"This is a really cool resource for parents that is a subset of Image Based Decisional Drills and I think this is a fantastic and valuable tool!  These Image Cards are for children ages 4-13 but children older will also benefit. Each of these 84 cards is NOT designed to make kids make "snap decisions" but for mom & dad, or educators, or a trusted person in their life to talk to children about self defense related and smart decision related stuff that is age appropriate. Each card has "discussion points" on the back and lets the PATENTS SET THE RULES. These cards lead families to really good discussions and allows the parents to be the "drivers". Once again, you are proactively helping kids make good decisions to help them stay safe in a way that does not intimidate children, does not scare children, but sets them up for success. This is one I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND."
John Correia of Active Self Protection
Active Self Protection
Active Self Protection YouTube Main Channel
Active Self Protection YouTube Extra

NO ONE CHILD IS THE SAME SO IT IS SAFE TO SAY THEY DO NOT LEARN THE SAME with Marla Luehder and Shelley Hill

This is the first BLOG for Smart Choices and it was so fun to make! I dedicated Smart Choices to my parents Thomas Oscar Henry Luehder and Marla Ann Smith Luehder so to have mom in my first BLOG made complete sense to me.  Thank you mom for sharing a piece of you with us called "I Have Always Loved You best". You are without a doubt the best mom and "need filler" EVER! 

In this video she shares a customized poem (originated from Erma Bombeck) with you. I chose this as our first video because  I thought it showed how mom knew how each child worked, learned, and expressed themselves at a very early age. She knew immediately that I was the creative one, the animal lover, the one that loved friends as deeply as family, I never lied, never accepted the word "can't", but I was also the one that had the hardest time learning. 

Below is a section out of our "Setting You Up For Success" booklet/page that you will receive when you order Smart Choices Image Cards (BAG or CARDS ONLY).  I hope you find value in this short video and really think about HOW your child learns the best. 

Make sure you pick “age specific” Smart Choices Image Cards:

• Ages three – five your child will be incredibly busy cutting, pasting, singing, learning numbers, letters and simple directions.  They are active, like to explore and are learning good motor control.
• Ages six – eight your child will have busy days filled with supervised and unsupervised outdoor activities, homework, and communicating deeper with friends. They will have tons of questions and will have good days and bad days….just like us. They can be self-centered and very demanding yet very fun to be around. They need simple rules and a daily routine….organization is a MUST.
• Ages nine – eleven your child is stretching great ranges. Some are still like “little kids” while others are quite mature. You may have puberty, emotions and attitude changes. They begin to really think logically, like to work on real tasks and are even ready for their first “paying job” like mowing lawns, helping around the house more, tutoring a younger sibling, etc. They are bursting at the seams with energy and physical activities are important. Sports, clothes, friends, fitting in and their social life will reach a whole new level. You will need to focus on communication, ground rules, and learning to trust them when not around.
• Ages eleven – thirteen your child is changing fast in body, mind and emotions. One day they are responsible and the next they are six years old again and can barely think for themselves. They are more independent, self-conscious, and can handle more “hard truths” about the world. Friends are more important than family at times which means some of their choices will be sub-optimal. They need to know that family is behind them no matter if they stumble in their attempts to grow up. Teasing and lack of their own space can unbalance them yet they need laughter to lighten the load of growing up.

References: 

• My parents Tom & Marla Luehder
• My sister and brother Stephanie Schrope & Chris Luehder
• My personal experiences and continuing education
• California Department of Education
• EVERFI

• Ability Path: Inspiring Inclusions
• Eton Institute
• Dr. Karen McDonald of Racheal’s Rest
• Children’s Library Lady
• Davidson Institute             
• Telling Ain’t Training
• What the Best College Teachers Do
• Nemours, Reading BrightStart!
• Journeys Through Teaching with Emma Wheatley
• Noodle.com
• Rasmussen.edu
  
• Learning Through Visuals: Psychology Today
  

Smart Choices Image Cards
Smart Choices REVIEWS