About Cleverly Changing
Through Cleverly Changing I seek to encourage, empower, & inspire others to live cleverly, changing when necessary. Perfect parenting, doesn't exist, but informed and attentive parenting does. I desire to regularly share savings tips, wisdom, and experiences I gain from everyday life as a wife and mother of twins with others so we can empower each other to become better parents and better people in general.My subscribers
Parent Archive
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![Most parents are quick to come to their children’s aid when they are in danger or need an advocate to speak up for them. However, if you are in public what is the right way to put people in their place without getting angry and be a good example in front of your child? 1st What Would You Do Parenting Question Real Scenario – Not long ago, I was in a store with my children. I saw a sales associate reprimand a ladies child for touching clothes that were hanging up. The parent, said nothing. Then a few seconds later, in […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/WhatWouldYouDo_CleverlyChanging-115x115.png "What Would You do? Parenting Questions")
What Would You do? Parenting Questions
Posted on November 19, 2013 | No CommentsMost parents are quick to come to their children’s aid when they are in danger or need an advocate to speak up for them. However, if you are in public what is the right way to put people in their place without getting angry and be a good example in front of your child? 1st What Would You Do Parenting Question Real Scenario – Not long ago, I was in a store with my children. I saw a sales associate reprimand a ladies child for touching clothes that were hanging up. The parent, said nothing. Then a few seconds later, in […] -
![Prayerfully, I will take a few moments to share my story with you, and I pray for you as a parent and a spouse. If you are parenting a child with a genetic disorder or another type of illness let go of the guilt. Not every parent harbors guilt, but some of us do, as if we have ruined our child’s life. Right now, parents, I pray that you will not internalize negative thoughts associated with the pain of your child having an illness. Parents let go of the guilt and praise God despite of your child’s illness! Stop worrying […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Matthew_11-115x115.png "Parents, Let Go of the Guilt and be Thankful")
Parents, Let Go of the Guilt and be Thankful
Posted on November 13, 2013 | No CommentsPrayerfully, I will take a few moments to share my story with you, and I pray for you as a parent and a spouse. If you are parenting a child with a genetic disorder or another type of illness let go of the guilt. Not every parent harbors guilt, but some of us do, as if we have ruined our child’s life. Right now, parents, I pray that you will not internalize negative thoughts associated with the pain of your child having an illness. Parents let go of the guilt and praise God despite of your child’s illness! Stop worrying […] -
![Living with Sickle Cell Anemia isn’t easy, but a cure does exist. Recently, my heart was warmed as I watched the story of Jozlyn Miller. She is a young 13 year old girl who was born with this genetic disorder and has lived with the battles that having Sickle Cell anemia bring. Jozlyn now has a new lease on life after she received a bone marrow transplant from Petra Poker. Petra Poker donated her bone marrow and has now helped save Jozlyn’s life. Currently, a Bone Marrow Transplant is one of the only cures that exists for this genetic blood […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Jozlyn_Bone_Marrow_Recipient-115x115.png "Sickle Cell in the News: One Triumphant Story")
Sickle Cell in the News: One Triumphant Story
Posted on October 14, 2013 | 1 CommentLiving with Sickle Cell Anemia isn’t easy, but a cure does exist. Recently, my heart was warmed as I watched the story of Jozlyn Miller. She is a young 13 year old girl who was born with this genetic disorder and has lived with the battles that having Sickle Cell anemia bring. Jozlyn now has a new lease on life after she received a bone marrow transplant from Petra Poker. Petra Poker donated her bone marrow and has now helped save Jozlyn’s life. Currently, a Bone Marrow Transplant is one of the only cures that exists for this genetic blood […] -
![Book It is the longest running kids literacy incentive program in the country. It is a program that I enjoyed participating in while I was a kid and one that I was excited to share with my own children. To celebrate, author and illustrator (famous for his book “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”) wrote an original exclusive story to help Book It Celebrate. “Splat” is a book that kids will enjoy listening to and reading along while the author reads his engaging adventurous story. “Splat tells the story of a boy and his friend who try to escape the watchful eye […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif "Happy National Book It Day! (Check out SPLAT by Jeff Kinney)")
Happy National Book It Day! (Check out SPLAT by Jeff Kinney)
Posted on October 1, 2013 | No CommentsBook It is the longest running kids literacy incentive program in the country. It is a program that I enjoyed participating in while I was a kid and one that I was excited to share with my own children. To celebrate, author and illustrator (famous for his book “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”) wrote an original exclusive story to help Book It Celebrate. “Splat” is a book that kids will enjoy listening to and reading along while the author reads his engaging adventurous story. “Splat tells the story of a boy and his friend who try to escape the watchful eye […] -
![Every parent, teacher, or care giver of a child may have a different method to discipline the child in his or her care, but sometimes we all need a couple of tips or reminders to help us discipline in love, and not with shame. Over the years I have seen so many children damaged by emotional public shaming. In fact, one of my most vivid second grade memories is watching one of my classmates have to sit in the corner with a large writing pad on wheels separating him from the rest of the class, while he was ordered to […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Discipline-in-Love-Not-Shame-115x115.png "Important to remember: Discipline is not Shame")
Important to remember: Discipline is not Shame
Posted on September 30, 2013 | No CommentsEvery parent, teacher, or care giver of a child may have a different method to discipline the child in his or her care, but sometimes we all need a couple of tips or reminders to help us discipline in love, and not with shame. Over the years I have seen so many children damaged by emotional public shaming. In fact, one of my most vivid second grade memories is watching one of my classmates have to sit in the corner with a large writing pad on wheels separating him from the rest of the class, while he was ordered to […] -
![While reading about four year old Caesar Sant, a four year old child prodigy, who has already suffered from 2 strokes, my heart aches for his parents, and I pray for his continued health. Knowing your child is suffering is one of the hardest lessons a parent can learn to endure. Then, it is even harder when you know that your child has an amazing gift that he or she can share with the world, but may be too sick to get a chance too. To Caesar’s parents, I salute you, hang in there. Please continue to stay encouraged! I […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/safe_image.php_-115x115.jpeg "Sickle Cell Awareness and Prodigy Caesar Sant")
Sickle Cell Awareness and Prodigy Caesar Sant
Posted on September 23, 2013 | No CommentsWhile reading about four year old Caesar Sant, a four year old child prodigy, who has already suffered from 2 strokes, my heart aches for his parents, and I pray for his continued health. Knowing your child is suffering is one of the hardest lessons a parent can learn to endure. Then, it is even harder when you know that your child has an amazing gift that he or she can share with the world, but may be too sick to get a chance too. To Caesar’s parents, I salute you, hang in there. Please continue to stay encouraged! I […] -
![The library is one of our favorite family activities. This week we checked out and purchased some great books. Below I will share with you some of the books we are enjoying thus far. I love reading with my children. We enjoying picking books that correspond with lessons I am teaching them as well as anything new that may be going on in our lives. A Beach Tail by Karen Lynn Williams, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper The pictures are gorgeous. Reading the book made us feel as if we were back on the beach listening to the waves swish and […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/A-Beach-Tail-115x115.png "Books for Kids We Are Reading This Week")
Books for Kids We Are Reading This Week
Posted on September 19, 2013 | No CommentsThe library is one of our favorite family activities. This week we checked out and purchased some great books. Below I will share with you some of the books we are enjoying thus far. I love reading with my children. We enjoying picking books that correspond with lessons I am teaching them as well as anything new that may be going on in our lives. A Beach Tail by Karen Lynn Williams, Illustrated by Floyd Cooper The pictures are gorgeous. Reading the book made us feel as if we were back on the beach listening to the waves swish and […] -
![This guest post was submitted by: Samantha Peters. Add this to your bedtime battles and nighttime worries: more and more children are being diagnosed with childhood sleep apnea. This disorder occurs when the breath is interrupted during sleep. Although this obstructed breathing is not life-threatening, it does cause low-quality sleep and often leads to frequent wakefulness throughout the night. Because sleep apnea continually wakes up your child (even for a few seconds at a time, during which the child is not consciously aware that breathing has stalled), it keeps sleep within the first and second stage, before the restorative benefits of […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sleepingchild_sleep_apnea-115x115.png "Do Your Children Have Sleep Apnea?")
Do Your Children Have Sleep Apnea?
Posted on August 27, 2013 | No CommentsThis guest post was submitted by: Samantha Peters. Add this to your bedtime battles and nighttime worries: more and more children are being diagnosed with childhood sleep apnea. This disorder occurs when the breath is interrupted during sleep. Although this obstructed breathing is not life-threatening, it does cause low-quality sleep and often leads to frequent wakefulness throughout the night. Because sleep apnea continually wakes up your child (even for a few seconds at a time, during which the child is not consciously aware that breathing has stalled), it keeps sleep within the first and second stage, before the restorative benefits of […] -
![*This post and giveaway is sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center. All thoughts below are my own. Regardless of whether or not your child attends a public, private, or home school it is important to start the school year off with enthusiasm and vigor. After you have talked to your child about their upcoming goals, expectations and desires for the upcoming year what can you do next to give him or her a fresh start? Here are a few tips that I have learned over the years that will help keep your child on the right path this school year. 1. Develop a […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Win_The_Power_of_Habit-115x115.png "Giveaway and 7 Tips to Help Your Child Head Back to School On The Right Foot")
Giveaway and 7 Tips to Help Your Child Head Back to School On The Right Foot
Posted on August 22, 2013 | 4 Comments*This post and giveaway is sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center. All thoughts below are my own. Regardless of whether or not your child attends a public, private, or home school it is important to start the school year off with enthusiasm and vigor. After you have talked to your child about their upcoming goals, expectations and desires for the upcoming year what can you do next to give him or her a fresh start? Here are a few tips that I have learned over the years that will help keep your child on the right path this school year. 1. Develop a […] -
Review and Giveaway: Shirley J Timeless Grains Cranberry Almond Cereal
Posted on July 23, 2013 | 10 CommentsThis post is sponsored. We are always on the lookout for solid, wholesome, and healthy breakfast foods that our entire family can enjoy. We look for foods that are rich in fiber, natural, non-GMO, tasty, and yummy. We were recently given the opportunity to review Shirley J’s Timeless Grains Cranberry Almond Cereal. The ingredients are fantastic! The oatmeal will last throughout the day and help energize you. This morning meal is great during back-to-school time because everyone can enjoy it. The Timeless Grains Cranberry Almond Cereal is an even healthier spin to morning oatmeal that reminds me of my childhood, but even […] -
![Samantha Peters submitted this guest post. She is a regular contributor on the personal finance blog Paid Twice. Sam enjoys writing about ways to make sure that your money is working hard and earning you the highest rates of return. As parents we often spend a lot of our time focused on making sure that we raise independent, kind, confident and successful kids. It’s easy to forget that while our own kids are growing up the people who raised us are growing older. Having an aging parent is a challenge. Here are some things that will help you deal with transitioning from […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/3608630869_694e8feb82_n-115x115.jpg "Guest Post: Caring for an Aging Parent")
Guest Post: Caring for an Aging Parent
Posted on July 10, 2013 | No CommentsSamantha Peters submitted this guest post. She is a regular contributor on the personal finance blog Paid Twice. Sam enjoys writing about ways to make sure that your money is working hard and earning you the highest rates of return. As parents we often spend a lot of our time focused on making sure that we raise independent, kind, confident and successful kids. It’s easy to forget that while our own kids are growing up the people who raised us are growing older. Having an aging parent is a challenge. Here are some things that will help you deal with transitioning from […] -
Sickle Cell Events: September 7, 2013 is Maryland State #Sicklecell picnic
Posted on June 27, 2013 | No CommentsSaturday Sept. 7th is Maryland State #Sickle cell picnic. FREE Food & Entertainment! RSVP @ 410-955-6132 Where: Druid Hill Park, Parkie Lakeside Pavilion Grove Rd. Baltimore, MD 21216 Cost: FREE RSVP: By September 4, 2013 to Kim Coppage 410-955-6132, select option #2 Provide your telephone number, number attending, and the names and ages of the children in your group. This information comes to you from the John Hopkins iHome Network, which will keep you connected with information about Sickle Cell. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @iHOMESnetwork YouTube channel iHOMESNetwork -
![I’m an observer and from the time I started going to school I began to see the children around me. The fact is, insecurities about oneself does not discriminate based socio-economic status, gender, ethnic backgrounds, nor geographic locations. Insecurities, start within the root of a person’s mind and reflects the person’s actions and speech. Having low self-esteem is a plague among young and old and can affect a person for a lifetime. Thus, how do we as parents began to foster a healthy self-image among our offspring. How do we train them to see the beauty they have on both the […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/love_Selfesteem-115x115.png "How do you teach your children to love who they are?")
How do you teach your children to love who they are?
Posted on June 25, 2013 | 1 CommentI’m an observer and from the time I started going to school I began to see the children around me. The fact is, insecurities about oneself does not discriminate based socio-economic status, gender, ethnic backgrounds, nor geographic locations. Insecurities, start within the root of a person’s mind and reflects the person’s actions and speech. Having low self-esteem is a plague among young and old and can affect a person for a lifetime. Thus, how do we as parents began to foster a healthy self-image among our offspring. How do we train them to see the beauty they have on both the […] -
Balancing your Child’s Summer Learning & GIVEAWAY
Posted on June 19, 2013 | 6 CommentsTechnology is great. Tech gadgets are interactive and fun for children to use, but giving him or her an electronic device this summer as your sole means of teaching your child how to gain a competitive edge needs to be done with a balanced approach. Having a comfortable handle on technology alone does not give a child all of the benefits he or she needs to excel. Learning how to communicate and interact with others affectively is extremely important. Also, moving around and experiencing life through exercise and physical play is also important for your child to become well-rounded. So […] -
![I haven’t wrote an update about my daughter in a really long time. I think about it often, but sometimes shy away from sharing. The fact is, she really is doing excellent overall, but there are many challenges that come along with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) that I did not foresee. Regarding her overall health while living with Sickle Cell: 1. Although winter was rough, she still hasn’t had a crisis. I continue to keep her home away from daycare, and I am a little cautious about putting her back into a public program. I long to send her to […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Screen-Shot-2013-06-04-at-2.59.20-AM-115x115.png "Health Moment: Sickle Cell Update – 4 Years Old and Summer is Here")
Health Moment: Sickle Cell Update – 4 Years Old and Summer is Here
Posted on June 4, 2013 | 5 CommentsI haven’t wrote an update about my daughter in a really long time. I think about it often, but sometimes shy away from sharing. The fact is, she really is doing excellent overall, but there are many challenges that come along with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) that I did not foresee. Regarding her overall health while living with Sickle Cell: 1. Although winter was rough, she still hasn’t had a crisis. I continue to keep her home away from daycare, and I am a little cautious about putting her back into a public program. I long to send her to […] -
![Join us and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) for National Sickle Cell Advocacy Day 2013 Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 5:00 PM (EDT) in Alexandria, VA Location: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel 5000 Seminary Road. Alexandria, VA 22311 Sickle Cell Anemia is a health epidemic affecting many families in America, including one of my daughters. It is a genetic disorder that affects more than more than 80,000 people here in the United States (source). Throughout my life, my family and I will continue to advocate for my daughter and others who are living with Sickle Cell […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SCDAA_AdvocacyDayFlyer-115x115.jpg "National Sickle Cell Advocacy Day 2013 – June 25 and 26")
National Sickle Cell Advocacy Day 2013 – June 25 and 26
Posted on May 21, 2013 | No CommentsJoin us and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) for National Sickle Cell Advocacy Day 2013 Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 5:00 PM (EDT) in Alexandria, VA Location: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel 5000 Seminary Road. Alexandria, VA 22311 Sickle Cell Anemia is a health epidemic affecting many families in America, including one of my daughters. It is a genetic disorder that affects more than more than 80,000 people here in the United States (source). Throughout my life, my family and I will continue to advocate for my daughter and others who are living with Sickle Cell […] -
![Science is one of those subjects that kids love when they’re very young and then, as they grow older many kids tend to grow out of it. Hopefully, they may come back to it—but for the late elementary and middle school years, getting kids to appreciate and even love science again can be difficult. This is especially true if the child has already become convinced that he or she is bad at the subject (or those that relate to it, like math). So how can you help your kids come back to the fold, so to speak? Find Help Here’s […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-23-at-10.45.35-AM-115x115.png "How to Help Your Kids Develop a Love For Science")
How to Help Your Kids Develop a Love For Science
Posted on April 23, 2013 | No CommentsScience is one of those subjects that kids love when they’re very young and then, as they grow older many kids tend to grow out of it. Hopefully, they may come back to it—but for the late elementary and middle school years, getting kids to appreciate and even love science again can be difficult. This is especially true if the child has already become convinced that he or she is bad at the subject (or those that relate to it, like math). So how can you help your kids come back to the fold, so to speak? Find Help Here’s […] -
![For the first year of my daughter’s life, I put my dreams on hold. I paused pursuing my wants and desires and focused solely on my child. I told myself I was too busy to finish pre-pregnancy projects and didn’t have the time or the energy to run towards my goals. I yearned to sleep, not dream. But my dreams didn’t disappear. In fact, they grew bigger. I realized my daughter wasn’t a dream deferrer. She’s a dream fulfiller. She is my inspiration to achieve everything I hoped for before and after becoming a mom. Here are five things I’m […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-17-at-9.55.50-AM-115x115.png "Do you still Dream Now That You’re a Mom? from Mom Blogger Heather Hopson")
Do you still Dream Now That You’re a Mom? from Mom Blogger Heather Hopson
Posted on April 17, 2013 | No CommentsFor the first year of my daughter’s life, I put my dreams on hold. I paused pursuing my wants and desires and focused solely on my child. I told myself I was too busy to finish pre-pregnancy projects and didn’t have the time or the energy to run towards my goals. I yearned to sleep, not dream. But my dreams didn’t disappear. In fact, they grew bigger. I realized my daughter wasn’t a dream deferrer. She’s a dream fulfiller. She is my inspiration to achieve everything I hoped for before and after becoming a mom. Here are five things I’m […] -
![Guest Post Bio: Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she’s back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom for her new blog Diary of a First Time Mom (www.diaryofafirsttimemom.com) Heather is also a regular contributor for Kidville’s Voices from the Ville and Black and Married with Kids, where she pens a column called The Single Life. You can follow her journey through motherhood on Twitter @dearmomdiary. Motherhood changed me. Mostly for the better. I’m happier, healthier and more motivated than ever. You might be hesitant to change for your man, your […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-10-at-11.28.47-PM-115x115.png "8 Ways Motherhood Changed Me")
8 Ways Motherhood Changed Me
Posted on April 11, 2013 | No CommentsGuest Post Bio: Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she’s back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom for her new blog Diary of a First Time Mom (www.diaryofafirsttimemom.com) Heather is also a regular contributor for Kidville’s Voices from the Ville and Black and Married with Kids, where she pens a column called The Single Life. You can follow her journey through motherhood on Twitter @dearmomdiary. Motherhood changed me. Mostly for the better. I’m happier, healthier and more motivated than ever. You might be hesitant to change for your man, your […] -
![Have you ever had concerns about whether or not homeschooling might be right for your household? Do you have questions about whether or not, Homeschooling can be successful for children academically? Are you concerned about the socialization aspect of homeschooling your child/children? Do you need encouragement if you have already made the decision to home school your child/children? Are you not satisfied with the public and private schools in your area and feel that you children need more to help them to develop the way you would for them to? Does your child need more one-on-one attention to achieve academic […]](http://cleverlychanging.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/homeschooling_free-115x115.jpg "Free Audio of Greg Harris’ “Basic Homeschooling Workshop”")
Free Audio of Greg Harris’ “Basic Homeschooling Workshop”
Posted on February 24, 2013 | No CommentsHave you ever had concerns about whether or not homeschooling might be right for your household? Do you have questions about whether or not, Homeschooling can be successful for children academically? Are you concerned about the socialization aspect of homeschooling your child/children? Do you need encouragement if you have already made the decision to home school your child/children? Are you not satisfied with the public and private schools in your area and feel that you children need more to help them to develop the way you would for them to? Does your child need more one-on-one attention to achieve academic […]
