.

     Then I saw the video, and though it is merely 53 seconds long I found it chilling from beginning to end with terrifying screams. I figured the person videotaping either had my sentiments of not bearing to watch what they'd found after those horrid screams or they were too afraid of losing their job. Listening to that child scream and beg I wondered how I would feel know that was my child or even that my child could possibly be in such a situation, then my heart sunk and I felt ashamed for my territory; why would our lawmakers allow such an act to go seemingly unnoticed? I can appreciate the fact that since corporal punishment legally is still allowed within U.S.V.I schools that it was a large factor for consideration (with regards to those involved in the discussion making process). I'm also certain that tenure was also a matter of consideration since one does not become principal overnight; I'm sure the educator in question is no doubt an excellent one to be able to lead in such a capacity. But as someone held at such a high regard within the institution and society being idolized by students, parents and colleagues, one should continued to be held at such standards with regards to doing what is right and held accountable accordingly.

     According to the Global Initiative to End all Corporal Punishment Of Children and the overwhelming evidence that shows the harmful effects of corporal punishment show associations between corporal punishment and a wide range of negative outcomes, including; direct physical harm, negative impacts on mental and physical health, poor moral internalization, increased aggression in children, increased perpetration and experience of violence in adults, increased antisocial behavior, poor cognitive development, and damaged relationships.

     My thoughts then shifted back to the commissioners response to the video, a week off with pay and a promotion, and wondered if that had been her child in the video if she would've thought it appropriate.

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands read Too Much Violence And Abuse In Our Schools, Too Much Violence: Shootings Near USVI Preschools, and Educational Institutions Need New Blood.

Top Five Reasons Why I'd Choose An Educated Child Care Professional

Top Five Reasons Why I'd Choose An Educated Child Care Professional

Written By: Ms. Child Advocate

        I've recently been on the hunt for a preschool that would meet both my child's needs and my expectations and while I didn't expect to find many who'd fit the criteria I was expecting to find more than I actually found. First I found that many of the preschools that were within reach of the average parents working middle class either didn't offer progressive programs that are age appropriate and those that did were in high price ranges. Many of the learning environments in question were structured in environments themselves that were unprogressive and unwelcoming first leading many to question the safety of the environment. Secondly, as many of the individuals employed at these establishments aren't necessary professionals at their 'profession' concerns are again raised with the extent of progressive lessons and environments that can be constructed for individual children. While experience is a great teacher it does leave one lacking knowledge in areas and would need to be explored in order to be efficient at the profession. For instance, would you allow your child to be treated by a 'physician' with ten to fifteen years experience but no medical training? I'm sure the answer would be no (unless under dire circumstances) so why would these 'schools' be operating without at least a CDA present at each facility? Simply put, what I found was that there weren't many educated child care professionals within our territory and while I was shocked I as also stunned at the fact so many individuals believed in experience over education with all that has come to light about early childhood education. Too many of the preschools within our territory are welcoming individuals as teachers who have little experience in the field and no education and sadly it seems the only reason for so is to save these 'businesses' money; the lesser educated professional received a lesser pay grade. I has also come to my attention that the preschools within our territory were given a deadline of summer 2015 to either educate their staff on the profession or add members with the right credentials, which would be an associates in any field related to early childhood. It is for this reason I decided to write this post about my reasons for choosing a childcare provider who is educated within their profession.


1. Information- An educated child care provider would have common knowledge of different learning practices, techniques, policies, and procedures making learning more versatile with the individual children they encounter. They would also have common knowledge about the symptoms of diseases of various disorders, illnesses, and even common diseases making a diagnosis easier for those involved and hopefully any processes smoother. As we all different as individuals it should be equally important that a educational professional have different resources to ensure progressive developmental learning is taking place. While I wouldn't dare say that an educated professional would be open minded whereas an uneducated professional won't be I would say that with the wealth of knowledge they would've developed such a way of thinking, but people will be people and there is no way to determine such a thing. 


2. Quality- An educated professional would be quite aware of the need for stimulating experiences for early learners to thrive and progress; facilitating nurturing environments where all is concerned regardless of age or disability. They would provide an atmosphere that's inviting and loving while age appropriate, placing an importance on developmental aspects while making it engaging to learn. 

3. Respect- An educated professional is more cultured and would more easily accept and be open toward others cultures or those with special needs. Respect is this aspect is very important not only between teachers and students but between the school/ institution and parents/ family members as well for interaction between all parties concerned is necessary and anything hampering such could also hamper the child's views and development. 



4. Family & Community Ties- Many educated and uneducated professionals network alike ,but those who have attended educational institutions and others alike are included in larger networks based on those institutions and the professionals within these institutions. Networking and collaborating with after school programs, inter neighborhood programs, religious programs and family/community members helps to build solid relationships and a strong foundation for trust and engagement


5. Safety- As I mentioned before, safety can come in many different forms but the one topic that was repeated mentioned during interviews for this article was that of the safety of the environments of the early learners in question. Educated professionals have a wider network of resources to enable them to provide safe yet engaging programs in safe environments. 


 In closing I know that many parents choose their child care providers on a budget and have all rights to do so, I know I do, and by it's convenience but I implore many of you to actually consider the education levels of the 'professionals' working with your children and consider this, would you depend on your child's primary teacher or intermediate teacher if they were uneducated within the field? Cause it is basically the same thing. 

How was your first day of school

Children @ Lockhart Elementary via V.I.D.E
As many parents did, I spent the day awaiting pictures of students dressed to impress on thne first day of school! Surely I wasn't disappointed; receiving plenty of pictures from family and friends and observing most of the kids that insaw on their morning commutes, I figured parents must have been all tearing eyes this morning. After conferring with a few mothers I was quite certain that's not always the case. Many first time moms did have those moments, but most complained of the chores of getting ready for school. Many kids were unable to easily make the transition of back to school bed times, transition routines, and even proper meals! So in light of our little 'Back to school conversation' I took some notes to share with my fellow mother's and hope in return you'll share some tips as well, after all who knows everything rite?!
Anyways, for first time moms getting their little ones ready for their first day of school getting kids into a routine can be very hard. Practicing at home routines as well as school routines can help your child feel more confident about attending s new school and can ease your summer back to school transition as well. Many children an parents experience anxiety over back to school or going to a new school, role playing and practicing these routines can help to elevate stress in all parties concerned while boosting confidence levels in children as well.  Noting on a calender or how ever choose the days for school can also help with their anxiety even after school has begin; just as we adults feel more prepared with schedules so do kids and it will ease some stress related to the matter. Reading books about schools, the different activities that exist therein, and the expectations of all involved may very well serve as a formal introduction or an orientation to school rather than just throwing them to the wolves (so to speak). Everyone wants their child's first day of school to be memorable, and impressionable in great aspects, as do the teachers who've excitedly prepared classrooms, lesson plans, and activities for their pleasure and progression so lets be sure to give them the tools they'll need to survive.
Ms. Child Advocate

Ms. Child Advocate