Friday, December 13, 2013

Greatest Gift to Your Teen

by Mark Gregston Heartlight Ministries
As parents, we often put a lot of blame on ourselves for what we cannot offer our kids. When Christmas or birthdays roll around, we feel guilty when we can't afford the latest and greatest iPads, video games, designer shoes, or state-of-the-art cell phones. Perhaps we feel embarrassed that, when it comes to housework, we're barely keeping our head above water, and it's all we can do to start the laundry, run the dishwasher, and feed the dog. And if that's not bad enough, we have the tendency to compare ourselves to what other moms and dads can offer their teens. Instead of being able to take a family vacation to Disney World, perhaps all you can do is pack the car up for a weekend with Grandpa and Grandma in Peoria, Illinois (I love people in Peoria; this is just an example). While other teens you know are taking private ski lessons, learning Italian in Europe, or going out to a movie every weekend, you feel like you're letting your teen down because you're not able to offer the same type of experiences. So we start to believe that we don't pass muster as parents.

Read More at Childabuse.com >>
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/greatest_gift_teen.html

Finding Hidden Messages in Your Teen's Inappropriate Behavior

by Mark Gregston Heartlight Ministries
Don't judge; but I'm a fan of the National Treasure movies. Remember those films? They starred Nicholas Cage as Benjamin Gates, a historian and modern fortune hunter who believed that America's national monuments and historical artifacts contained a secret treasure map from the founding fathers. While other researchers and academics laughed at his conspiracy theories, Benjamin Gates eventually proved that underneath the common symbols and landmarks we see in America was a trail of messages pointing to new discoveries.
What does the National Treasure have to do with parenting teens? Just this: Our child's inappropriate behaviors, whether it's blatant disrespect, substance abuse, continuous lying, sexual activity, stealing, out-of-control anger, or spiraling depression, are visible landmarks that stick out in our teen's life. But if we take the time to look underneath these monuments, we will find the true message our teens are trying to convey, but cannot find the words to do so.

Read more at Childabuse.com >>
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/finding_hidden_messages_teen_behavior.html

Dousing The Flame Dealing With Teenage Anger

By Mark Gregston Heartlight Ministries
For Lucas, it started in high school. "I guess I have a face and personality that invites bullies," he told me. Kids in class would ridicule Lucas' clothes, mock his behavior, laugh at where he came from, and deride him constantly. But in teen culture, you can't show weakness. Teens know that if you let on to bullies that they're affecting you, you're giving them an open invitation to continue the abuse. So Lucas put on his impervious face each day, and endured the barrage of mistreatment at school. But that kind of ill-treatment wears you down. "When I would finally come home," explained this young man, "the littlest thing would set me off. I mean, my mom would ask me to take out the trash and I could feel the anger building. At first I wouldn't talk, but that made my mom mad, so eventually all this anger would just, kinda, explode. I would yell, throw things, break things. My mom didn't know what to do."

Read more at Childabuse.com >>
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/dousing_the_flame.html

Monday, November 25, 2013

When Your Teen Gets Into the Wrong Crowd

If you swim with the sharks, you're bound to get bit. One bad apple spoils the whole bushel. Bad company corrupts good character. Many parents have added these phrases to their lexicon, because they illustrate the dangers of running with the "wrong crowd". As moms and dads, we know how susceptible kids are to peer influence. You've likely spent many sleepless nights worrying about the people your child is hanging around. What are they teaching my son? What are they pressuring my daughter to do? Are these friends that will give needed support and encouragement to my teen, or are they the type of people who will bring my child down?

learn more>> http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/teen_wrong_crowd.html

False Sense of Maturity Teaching Teens to be Resonsible

It's probably happened to a lot of dads. Your kid spends his mornings watching you drag yourself to the bathroom mirror, pile some shaving cream in your hand, break out your razor, and start shaving your face. Soon, your son (or maybe even daughter) decides they need to shave too. So you squirt a little cream in their hands, supply them a with tongue depressor, and let them "shave." As you both lean into the vanity mirror, it's hard not to laugh, watching your five-year-old seriously attack the non-existent stubble on his face.

read more>> http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/false_sense_security.html

Child abuse, Know the Red Flags

ACEP News
December 2011

BY SHERRY BOSCHERT
Elsevier Global Medical News

SAN FRANCISCO - The color of a bruise indicates its age. You'll almost always see bruising when a child has a fracture. Sexual abuse leaves behind physical exam findings.

These are all myths that can get in the way of physicians recognizing abuse of an infant or child. Physicians are required by law to report all suspicions of nonaccidental trauma, a catch-all term for child abuse, shaken baby syndrome, and battered-child syndrome.

Physicians can meet that obligation by ignoring these myths, recognizing red flags for nonaccidental trauma, and being familiar with signs of accidental trauma or medical conditions that can mimic the physical findings of nonaccidental trauma, Dr. Maureen D. McCollough said at the Scientific Assembly of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

learn more>> http://childabuse.com/articles/child-abuse-red-flags.html

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Communicating with Your Teen

As a child moves from his elementary years into early adolescence, it's essential that the style of communicating with your child change with them. They are moving from "concrete" thinking to "abstract" thought. What was "non-hormonal" now becomes laced with hormones. Total dependence moves closer to independence. While they have always wanted to listen, now they want to express.
It's important for parents to transition with their child, to change their style of communication rather than not talking at all. Sadly, if this transition is not accomplished, then the next time that communication, or lack thereof, shows itself, is when your child begins to struggle or have difficulties, and desperately needs someone to talk to.

The Birds and the Bees, Talking to Your Teen about Sex

It's never a conversation a mom or dad wants to have with their child. Talking about sex with your teen or pre-teen is uncomfortable for both you and your kid. There's a level of embarrassment, a fumbling for the right words, perhaps a hesitancy to share or to ask questions. I'll be honest; I've been talking to teens about sex for close to three decades, and it never gets any easier.

learn more>>
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/birds-bees.html

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Releasing your Teen into the World

Your Teen is going out into the world
Very few comments made by high school seniors and college students can scare parents more than when they announce they have plans to go on a medical mission and travel to Guatemala, spend a few weeks in Rwanda with orphan kids, or go to Indonesia to minister to girls involved in the tragic and pathetic sex trade. As they share their excitement and enthusiasm for their hopeful venture, parents shudder with nervousness about all the potential hazards of travel as their child's first campaign to "fly the coop" and "make a difference" silently fade to the background as all the reasons they shouldn't go come to a parent's mind, shouting, "We can't let this happen!"


 http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/releasing_your_teen_world.html"> read more

Friday, September 27, 2013

When Parenting Styles Collide

Parenting teens is hard enough when parents agree on how a child should be parented; and even tougher when parenting styles collide. And the one place that parents should be especially concerned about not allowing confusion is in their own home. Confusion flourishes and relationships flounder when parents can't get their parenting styles to compliment one another, during a time when a teen needs the cohesive and focused team approach by Mom and Dad, whether living in the same house or not.




Parenting Styles sometimes collide, read our newest post on parenting your kids

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Dealing with Teen Anger

Dealing with your Teen's Anger can be over whelming. Here is an article that may help guide you to some happier resolutions between you and your teen.
Anger in your teenager can take on many faces. It can be a seething anger kept quietly below the surface, or a tidal wave unleashed on everyone around them. Anger can manifest itself in a covert refusal to comply with your household rules or wishes, or it can lead your teenager to outwardly undermine their own future or even strike out in violence.


read more: http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/angry_teen.html

Friday, September 20, 2013

Curing The Selfish Brat

Teen Brat
Mom and Dad, don't look now, but there could be a monster in your home. This beast's objective is to infiltrate your life, gain control, and rule your family with sarcasm and an iron fist. Now, you may not recognize this monster at first. That's because this fiendish terror disguises itself, using your teen as its innocent host. The scientific name of this monster isBratticus Narcissitcus; but in the vernacular, it's simply called, "a selfish brat." And it can wreak untold damage on your home and your family.

http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/selfish_brat.html

Tough Guys & Drama Queens Teen Seminar don't let your child's teen years blindside you

Troubled Teen Seminar with Mark Gregston Heartlight Ministries- Tough Guys & Drama Queens

Plan to attend the Tough Guys & Drama Queens seminar, led by teen expert, Mark Gregston. The event will be held on Sunday afternoon, October 6th from 3:30 to 6:30 at Woodcreek Church, located at 3400 E. Renner Road, in Richardson, Texas.

Mark will share his insights and observations gathered from over 38 years of experience in dealing with teens and parents. His national radio program, Parenting Today's Teens, is heard on over 1,500 radio outlets. His wit, humor, and biblical approach to helping parents insure that his seminars are full of laughter and practical applications that appeal to all audiences.

Read more at 

Monday, September 16, 2013

How far is to far to go?

How far is too far when helping a still traumatized teen child abuse survivor? How far is too far in reaching out to catch a young man aging out of foster care that is not prepared to care for himself? We have heard the cliche statements like "Pay it Forward" and, "What Would Jesus Do?" Constant trauma from severe abuse was never addressed and they are years behind in school. We ask, how does an 18 year old get a job and begin caring for themselves alone under such emotional strain? They don't, not without direct long term help.


Read More at: http://www.childabuse.com/authors/arcofhope/how_far_is_to_far.html

Child Marriage a Form of Sex Trafficking, or Exploitation?

Child Marriages
Child marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before age 18.  Child marriage affects both girls and boys, girls are disproportionately the most affected; child marriages are occuring both In low- and middle-income countries,pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death for girls ages 15 to 19. Girls who marry early also rarely finish school, often setting them back for life. 
 http://www.childabuse.com/articles/child_marriages.html

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Parenting with Worry VS Parenting with Wisdom

From the moment the doctor places that sweet, newborn baby in our arms, we parents start to worry. The dangers we never considered before starting a family now become monumental. So we spend a weekend baby-proofing the house with complex locks and latches. When our kid gets the sniffles, we assume it is some rare Zebra Flu, and rush them to the doctor. When they go skateboarding, we fit them with pads and helmets, and cover them in bubble-wrap, just in case. And when our kids rush into the door waving that driver's license, all moms and dads can think about are the many ways their precious kid can be injured inside that two-ton metal death trap we call "cars." Let's not sugarcoat it-parents worry about their kids!

read more http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/parenting_with_worry.html

Someone to Look Up To

Who are the worst role models for teens right now?
One website recently asked around 2,500 parents that exact question. For girls, moms and dads claimed that Miley Cyrus was the worst role model for teen girls, followed closely by Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian, Amanda Bynes, and Rihanna. On the boy's side, parents shared that Chris Brown was the worst role model for their young men. The list also included Kayne West, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, and Charlie Sheen.



Friday, August 23, 2013

Not Worth The Risk- Teen Alcohol Abuse, what can we do?

My head spins as I read the collection of percentages quoted and stated about teen alcohol use. 25% of kids under the age of 14 experiment with alcohol; 50% of kids will satisfy their curiosity of alcohol; 21% of kids are given alcohol by their parents; 11% of alcohol in the U.S. is consumed by underage kids; 56% of current underage drinkers (ages 12-20) reported that their last use of alcohol occurred in someone else's home; 30% reported that it occurred in their own home. I've never been that good at math, but it doesn't take a mathematical genius to understand percentages and risk. 

Read more at Childabuse.com
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/not_worth_risk.html

Friday, August 16, 2013

Why Kids Need a Job

Teen JobsExcuse me for a moment while I boast, but in fourth grade I discovered that I had a knack for selling stuff. You know those candy bar drives schools put on to raise money? Every student was saddled with an inventory of 2 cases of inexpensive chocolate and charged with hawking what they could to neighbors, friends, and family. It was a ritual despised by parents and kids alike. But when I saw the prizes I could win by selling these mediocre treats I was inspired to do whatever it would take to make my candy campaign successful. So I hatched a plan to offer free samples of the chocolate bars to potential customers, and then charge a little bit more for the candy bars to make up the difference. At the end of the drive, I had managed to sell sixty cases of chocolate bars! Not bad for a ten-year-old kid! But before my head swells too big, let me admit that I've also had a few failures in my work career. I've even been fired from a job. It sure didn't feel good, but the lessons I've learned have stuck with me.

read more>> http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/why_kids_need_jobs.html

Monday, August 12, 2013

Growing up ADD

ADHDStop fidgeting! Pay attention! Calm down!

I heard these phrases a lot growing up. That's because I had (and still have) ADD. It stands for Attention Deficit Disorder.While I might quibble about the "disorder" part of the definition, I definitely agree that there's a deficit in my attention span! As a kid, it was incredibly hard for me to sit through school, focus on homework, or stay on task for longer than fifteen minutes. I give my parents credit; raising me was no easy assignment. I'm sure there were times they wanted to strap me down just so I'd stop being so squirrely!

When Parents are to Controlling

When parents are to controllingYour teenage daughter wakes up one Saturday morning with a plan. She decides to make the whole family waffles, so she gets out the flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, butter and some vanilla extract, and goes to work. The problem is that your daughter is not quite a culinary chef. In fact, toast and cereal are her only specialties up to this point. As you stumble into the kitchen looking for a bit of morning coffee, you notice the flour on the counters, egg yolk dripping from the table, and smoke pouring from the waffle iron. That's when your parental instincts kick into overdrive and you turn to your daughter-playing-cook and say, "You're doing this wrong," or "That's not how you mix the batter," or even "I'll take over from here." Discouraged and frustrated, your daughter leaves the kitchen saying, "I quit!" resolved to never try her hand at baking again.

http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/when_parents_are_controlling.html

What makes girls different ?

what makes girls differentDaughters. When they're born, you can't imagine loving anything more than the sweet, beautiful, bundle of joy in your arms. From tea parties to soccer games, you realize at once that little girls are something special.
Then they become teens.
One day you're tucking your little girl into bed with stories of princesses and heroes, and the next minute there's a young woman coming down the stairs, and you don't even recognize her. Maybe it's a change in attitude. Or perhaps it's a complete shift in personality. To help your little girl become a responsible and happy woman, you'll need to understand what's happening in the life of your adolescent daughter.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Training Teens to be Leaders

Training Teens to be LeadersYou know what they say; behind every great leader stands a proud parent. But great leaders don't just happen. People who stand tall on their own two feet are often the result of a family who poured into their lives and helped them develop the necessary skills to take charge and bring others with them. But I'm sure there are some parents who will say, "Hey Mark, my teen will never be a leader! He can't run his own life, let alone guide anyone else's." But before we jump into "never" situations, perhaps it would help to clarify what we are talking about.

What is a Leader?
Sure, your son or daughter might not be the type to run a country or occupy the corner office, but these types of professions and occupations don't encompass all that it means to be a leader. You don't have to have an impressive title or an official position to be a leader. Instead, leaders are those who have learned to govern themselves. They're not mindless followers. Leaders are secure in what they know is right and will walk in that truth regardless of whether others come along. Leaders can be fun, but they also gain respect. Those around them understand that this is someone they can trust and perhaps look up too. That's the type of person we want our sons and daughters to become. Studies show that kids who exhibit leadership qualities are less likely to participate in substance abuse, pre-marital sex, school delinquency, and self-harm. Training your teen to become a leader not only builds character, but it protects your child from the destructive forces that can veer them off course.

read more at>> http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/training_teen_leaders.html

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

10 Most Violent Video Games (and 10+ Alternatives)

Ultra-violent video games get a lot of attention --but there are plenty of less-violent alternatives that kids will enjoy playing just as much (if not more).
Among teen and preteen gamers, the names of violent video games travel fast. And before you know anything about these games, your kid wants to play them. It's difficult to stay on top of it -- and it's even harder to know exactly what's in a game in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it.

"Ultra-violent video games, negatives outweigh any positives"

Of course, many video games can provide enriching experiences and learning opportunities. But with ultra-violent video games, the negatives clearly outweigh any positives for kids. (Read Media and Violence: An Analysis of Current Research for an assessment of the studies measuring the effects of media violence on kids.) Complicating the issue is that many ultra-violent video games are actually technically superb -- which is why many games that we label "not for kids" receive five stars for quality on Common Sense Media.

read more at Childabuse.com http://www.childabuse.com/articles/ten_most_violent_video_games.html


article by Jinny Gudmundsen
Executive Editor, Video Games | Mom of two



Wednesday, July 17, 2013

What Makes Boys Different ?

After numerous, harrowing experiences babysitting little boys, a friend recalled saying to God, "  You know Lord, I don't think I want kids. And I especially don't want boys! " But as you may know, God has a sense of humor, and this young lady not only had seven kids, but six of them were male!

Being a mother to six boys, my friend became well acquainted with messy rooms, muddy shoes, smelly clothes, wrestling tournaments in the house, stupid pranks, dumber stunts, holes in the drywall, fiery tempers, and stubborn wills. In the process of raising a pack of wild boys into mature and responsible men, this mom discovered that God had changed her heart considerably. Where once she could not imagine coping with a house full of adolescent men, she found that she loved being a mother to these boys, despite the challenges. Watching them develop, she had a front row seat to the unique challenges and obstacles that men face in today's world. Over the years, my friend gained a deep appreciation for the work that goes into training a boy to be a man.

read more>>
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/what_makes_boys_different.html

Friday, July 5, 2013

The Internet brings many challenges facing our teens Free Book Download!

internetebook.jpgMy Teen and the Internet. Is your son struggling with pornography? Does your teen act like someone else online? The Internet has taken our teens by storm
get your free copy now:http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/teen_internet.html

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Teen Violence, are you at risk?

1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Abused girls are significantly more likely to get involved in other risky behaviors. They are 4 to 6 times more likely to get pregnant and 8 to 9 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide.
On the average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends, every day.


http://www.childabuse.com/teen_violence.html

Friday, June 28, 2013

Teen Drug Use, Abuse; a Crash Course

Maybe you saw the title of this week's newsletter, and you thought, Well, this is one article I don't need to read. My kid would never do drugs! I'm not here to frighten you, but if you believe your son or daughter will never be tempted to use harmful substances, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment. We might like to think it's the other kids who are using, and not our own. But according to recent studies, 1 out of every 5 teens is abusing alcohol, illegal, or legal drugs on a regular basis.

Even high school students that aren't presently using are telling researchers that they get offered prescription narcotics at least twice a day!

http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/teen_drug_abuse.html

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Protect Children Online.org Childabuse.com recommends



Protect Children Online.org is dedicated to the education of parents and children alike to the threats that the Internet can pose to our children.
Whether it is Internet predators, cyber bullying, or any other Internet threat to our children, the threat is there.
Childabuse.com recommends ProtectChildrenOnline.com terrific resource

Childabuse.com invited to Face Scum UK's database of Pedaphiles


Childabuse.com has been invited to join in the fight against child abuse, molestation at FaceScum.com
Face Scum stands tall against pedophiles who stalk young children in the UK.
Visit and learn more at FaceScum.com  Childabuse.com says thanks

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Lindsey Baum missing 4 years anniversary of her disappearance

New Article at Childabuse.com Lindsey Baum missing 4 years. Lindsey was just 10 years old when she ]was last seen at approximately 9 p.m. on June 26, 2009, while she was walking home from a friend's house in McCleary, Washington.




Age-progressed image shows how Lindsey would look at age 14 years

read more here>> http://www.childabuse.com/articles/Lindsey_Baum.html

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Teaching Your Teen to Struggle Well

Think Back. When in your life, have you gained the most experience and wisdom? Was it when things were easy? Or was it when times were tough read our new article at Childabuse.com "Teaching Teens to Struggle Well"

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

See how a small town in Arizona takes a stand against Sex Trafficking- a lesson for us all

Over100 people were in attendance on June 13th 2013 to hear our speakers take a stand against child sex trafficking. The speakers were Dr. Karna Walter (Professor at the University of Arizona on human sex trafficking,), Franki Reddick-Gibson (treatment specialist, youth in abusive situations,) and Beth Jacobs (survivor and currently working with others coming out from being trafficked).

Check out Childabuse.com for the latest information on this $49 Billion dollar industry, sadly there seems to be no end in sight as the market expands from the US to around the world. Sex trafficking is modern day slavery, and is growing by leaps and bounds. Help take a stand just as the residents did in a small Southern Arizona town- Tucson; help put an end to human trafficking, call your senator and congressman, ask how they plan to tackle this problem.

http://www.childabuse.com/articles/tucson_fight_against_trafficking.html

Monday, June 17, 2013

Loss & Pain in a Teen's Life free MP3

Childabuse.com new article
 
Loss & pain in a teen's life, how a parent can help their teen through difficult times Fee MP3 download
 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Hope in Hard Times

New article on Childabuse.com-
"Hope in Hard Times"

Elana's dad was a recovering alcoholic. He had been sober for nearly a year and was diligently going to AA meetings, however he was also suffering from a bout of deep depression. Tired of fighting the inner darkness and afraid he would slip up and go back to the bottle,

Elana's father decided to give up the struggle and took his own life...

Learn more about how Elana developed hope in these hard times, read on
http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/hope_in_hard_times.html

e-book series "My Teen & the Internet" available FREE at Childabuse.com

New e-book series "My Teen & Internet" available FREE at  get your free copy here

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Child ID KITS now available at Childabuse.com

Child ID KITS now available at DiapersRus.com help keep your kids safe, bring them home sooner
http://www.childabuse.com/dnakit/childabuse_dna_store.html


Freedom 3-14-13 Human Trafficking

"Freedom 3-14-13 is actually a day. March 14th of this year was the day that my "freedom" was given to me."

Childabuse.com recommended post of the day

Please Stop This!!
Well, it has been quite a while since I have made a blog post. I kept having an itching to post, but always got myself busy in other things. Life has been full of ups and downs but I am still here so I guess I am learning to roll with the punches. I have a great support system in person, and also a great support system online, here.
Anyway, there has been so much going on that I don’t really know where to start but I will say this. I HATE HOW THIS WORLD ACTS BLIND TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING/Modern DAY SLAVERY. I had a status for Facebook that I wrote down but never posted. I said, “When will you notice us? We are sold every day, sometimes right before your eyes, but you are too blind to see!! Do we have to be a shiny car for you to notice we’re dying??” I will admit, I was a little mad when I was writing it. I just was thinking of how we are changing laws, and bring awareness, and trying to make things better when it really should be common sense for people. All of these things should already of been done and this problem gone. There should not have to be any pulling of teeth in order to get things done, and changes made. The reason the world is so messed up, I believe, is because people like to play the ignorance game. They don’t want to show that they know what is going on, or they just don’t want to believe it. I’m sorry, but even if you believe the air does not have oxygen in it, it does. So even if you believe Human Trafficking does not happen where you are, it does; and even if you think you can’t do anything to stop it, you can. I just wish everyone would go to the bathroom and flush ignorance down the toilet once and for all.
I will share this. When I was with my trafficker I was around others (outside of the circle of traffickers around me) a lot of the times that I was bought and even just talking to the people who would buy me. Being Deaf I was to not speak (I can voice mind you, but the guys liked the thrill of being with a Deaf girl), so I was to only allowed write in a notebook. I still have the writing from the last man who was to buy me. It was March 10th that I met him, 4 days before my freedom day. I got in his car and we sat there and he would write in the notebook and I would just nod or mime. He was military because I saw his card on the dash; I am guessing a veteran, though, as he did not have great motor skills. Anyway, near us was a car that was broke down. After a couple minutes of me being in the car, a police car pulled up between us and the broken down vehicle. The police officer never even looked at us. I don’t think he was even aware that there were people in the vehicle. After we finished the meeting, and he did what he wanted, I got out of the car and walked right by the officer and broken down car.
This is the sort of thing that has happened to me loads of times. A police car goes by or evens parks near me and the person buying me. People walk by me. I even have had some people stop and talk to me directly while I was waiting to be picked up (usually at busy places). Some have even told me I should “smile because there is so much light in the world.” The people who know me outside of trafficking know that I smile a lot, but I lose my smile when I am “working”. I just am always in a sense of fear. That I can mess up at any time, and so I am more focused on doing the right things (according to my trafficker) rather than smiling and having a good time.
My point in bringing this incident up is just a showing of what I mean by people being ignorant to the things around them. I even know someone who told me that she used to over hear people talking to their children about her. Calling her a whore and prostitute and that she was trash because of how she was dressed. What they did not know, or refused to believe, or believed she deserved whatever happened to here, was that she was being beat often and made to make a certain amount of money or risk her life. Hearing those things never really made her want life more.
I guess my plea is for people to just stop looking at us as not good enough and see us for who we are, even if we do not see ourselves in a good way. I have called myself so many things (non-cursing things but still up there). I have believed so many negative things about myself, and I am fighting to tear down the painted mirror so that I can see the real me. I gave up on myself, but the people around me are not allowing me to give up now, and if I do they are right there to catch me and put my train back on the tracks. I thank them so much for that! I would not be here without them because things got really hard after my freedom was given to me.
So, please, don’t ignore us, don’t give up on us, do fight for us, do fight beside us, do encourage us, and do motivate us!! Many of us have had so many people ignore us, give up on us, fight us, discourage us, and in no way motivate us to live. We have had enough of that to last a life time. Likewise, please raise awareness for this problem so that more babies, children, teens, young adults, and adults can be saved and not have to go through this. Let me ask you, do you believe a person is worth a full cart of groceries?? I don’t. People are priceless. Let us END THIS WAR for good, please.

91 days of freedom.
See her blog here: http://freedom3-14-13.blogspot.com/ to learn more
 
 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Childabuse.com Takes a Stand Against Child Sex Trafficking

 fighting against child sex trafficking & child abuse, working to bring awareness against child abuse sex trafficking. Read about one community that has had enough! Southern Arizona Against Sex Slavery SAAS. Follow their blog and upcoming meetings 13 June, 2013


Read more at http://www.childabuse.com/authors/arcofhope/sex_trafficking.html

Friday, June 7, 2013

Southern Arizona Against Sex Trafficking

Childabuse.com Celebrates One communities efforts in the fight against sex trafficking

Community Forum on Sex Trafficking Event Alert

You are invited to attend an important event:
Community Forum: Sex Trafficking in Our Homes, Schools and Community
Date: Thursday, June 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, visit http://www.childabuse.com/authors/arcofhope/sex_trafficking.html for more details
 
A message from Steve Kozachik, Tucson City Council, Ward 6:
Last week, on Tucson City streets the news reported two attempted abductions of children. The perpetrators are now behind bars. Last month a mother rescued her teen-aged daughter up in Marana after the youth had been abducted. And most of us are familiar with the story from Cleveland, Ohio where three women were finally rescued after having been held hostage right in the midst of their own neighborhood for several years. Sadly, our children are falling victim to sex trafficking daily, and all too often the results are not the happy endings described above.

Read more at: http://www.childabuse.com/authors/arcofhope/sex_trafficking.html

Balancing Teen Privileges and Consequences

New article at Childabuse.com
The number one concern of nearly every parent I meet is "How do I set up rules my teen will follow?" When adolescence hits, it can be frustrating as teens push, prod and run roughshod over the boundaries of the home. Some teens have little to no regard for any parental policies. In situations like these, mom and dad may be at a loss on how to get their child to follow their protective guidelines. If you are looking for a game plan for your home, the best place to start is creating a balance of consequences and privileges for your household rules.

Read more at http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/balance_privileges_consequences.html

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Teen Violence are you at risk, or someone you know?

1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Abused girls are significantly more likely to get involved in other risky behaviors. They are 4 to 6 times more likely to get pregnant and 8 to 9 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide.
On the average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends, every day.

more>> http://www.childabuse.com/teen_violence.html

Monday, June 3, 2013

Family love matters most for outcomes in kids with neurologic diseases by Childabuse.com staff

H H S Logo - link to U. S. Department of Health and Human Services In discussion Cerebral Palsy which is one of many childhood neurologic diseases as is seizure disorder. Family and quality of home care is the leading source of a child's hope for a successful future.
"Regardless of age or the types of therapy that are used, treatment doesn’t end when an individual with cerebral palsy leaves the treatment center.  Most of the work is done at home.   Members of the treatment team often act as coaches, giving parents and children techniques and strategies to practice at home.  Studies have shown that family support and personal determination are two of the most important factors in helping individuals with cerebral palsy reach their long-term goals."
As stated in this article by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/detail_cerebral_palsy.htm

Family is always the most important single factor in the successful outcome of a child with any neurologic disorder.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Two Habits That Will Destroy a Home at Childabuse.com

habits that destroy a homeReady for a pop quiz? What are the two habits that will destroy your relationship with your teen and are guaranteed to make parenting a wasted effort? Answer: disrespect and dishonesty. Those two noxious weeds can creep in, and uproot entire families. And left un-weeded and untamed, they'll only grow and spread their roots to areas outside the home. So how do you uproot disrespect and dishonesty from your teen?


read more at>> http://www.childabuse.com/authors/marks_corner/two_habits_destroy_home.html

Monday, May 27, 2013

“BROKEN HEART” SYNDROME: REAL, POTENTIALLY DEADLY BUT RECOVERY QUICK


Hopkins cardiologist Ilan Wittstein, MD
Work out your family and relationship problems, seek help; it's healthier to be happy, than heart broken. Read here for an in depth view on "Broken Heart Syndrome," and why this really does occur.

“BROKEN HEART” SYNDROME: REAL, POTENTIALLY DEADLY BUT RECOVERY QUICK

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Child Sex Trafficking- help save kids from sex trade visit Childabuse.com Ark of Hope's Corner

 has added Child Trafficking Daily X2 read more stop trafficking protecting and providing a safe haven for Children saved from sex traffickers = Breaking the chains of abuse for abused, trafficked & bullied  at Ark of Hope! See Childabuse.com for more information at:
 

Handling Personal Stress- parenting teens

 new article handling personal stress raising teens how to keep your cool, bring peace to your home, and your teen.
As a parent of a teenager, you're probably well acquainted with stress. It creeps in when you and your teen are in conflict. You can feel it in the pit of your stomach, in your head, and between your eyes. Stress can keep you up at night, and anxious all day.

read more at

Childabuse.com May 25th National Missing Children's Day what can you do to help

May 25th National Missing 
Children's Day at Childabuse.com
Last year, parents abducted nearly 2,000 children to or from the United States. That’s 40 children taken from their homes and from their loved ones each week. Abductions traumatize children, their parents, friends, and family.. "International Parental Child Abduction is a painful scourge for so many, learn how you can help make a difference visit Childabuse.com for more information-
http://www.childabuse.com/missing_childrens_day.html