Patricia Patella
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On the article Police, Fire, Road Departments Clearing Roadways; Wind Now Biggest Concern
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On the article Should Teachers And Students Be Facebook Friends?
Patricia Patella
1:57 pm on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
ReplyFacebook is for family and friends to reconnect and stay connected. I don't think it's a good idea for students and teachers to be friends on FB. I believe there should be some boundaries. Teachers are very important in our children's lives. Students need to know and believe the teacher is the person of authority in the classroom, who deserves their full attention and respect. In turn, the teacher will do his/her best to teach that student all they need to know to do well in school and advance to the next level. Once that line is crossed it will be very difficult to gain back the respect and attention that is required in the classroom. I asked my oldest her opinion and she said "No way. It's inappropriate. The only time a teacher should be a 'friend' with a student, is if the teacher is the kid's mom or dad." Fan pages would be fine if that teacher uses it as an instructional tool, posting homework assignments or review work. I sincerely hope it wouldn't NEED to become a law. I think that parents, teachers and students NEED to use good judgement and if a student tries to friend a teacher or vice versa, just hit the "ignore" button. They will get the message.
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council -
On the article How Do You Make Sure Teens Drive Safely?
Patricia Patella
1:37 pm on Wednesday, July 27, 2011
ReplyMy kids are years away from driving, so I can only write how I think I will feel and behave at that time. Texting while driving is going to get you into an accident. My kids even know that now. There are plenty of videos on youtube and a network did a special on many teens killed while texting. Losing their lives over a "yea" or "k" response to an incoming text. Texting and driving is a NO. I will drive with them after they get their licenses. Just because the state gives you a license, doesn't make you an expert or even a good driver. Honestly, I would like the driving age raised. My reason for this is two accidents caused by 18 year olds. In the first, I was PARKED with my back door slightly open in my space to get my daughter out of the back and an 18 year old girl pulled into the empty space next to me way to close and took my brand new car door with her. Another example of poor judgement of an 18 year old driver is when my husband was stopped at a stop sign and the kid behind him decided not to stop until he was in our trunk. So young drivers, in my opinion absolutely need to be monitored after they get their licenses. Young drivers need to stop worrying about looking cool and need to be more careful!
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council -
On the article Jersey Shore: Letting Your Kids Watch “Reality” Shows
Patricia Patella
1:16 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
ReplyI'm gad to read in that poll that these shows are having some positive effect for New Jersey. Our beach towns have suffered over the last few years due to poor weather and economy. If "Jersey Shore" is bringing positive attention to the boardwalk, then I'm happy for those business owners. That's where my praise stops. My children are absolutely not allowed to watch "Jersey Shore" and many of the other NJ based reality TV shows. The behavior on these shows is atrocious. I completely understand these kids are doing this for the fame and fortune - and many of them are making a fortune! That said, they are portraying themselves as uneducated buffoons with no self respect. Screaming, cursing and tearing each other's hair out is not my idea of entertainment and not any kind of behavior I want my kids witnessing. What does this tell kids? It's fine to act this way because you'll get attention??? Being a TV producer for 20 years, I get the whole idea of "any publicity is good publicity" but there has to be a line drawn somewhere...and it's at the remote control in my house!
Tricia Patella
Moms Council -
On the article Moms Talk: Price of a Tooth
Patricia Patella
2:34 pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2011
ReplyWe keep it simple, one dollar a tooth. The kids are thrilled when they find that dollar and come running through the house showing everyone.
On one occasion, I wasn't prepared for the loose tooth to come out and was caught without a dollar, so my lucky child received $5.00 from the tooth fairy that night.
Of course, I had to make sure my other child got $5.00 when he lost his next tooth.
The kids can do whatever they want with their saved up tooth fairy money. Usually they like to visit Five Below because they can find something to fit their price range.
Funny how kids think about things like the tooth fairy. The one burning question they always ask is, "What does the tooth fairy do with all those teeth?"
Good Question. I tell them it's a mystery, even a parent doesn't know.
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council -
On the article Recommend: Best Family Friendly Vacations
Patricia Patella
10:01 pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2011
ReplyAnother fun stop was the Empire State Building. Don't buy tickets from the guys standing in front of the doors. They charge much more than what the tickets cost and try to persuade you by saying the kids will love the 3-D skyride in the building. You can buy skyride tickets separately once inside and it's still cheaper. Buy tickets inside the building for the Observation Deck and treat yourself to the extra $15.00 ticket to go up to the 102nd floor for an amazing view. For dinner, try Esca on West 43rd St. James Beard winner for Best Chef - New York, Dave Pasternack, along with Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich, created a family friendly restaurant in the heart of the city. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun block and a hat because those city streets get very hot!
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council -
On the article Recommend: Best Family Friendly Vacations
Patricia Patella
10:01 pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2011
ReplyBelieve it or not an easy to get to and fun vacation is only a river crossing away. Recently, my family and I booked a hotel room in Manhattan and decided to be "tourists" for two days. We had a wonderful time. We stayed at the Westin Times Square on 43rd St., which is a very beautiful and clean hotel. We visited Pompeii- The Exhibit, in the Discovery Times Square Museum for a look at 250 never before seen artifacts. Then it was off to buy tickets for the Gray Line Hop on/off double decker tour bus. This tour takes you around the entire island of Manhattan. You can hop off at any of the stops in Chelsea, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Battery Park to name a few. Shop around these areas and when your ready, hop back on at the designated bus stop. The tour guide tells you lots of interesting facts, like Macy's is the largest department store in the world - yes, that's the one that stuck with me. -Continued -
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On the article Video Games 101: Summer Gaming Rules?
Patricia Patella
1:01 pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ReplyThe rules are simple in my house. No video games unless you've been outside to play for at least two hours or more. Once they come in, they can play video games for an hour. If I left it up to them, they would probably play all night long and with the ability to play other people from around the world the games are even more exciting which helps them lose track of time. Therefore, the emphasis in our house is on outdoor play time. The games we do have are age appropriate and I do look at the ratings. There are some games that are just too violent for children my age. There are plenty of age appropriate games for them to choose from.
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council -
On the article Summertime And The Spending Is Easy
Patricia Patella
1:42 pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2011
ReplySummer is our favorite season. Yes, it can become expensive, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the warm weather without breaking the bank.
A few of our summertime activities include spending long, lazy days together. We hand around the house, play outside, go for a bike ride or a walk. We love to have friends and family over for an afternoon. Usually we barbecue and everyone brings something, whether it's an appetizer, salad or dessert.
We also like to take day trips to the beach. We have beaches as close as 50 minutes, so spending the money for a hotel isn't necessary.
By mid July, the kids start missing their friends, so we set up play dates. This is a fun, inexpensive way for friends to catch-up on all their summer fun.
Whatever you do, enjoy each day with your kids because September is just around the corner!
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council -
On the article Advice For Families With Graduating Seniors
Patricia Patella
1:00 pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
ReplyMy advice for graduates and family members is to take a deep breath and just enjoy every minute. These milestones only happen a few times in our lives and they pass quickly. Take the time to realize everything that's going on around you. Really listen to the commencement speeches. They usually come with good advice. Spend this time with family and friends. Since many students will be leaving home in September, reassure them family is only a phone call away.
Tricia Patella
Mom's Council
Patricia Patella
6:07 pm on Saturday, October 29, 2011
Trees down on Tam O Shanter. Can't drive down the road. Be safe.