My daughter, Jerusha Gabrielle, 5, and currently a kindergarten pupil just had her first stage performance during the culmination program of Nutrition Month celebration. She's shy but she performs at least. Since it was her first time, I opted to go under time from work. Here's one of her pics...

When the summer season hits, parents often need a serious strategy for getting through those hot lazy days when the kids are off school. Though it’s great for kids to enjoy some time off from academia without a lot of serious structure, the reality is that usually after a couple weeks of “downtime,” young kids start to crave the enjoyment and fulfillment they get out of pursuing fun and meaningful activities with other children their age. This is why dance summer camps miami fl and other areas all across the US are a great idea for children who are interested in working out their energy while also committing to a serious discipline.

The Joy of Dance

Dancing is an incredibly fun and joyful activity, and yet it also teaches children about discipline and commitment. Dancing requires many hours of learning and rehearsals in order to get routines down, and learning this kind of discipline at a young age is invaluable. For all these reasons, dance camp is a great activity for young students to be involved in during the summer. Dance camp keeps young campers mentally and physically engaged while also keeping them fit.

Dance camps use different approaches to learning, and usually offer a variety of different styles of dance in their programs, from jazz to classical to hip-hop to musical theater. Working up a sweat to music and having fun with friends is what it’s all about at a quality dance camp, and for serious dancers it’s also a way to keep the discipline going even while school is out of session.

Parents who are looking for a great summer activity for their children should definitely consider the fun learning experience that comes with a quality dance camp. As the saying goes, 'the show must go on," and at a serious summer dance camp, it surely will.

Each one of us has a story to tell... We all went through different challenges in life. Some appears to be strong though deep inside they are actually hurting. Others have manifested their weaknesses and their tears could prove it all. Lately, suicide stories became trending in the social media and most people were talking about it...

Yes, we were talking about it- and felt sorry that we can do nothing about it. But NO, we can do something about it! How? by not letting it happen again-NOT within your watch! So start looking at your surrounding. You might find someone who needs a shoulder to cry on, or someone who needs somebody to talk to. Be sensitive. They could be a sister, a brother, a friend, a neighbor, and even a stranger! However, if you are the one who is in need, look up then look around because for sure, God will send someone who could bring you comfort. God bless everyone.

PS: DON'T BE INSENSITIVE. STOP BEING THE REASON OF OTHERS' FRUSTRATION. YOU CAN NEVER TELL HOW LONG WILL THAT PERSON HOLD ON TO YOUR INSENSITIVITY. LEARN TO EMPATHIZE.

Be the kind of person that God designed you to be.

No matter what area of the spectrum the teen you are buying for is on, new teen or last years as a teen, it can be difficult to know what to buy for their birthdays or other special occasions. Younger kids are easy to please and buy for. They like just about anything. A teenager, however, is at the stage where they know exactly what they are getting into and anything less is a disappointment. If you are looking to buy for a teen in your life, below are some great ideas to get you started.

Custom Gifts

One of the best things you can buy for that teen who has everything already is a custom gift. Generally, these types of gifts need to be bought ahead of time and you cannot just pick them up right before the event. Custom gifts can include the recipients name or maybe a picture on it of something they love. One such idea for a teen's gift is official cornhole boards from customcorntoss.com. You can have them created with just about anything on such as names to favorite sports teams' emblems.

Gift Cards

While many people see gift cards as the easy way out of gift-buying, it can be a great way to show a teen you care about them while giving them the freedom to buy what they truly want. The best way to go about this is to offer them the gift card in a unique way to make it special. Attach the card to a small, unique gift that lets them know you took time and put a little effort into thinking about them on their special day. Small gifts to use with the gift card can be a stuffed animal, a purse or wallet or maybe even a bank. All of these can work well with cash gifts, too.

Buying for anyone can be a difficult process anymore. It can be even more stressful when you are trying to buy for a teenager in your family. However, it can be done with a little effort and creative thinking on your part.

I am happy for another victory that Senator Manny Pacquiao brought for our country after winning by knockout his fight against Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse on the 7th round. However, it is my prayer that it would be his last fight and he will retire for good. Three  years ago, he already pronounced his retirement and yet because of the clamor of the people that he should fight with Floyd Mayweather, he gave in then lost. Well, many said, Mayweather won through his dirty moves, it should have been Senator Manny Pacquiao who won the challenge. But as for me, he should have not listened to the people's cry. He has already proven his worth as a boxer. I considered all those fight as profiteering games for the gamblers who bet Manny's life at stake. Many people gambled a lot every time he fights. It became an avenue for the people to bet while putting Senator Manny's life at risk. Why at risk? Because every punch on his head is a day of turmoil on the day that comes when he gets old. No matter how many supplements would he take but the pain he got during the fight, especially those punches on the head will have had its effect in the long run.

What's next for Senator Manny Pacquiao? He would finally retire from his boxing career for his own good. 

I'll say AMEN to that.

The high school years are the last few years for you to enjoy your children before they head off to college and start their own independent lives. It's important to make sure these years are productive, fun and fruitful. There are a few ways to make sure this happens. 

Consider these three. 

 1. Educational Priorities.

  One of the reasons why many parents want their children to get into the best private high schools in florida is because they want to set them up for college. When a child does well in high school, this widens the number of opportunities they have for college acceptances. Many important exams like the SATs and ACTs are given in the high school years. Furthermore, many students can take accelerated courses and gain college credits for free. 

 2. Extracurricular Activities 

 Whether your child loves soccer, basketball or drama, extracurricular activities help to spice up the educational experience with fun. Most colleges like to see students who are well-rounded. So, a mix of extracurricular activities, educational excellence and community service are the three areas that most students tend to work toward mastering. Sit down with your teenager and figure out which extracurricular activities will work well for them based on their personality. If you have a naturally shy child, singing in the choir might help them come out of their shell. However, it could make them retreat more into that shell. It's all about knowing the balance. Once your son or daughter is clear on which direction to pursue, always remain encouraging. 

 3. Relationships 

 The high school years are the times when your child builds relationships with peers. This is the time when your child will probably have their first kiss and first boyfriend or girlfriend. It's important to make sure your child cultivates healthy relationships. Be available to have the talks about sex and intimacy. While you might not want your child to have sex in college, it's very important to make sure that the channels of communication are open. Transparency is important. Always make sure that you're able to be a source of wisdom and safety for your child during this time.