Blog Archives

Devils vs. Flyers game to Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation

9/25/2017

What?:
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Game
When?:
January 13th, 2018
@ 7:00PM
Where?:
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ07102
How do we purchase tickets?:
click this link

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults. Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.

When we found out that two people very near and dear to our hearts had been affected by Leukemia, we felt that we wanted to help in some way to make a difference in the face of such a troubling time. One family of ours has been affected by the illness as well as a Team ELM staff member. Our thoughts are with one of our Team ELM kids as he gets his port removed- something to celebrate!

One of our main goals at Team ELM is to make sure our families and staff know that we are not only there for them when we are there in their homes but that we are always thinking of them and are always doing our best to show our support to them no matter what they are needing and/or going through. We are so looking forward to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, New Jersey , a wonderful organization with this fun packed fundraiser!

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, New Jersey, each day grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the Garden State. They believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer for children with life-threatening medical conditions and enriches the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Want to read the story about the FIRST wish kid, Chris, who was diagnosed with Leukemia back in the early 1980's? Click here!

This fundraiser is going to be a big one and with a
surprise fan experience
down on the ice at the end for all those who attend with Team ELM!

Proceeds from the ticket sales will be going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, New Jersey. Seats are first come, first serve and currently have room for 100 people in total. Tickets range from $56 to $80 a person, depending on what section of Team ELM designated seat you decide on. We love spending time with our families and are so looking forward to this awesome event for a great cause in January! Invite all your friends and family to the game (you do not have to be a Team ELM family to join in on the fun and contribute to a great cause)! If you would like to donate to the cause but are unable to attend, we can accept your donations through January.

Please send a check to:
Team ELM
62 Jill Court
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

OR BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!! ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Hope to see you there!
xoxo,
Team ELM

Ending Bullying for the kids in our "Village"

9/19/2017

Bullying Definition:
"Any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm" (www.stopbullying.gov).

Types of Bullying:
Bullying can either be direct (face-to-face with victim) or indirect (behind victims back). Bullying can be physical (hitting), verbal (name-calling), or relational (social isolation).

How to Identify Bullying:
(Find more information at: https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/training-center/training-module-2016.pdf)

1. Decipher between unwanted aggression and rough play.
For Example: Two kids whom enjoy taunting one another in a playful manner should not be accused of bullying.
A. "Unwanted" means that the targeted youth wants the aggressive behavior to stop.
B. Identify the relationship between the two involved parties and the expressions, body language, and atmosphere.

2. Identify if aggression is a pattern of behavior or has a high risk of being repeated.
A. Has this aggressive behavior happened before?
B. Does this aggressive behavior have a high likelihood of being followed by more incidents of aggression?

3. Identify a power imbalance.
A. Physical Characteristics (age, size, strength)
B. Popularity or Association with Popular Peers
C. Background/ Demographic Characteristics (member of majority/minority group, socio-economic status)
D. Abilities and Skills (academic, physical, artistic)
E. Access to money, resources, information
F. Being outnumbered
G. Presence of Weapons

As our Team ELM kids are growing, they are learning so many wonderful things about gaining independence in their lives to make decisions about their future, ranging anywhere from what kind of student they want to be to generally what kind of person they want to be. It's important to be active in expressing your expectations of them as they go into the world and become the person they will be.

A topic of conversation that we would like to talk about as a community is bullying. Bullying has taken on many new forms in recent years with the integration of technology into our lives more and more. We have to be vigilant and we have to pay attention to our children and loved ones as they grow up in this society. Those who are victims of bullying tend to exhibit these characteristics and tendencies: "low self-confidence, anxiety, fearfulness, submissiveness, depression or sad appearance, limited sense of humor, below-average size, strength, or coordination, feelings of helplessness, self-blame for problems, social withdrawal and isolation, poor social skills, low popularity, few or no friends, and excessive dependence on adults" (eyesonbullying.org).

The best way to help your loved ones to reduce their risk of being bullied is to help them learn to exhibit self-confidence, avoid the bully's tactics, respond with assertiveness, and obtain support from others. As a community we have to get involved and take an active stance against bullying. Acknowledging the basic definition of bullying, identifying the signs of bullying, and finding ways to support the victims and educate the perpetrators are all the responsibilities of a community that wants to end bullying.

It's important to note that many who are bullied do not always share these details with others because it is stigmatized and can lead to perceived risk of further bullying or loss. Victims of bullying often feel powerless towards the individual(s) who are perpetrating the aggressive behavior(s).

There are unfortunately no specific step-by-step directions on how to ensure your children are not being bullied or perpetrating the aggressive behaviors. Becoming more knowledgable about the situation is the first "step" if you will and being proactive and supportive will ensure that your children know you care.

If you believe that your child may be a victim of bullying, please share with them that there are many things they can do to regain their power and they don't have to do it alone. Help them to recognize that it is not their fault and that it is not okay. Have them talk to a counselor or teacher at school or trusted adult at home about the situation.

Your Team ELM Babysitters are always here for you and want to support our families in every way we can. Keep your babysitter in the loop about developing problems so that they can help be part of the solution. If your child needs someone to talk to, we are always here for them. Encourage them to talk to us (if they are not willing to talk to you or an "adult"). I'm sure you've heard the phrase "It takes a village." We are thankful to have the opportunity to be part of your village.

xoxo, Team ELM

Just a reminder:
Team ELM kids are SUPER!!!!!

Parties, Date Nights and More!

9/11/2017

Parties with Team ELM

Hosting birthday parties at your home and feeling a little overwhelmed? Team ELM would love to help and take some of the pressure off! Our party services can help you feel like a guest at your very own party!

We offer professional and personal assistance whether you just need extra hands throughout the party, supervision help to keep kids engaged in activities, assistance with party favors and decorations, or a photographer to capture your event's excitement. We are there for you, for all your party needs!

If you are interested in having us help you host a THEMED party at your home, we have exciting ideas for you as well. Some ideas that we can execute at your next party are: spa/beauty, dance & show, fashion/dress up, sports & outdoor games, arts & crafts, cooking, slumber party, and swimming & pool games! Have another idea not listed and need some help, give us a call to discuss it!

You can find our prices here.

Date Night Discounts are Back!

Have a sitter for
3 or more hours on a Friday or Saturday
night and get
25% off!

The More :)

Throughout the weekends we have an influx of Team ELM Staff with flexible schedules for your family's needs. You work hard all week and sometimes may just need an extra hand on the weekends to get some errands done or a day to recharge!

Make plans for your weekends ahead of time and reach out to us to book a sitter today!

Email Us

Call Owner, Erika

Call Asst. Director, Ilana

XOXO, Team ELM

alzheimer's s'mores jars!! :)

9/5/2017

This month we have our annual fundraiser for Alzheimer's New Jersey. It is in honor of Erika's grandmother who was diagnosed 17 years ago, Adele, and in memory of her great aunt, Toby.

Please help us to give back to those affected by Alzheimer's Disease by purchasing a S'more's Jar that you see pictured above. We will donate the proceeds to the Alzheimer's New Jersey for research.

Pint Sized Jars- $10.00
Quart Sized Jars- $20.00

AND

You can get it customized with your favorite candy for just $5 more!!

Please call or email us to order one by October 1st!

xoxo,
Team ELM

Information about Alzheimer's Disease:
(borrowed from the Alzheimer's Association)

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes, problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. The symptoms experienced can worsen over time and can become severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Although the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's is increasing age, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, as 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, beginning with mild memory loss often leading to the inability to respond to the environment. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the US. On average, those with Alzheimer's live eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.

There is no current cure, but the treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. The treatments currently available for Alzheimer's can't stop the progression of Alzheimer's but they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Ninety Percent of what is known about Alzheimer's has been discovered in the last 20 years. The hope is that better understanding of how it affects the brain will lead to new treatments for the disease.

Devils vs. Flyers game to Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation

What?:
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Game
When?:
January 13th, 2018
@ 7:00PM
Where?:
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ07102
How do we purchase tickets?:
click this link

Ending Bullying for the kids in our "Village"

Parties, Date Nights and More!

Parties with Team ELM

Date Night Discounts are Back!

The More :)

XOXO, Team ELM

alzheimer's s'mores jars!! :)

Author

past posts

Company

Support

Devils vs. Flyers game to Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation

What?:New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers Hockey GameWhen?:January 13th, 2018 ​@ 7:00PMWhere?: Prudential Center25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ07102How do we purchase tickets?: click this link

Ending Bullying for the kids in our "Village"

Parties, Date Nights and More!

Parties with Team ELM

Date Night Discounts are Back!

​The More :)

​XOXO, Team ELM

alzheimer's s'mores jars!! :)

Author

past posts

Company

Support

What?:
New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Game
When?:
January 13th, 2018
@ 7:00PM
Where?:
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ07102
How do we purchase tickets?:
click this link

The More :)

XOXO, Team ELM