Karatopagain

In My Own Words

Hello, I'm a parent of 2 grown sons with 4 wonderful grandsons and 2 gorgeous daughter-in-laws and am looking forward to hosting a foreign exchange student in Jan. 2009. I will take pride in parenting and treat her as my own while she is here in the USA. I'm excited for her because it's her dream to come here and learn about the USA and to teach those who are interested in her culture as well. I have many activities planned for her/us and am hoping she can make good friends easily at her new school here in Oklahoma. Any student coming to the USA can be an adventure to say the least. At times it can be tremendous task for the student, his/her family to even finish the application process. All parties involved have had a thourough background check, rigourous orientation for 3 days either in New York or Californis California before arriving to thier new home here in the states. The average person has no idea how difficult it is for the typical foreign exchange student to leave their family for 5-10 mos. and to adjust seamlessly to the "American Way"of life. I have faith my student's experience will prove to be a very positive and enriching one for both her and for me as well. I'm extrememly dissappointed in the local schools passing the buck on accepting her as a student. NOONE should have to go through what I've been through to get a child enrolled in school AND she still isn't enrolled because the local school"has met our quota"on foreign exchange students. I'm very pro-education and will take whatever steps necessary to get her enrolled. She deserves a chance and has worked very hard and her parents very hard to get her this far. God be with us and I would appreciate your prayers that things go well from here on out. My pet peeves are: predjudism, bad manners, bullying or being rude to others. YOU can make a difference, for we are all blessed with the honor of living here in the greatest country in the world! Please consider sharing this great nation with a foreign exchange student and becoming a richer person for your goodness and generosity. It doesn't cost you anything except providing a roof over their head, food in their tummy and transportaion to and from school &/or extraciricular activities(they pay for their own). If you would like to learn more about sending or receiving a foreign exchanges student feel free to join my group under the"Parenting & Family"tab, sub-group"travel", Foreign Exchange Strudents/host parent/s, host families and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. There is no obligation whatsoever!!! This site was designed to educate the general pulic about some of the challenges and rewards for not only the student but the host family as well. Fell free to email me on this site if you are a foreign exchange student or are considering becomine a host parent as I would love to meet others sharing this wonderful opportunity! Thank you in advance!!! Respectfully, Karatop

Parents I'd Like to Meet

I'm interested in meeting other high school parents and getting involved with the public/community to promote support for our teachers, students and parents. Children need to be disciplined at home to respect their elders, parents, teachers and school staff. It starts at "HOME" with mutual respect between parents and their children. Sometimes parents really need to listen and HEAR a childs words, OBSERVE moods and actions, MONITOR a childs interactions with their peers, internet and television useage and ENCOURAGE bonding with your child by providing hugs, kisses, love, protection, attention, hope and encouragement to their children. A child should learn to be humble yet confident and know that thier parents have unconditional love for them. Neither are perfect. Children and parents are both under undo pressure these days but the basics don't cost anthing to anyone so getting back to the basics is crucial in our society today. Manners, respect, loyalty, honesty, morality and love of mankind are a must. I want to get involved by hosting seminars regarding these issues and to hopefully inspire others to help students, parents and teachers to become more cohesive in their efforts regarding a holistic approach to our public school needs and potentials. I made up this simple acronym for parent's everyday use. "HOME" H= hear/listen O= observe M= monitor E= encourage, encourage,encourage!!! Parents, write this on your personal calendar daily, follow these simple steps and see how much your relationship blossoms with your child. You will be probably be pleasantly surprised!