Have you ever been bullied?

Have you ever been bullied? Do you think a good way to respond to bullying is to bully back? Bullies usually bully because something is going on in their lives, whether physical or personal. If they make you feel bad by bullying you, they are satisfied because they feel like they have accomplished something in their lives. If you ignore then, they will increase their bullying. Some kids think that they can handle bullying by themselves, that telling a parent might make it worse. So, if you are bullied respond to it with love, because love surpasses all understanding.

Have you ever moved?

Have you ever moved? Once, my friend said said she was moving. She was really scared that she wouldn't have any friends. Then, she ended up moving only ten minutes away. She could still see her friends and go to the same school. That is a small move. A few years ago, I moved from Georgia to New Jersey. I met a nice person on the first day of school.The next day, all of her friends wanted to meet me! If you meet a new kid, think about how you would feel if you were in their shoes. Wouldn't it make you feel good if someone wanted to be your friend right from the start?

Monkeez Outside Challenge

This time of the year, everything seems to be better....outside!  What are your favorite things to do outside?  This week, accept the MMAD Outside Challenge. Try to spend as much time outside as you do watching TV. Your body will thank you!

Chocolate Soup

Have you ever made chocolate soup?  What did it taste like?  How many bowls did you eat?

OK seriously...there is no such thing as chocolate soup.  What in this world would you do if you came home and that's what you were having for dinner?  At first, it might seem like the BEST soup ever...but after a minute...total tummy ache!

That's just it...so many times we think that something would be great...but our parents and caregivers know that it is a very bad plan.

First of all, when we put food into our bodies, it's like putting gas into a car...we have to "run" on the nutrients from the foods we eat.  

So today...say no to chocolate soup!  Your body will thank you!

We all have Tough Days

Sometimes everyone had tough days...but that is ok...because we all can learn from those days.

Also, it's important to remember that sometimes when people are unkind to you...it's because they are having a tough day too.

There is a story about a boy who had several tough days. For a long time he could not understand the reason for his struggles. Then, all of the sudden those bad days went away and he realized that the tough days were there because he needed to learn that sometimes life will hand you lemons...but...when that happens...make lemonade!

Best Friends Animal Society

Meet our third charity partner, Best Friends Animal Society.  Best Friends is an organization that makes a difference in the lives of animals across the US and around the world.  Best Friends has made it their mission to create a world with no more homeless pets.  They do this through their animal sanctuary located in Utah and in shelters around the country.

Visit our charity page below for more information about the GREAT BIG DIFFERENCE that Best Friends Animal Society Makes Every Day!

Samartian's Purse helps kids around the world!

Monkeez_TM Makes a Difference would like to introduce you to a second charity partner, Samaritan's Purse.  Samartian's Purse helps kids around the world through projects like Operation Christmas Child, the Children's Heart Project, and Disaster Relief.  Samaritan's Purse also makes a difference through many other projects as well.

Please click the link to our charity page below to find out more about Samaritan's Purse.  This organizations makes a great big difference each and every day!

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Good Morning!

Have you guys had a chance to get to know our charity partners?  This week, I would love to introduce you them!  Monkeez Makes a Difference has partnered with three AMAZING organizations!

The first organization we would like to introduce you to is Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.  ALSF is an organization that pretty much sums up our mission through Monkeez Makes a Difference.  Alexandra Scott was diagnosed with cancer as  a very young child.  When she was four years old, Alex asked her parents if she could have a lemonade stand to raise money for kids like her with cancer.  Alex could have kept all of the money herself....or at least sent the money for research on her specific type of cancer; but, that is not what she asked her parents to do.  Instead, she tol her parents that every child deserves a chance for a cure.

Alex lost her battle with cancer when she was only 8 years old.  Her family, however, continued the organization in her memory.  To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand has raised more than $55,000.000.00 for cancer research.  Now that is one little girl who made a GREAT BIG DIFFERENCE!

Thanks Alex, for teaching us all that children can make a difference!  

Please see the video from ALSF in the tool bar below.  Click on the word charities.

Keep Making a Difference!

New Year Challenge

Oh boy…it’s probably about time for everyone to get back into the routine of school.  Aren’t breaks always great?!
 
At Monkeez Makes a Difference, we would like to start off the new year with a challenge.  Check out the link on our site called “Keez.”  This is an area that we will focus on throughout our challenge.  Once you visit that part of our site, click on the word honesty.  What is the definition of honesty?  Talk to your parents about this character trait.
 
We would love to hear if you have a story about a day that it was hard to tell the truth!

Hey Kids!

 
I hope you are doing great!  Most of you reading this are probably on Christmas Vacation from school!
 
At Monkeez Makes a Difference, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas! Don’t forget to set aside time to do something kind for someone else!
 
Many Blessings!

Be Healthy!

OK… can we talk for just a second about the importance of washing your hands. I used to teach school, and I would tell my students… "go to the bathroom and wash your hands" right before lunch. Would you believe that some of those kiddos would walk into the bathroom, simply run their hands under the faucet, and walk right back out? Oh my goodness… I would have to send them right back!

OK… this may seem simple, but kiddos, I have to tell you how to wash your hands properly. I promise…. clean hands will help fight icky wintertime viruses…and it is so simple!

• Put SOAP, yes don't skip this step, SOAP on your hands.
• Turn on the water. Seems easy enough!
• Sing "Happy Birthday" and not the speedy version, the REAL one.
• Rinse off your hands one last time….

I know you are super smart… so this won't be a problem AT ALL! Make a difference this winter bykeeping the germs away! It will ABSOLUTELY make a difference in the way that you feel!

Do you have any funny stories to share today? We need a good laugh! Have a wonderful day!

Believe in Yourself!

Something that makes me bananas, is when children don't realize the impact that they can have! Sometimes I hear kids say, "I am just a child…I can't make a difference." OH MY GOODNESS… that is just not the truth at all!

In fact, there are kids that make a TREMENDOUS impact every day. For example, one of the charities that we work with is called Alex's Lemonade Stand foundation. One day, a little girl named Alexandra Scott wanted to make sure that other kids did not have to experience cancer like she did. So, Alex held a lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research. After that, she challenged other children to hold lemonade stands and give money for cancer research. Today, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised more than $50,000,000.00 for cancer research!
Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe that you can make a difference? Let us know what you think!

Excellence

If you have been reading along with us the last few days, you will see that we don't scurry around with easy topics…no, that is not our mission at all! Instead, at Monkeez Makes a Difference we believe that children have so much potential to really impact our culture! Keep up the good work kiddos!
Today, I just want to talk to you for a second about the word excellence. We have all heard the word 'excellence'… but how can we be 'excellent' every day? You know it is really simple, to be excellent, you just have to give your day your very best! My boys laugh because sometimes I say…ok boys, I am expecting your personal best! That doesn't mean that it is important to "be the best" rather, it means that it is important to "try your best."

So today, we challenge you to Be Excellent! Try your hardest in everything that you can do. Let us know how that plan works for you!

Stand Out by Standing Up for Your Friends

Do you know the definition of courageous? Honestly, I had never looked up that word before but the definition states being courageous means that you have the ability to face situations without fear! Wow! Ask yourself… are you able to face situations without being afraid?
Being courageous is a great big challenge! However, one of the most courageous things that you can do is stand up for your friends. Very often, I realize that it must be pretty tough being a kid these days. However, I have been hearing stories about some pretty amazing kiddos who make a difference by standing up for their friends when others may no be as kind.
Let us know your story! Have you ever had to stand up for a friend! If so, way to be COURAGEOUS! We are super proud of you!

Be Remarkable!

My boys roll their eyes everyday when I say, "OK Boys… you only get one chance to do today….so BE REMARKABLE!" Then, I make those wild guys repeat what I said…."BE REMARKABLE!"

Do you ever think about it? Yes, you all might be young but every day passes by and you have the opportunity to make a difference. So, today, I want to challenge you to 'Be Remarkable' right where you are. Maybe you help a friend who is having a tough day, maybe you pick up your clothes and toys off of the floor, or maybe you visit with an older person. Who knows? The sky is the limit… and you are REMARKABLE!

Let us know how you decided to be remarkable today! Can't wait to hear your stories!