Top 12 Best Dog Food for Pomeranians

***Please Note: This article is published on a different website. I completed this article on September 1, 2020, and it was published, however, the site that published it has credited a different writer for the work that I completed.

The tiny Pomeranian actually descended from large, powerful sled dogs and still has a bit of that “can do” attitude that most sled dog breeds are known for. Obviously, the Pomeranian is not able to work as a sled dog due to their diminutive size. They are categorized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Toy breed and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as a Companion breed. This little foxy looking dog is active with high energy levels and excels at many dog sports such as agility, rally, and obedience. Their animated attitudes make them a crowd favorite at dog shows as well. 

The life expectancy for a Pomeranian is between 12 and 16 years old. Pomeranians can be super small around 4 pounds or a bit larger up to 16 pounds. The ideal weight for a Pom is 4 to 7 ½ pounds, but some do have a larger bone structure and can weigh more without being considered overweight. I have been working with Pomeranians since the early 2000s, training and showing them for my mother who also occasionally breeds Poms. Through the years, I have learned quite a lot about the nutritional needs of these active little dogs. A quality diet is necessary to maintain optimal health so they live a long, happy life. Pomeranians should not be fed a soft diet, or canned food, consistently. Poms can develop dental problems when they are fed a soft diet, which can result in losing teeth at a young age. 

Best 4 Foods for Pomeranian Puppies

Great nutrition begins as puppies and feeding a high-quality puppy food is one way to ensure your Pom puppy is off to a great start. It can be frustrating trying to figure out what is the best puppy food for your Pomeranian puppy. Ask your puppy’s breeder about what food to feed and if you decide to change their food do so slowly to prevent stomach upset. Most Pom puppies are very small and have small teeth, therefore, any puppy food that has larger pieces of kibble can be difficult for them to chew. I have fed Fromm Family Gold Puppy and Purina One SmartBlend Puppy to the Pomeranian puppies that I have grown and trained. But there are also other great puppy foods on the market that are good for small Pomeranian puppies. 

Tuffy’s NutriSource Chicken and Rice Formula Puppy 

Tuffy’s, while not a well-known pet food company, produces a great nutritional puppy food formulated for small to medium-sized puppies. The first ingredient is chicken, an easily digestible protein to help build muscle. Filled with vitamins and minerals to help with growth and development as well as skin and coat health, this food is a good choice for Pomeranian puppies. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Chicken meal

• Brown rice

• White rice

• Fish meal

Guaranteed Analysis

• 32% Crude Protein

• 21% Crude Fat

• 5% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Fromm Family Gold Puppy 

This is a puppy food that I personally feed to any small breed puppy that I am raising. Fromm is a 5th generation family owned and operated company that is dedicated to producing quality pet food. The small kibble is perfect for tiny mouths to chew. Fromm Family Gold Puppy is filled with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and salmon oil to promote a healthy immune system as well as muscular and brain development and healthy skin and coat. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Chicken meal

• Chicken broth

• Oat groats

• Pearled Barley

Guaranteed Analysis

• 27% Crude Protein

• 18% Crude Fat

• 3.5% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Purina One SmartBlend Natural Puppy 

Another food I will use for small breed puppies, the Purina One SmartBlend Natural Puppy Food is a food that most puppies like because of the softer chicken pieces mixed with the harder kibble bits. DHA is an important nutrient for puppy development and is also found in mother’s milk, this food provides an adequate amount of DHA to support brain and vision development. There are no fillers in this food, giving you peace of mind that your Pom puppy will not be ingesting undesirable ingredients. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Brewers rice

• Corn gluten meal

• Oatmeal

• Fish meal

Guaranteed Analysis

• 28% Crude Protein

• 17% Crude Fat

• 3% Crude Fiber

• 12% Moisture

Diamond Puppy Formula 

Having fed Diamond Puppy Food in the past, I really liked the results I saw in conditioning puppies for the show ring. High-quality ingredients are used to create a puppy food that promotes healthy growth and development. DHA is included from salmon oil that is added to support healthy vision and brain function. While not specifically for small breed puppies, the kibble size is great for small teeth. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken by-product meal

• Whole grain ground corn

• Chicken fat

• Wheat flour

• Dried beet pulp

Guaranteed Analysis

• 31% Crude Protein

• 20% Crude Fat

• 3% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Best 4 Foods for Pomeranians Adults

As Pomeranians grow and mature into adults, their nutritional needs will change drastically. Adult Poms still require a high-quality food to ensure they remain in optimal health and weight. Different vitamins and minerals at different levels are necessary for adults versus puppies and finding the right adult dog food for your Pomeranian can be a bit daunting, especially with so many different products on the market. After doing much research, I have found that foods claiming to be formulated especially for Pomeranians are actually a gimmick and not necessarily the best food for your Pom. Instead of looking for a food that claims to be made specifically for Pomeranians or even small breeds, look at the ingredients and the analysis to determine which food will be best for your Pom 

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small 

Formulated for dogs up to 8 pounds, this food has smaller kibble perfect for a small breed dog to chew and helps to remove excess tartar buildup on their teeth. While adult dogs do not usually need additional DHA, Royal Canin has added it to this formula. Made with chicken, a highly digestible protein, allows for even sensitive stomachs to do well. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Brewers rice

• Corn

• Chicken by-product meal

• Chicken fat

• Corn gluten meal

Guaranteed Analysis

• 22% Crude Protein

• 15% Crude Fat

• 3.5% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Diamond Premium Adult Formula 

I have been feeding Diamond Premium since the early 1990s and have been comfortable feeding it to large breeds such as Rottweilers and Collies, medium-sized breeds such as Welsh Pembroke Corgis, and small breeds such as Pomeranians and Japanese Chins. The quality ingredients promote a healthy immune system, skin and coat, and muscle development. Antioxidants and fiber aid in digestion and immune support. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken by-product meal

• Whole grain ground corn

• Chicken fat

• Wheat flour

• Dried beet pulp

Guaranteed Analysis

• 26% Crude Protein

• 18% Crude Fat

• 3% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Small Breed Grain-Free 

When in search of a quality grain-free option for your Pomeranian, check out Castor and Pollux Organix dog foods. While I do not generally feed grain-free to any of my dogs, there are dogs that do have allergies to specific grains making it necessary to find good grain-free food for your Pomeranian. This food is made in the USA with free-range, organic chicken as the main source of protein making it a good choice for sensitive stomachs. There are no artificial preservatives or GMOs used in this food. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Organic chicken

• Organic chicken meal

• Organic sweet potatoes

• Organic chickpeas

• Organic peas

Guaranteed Analysis

• 26% Crude Protein

• 15% Crude Fat

• 5% Crude Fiber

• 11% Moisture

Fromm Family Gold Small Breed Adult 

Fromm is a pet food company that has been in operation since 1904 and remains family-owned and operated. The Fromm Family Gold Small Breed Adult dog food was formulated with toy breeds in mind, providing easily digestible proteins. Salmon oil keeps skin and coat healthy. Probiotics have been added to help with easy digestion that even most Poms with sensitive stomachs can handle. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Chicken meal

• Chicken broth

• Oat groats

• Pearled barley

Guaranteed Analysis

• 26% Crude Protein

• 17% Crude Fat

• 5.5% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Best 4 Foods for Pomeranians Seniors

As a dog ages, their nutritional needs will begin to change. They begin to move slower and not be as active as they once were, creating the need for high-quality food that is formulated for their less active lifestyle. Many people consider dogs that are over 7 years old to be senior dogs needed a special senior diet. In the case of larger breeds that do not have as long of a life expectancy as many of the smaller breeds, this is accurate. A Pomeranian, however, remains very active well past 7 years old. I generally keep them on their adult food until they reach between 9 and 10 years old. This is usually when I have noticed their energy levels begin to decrease. Adding supplements to their diet at 7 years old is a good idea to continue to support joint and immune health. The best time to begin adjusting your aging Pom’s diet is when you begin to notice changes in their daily energy levels. I have used several of these senior-specific dog foods for small breed senior dogs.

Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Senior (Chicken and Rice)

This food has been formulated to combat changes to senior dogs suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CDS, which is somewhat similar to Alzheimer’s disease. The wholesome ingredients along with vitamins and minerals help promote healthy brain function. The easily digestible protein is good for sensitive stomachs. Not as pricey as other senior foods, Pro Plan Bright Mind is a good food for your senior Pom. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Poultry by-product meal

• Brewers rice

• Whole grain corn

• Whole grain wheat

Guaranteed Analysis

• 29% Crude Protein

• 14% Crude Fat

• 3% Crude Fiber

• 12% Moisture

Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Senior 

Iams produces quality pet foods including ProActive Health Mature Senior which has no plant-based protein boosters that can cause problems for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The main protein is chicken, an easily digestible protein that is good for most senior dogs. Pomeranians as they age may develop sensitivities to harsher proteins such as beef, fish, and venison. This food contains L-carnitine which helps to burn fat, making it an ideal food for overweight senior Poms.

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Chicken by-product meal

• Ground whole grain corn

• Ground whole grain barley

• Ground whole grain sorghum

Guaranteed Analysis

• 24% Crude Protein

• 10.5% Crude Fat

• 5% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg, and Oatmeal

While I generally do not feed the Diamond Naturals' line of food, I have found this senior food is good for dogs of all sizes including Pomeranians. This is one of the most budget-friendly senior dog foods I have fed and boasts high-quality ingredients such as fresh chicken. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been added for joint health as well as L-carnitine for weight management. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Chicken meal

• Whole grain brown rice

• Ground white rice

• Egg

Guaranteed Analysis

• 25% Crude Protein

• 11% Crude Fat

• 3% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

Canidae Grain-Free Pure Senior Formula

Canidae makes a quality grain-free food formulated specifically for aging dogs. Limited ingredients help ensure that senior Pomeranians suffering from sensitive stomachs will be able to easily digest. Developed for dogs with food sensitivities, this food can be fed to any senior dog and is free of any grains including wheat and soy. The main proteins are poultry, specifically chicken for easy digestion. 

First 5 Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Chicken meal

• Turkey meal

• Sweet potatoes

• Garbanzo beans

Guaranteed Analysis

• 28% Crude Protein

• 10% Crude Fat

• 5% Crude Fiber

• 10% Moisture

How Much Food Is Enough?

Understanding the nutritional needs and feeding requirements of your Pomeranian is essential. A high-quality diet as well as additional supplements, if needed, will ensure your Pomeranian lives their best life. Because Pomeranians are such high energy little dogs, a balanced diet, plenty of exercise and plenty of toys for mental stimulation are important. Puppies obviously have different nutritional needs than adults, the amount of food that a puppy eats versus an adult will also drastically vary. 

Due to the small size of a Pomeranian puppy, they can easily suffer from hypoglycemic episodes if they do not have the proper nutrition and the proper amount of food. Be sure to ask your breeder what puppy food your new Pomeranian puppy is currently eating and then slowly change foods if you are not comfortable with the breeder’s food choice. Pomeranian puppies must eat often to regulate their blood sugar levels, especially very active puppies. It is best to keep their food accessible at all times so they can munch when they need to. As your Pomeranian matures into adulthood, the risk of hypoglycemic episodes will drastically reduce. 

Adult Pomeranians will still burn calories quickly because of their high energy levels, but you can begin to offer them meals instead of leaving food down all the time. Generally, healthy adult Pomeranians can have two meals a day. The amount of food given per meal will depend on the food you are feeding and the weight of your Pom. Be sure to read the feeding instructions on your Pom’s adult food to ensure you are not over or underfeeding. 

Overfeeding is a common occurrence in Pomeranians when the dog is not getting enough exercise to burn the excess calories and they begin to gain weight. An overweight Pomeranian can develop health issues so their food intake should be closely monitored and they need to be kept on a strict exercise routine. If you notice your Pom is a little thin but you are feeding the recommended amount of food, have your veterinarian do a thorough exam to ensure there are no underlying health problems. If your Pomeranian has a clean bill of health but is still on the thin side, increase the amount of food they get at each meal or decrease the amount of exercise they are getting each day. 

A healthy Pomeranian is one of the most animated, happy dogs you will ever meet. Their coat will be shiny and soft to the touch, their eyes will be bright and lively, and their tail will be constantly wagging. Dry kibble is always my preferred choice of food for Pomeranians because of the dental problems that can develop when they eat a soft diet. Quality ingredients and easily digestible proteins are always best for a Pomeranian. 

Everything Poodle: from Elegant Standards to Teeny Teacups

  ***Please Note: This article is published on a different website. I completed this article on July 10, 2020, and it was published, however, the site that published it has credited a different writer for the work that I completed.

When you think of a Poodle do you see the cute circus dog performing with the clowns or maybe the elegant canine strutting around the show ring? You may even envision your own Poodle lounging next to you on the sofa. All of these images would be a correct representation of the breed. This ancient and noble breed has wormed its way into our hearts and homes showing off their amazing smarts and loyalty time and again. 

The American Kennel Club has listed the Poodle as the #7 most popular dog breed in the United States. The Poodle also holds the #2 spot for being the smartest dog breed in the world. Who would not want one of these amazing canines? The Poodle even comes in different sizes to fit your family and home. Having had Miniature and Toy Poodles for over 12 years, I can tell you they are the most interesting and fun dog breed I have had the pleasure of owning and training. These canines are exceptional and so very loyal to their family. 

Breed Information: Poodle
Varieties	Standard Klein (Moyen) Miniature Toy Teacup
Lifespan	12-14 years – Standard 13-15 years – Klein (Moyen) 15-18 years – Miniature, Toy, Teacup
Health Concerns	Hip Dysplasia Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) von Willebrand Disease (vWD) Bloat Thyroid and Adrenal Gland disorders Autoimmune disorders Orthopedic disorders
Size	Over 15” tall; 40-70 pounds – Standard 15”-20” tall; 20-30 pounds – Klein (Moyen) 10”-15” tall; 10-15 pounds – Miniature Under 10” tall; 4-6 pounds – Toy, Teacup
Colors	Black Apricot White Café au lait Silver Fawn Blue Brown Red Beige Silver Beige Gray Cream
Temperament	Alert Lively Intelligent Loyal
Origin	France

History of the Poodle

The Poodle is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds in the world. There is a bit of controversy surrounding the Poodle’s exact origins. Some claim its ancestors came from central Asia, while others say the Poodle is a German breed, but in the end, it is France that gets the credit for these amazingly intelligent and loyal dogs. One theory that has a lot of substance is that the Poodle’s ancestors were Asian herding dogs that migrated into Germany and then down into France. 

The popularity of the breed skyrocketed during the 18th and 19th centuries when they were bred as water dogs or gun dogs to retrieve fowl from the water for hunters. During the 19th century, Poodles began their circus career due to their intelligence and willingness to learn new things. French nobility was given their first glimpse of the Poodle during these circus acts. French royals and nobles became enamored with the Poodle, making it the official national dog of France. The Poodle made its way to the United States with French immigrants during the 20th century. But the popularity of the Poodle did not explode until after World War I. Today, the Poodle is listed in the Top Ten Most Popular Dog Breeds according to the American Kennel Club. 

During the 19th century, some Poodle breeders began the process of “shrinking” the breed to create a smaller version. Thus the Miniature Poodle and the Klein or Moyen Poodle was created. Many German breeders did not like the size of the Standard or Miniature Poodle so they began breeding dogs that were between those two sizes, calling them Klein or Moyen Poodles, meaning medium. The Toy Poodle was created to be a lap dog but since they were bred down from the larger Poodles, do still have the working nature of their larger cousins. 

Five Basic Types of Poodle

According to the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club the Poodle comes in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. You may occasionally hear a Poodle referred to as a Teacup, which is a small Toy Poodle, or as a Klein or Moyen Poodle, which is either a larger Miniature or a smaller Standard. Each variety has the same look, just in a different sized package. 

• Standard Poodle is considered a medium-sized dog with a regal appearance. They must be over 15 inches tall at the withers at adulthood and males should weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, females should weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. The Standard Poodle is exceptionally smart and excels in obedience, rally, and other dog sports. They are also successful in the conformation ring. They easily learn tricks to keep their owners entertained and are very loyal to their family. Training a Standard Poodle is very easy and also necessary for a well-adjusted family member.

• Miniature Poodle is considered a small to medium-sized dog with the same regal appearance as its larger cousin. They are 10 to 15 inches tall at the withers at adulthood and should weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, both males and females. These clever dogs will leave their owners in stitches over their antics. Playful, full of energy, and super loyal, the Miniature Poodle is a delight to have in your home. Training is a must or your Miniature Poodle will run the household. They do require a lot of one-on-one interaction and training to ensure they are social and well-adjusted. 

• Toy Poodle is the smallest of the recognized AKC recognized Poodles. This small-sized dog definitely does not see themselves as small; they will take on the world and can become quite barky if allowed. The Toy Poodle is less than ten inches tall at the withers at adulthood and should weigh between four and six pounds. Despite their size, the Toy Poodle does require training so they are a well-adjusted member of the family and have a job to perform. While the Toy Poodle is thought of as just a lap dog, they were bred down from the Standard Poodle and do need a job to perform each day to keep them happy. They do not generally do well with small children and can become nervous or snappy if they feel unsafe or have been allowed to run the home. 

• Teacup Poodle is still a Toy Poodle, just a smaller size than what is recommended in the breed standard. Many breeders call true Toy Poodles Teacups because it was a great advertising gimmick. Then more and more breeders found a thriving market for these pint-sized Poodles and began indiscriminately breeding Teacup Poodles. True Toy Poodles are four to six pounds. Many people classify the Teacup Poodle as under six pounds. Unfortunately, many of the tiny Toy and Teacup Poodles have been found to have health and temperament problems. A Teacup Poodle is not recommended for a household with small children as they can become snappy and defensive when they feel threatened. 

• Klein or Moyen Poodle is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).  Moyen means medium in French and sums up this Poodle’s size perfectly. They are between 15 and 20 inches tall at the withers at maturity and between 20 and 30 pounds. The Moyen Poodle has been in existence for about as long as the Miniature Poodle and was created for those who felt the Standard Poodle was too large and the Miniature Poodle too small. This loyal breed is extremely smart and loves learning new things. They do require a significant amount of exercise and training to keep them from becoming bored.
  
  

Physical Traits and Characteristics of Poodles

• Personality
  Poodles of all sizes are true comedians, they love playing tricks on their fellow canines and their humans. They pick up new games quickly and are an extremely intelligent breed. Owners of Poodles know that their canines need a specific amount of exercise and attention each day for them to be well-adjusted family members. Poodles do not do well in a kennel situation or stuck in the backyard all day. They crave attention and need to be with their people. Socialization is extremely important for all sizes of Poodles but more so for the smaller sizes as they can become aggressive and unmanageable without proper socialization and training.

• Lifespan of a Poodle
  The general rule of thumb when thinking about the average lifespan of a Poodle is 12 to 14 years for a Standard, 13 to 15 years for a Moyen, and 15 to 18 years for a Miniature, Toy, and Teacup. However, your dog’s lifespan will be determined by the type of care, nutrition, exercise, and genetics behind them. Poodles that are allowed to become couch potatoes and not get enough exercise may not live as long as active Poodles. Also, Poodles that have genetic problems or are poorly bred may also not have as long of a life. You will want to keep your poodle at their optimal weight and feed a premium diet to ensure they do not develop serious health issues from an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. Check out the best dog foods for Poodles.  

• Basic Care
  Essentially, Poodles are easy keepers and do not require a lot of upkeep. They are a non-shedding breed which means their hair does not float through the air and get on everything from clothing to furniture. Their dander is also low making them a good choice for people with allergies. They do require regular grooming and clipping. You will want to brush your Poodle at least once a week and bathe them at least once every four to six weeks. Be sure to read about the best shampoos for your Poodle before heading to the store. You will want to have them clipped every three to six weeks. If you choose to keep them in the Continental (frou-frou) cut, there is a lot more maintenance. The basic puppy cut is one of the easiest Poodle cuts to maintain and keeps you from having to run to the groomers every few weeks. You can also find the best dog clippers for Poodles and trim your Poodle at home.

• Exercise Needs
  The amount of exercise your Poodle will require is based on their size, age, and health concerns. Puppies require a lot of exercise but you need to be careful that they do not overdo it and strain themselves. Puppies are still developing their bones and muscles and can quickly overtax their bodies and can become injured. Be mindful of your Poodle puppy’s limits and do not push them too hard. Strenuous walks or games can cause harm to a puppy’s joints, muscles, and bones. Healthy adult Poodles will require the most activity to keep them healthy and happy. Plan exciting training sessions, hike along the beach, or organize a Poodle playdate to get your Poodle off the couch and moving. Senior Poodles do require the least amount of exercise, but they do still need to get up and move, even if it is for short periods of time. Play modified games with your senior Poodle or take a short walk down to make sure they are getting the exercise they need to stay healthy. Exercise for Poodles comes in many different forms, from taking long walks to doing zoomies in the back yard to actually performing tasks. Most Poodles enjoy the water, so set up a swimming pool for them and teach them to swim then hit the beach or lake for a day of swimming, relaxing, and pure fun. 

• Health Concerns
  Overall, Poodles are a generally healthy breed. There are some health issues that are more prevalent in the breed and should be watched for, your veterinarian should be aware of these conditions and know to check at each appointment for any possible signs of development. Some of these conditions or diseases can be tested for to ensure your Poodle is free from these genetic disorders. Poodle mixes are also susceptible to these conditions so have your Poo-mix checked regularly.
  Conditions and diseases to watch for include:
  Hip Dysplasia
  Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
  Bloat
  Thyroid and Adrenal Gland disorders
  Autoimmune disorders
  Orthopedic disorders

• Training Your Poodle
  Poodles are truly one of the smartest dog breeds in the world and they need daily social interactions and stimulation for them to be happy and well-adjusted. A Poodle’s training should begin as a small puppy with a reward-based system. Poodles work best when they are praised for their good deeds and given rewards such as a treat or a toy. Be sure to spend about 10 minutes each day working with your Poodle puppy on their new skills. As your Poodle grows, you may decide to take them to a formal training class but remember to keep practicing their new skills at home. Once your Poodle has their basic manners, or obedience, mastered, then you can start teaching them cute tricks to impress friends and family. Make sure you keep training sessions short and upbeat. Always end your training sessions on a positive note and be sure to give lots of praise. Your Poodle loves to hear that they are a good boy or girl!

Should You Choose A Poodle?
Unfortunately, that is a decision that nobody else but you and your family can make. From my own personal experience with Poodles, I will always advocate for this majestic, loyal, and intelligent breed. I have had Poodles for over 12 years and think they are the smartest breed I have ever had the honor of owning, training, and showing. They want desperately to please you and they will do all they can to make you laugh and show that they adore you. The Poodle is considered hypoallergenic and makes fantastic pets for those suffering from allergies. The Standard, Klein (Moyen), and even Miniature Poodle make fantastic companions for children, provided the children know how to respect animals. Essentially, a Poodle is easy to housetrain, obedience train, and is relatively a healthy breed. Do your research when searching for a Poodle to add to your family and find the right one for you. Talk with other Poodle owners and Poodle breeders and determine if a Poodle is the right dog for you and your family. 

Bowling Alley Doesn’t Deliver for Kids

Commentary | While I generally am not one to post negativity on the web, unless I am being candid about a local sports team or restaurant experience, I have felt compelled to delve deeper into what I am finding to be the new norm for children’s experiences with youth leagues. After talking with other parents whose children participate in youth bowling leagues throughout the area I have come to the conclusion that while the future of the sport depends on our youth, bowling alleys seem to be pushing the youth out the door with the lackadaisical way that leagues are run. Speaking from experience, I am finding that the powers that be in local bowling alleys simply go through the motions of setting up and running youth leagues without putting any true thought, effort or heart into the matter. This even includes the leagues that are sanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

 

Rules are given out the first week of the youth bowling league with the “coaches” stating that the rules will be closely followed. Insert eye roll here because every parent that has had a child bowl under these coaches knows this is just a bunch of hot air. By the second week over half of the rules have already been broken with no recourse. Children are turned loose during league play to run screaming, with bowling ball in arms, through the concourse and down to the lanes. Phones are always readily available while the children are supposed to be focusing on their bowling skills and lane etiquette simply seems to be a concept that no one truly feels a need to observe. Parents, grandparents, guardians and family members also seem to lack respect for one another and the bowlers. Adults huddle up in their cliques reminding me of high school students desperately trying to be cool. Children that have been dragged from their beds on an early Saturday morning to watch their siblings bowl find creative ways to entertain themselves while everyone looks out over the chaotic scene of a bowling alley hosting a Saturday morning youth league. There have been many Saturday mornings that I have relied heavily on Excedrin Migraine and strong black coffee to keep my head from exploding and a civil tongue. After finally finding an activity that my daughter thoroughly enjoys, I have been horrified by the lack of commitment that I have seen in the local bowling alleys. Why are the bowling alleys not stepping up and taking these youth leagues seriously? When you go to a youth hockey or football game so you see absolute chaos during the game? No, you do not; you see children learning how to respect one another and authoritative people while enjoying time spent playing a sport.

Aside from having to binge drink coffee and pop headache pills most Saturday mornings, it would all be worth it if at the end of the season you truly felt that your child’s efforts were being fully appreciated and recognized. However, my daughter has bowled for three seasons on a Saturday youth league and the past two years have concluded with an “awards ceremony” that was thrown together. This last year the “coaches” were not even there to hand out the medals. The year before, medals were handed out on the last day as each bowler finished their games; no official ceremony was provided. How much effort would it be for the hosting bowling alley to set up a room for the awards ceremony with some balloons, streamers and a photo opportunity for the bowlers to celebrate their achievements? You would think that since the youth are the future of the sport, bowling alleys would want to make them feel welcome and celebrate with them so they want to keep coming back. It is a sad situation when children walk away from a league feeling disenchanted and unimportant.

Steps To Becoming A Successful Freelance Writer

 **This article is also listed as its own page on this blog. Bookmark the page and come back often while learning and setting up your freelance business.

In a society where 9-5 jobs are becoming more and more volatile becoming a freelancer seems to be the only solution. While practically anyone can hang their shingle as a freelance writer, the reality of earning an income large enough to sustain your lifestyle is much more difficult than most anticipate. A freelance writer must be actively seeking new clients at all times. They must be willing to put their work out there and face rejection and harsh edits from unforgiving editors. Many people want to become independent of the typical job but they do not know how to get started and break free from the norm. There are a few must take steps in order to have success as a freelance writer.

Determine Who You Are

This sounds weird, I know. But first things first, you need to figure out what your writing style will be. Are you an author who wants to publish books or even e-books? Are you a detail-oriented person who wants to become a technical writer? Maybe you are a blogger who wants to take over social media with your enthusiasm and wit. Then again, you might just be a person with a lot of knowledge, a love for learning, or a knack for researching.

No matter what, with determination and a little leg work you should be able to create a successful client base and earn a living as a freelance writer. You do not have to be stuck in one niche of writing. Your writing capabilities may include technical writing and creative writing so do not limit yourself once you have established yourself as a freelance writer. I started as a content writer and now write short stories, blog posts, research projects, technical writing, and am a ghostwriter.

Set Up A Blog

This may sound simple enough. When you set up your initial blog, pick one niche. It is okay to have a few different blogs if you have a few interests that you want to write about and showcase your knowledge and your talent as a writer. You can even link your blogs together to give yourself more exposure. When I started out, I had a blog that covered the St. Louis Blues, one that covered arts and crafts, and another that covered Christianity and Inspiration. Obviously, these three topics did not have any common factors and I could not easily incorporate the topics together into one cohesive blog. Therefore, I set up three blogs and showcased my writing abilities on each one.

For those not familiar with blogs, you can set up a free blog at blogger.com or wordpress.com. Each site is relatively easy to use and even the novice blogger can set up a blog and start writing quickly. As you become more comfortable with that blog platform, your blog will evolve into the work of art you are envisioning. A jumbled blog will look sloppy and unprofessional.

Once your blog is generating regular traffic, start looking for advertisers or sponsors for your blog. Be selective and only choose advertisers or sponsors that are related to content on your blog. If you are creating a blog about dogs or dog training do not include ads about car care. Instead, search for advertisers such as PetSmart or Jeffers Pet. Also, choose advertisers and sponsors who offer either a percentage of each customer’s order from your blog or a flat advertiser’s fee where they pay you a flat amount to advertise on your blog. This will generate a little extra income each month.

Promote Yourself

This may sound odd since we are taught to not “blow our own horn”, but this is a necessary step to becoming a successful freelance writer. Once you have your blog set up and you have at least a few posts, start promoting yourself. Send out notices to friends, family, and colleagues to check out your blog and share. This builds your following and when you begin networking with editors and other freelance writers this will lend a bit of credit to your claim of being a serious freelance writer.

Social media and email newsletters are a great way to get the exposure you need for your blog. By having a specialized blog or a blog that covers one main topic you will have followers who are interested in the material you are presenting and they will, in turn, share some of your posts with their friends and colleagues.

Do Guest Blogging

Many bloggers network among themselves as a way to promote each other. Search for other blogs that have the same topic as yours and ask if they allow guest blog posts. Many will ask for a return link from your blog to theirs and this is another great way to grow your blog and promote yourself.

Once you have done a few guest blog posts within the topic you are most comfortable with, step out of your comfort zone, and look for other guest blogging opportunities. Choose topics that you may not be as comfortable with but still have an interest in. This will begin the process of building a more diverse portfolio and show that you can write intelligent, informative, and entertaining pieces on a variety of topics.

Remember to be courteous to the host blog and host blogger. Do not submit content that is offensive or combative toward the host blogger. Do not get upset or have your feelings hurt if the host blog asks for edits to the piece you have written. You are constantly learning and established freelance writers will help you evolve as a writer.

Networking Is Key

Companies, whether they are large or small, are always looking for new and inventive ways to promote themselves in the business world. Take a page out of their book and do the same. Print up some business cards and take every opportunity to hand them out, you never know who will pass it along to a company in need of a writer. Let friends and family know you are stepping out into the freelance world. They may come across someone looking for a writer and they can recommend you for the project.

Social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are excellent ways to network with other freelance writers. Listen to your peers and follow any leads that they post. The lead may not pan out, but it could present an opportunity to get your name and portfolio out there for others to view.

Once you have accumulated enough work to build a solid portfolio, you will want to create an online resume along with links to your work or samples of your work. If your portfolio includes samples of your writing, include the link if it is still active or the original published location. For example, if you have an article published on a blog that is no longer active you will put “originally published on (name of blog here)”.

Finding a Paying Freelance Writing Job

For most freelance writers this is the reason they are here, to figure out how to make money sharing their written work. There are a few writers who are absolutely blessed and jobs just fall from the heavens and right into their laps. For the majority of us, this is just not the case! Therefore, we have to be out hitting the pavement, chasing down leads, and praying that a client base can be built to make us able to say farewell to the drudgery of a full-time job.

Sign up for job lists from reputable freelance websites. Many send out weekly lists of new writing opportunities. Freedom With Writing (www.freedomwithwriting.com) offers a weekly list of freelance jobs available. Sign up is free and there are some great offers that come through there. Freelance Writing Jobs (www.freelancewritinggigs.com) is another great resource to sign up for, it is also free. UpWork (www.upwork.com) is free to join and you can search for clients there. Never pay for access to job listings! If someone is requesting that you pay money and they will unlock the “secret” to success, chances are great that this is a scam!

Avoid content mill type websites. These sites have thousands of “freelance writers” from all around the world willing to write 500+ word pieces for pennies. If you get caught up in one of these sites, step back and regroup. There is more to freelance writing than churning out content that is not well thought out or well written.

Content writing is not the same as writing for a content mill. Content writing is simply creating web content, generally wording for web pages or entire web sites. Content writing can be steady work depending on which company you are hired to write for and can be a decent paying job.

Despite its less than stellar reputation, Craigslist can be a good source for finding clients. Just remember to take many of the posts with a grain of salt. You will learn quickly how to spot a scam, a content mill, or a legitimate writing lead. Do not be afraid to ask questions about the company or the writing assignment being offered.

Building A Client Base

This may sound daunting, but to be a successful freelance writer you will need to build a solid client base that you can count on getting a paycheck from week after week. These clients will become your bread and butter, the ones that give you steady work that enables you to pay your bills.

Your client list will constantly change and you must be diligent in seeking new clients. As projects end or editors become uncooperative or pay cuts happen, you need to have the ability to continue to earn an income. By always being on the lookout for new clients, you are actively taking control of your earning potential. The writers who sit back and wait for the clients or projects to come to them will not be successful.

Anyone can say that they are freelance writers. To be successful and earn an income as a freelance writer you have to get out there and find the best clients for you and promote yourself. Most of the well-paying clients expect to see a solid portfolio that shows off a writer’s personality and diversity.

 Do not be afraid to be a ghostwriter for a client, even though your name is not on the written piece; you can include ghostwriting on your resume. I make about half of my income ghostwriting for 5 different clients.

And Finally…

There will be set-backs and you will no doubt become frustrated when starting out as a freelance writer. Stick it out and keep beating the bushes for those clients that will fit your style and your needs. Remember, your online presence is how many clients will determine if you are the right writer for them. Whether on Facebook or on your personal blog keep things professional and remember this is your “interview” and you must present an image of professionalism and competency.

A freelance writer who presents an unprofessional online presence will have a much more difficult time securing a paying client base. Just like a brick and mortar business, you are selling yourself to potential clients and they will comb through your online content and presence before deciding to hire you for their project.

I wish the best of luck to those branching out into the world of freelance. It can be scary at first, but in the long run, it is very rewarding!

Homeschooling in MO - FAQ

There are many myths and concerns regarding homeschooling. Why do the parents feel the need to keep the child home to learn instead of sending them to a public school (or even a private school), For me the answer was simple. I work within a public school district. I know my child and her learning abilities. She is not the type of child who can sit in a classroom setting with 20-30 other children and not be distracted or bored with the subject material.

Why I Chose To Homeschool
Some children excel in such a setting. I am a product of the public school system and I was an honor roll student my entire school career, finally graduating with honors from university. My daughter is not me and I realized that before serious damage was done to her learning process. She was first online schooled and then transitioned into strictly homeschooled.

Having a strong educational background, I set up her homeschool just like a regular school. She has set hours that she is "in school", she has set lesson plans and she does have tests that are put in her portfolio. Tests are not required in the state of Missouri, but I felt it was important to add tests to her lesson plans because when she gets to college level, she will indeed have tests and papers to write and a set schedule. This is just preparing her for life beyond homeschooling.

How I Homeschool
She is currently in the 6th grade, she has set quarters that are 9 weeks, 4 quarters in a "school year". She gets 1 week off school between quarters and then she gets 2 weeks off between grade levels. If there is a concept that she struggles with, we adjust the lesson plans so we can spend more time on that concept. If there is a concept that she picks up right away and she does not need the extra practice we adjust the lesson plans and move forward rather than bore her with more practice.

All lesson plans, gradebooks, hour logs and tests go into a grade level specific binder. Any other work that showcases what she has learned is also included. I do grade her work and assign a grade. This prepares her for the time when she enters college and has a professor grading her work. She has a report card at the end of each quarter, a semester grade and a final grade.

Homeschooling should be exciting and fun for you and your child or children. Exploring your community and learning things together is very rewarding. Remember, though, that these are the formative years and the study/learning habits that are instilled now will be difficult to change later when the child enters high school and college. Some structure in the learning process is needed for them to be able to succeed when their homeschooling days are done.

FAQs
I have taken advice from so many homeschooling parents. There is one mom who really takes the time to talk with you and give you the basics. I recommend that you visit her blog where she has posted some frequently asked questions about homeschooling in Missouri. Sara Schmidt is an inspiration and is a very talented writer. Check out what she has to say about homeschooling, I think you will then be able to make an informed decision.

If you are unsure or have any questions about homeschooling your child or trying to find activities/homeschool groups in your area, email me at themickiholley@gmail.com. I will be happy to help you find some resources to get you started.

Homemade Trail Mix -- Brain Food!

Memory loss? Feeling dull and not quite with it? Forget about playing those confusing "brain games" or taking pill after pill. Instead make up a batch of this yummy trail mix to boost brain function!

 

1 cup dried apricots

1/2 cup carob chips

1 cup raisins

1 cup toasted walnuts

1 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (salted or un-salted)

1/2 cup sunflower seeds (salted or un-salted)

Mix all ingredients together and store in a zipper bag or air tight container. Reach for this snack instead of potato chips or sweets and you will wake up your brain!

Finding The Right Path

Finding the right path is something you figure our in high school or college, right? That is what I thought, but when it came right down to it, even after nine years of college, I settled into my field. I was not passionate about it. Someone said to be why don’t you major in computers and so I did. There was never a fire there for the things I was learning or the job I was doing. I was listless and everything seemed mundane.

Then I switched gears and pursued teaching. For the past 16 years that is what has defined me. I was the computer guru who taught unruly, unwanted high school students. However, with the rules and regulations changing, the field of education has become more of a diploma mill than an actual learning environment. I started experiencing burn out and I had not wanted to continue after last year, but I stuck with it.

My dissatisfaction has grown exponentially since August and I think it is time to switch gears again. The path that seemed so right 16 years ago is becoming overgrown and difficult to travel. So, I come back to the question; how to find the right path? Where do I belong? Am I following the Lord’s plan for my life?

After a heated, condescending phone call from the Human Resources Director at the school district I am currently employed, I took time to pray and study the Word of God. Every morning I dread getting up and going into the viper pit – that is my nickname for the school district. It is eight hours of insolent, defiant and down right rude co-workers chirping in your ear about this person or that one. They make me question my sanity sometimes! Then it is the needy, clingy students who make it all worth it. Not a day goes by that I do not pray for those students who have touched my heart.

If I could be in a district where I could hand pick my co-workers I would be in heaven! But, alas, we live in a fallen world and must interact with these vipers who are clamoring for superiority. I take that back, we are called to minister to and show the love of Jesus to these vipers.

I have veered from my original thoughts again! Seeking your path at any age can be frustrating, more so when you have meandered down so many that had to be “the right one”. As I combed through the Scriptures regarding trust in the Lord for your future, I came up with over 70, there was a sense of hope and peace that enveloped me. As long as God is in control, how can something be wrong? He knows where I belong and if I diligently seek him, He will reveal it to me.

I knew there had to be a reason why the thought of stepping back from teaching did not send me into a frenzied terror. There was a calm understanding that another transition was close at hand. The Lord has not yet revealed what my new direction will be or where He is leading me. But I am trusting in Him that my eyes will soon be opened and I will find enjoyment and fulfillment wherever the Lord leads me.