Emily Holling

Whole Child LA is doing great things in the community to help children manage their chronic pain. We were moved by their stories and inspired to make this video!

The children in this video are survivors of:
Fibrolmyalgia
Juvenile Arthritis
Intractable Headaches
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Severe Abdominal Pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
Brain Cancer
Sickle Cell Disease

Please donate, they need your support!!
Visit them on the web at: http://www.wholechildla.org/donate.php?pid=OQ==

Video By: BangPop | Los Angeles
http://www.bangpopfoto.com

Music Donated by: Metier Music (www.metiermusic.com)

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On World Water day, March 22, charity: water is launching Unshaken – a campaign to help Haiti recover by providing long-term clean water solutions.

charitywater.org/unshaken

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Monica Conyers debates school children about her conduct.

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JBob is darling male kitty available for adoption in the S.F. Bay Area. For more information visit mainecoonadoptions.com.

Duration : 0:1:55

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Technorati Tags: adopt, adoption, cat, Coon, Francisco, Jose, kitten, kitty, Maine, Oakland, rescue, San

Education is a basic right of every child as it is the prime factor responsible for the overall development of the child. But this right is often violated in different countries due to the social evil of mass illiteracy. To fight from the illiteracy several social service organizations support government concentrating only in the field of education to eliminate illiteracy from the country. Apart from them, education sponsoring societies also play a crucial role in the collection and disbursement of valuable funds. In order to remove illiteracy from the society it is the duty of every citizen to come and contribute in this noble cause and at least sponsor education of a single child to encourage them to avail the basic right of education.  

Usually the children are deprived of this basic right due to poverty and lack of resources. For majority of parents, the aim is to provide their child with only food and shelter. Education is something that they didn’t even think of. In order to motivate these parents to send their children to school, they need to be properly convinced as well as monetary supported. Therefore social service organization provides finances and other resources to these sections of people so they agree to send their children to school. To find sponsors for these children and collect funds for financing education for the underprivileged children, special societies are set up, which are generally affiliated to an NGO or work independently.

Societies set up for sponsoring education work solely for the cause of securing funds from various means and grouping them together. From the collected fund these societies then sponsors education of various children. Funds are collected from various sources such as corporate houses, individual donors and several other source that are willing to help children and sponsor their education. Several branches of these societies are spread across the world so that they can smoothly work for the betterment of children of each region. In education sponsorship, the tuition fee is not only sponsor but the books and other study material is also sponsored. Sponsorships for every academic courses are provided, which encourage the child to take the field of their choice.           

Societies not only sponsor education for children but it also perform several other functions such as establishing educational institutions, extending educational facilities to remote areas of the region, and also upgrade these institutions for the betterment of children of different areas. Educational programs carried out by these societies are regularly improvised so that the best from the education field is offered to the children. Like as per the current trend computer education is also incorporated with the education programs so that children are able to receive computer education along with the conventional education. This will further help in the overall development of the children.

Article Manager
http://www.articlesbase.com/causes-and-organizations-articles/sponsor-education-gracious-effort-for-the-betterment-of-children-677912.html

Adoption of children is growing in number, and it has helped many unlucky couples get a kid, and feel the joy of rising him, and adoption is something that many people are looking into. It is essential that some guidelines be followed by these people. Different kinds of adoptions are available in this process. There are many choices from which the kind of adoption can be chosen. One can choose the place or type of adoption as there are several guidelines for adoption that are similar across boards. Proper understanding of the guidelines has to be ensured before the adoption process is started.

One should be familiar with the different age restrictions on the many kinds of adoptions in the state, once it is decided that you are going to adopt. While it is required to be twenty five years in some states, the requirement in others is 30 years. Moreover, there may also a cut off age, above which one cannot adopt. In some states, no age limit is prescribed for adoption. One should look into the age restrictions and ensure that they fit well into it before thinking of adoption. Adoption is a lengthy process, and the agencies who allow adoption make sure that the kid will have all the facilities that any other normal kid gets, and when they are satisfied, they let the adoption take place.

It is essential that one has no problems with alcoholism, mental sickness and drugs, having decided to adopt. The smallest issues like depression can have an influence on the ability to adopt. Thus it is required to be mentally and physically fit. Children should have an environment that will enhance their emotional and physical development. The guidelines that one’s state provides for the home of an adopted child should be followed. Ensuring that these guidelines are adhered to is the most vital step in the process of adoption.

Proper information about your financial status is to be provided when deciding to adopt a child. One should give assurance that the financial needs of the child will be taken care of. These include food, shelter, clothing and also some other needs. If this is not satisfied, it could be a hindrance to the whole process of adoption.

Criminal history of parents is taken seriously by the adoption agencies. Proper evaluation of issues is to be done if someone is found with a criminal history. Those will be questioned about the issues of their past and for which genuine answers are expected. Many agencies reject candidates for adoption if found to be associated with cases of neglect or abuse. Thus children placed by these agencies are placed in homes that do not have issues of abuse or negligence.

It can thus be inferred from above that many adoption guidelines are available that have to be considered before adopting a child. For further details, a local adoption agency can be contacted.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/adoption-guidelines-following-the-procedure-keeping-the-faith-alive-740310.html

5 Things You Must Do And 10 Things You Should Never Do

It is finally your day in court.  The world is about to find out how righteous you are and what a ______ your ex is.  Every thing you’ve worked for and hopped for is about to come true today – or is it? 

The judge doesn’t know either of you and has seen this all too many times before.  You two aren’t the real reason the judge is sitting there, the children are.  Your attorney is good, but let’s assume your ex’s attorney is at least equally good.  All the judge gets is this exposure to decide the future of your children.  Do you believe that you are really ready?  Do you realize that the outcome of today’s hearing will affect you and your children for years and years?  Now tell yourself again that you are really ready!

There are 5 things you must do to prepare yourself for this all important day in court and 7 things you must never do.  Do you have the slightest idea what they are?

5 Things You Must Do To Succeed In Court

1.  Study the local court rules and state custody laws.  Remember, it is your life but in court you are the outsider.  There are too many of these cases and not enough time to review them.  Applying the rules and laws fairly attempts to bring order out of the daily chaos.  The court will lean on these items unless you can show why another solution is required.

2.  Realize that appearances count.  You are both strangers to the court.  Dress appropriately, conduct yourself properly, and be well prepared.  These efforts will be recognized by the court as signs of respect, courtesy, and maturity.  In a later court appearance my ex and I requested that we be made permanent guardians of our special needs daughter after her 21st birthday.  Our attorney warned us that this judge was very strict and prepared us for our testimony.  At the end of the session after ruling in our favor the judge turned to our attorney, complemented her on the completeness of her filing, and said he would use it as a standard for future filings in his court.  That was an impressive moment.

3.  Understand that the judge is a god.  Have you ever sat down in the boss’s office and had a conversation about work?  Doesn’t it seem that the entire room slants downhill towards you?  If your boss is a small deity in his/her office, then the judge is all powerful in the court room.  The mediator or other expert witness is a small deity on their own.  This is their world and you are just a visitor, don’t lose your self control.

4.  Always take the high road.  The judge knows that you don’t like each other.  Have proof of any claims or charges and keep the focus on the children’s welfare.

5.  Accept that this day in court maybe forever.  Don’t believe that future modifications can resolve problems.  They may, if they ever happen.  The courts are busy and attorneys cost money.  The time lost because of a poor outcome cannot be refunded.

10 Things You Must Never Do In Court

1.  Don’t lose contact with your children.  You must maintain the relationship no matter how difficult distance and schedule problems make this.  During the separation one parent will be remote from the family unit.  A lack of frequent contact may be viewed as a lack of interest on commitment by the court.

2.  Don’t lose your involvement in the children’s daily lives.  Friends, teachers, coaches, and doctors must all be aware of both parents.  This isn’t just about the court.  Children need to see their parents as parents in their everyday life.

3.  Don’t miss dates and requests from the court, mediator, and attorneys.  Failure just delays the process and costs more money.  The lack of respect and concern that you display causes everyone one in the legal system to question you and your commitment.

4.  Don’t resist therapy.  The mediator may use sessions to evaluate the relationship and bond you share with the children.

5.  Don’t lie, equivocate, exaggerate, or misstate!  It is always so much easier to remember the truth and to document it.  Employment records, debts, and assets can all be found.  No judge or attorney likes being lied to!

6.  Don’t lose your self control.  Your behavior is now a matter of public record at all times.  A single unfortunate incident in front of a witness can end up in court records.  This is not a pleasant time for you, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.

7.  Don’t be passive.  If an expert’s, attorney’s, or judge’s actions concern you; speak to your attorney now!  Tomorrow may never come if you let a mistake go unchallenged.

8.  Don’t let bad situations go on indefinitely.  You are the adult.  Show the court and your children that you can be counted on.

9.  Don’t let the working relationship with the other parent worsen.  It is the children who must not suffer needlessly.  Maintaining a level of cooperation allows the children to feel secure during this difficult time.

10.  Don’t allow confrontation to over come all your efforts.  The other parent is not your favorite person, but guess what, you aren’t there’s either.  Confrontation always has consequences to you and the children.  Now is not the time to win a meaningless battle.

For expert family counseling advice about divorce and custody issues please visit my web site.  Doctors Barry Bricklin and Gail Elliot have combined their 35 years of experience into separate books for fathers, mothers, and grandparents.  Their 1200 page e-book is updated annually and is available on line right now.

Http://www.custodyofchildren.weebly.com

Walter
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/custody-of-children-court-day-1062656.html

Some mothers become pregnant unexpectedly, at a time where they are unprepared and feel unable to cope with a child, and all the responsibilities of being a parent. Issues that a person may come across include financial worries or lack of funds, emotional problems or physical disabilities. When faced with pregnancy some people have an abortion; others may not feel that is right to terminate a pregnancy, and some have left it too late as they did not know they were pregnant. One option is to put your child up for adoption – this is a good idea if you feel that you truly cannot care for the child on your own as you don’t have enough support. The following shows the process, step by step, for putting your child up for adoption.

1. Firstly, you should make an appointment to see your General Practitioner before the birth, and let them know that you wish to put your child up for adoption. If you feel more comfortable talking to a stranger rather than your doctor, you can always make arrangement to a professional at your local health centre. They will have all the information necessary about adoption and put you in touch with the relevant agencies. There are many bogus adoption agencies claiming to be professional, so it is important to go to your local health services who have a list of licensed agencies. That way you can feel confident that the adoption agency you are dealing with are legitimate.

2. Secondly, you should get all the information on your medical records if you are going to put your child up for adoption. If at all possible, the father of the child should be encouraged to get hold of his medical records too as this is important information. It is important that the medical records of the child are recorded for future reference. The child’s medical records can get lost in the process of adoption, so it is a good idea to have the parents’ medical records. This is very helpful if a child becomes ill, especially if they need hospital care, to determine what could be wrong with the child, or if there is anything to look out for in the future. It could prove very beneficial if you can also obtain the medical records of the child’s grandparents.

3. Thirdly, now that you have decided to place your child up for adoption, you need to make a decision on whether to have an open or closed adoption. An open adoption allows the parent can continue to have interrelations with their child even though they have been adopted, so that they can keep close ties. Some parents opt for a closed adoption if they want to cease all contact with their child, in the best interest of the child, so that they consider their adoptive parents as theirs. It is more common for parents to choose an open adoption so they can continue to interact with their child and never sever that bond they feel for their child. If this is what you prefer and it works well for both parents, then an open adoption is the right choice for you.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/putting-your-child-up-for-adoption-3-simple-steps-740305.html

All parents love to watch their healthy and active kids play along. We also love to take up all their tantrums and at times when we start thinking that the tantrums are getting too many, we believe that the child is becoming disobedient or trying to gain attention. Sometimes we ignore the child’s tantrums perceiving them to be spoilt brats and undisciplined.

Well, the fact is that we must watch our child’s activities and mood swings well enough as you might not even realize that your little one is suffering with some mental disorder. One such common mental disorder among children is Attention Deficit Disorder.

Another common disorder among kids is the Bipolar Disorder. Also known as Manic Depression, in such a condition the child undergoes random fluctuations in the mood owing to depression & mania.

The parents and/or caregivers must be cautious that the child shows ‘healthy tantrums & mood swings.’ Once these become unhealthy, you must go ahead for some close examination of the child & his day-to-day actions.

To check if your child is showing symptoms of bipolar disorder, read through the following important points about this disorder:

1. Noticeable Changes in Mood and Energy

Children dealing with the bipolar disorder generally go through constant & incessant mood interruptions. These mood swings often last for hours together and at times even days together. The psychologists explain that usually mood disorders happen most oft due to a combo of depression & mania.

2. Separation Anxiety

When children suffer with the bipolar disorder, they often experience “separation anxiety.” This means that they feel immense anxiety in the absence of the individual who takes the most care of them or one whom they are most attached. They become too apprehensive and feel separated or left alone.

3. Defiance to Authority

A child suffering with bipolar disorder is often quite disobedient. Such a child never allows any authority to rule over him/her, especially their parents and/or the caregiver.

4. Hyperactivity

Watch your child whenever he/she behaves over active. The children suffering with bipolar disorder are often agitated with the varied things surrounding them. Such children need to struggle very hard in order to concentrate on any given activity like eating, sitting still, doing school work, etc.

5. Sleeping Problems

Children suffering with bipolar disorder either sleep too much or too less. The other problems that your child might face regarding the sleep are:

i. While their slumber, the child faces ‘night terrors.’ Also known as ‘pavor nocturnus,’ this refers to the child waking up abruptly from the sleep.
ii. He/She is not able to recollect what he saw or experienced in the dream.
iii. Such children also often wet their beds during their sleep.
iv. They urinate spontaneously.
v. Your child many a times feels it very tough to wake up in the mornings.
vi. For this you should make their waking-up strategy. This way your child would never get late for school and never miss any of the appointments.

6. Food Cravings

Children suffering with bipolar disorder usually crave for food rich in carbohydrates & sugar. This craving is often strange as most oft it is quite robust and repeated.

7. Ill behavior

Children suffering with bipolar disorder usually behave quite mischievously. They often do strange things that become quite inexplicable like jumping out of the moving vehicle, fighting or quarreling with their caregiver for no apparent reason, bullying the other kids, etc.

8. Unhealthy Sexual Behavior

While usually children do not have a very open body language when it comes to sex, the kids suffering with bipolar disorder have quite unacceptable sexual behavior. Researchers explain quite well the difference between healthy & unhealthy sexual behaviors among children. Children at that tender at are rather playful and love to explore many different things around them. Children often are never preoccupied with the interactions concerning sex.

9. Hallucination

Hallucination refers to the unusual sensory perceptions happening to the child while he is wide awake & also aware of their surroundings. Children going through bipolar disorder often have hallucinations. So if your child says that he hears voices when actually nobody is around, its time to extend immediate psychiatric help.

10. Grandiosity

Grandiosity refers to an exaggerated assessment to one’s values, authorities, significance, understanding and individuality. The child suffering with bipolar disorder often believes that he is magnificent & that he knows it all. With such an attitude it often becomes very difficult to relate with the child and the conversation often lands up to major fight.

11. Speedy & Strained Speech

While in anxiety just like elders, even the kids talk very fast & in a strained manner when they are uneasy emotionally or mentally. However, if the incidents of such ’speedy & strained speech’ become too often, your child might be experiencing bipolar disorder. Among kids, talking fast along with anxiety is quite unusual.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/11-signs-of-bipolar-disorder-in-children-739467.html

There comes a time when a person decides they want to adopt a child. However, a person may be confused on where to look. Parents can try private adoption, which means searching on their own. However, the popular way is through an adoption agency. Adoption agencies are home to a wealth of information that one might not be able to get on their own. Just calling a random company is not going to work though. Research different companies, find one with a good reputation and one that works well its clients.

Adoption agencies can tell you how many children are available in certain areas and requirements for adopting children. The agencies also provide assistance in every aspect of adoption from filling out paperwork to finding the right child and finally getting to meet that special person.

1. Government Agencies: If you want to go through an adoption agency, there are a number of places to look. One of the first phone calls should be to a local or state government agency such as child welfare or social services. These government agencies should be able to provide you with a list of local adoption agencies as well as any information you might need. They might be able to send you a pamphlet or other material that could prove useful in your search for an adoption agency.

2. The Internet: The Internet is a valuable resource for finding adoption agencies. A quick search in any search engine will provide you with local and national directories of adoption agencies. It will also guide you to websites to find more information about the process. While on the Internet, check message boards and forums about adoption. There are online communities dedicated to adoption. You can post a message or contact parents through email about the adoption agency they used. This way you get opinions and insight on how adoption agencies handle their clients. You can find a wealth of information this way about local and adoptions in foreign countries.

3. Phone book: You can try cold calling adoption agencies straight out of the phone book. Check under the yellow pages for adoption or social services. This should lead you in the right direction. It may seem like a crude way of doing things, but before the Internet this was how things got done. Give the adoption agency a call and ask if you can talk to parents who have been through the process. They might set you up with people who understand your plight. The adoptive parents can give you inside information and explain how the adoption process works. They can tell you about the agency you are considering and any pitfalls to consider.

4. Community Groups / Churces: Another way to search for an adoption agency is to check with community groups or churches to see if there is a support group for adoptive parents. The group people will provide thoughtful and honest experiences. In the case of the parents given to you by the adoption agency, you will probably get someone who is 100 percent happy with the company. It is in the agency’s best interest to send you them. By finding the parents on your own, you will get candid accounts of what to expect during and after the process. These people could offer a ton of information and you may end up joining the group in the future.

There are so many ways to find an adoption agency. Just choose the one that is best for you. Don’t stop looking until you find the perfect one because this is a wonderful life decision.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/finding-adoption-agencies-4-excellent-sources-740318.html