Two weeks ago, I was invited to Washington D.C. on the behalf of the UN Foundation and Shot at Life, to advocate on Capitol Hill and learn ways that I can lend my voice in my home state to speak about global health and vaccines for children in impoverished nations. While I was nervous about visiting Capitol Hill to speak with my Missouri senators and representatives,  I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. When it comes to giving children the opportunity at a healthy life, there’s no way I could say no. Shot at Life is an organization that I wanted to stump for passionately.

During the three day event, we took over Capitol Hill, learned about advocacy work and utilizing press releases and other forms of communication, bonded over new friendships while strengthening ones already made. It was a wonderful experience and I was honored to be one of the persons selected as a Shot at Life Champion.

So what now? Where do we go from here?

Well, I first want to discuss a few untruths that have been circulating about immunizations.  While on Capitol Hill, one of the questions I got the most was why should we worry about children in other countries while we have children here who need our attention. For me, the answer is simple. It’s not an either or; I think we should be care about all children in the world, not just those in the U.S. When we travel abroad to other countries and someone isn’t immunized, they can easily bring a disease back to the U.S, which can then affect children here in our country. When one child sick with a preventable disease, then we all can be affected.

In terms of immunizations causing autism and other developmental disorders, there is no scientific data or proof that substantiates that. I have two children that both were immunized at the benchmark appropriate ages, and they were not adversely affected. There have been claims that vaccines cause problems, but they have been debunked by most medical professionals.

Two of the most common causes of death amongst children was pneumonia and diarrhea, and both can be hugely prevented by existing vaccines. Making vaccines available to all children can prevent 1.5 million additional deaths each year.

Some moms in impoverished countries walk as far as 15 miles to get their children vaccinated. Shot at Life believes that it shouldn’t be hard for parents to get immunizations for their children. For just a few dollars, we can give children all over the world a real shot at life.

How can you help?

Join me by following Shot@Life on Facebook and Twitter, so you can learn more about how to help spread global health. If you are interested in joining the fight with me and want to become a Shot at Life Champion as well, click HERE.

If you are in the St. Louis area, I will be hosting an event in the next few months on the behalf of Shot at Life. Make sure to stay peeled to my Facebook and Twitter for event information.

There is nothing controversial  about giving a child a Shot at Life. Something that affects one, affects us all.

The post What’s So Controversial About Giving a Child a Shot at Life? appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

As a blogger, I always knew that I wanted to not only create a living for myself and my family,  I also wanted to find a way to utilize my voice to help give back to causes and organizations that I am passionate about. Earlier this month, I learned that I had been selected as a 2013 Shot@Life Champion, and would be heading to the nation’s capital as a delegate for the state of Missouri.

If you aren’t already familiar, Shot@Life is an organization that helps spread the message about the importance of vaccinations to children in impoverished and under-treated areas. Vaccinations are important because they can help prevent deaths and give children a “shot at a healthier life”.

I first became acquainted with Shot@Life at the Type A Conference last year in Charlotte. During the conference, we learned a lot about how our voices could be used to bring awareness to getting children vaccinated all over the world.

Next month, myself and delegates from 36 other states will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to have training on how we can be of most service to Shot@Life. We will be meeting with key luminaries from the United Nations and will also visit Capitol Hill. I am so excited!

To learn more about Shot@Life, visit their website HERE.

You can follow along with the Champion Summit (which takes place Feb. 10-12th) on Twitter by searching the #globalvax hashtag.

I am so thankful for this opportunity, and cannot wait to share my experiences with you!

Here’s a photo of the 2012 Shot@Life Champions

The post I Am a 2013 Shot@Life Champion And We Are Heading to D.C.! appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

Monday marks the official celebration and holiday to honor civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day of remembrance shouldn’t just be treated as a day off from school and work. It’s a day that was created to remember Dr. King’s life and service that he gave to the world.

My now 18 year old son loves to bring up the fact that I made him write reports and do research on Dr. King when he was younger. He couldn’t just stay at home and play video games all day. We utilized the day to promote learning more about Dr. King’s life and all of the things he did to spread peace amongst everyone.

It’s important for us as parents to make sure that Dr. King’s Dream is remembered and lives on amongst our children. Which is why it’s critical to have them involved in such an important holiday.

Here are 5 Things You Can Do With Your Child on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

1. Have your child be of service

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is also a National Day of Service for everyone to volunteer and be of service. This is the prefect opportunity for you to donate your time together to a cause or organization that needs your help, as well as bond with your child. For tips on how to encourage your child to give back and volunteer, click HERE.

2. Talk and discuss

One of the best things to do on this significant holiday is talk about Dr. King as a family and discuss the impact he’s had on the world. Promote a discussion on Dr. King’s achievements, and create a open dialogue for your children to answer any questions they may have. Don’t assume that your child is being taught everything they need to know regarding King and the Civil Rights Movement in school.

3. Help them share their dream

Dr. King is most known for his I Have a Dream speech. Have your child create their own speech where they can share their dreams and goals for the future.

4. Journal

Not all kids feel comfortable talking. My daughter loves to write and journal, so have your child journal and write about Dr. King. Perhaps they can write a letter to him thanking him for all that he has done for the world. Maybe they want to draw a picture of Martin—whatever the case, encourage them to write out their thoughts and feelings.

5. Go to the museum

Most history museums have a section dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement and the historical figures that shaped it. It’s a great place to learn more about Dr. King and see firsthand artifacts from his life.

In addition, most cities have many local events that celebrate the holiday and are for the entire family to enjoy. Check your local newspaper website calendar for MLK events in your area.

I hope that if you don’t do any of the 5 things on this list, that you do something to celebrate and remember the Dr. King holiday, especially if you have a child. In order for your child to move forward to the future, they must know their past.

How will you celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday?

The post 5 Things To Do With Your Child On Martin Luther King Jr. Day appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

Written By: Parenting Contributor, Prerna Malik, TheMomWrites.com

Can you believe that we’re already talking about Thanksgiving? Wow, the year’s just flown by, hasn’t it?

As we get ready to celebrate the holiday season, let’s not forget to involve kids in preparing for the dinners with extended family and friends, celebrations and gift-giving. Yes, it is important to prepare kids for holidays so that they not only know how to behave but also what to expect.

So, on that note, here are 4 tips to help prepare children for Thanksgiving:

1. Involve Kids in Decorating

Yes, get the kids involved in preparing for Thanksgiving by helping you decorate for it. From making lovely pumpkin place cards for the table to simply putting bunches of flowers together into vases and bowls, children of all ages can be involved in decorating for Thanksgiving.

Being involved in decorating gives kids not only a sense of involvement but also confidence and pride in adding their special touches to the family table.

2. Make Meals Together

Yes, kids in the kitchen. While you may not want toddlers afoot while you’re readying the turkey, you can involve children, even preschoolers, in ‘helping’ you with side dishes such as the yams or mashed potatoes.

You can also encourage them to help ‘clean’ the kitchen by wiping countertops or putting away dirty dishes.  Where possible, try to make mealtimes kid-friendly so that they don’t feel left out. Something as simple as adding coloring pages  for toddlers to color in while waiting for dinner to arrive while make the meal easier and happier for both of you.

3. Encourage Holiday Etiquette

Thanksgiving dinners are usually about meeting extended family and giving thanks for all that is good. Since the kids may be meeting some relatives for the first time, ensure that they know their names and their relationship and greet them with warmth and respect. Also, there maybe family members who have their special quirks, encourage kids to be respectful at all times and not make fun of or hurt anyone’s sentiments.

Teach them to accept gifts of all kinds with grace and gratitude. These small touches will go a long way in making Thanksgiving all about family and happy moments.

4. Create Special Thanksgiving Traditions for Your Family

Finally, create your own Thanksgiving family traditions to prepare the kids for it and celebrate it in your own special way. Family traditions don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Something as simple as reading Thanksgiving-themed books in the weeks before the dinner can be a cherished tradition as can making table decorations together. Need more ideas? Here are some lovely Thanksgiving traditions to inspire you.

How will YOU be preparing the kids for Thanksgiving this year? Do share your ideas in the comments.

The post Preparing Kids for Thanksgiving: Involving Children in Holiday Preparations appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

As parents, many of us have been scurrying around trying to prepare for the new school year. While I’ve read that some of you  already have kids who have started the new school year, there are others that are in the final countdown for the big day. While Back to School is a hectic time, it gets that much more crazy when you add in going to a new school. My eight year old, who is beginning 3rd grade, is changing schools this year due to rezoning within the district. After going to her previous school for three years (Kindergarten through 2nd grade), she will be starting  a new school. Yikes!

Since I’ve known since last winter that the change was coming, we have been working to prepare her for the change. And while I am very nervous about this whole new school thing, my daughter seems to be taking this in stride.

So I wanted to share with you my 6 Tips to Help Your Child Adjust to a New School, as I know this may be a situation many of us are experiencing:

1. Don’t Freak Out:

Our kids take cues from us, so when we freak out and show anxiety over an issue, then most likely, they will also follow suit. Be patient and show control over your emotions. Speak positively about the change and be open to listening to your child regarding their needs. Children overhear more than we think, so when discussing the change with your spouse, loved ones, or friends, keep a fresh and positive perspective. Do your research on the back-end and share what you’ve learned positively with your child. Make this new experience as smooth as it can be.

2.  School Tour:

Take the opportunity to ask the school administrators if they can take your child on a tour. Your new school understands the challenges kids face when changing schools, so most likely, they have something set up for new students at their school. My daughter attended summer school at her new school, so she was able to get the feel of the school and its teachers. Knowing the lay of the land will help her a lot on her first day.

3.  Open Discussion & Journal:

All summer, my daughter has been keeping a journal of her feelings of changing to a new school. Every time she had a feeling, good or bad, she would write it in her journal and would leave it on the kitchen table if she wanted me to read it. Understanding and knowing her thought process and feelings allows me to address any apprehension that she may have regarding this change, and addressing it head on hopefully will curtail any problems when it’s time for her to start.

4. Get Excited!:

Changing schools isn’t always a bad thing. It could be fun! My daughter is changing to a school that is highly accredited and is one of the top elementary schools in the state. So I’ve been making sure to share that with my eight year old so she knows that she will be in good hands. When we pass by the school, I always point it out and say, “that is going to be your new learning place in a few weeks!”. She gets excited too, which will hopefully help her transition to a new school.

5. Meet the Teacher:

Meeting your child’s teacher is important, even if your child isn’t starting a new school. If your school doesn’t have a special day in place for your child to meet their teacher, try to schedule it through the administrators. There’s a comforting feeling when a child is able to meet their teacher beforehand, and that is even more important when starting a new school.

6. Friendship Building:

Since my daughter will not only be starting a new school but meeting new friends, I’ve been working with her on her friendship building. We’ve been using her Build a Bear friends and acting out how to make friends by role playing. We’ve practiced how my daughter will introduce herself to her new classmates, which will hopefully help her do it in real life.

Starting a new school is a daunting task, but it’s not the end of the world. I hope these tips help you and your child with their new journey in their new school.

Do you have any tips to add for kids who are starting a new school? Please share!

Photo credit: The above picture was taken by me on my daughter’s first day of school last year and permission was granted to use on my site by the parents of the other children.

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Written By: Mikita Watson Burton, Blogger & TheCubicleChick.com DIY & Crafting Contributor

I’m not really cheap, as much as I am frugal. The frugal girl in me hates spending money on a card that’s going to go in the trash. So much so that I have learned to create cards that cost almost nothing at all. I have started making cards out of my kids art work and photos, which, in my opinion, is more personal and adds a special touch.  I also have discovered a few FREE apps that allow you to make collages and add words to your pics.  If you have a tablet or smartphone, you can find free apps too. Two of the apps I used for this project is PicSay and Super Collage. I’m sure there are others, so you may want to search, but I found those to be easy to use.

On three plain white sheets of paper, we wrote “I Love Dad” using magic markers.  I tried for a whole afternoon to get photos of my children together, but that was a huge fail!  So after I found out that it was a daunting task trying to get a group shot, I snapped individual photos of each child holding a photo instead.  I used the Super Collage app to put them together and the PicSay app to add words.

The photo below will show the final product as well as my attempt to get a photo of them together!

The finished project is a great looking Father’s Day card that is personal and virtually free. And not only does the card make a great gift, but it also made memories for our family as well.

What will you be making for the dad in your life this year for Father’s Day?

The post DIY Fab: Celebrate Dad with a DIY Father’s Day Card appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

I was 19 years old in this picture. My son was 7 months (1994)

Eighteen years ago this past April, I gave birth to my wonderful son, Codi. When I tell you that I was not prepared for motherhood, I couldn’t be realer. I was 17 when I got pregnant, and 18 when I gave birth. I was still wet behind the ears, I was a child myself. And here I was, now caring for someone else. I was frustrated. I was distraught. I was through. And yet, every time I saw his face, I knew that it was bigger than me.

I owed it to him to give him the best life I could, regardless of my age. We struggled a lot, but we always had a roof over our heads. I maintained steady jobs and later went to school. I wasn’t the June Cleaver that I felt I should’ve been, and yet, in each picture of my son when he was younger, he was always smiling and happy (don’t mind the picture to your left, LOL). God helped me so much during that time, and without him, I don’t know how I would’ve made it. My family was also supportive, especially my father who was instrumental in being a great dad and grandfather emotionally and financially.

Me, my daughter (age 4), and my son (14) his freshman year

I was a Teen Mom before the reality show, before the After School specials, and before the Lifetime movies. On one hand, I had no idea what I was doing. But on the other hand, I did what I had to do for me and my baby to survive. I was single with virtually no help from his father, and yet, we made it through. I kept following that light at the end of the tunnel until it was so brilliant, I had to squint my eyes.

Now that little boy is 18 and graduating high school in just a few days. It was me and him against the world for years. And now he is going on his own and making his own way.

When my son was 9 and a half, I gave birth to my daughter, The Chicklet. I got married and we became one big family. But the bond that my son and I had remained strong, despite him becoming and teen and sometimes rebelling. He gets that I haven’t been the best mom, but he also appreciates everything I have done for him despite the obstacles that were before me.

I was supposed to be the woman with a whole bunch of kids with several baby daddies, on welfare, living in public housing. This was what people told me I would amount to as a teen mom. I wasn’t told what I could do, what I could be. There were times that I didn’t think I was going to make it.

Here he is all grown up!

Faith is amazing. When you have it, you understand those can’ts, but you try anyway because you know that you can. Faith allows you to believe in something greater than you. And with that knowledge, there is no limit to what you can do.

So, I wasn’t (and I am still not) the perfect mom. But I love both of my kids more than anything. And despite being a statistic, I challenged it and made something happen.

Now my son is getting ready to soar on his own. And I am so freaking proud!

I went from Teen Mom to Dream Mom. There’s a lot of us out there that took a negative and made it a positive as it relates to being a parent. And to all of you, I salute you. If no one tells you how special you are, let the facts show that you are.

YOU ARE A GIFT.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, no matter the circumstances, the consequences, the roadblocks, the bad days, the stress, the worry, the fear, the lack of appreciation, the heartaches, the letdowns, the tears. Being a mom is the best job on the earth. And you are a DREAM MOM.

Pass it on…

The post From Teen Mom to Dream Mom: Mother’s Day Has A Whole New Meaning To Me appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

This past Sunday, I attended a BBYO coordinated screening of the docufilm, Bully, which follows 5 families who have been affected by bullying. The movie has received a lot of attention lately because it was given a Rated R rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) because of the use of the F word several times in the movie. But because of the nature of the film, the makers and the film company behind it, The Weinstein Company championed the word(s) to remain in he film, as it shows the harsh realities those who get bullied face. After some back and forth, Bully was given a PG 13 rating, and hopefully, pre-teens and teens and see it with their parents.

Bullying has affected so many youths in America. The film focuses on bullying specifically in middle and high schools located in Mississippi, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa. It is a visual harsh reality of what victims face just trying to go to school. There are scenes in which you wince because if you were there, you would do something about it. And yet, an Assistant Principal, a bus driver, a police official, and even two parents, seem to place the blame on the child being bullied and not the aggressor. After all, “it’s what kids do”.

The film also spotlights Tyler Long and Ty Smalley, two youths who committed suicide because they could no longer deal with the bullying that they received on a daily basis. Both families continue to struggle with their death or their sons, but also work to keep their memories alive by leading rallies and events that surround the Stand For the Silent movement.

I don’t want to spoil the movie too much for you so I won’t go into too many details. I will say as a parent of 2 (an 18 year old and an 8 year old), I was shocked at a lot of the behavior that I saw the adults displaying. As parents, we are supposed to advocate for our children and fight for their rights to attend school bully free. But not all adults in the movie felt or acted that way, and I truly believe that the bully problem begins at home and must be dealt with swift action from school administrators, law enforcement, and of course, parents. The fact that that is not being done saddens me. We are letting our children down.

I don’t recommend Bully for smaller children. My daughter is 8 and I didn’t think it was appropriate for her age group. I think the film is more suited for those who are 10 years old and up.

If you are a parent with a child in school or being homeschooled (because bullying can happen anywhere, not just at schools), I think you should see it as well as discuss it with your children. Let them know there are expectations for their behavior and they should treat people the way that they want to be treated.

Bully is currently in limited release and playing at many theaters across the United States. Check HERE for theaters and showtimes.

Did you see Bully? What do you think of the bullying crisis amongst our youth?

The post Cube Review: The Controversial Movie ‘Bully’ Shows Harsh Realities appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.

Let’s get this out of the way right now. I am not proud of the fact that I watch Dance Moms. If you don’t know what Dance Moms is, it’s a reality show focused on 7 girls who attend Abby Lee Miller’s Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, alongside their mothers who often clash with Abby, and sometimes, each other. The girls ages range from 7 to 14, and they have been going to Abby’s dance school since they were about 2 years of age. The premise of the show seems simple enough, but when you add Abby’s often harsh and brash teaching techniques (she called one of the girls “stupid” in the last episode), it’s difficult to watch. As a parent of an 8 year old, there is no way I could have her being talked like that by someone who I pay to teach.

I am not sure why I watch this show, because I am against everything that it stands for. I believe in positive reinforcement and encouragement for kids—I don’t believe that being “nice” to a child means that you are enabling them like Abby believes. Actually, I don’t watch the show for Abby at all. If Abby weren’t on the show, it would be for the better. I watch for these girls, all of whom I cheer and root for each week. I am especially fond of Nia and Chloe—both underdogs with tremendous talent. They aren’t Abby’s “favorite” but they persevere despite being told over and over they aren’t “good enough”.

I also watch because I identify a lot with Nia’s mom, Holly. She is a mother of three, and is also a career woman. She juggles work and her kids, and that is something that I did for years. Not every woman can be (or wants to be) a stay-at-home mother, and Holly is very accomplished academically and professionally. Abby oftentimes puts Holly down (in one episode, she told Holly’s daughter Nia that her mom didn’t love her because she was at work and not at practice), but Holly continues to hold her head up high, being unapologetic for the path that she has chosen.

Dance Moms has been heralded as a horrible show that shows Abby and the mothers in not-so-good light. Why would you continue to take your children (and pay) for a dance instructor who belittles them and puts them down? I know if it were me, my 8 year old would not be attending Abby’s school. I would never allow anyone to talk to my daughter the way Abby talks to those girls.

But it’s the girls, who are talented, amazing dancers that I watch. Dance Moms is bad TV and is my guilty pleasure. Yes, I admit it.

Dance Moms airs on Lifetime Television Tuesdays at 9pm/8pm CST.

Do you watch Dance Moms? What do you think of Abby Lee Miller and her “coaching” techniques?

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When I was growing up, I was certain of two things: one, that both of my parents loved me very much. The second was that anytime my mother set foot outside of the house, she was going to be dressed to the nines. Her hair was going to be done, her nails were going to be freshly painted, and she was going to look fierce. Seeing my mother looking fabulous each and every day became embedded in my brain, so I when I grew up, I became fabulous myself. It wasn’t something “extra” that I had to do, it was a part of the routine.

Mom got manicures and pedicures on a regular basis, as well as massages. It wasn’t something that was considered only for “special occasions”. She kept an immaculate home and took good care of me and my dad, so she saw these things as a reward for being a good mom and wife.

Fast forward to me being 36 years old and a mother of two and I am definitely my mother’s daughter. Even though I work at home and don’t have to dress nicely on a daily basis, I do because it makes me feel good. Every day after getting my 7 year old off to school, I shower, put on makeup (on most but not all days), do my hair, and put on an outfit. When I look good, I feel good, and I much more productive.

Some of my friends tease me because I am known for “keeping myself up”. But it’s nothing that I strive to do, it’s just in my nature. It’s a part of my routine much like doing laundry, tidying up my home, cooking dinner, etc.

Sometimes as moms, some of us have a tendency to put everything we have into our children, and slowly, we forget about ourselves. We stop dressing nicely, or stop doing our hair. Maybe we don’t keep up ourselves the way we used to. Doing so takes a lot of energy. (and this I know firsthand)

I ask this: what have you done for you lately? Is life passing you by while you are focused on everyone but yourself? Do you feel guilty if you spend some time pampering and taking care of yourself and not your family?

If you answered yes to that, I have this to say: there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. There is nothing for you to feel guilty about getting your hair done or getting a massage or pedicure, even if it’s every once and awhile. Who’s to say it has to be either or? Who’s to say that if you either have to be a good mom or be fabulous? Why can’t you be both?

If you are not a girly girly type of chick and never have been, I totally understand. But if you used to be and now you aren’t, I ask you why? Is it because you don’t have the energy to anymore? Or is it that you don’t care? Or is it that you feel that spending some time on you will reflect negatively on your family?

I have a sign on my wall that says, “If Mama Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy”. And that is true in my house. If I feel miserable about myself, then I am not the best person to be around. But when I am looking great AND feeling great AND my kids AND family are doing great, watch out! I am a force to be reckoned with.

The moral of this entire blog post is to say this: you don’t have to feel guilty about taking some time out for you, no matter what it is.

Moms, what have you done for YOU lately? If the answer is nothing, I challenge you to do something just for you!

The post Moms: What Have You Done For You Lately? appeared first on The Cubicle Chick.