Australian Government Royal Commission on Child Abuse

The past few days in the Australian media has been flooded about the announcement of the Royal Commission in Child Abuse. Most parents like myself ears pricked up and listened. To put it simply it has to do with the protection of children. This certainly dominated all discussions after our Chantelle went to bed and was sound asleep. About a week ago Andrew gave me a USB stick with resources from his involvement in Children's Ministry. This morning as I was about to walk out the door, drop Chantelle of at preschool and off to work I thought I’ll try and take some time in my lunch hour to have a look at this information. I found out that our General Conference announced a campaign on the 6 August 2012 regarding this very issue. So this small blog of mine today is to make you aware of, “the seven campaign”. This campaign seeks to increase personal awareness, responsibility, and involvement to effectively help end abuse against children in every family and community. See how you and your community can get involved. I know I certainly will! www.thesevencampaign.com

To Public Preschool or not to Public Preschool? That is the Question

2012 for Andrew and I the most talked about subject is where we sending Chantelle to Preschool. Out of all the discussions, I’ve learnt that I’m still a teacher to Chantelle and especially in life skills. As I type this I remember the excitement that Chantelle had when she came into the bathroom this morning and said "Mum! Look I got my arm out of my top!" with the biggest smile of achievement on her face. Yes we celebrated with a high five and a kiss on the cheek. Slowly but surely I’ve been encouraging her that she can take her top off without my help and get it past her shoulders and over her head! Some months ago the day came when Andrew and I had to sign forms to put Chantelle into a local public preschool. We couldn’t bring ourselves to sign the form. Gosh it’s only a signature I thought! No, we were signing for someone else to guide our little miracle, and the main reason that we couldn’t sign was the spiritual focus she wouldn’t be getting. So it was then I said to Andrew ok I’m up for the challenge to homeschool her for her preschool year. I felt at the time so inadequate and scared to take up the challenge that I just set up for myself, not thinking that she has been homeschooled for the past three years by us being her parents her teachers of life skills. So the journey for me began! Those who know me well, I’m the queen of the internet, social media and all things driven by information that is available at my fast little fingers. After reading a few pages I felt empowered that I could be very successful in this challenge of taking things to the next level of educating my little miss 3 year old to primary school readiness! My list of things to do, and prepare for this journey keeps growing! I’ll be blogging about this journey so keep an eye out! Bring on 1 February 2013!