After School Anxiety

Like many mothers, on August 27th you saw your child off to school- maybe for the first time (kindergarden...awwww cute!), maybe for the last (my my they grow so fast).

In my case I'm not new to this, or old. As the last week of Summer crept upon us, my son actually did quite well prepping for his oncoming school year.
He had no problem shopping online for school clothes, choosing which of his THREE different colored backpacks would go with his outfits, and he didn't even give me a problem when I told him he'd need to be up by 6:45 to make sure he was on time.

Everything seemed so easy...a little too easy...that's when I realized...

I had NO after school care for him!!

I don't think I'm alone when I say that for moms who have artistic and talented children enrolled in grades K-6, it is extremely hard to find things for them to do after school. They're too old for daycare and too young to be on there own without supervision.

This is the age where most kids ARE left alone and their minds are left to wander BUT NOW there is an activity they can participate in that doesn't cost a lot of money.

Beginning September 16th for the second year, I'll be offering my after school arts program called "Starbound" every Wednesday from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Kids in grades K-6 are invited to come. Aspiring young rappers, singers, dancers, and actors are welcome. Pick up from school is available and the program is only $30 per session. For more info and/or to register call: 1-877-534-5106 x 101

It's a proven fact that children who are involved in music have higher test scores and a higher self-esteem.

Do something good for your kids....keep their minds on track!!

Hassani Campbell

When I first heard about Hassani Campbell missing I was deeply bothered. On August 10, 2009 at around 4:15 pm after being left in the car by his care taker, Hassani simply...VANISHED.

I have a son that is around Hassani's age and I can't even tell you how crazy I would be if my child was suddenly gone without a trace. This instance bothered me especially because it hit so close to home. Hassani was in an area that is considered "safe"- an area where my own son attends pre-school and people say "good morning" to you and smile in passing.

As of yet, no one knows whether or not Hassani walked out of the car or if he was abducted. This 5 year old child has cerebral palsy so there is even more concern and even more urgency associated with finding him. He is a 5 year old African-American male and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray pants. He also has leg braces on due to his condition.

You would think that in this day and age, we as parents and care takers of these children would stop being so careless. You would think that with all of the Amber Alerts, missing children posters, email chain letters, and media coverage- we would be more aware of our surroundings and more leery of leaving our children alone. Truth is- we're NOT.

Regardless of how safe you think your neighborhood is, or how smart your child may be, you have to realize this world is a big place with "crazies" at every turn.

Please support me in helping to find Hassani Campbell. If you have any tips that may lead to finding him, please call 1-800-843-5678 or the Oakland Police Department at 510-777-3333.

If you follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/jimmiereign , please participate in the #findhassanicampbell movement. The more people that are aware of his disappearance, the better the chances are of getting him back.

More information about the disappearance of Hassani can be found here:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=8312235&page=1

Please let's all stay in prayer.....

*Smooches*

-J.R.

"I need to separate myself"

As I woke up this morning and started cleaning ( a regular Saturday morning ritual I perform), I could hear that my sons were already up playing.

I cracked the door open so that I could clean and hear what they were doing at the same time.

They started arguing about a motorcycle they were playing with. Now if the argument isn't too bad, I try to stay out of it and let them work it out.

This was one of those arguments.

All of a sudden, I hear my youngest say to my oldest "I need to separate myself from you". He then walks out of the room and sits down quietly in the living room.

I was SHOCKED!!

I immediately asked him "where did you learn that from? I'm proud of you!" He replied, "when you get tired of something you should separate yourself. I'm tired of my brother yelling at me."

OMG! It really is amazing what kids can teach you sometimes...

There have been days where I've felt so overwhelmed that I've cried. Instead of "separating myself" from what was overwhelming me, I tried to push on so I could get whatever I was working on finished.

This can be really unhealthy. As moms, we looooove to multi-task. Believe me, I'll try to tuck my kids in, clean the kitchen, and record a song all at the same time...lol!

Sometimes you just have to take a minute, separate yourself, take a deep breath, and then return to whatever it is your doing with a fresh outlook.

Success isn't measured by how much you can get done all at once, it is measured by the quality of what you've finished.

*Smooches*

-J.R