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July 14, 2008
Whether an elementary school student or a high school senior, kids who move to a new school from another town face their own unique challenges, from making friends and figuring out the popular hangouts to missing their old neighborhood, school, and acquaintances. Read on to find out some tips on how to make the transition to a new school a smooth one.
By Mary Fetzer
How can you ease the anxiety your child may feel about starting a new school? One thing to consider is the time of year you move. Some experts say that summer is the best time to move school-age children because it avoids disrupting the school year. Others suggest that mid-year is better because a child can meet other kids right away. Here are more tips to prepare your child for making the move to a new school.
Visit The New School
Many schools offer orientation for new students who will begin in the fall. Children and their parents can take a look at the preschool, new sixth graders can visit the middle school, freshmen can tour the high school, and so on. Orientation helps new students find their way around the building, meet some teachers, and maybe even get to know some fellow students, making it nice to recognize familiar faces and places on that first day at the new school.
If the school doesn’t have a formal orientation, students and their parents should plan a visit over the summer. It can be as simple as driving by and taking a look, or scheduling a tour with the building principal or a teacher.
Prepare For The First Day
Prior to the first day of school, students and parents should do their homework, so to speak, and touch upon all of the bases that can be covered in advance. Being informed about the following can lessen uneasiness:
• What books or supplies are students required to bring? Some schools distribute supply lists before the year begins.
• What time does school start and finish? This information may be mailed during the summer or published in a local newspaper.
• If the student is taking a bus to school, what are the pick-up and drop-off times and locations?
• Will the child pack a lunch or purchase one at school? Does he/she need money for lunch?
• Does the school have a dress code or require a uniform?
• If the student has an advance schedule of class times and locations, he or she should review it the night before the first day and remember to bring a copy to school with them.
Offer Support
Parents can help just by being there and talking them through their anxieties.
Here are other ways to show your support:
• Reassure their child that it’s normal to feel nervous or frightened at first and that most other kids feel the same way.
• Help them make good decisions, even when it’s as simple as, “What should I wear to school today?” Parents can use their children’s age and maturity levels to determine how much input they should offer: preschoolers may have a choice of two outfits, while high school teens can select their own wardrobe.
• Remind their children they will make new friends. Just as they were able to establish friendships in the past, they will do so again. Encouraging involvement in school activities and clubs will offer more opportunities to meet other kids.
• Develop routines. Whether a child is in preschool or high school, morning and bedtime rituals provide numerous benefits. Any time a child knows what to expect, he or she feels more secure and less anxious.
• Be attentive and really listen. Recalling their own difficulties at various times in their school career, parents can offer a truly sympathetic ear. Not all listening sessions have to end with “advice.” Sometimes, kids just need a sounding board.
Most importantly, parents must continue to show unconditional love and support, no matter how young or old the child.
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Hard economic times call for tough measures. You are pinching and saving on groceries, including staples like milk and eggs, to offset the rising prices of gas. Despite this, you still want to give your kid really cool (not to mention necessary) school supplies. Sometimes desk materials and learning tools are worth the big bucks, but if you can get it for less, even better. We have rounded up some classroom  essentials that won’t break the bank.
By Brie Gatchalian
Binders On Sale
If your little one will need to trap all their handouts and loose leaf notes, head to Staples stores or www.staples.com for an Avery Binder. From ½” to 1 ½” , the durable Avery binders with EZ-Turn rings, gap-free ring designs, and easy-turn locking rings are all on sale at Staples. Pick from the various colors available for $3.99-$5.99.
Dollar Store Notebooks
We’d advise against buying perishable items like highlighters and glue at dollar stores, but when it comes to paper, you can’t go wrong. Dollar zones like Dollar Tree sell one-subject notebooks for only $1. One-subject notebooks at other  retailers are typically over $2.50, so you’re paying even better than half price.
Stay Organized for Cheap
Your kids will no longer need a professional coach to stay organized. The “Where’s My Stuff: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide” (on sale for $11.53 at www.amazon.com, down from $16.95) can help them every step of the way. The spiral-bound tool will teach your kids how to stay on track of their school work, as well as keep their study space neat and tidy.
Computers For Coeds
Your teen is on his way to college. Save him countless hours at the computer lab by giving him the Toshiba Satellite 17” Notebook PC (P205D-S7454). The laptop comes with 2048 MB of memory, 160 GB of hard drive space and a DVD burner. This portable computer works on a Windows Vista Home Premium operation system, and  the best part is it’s $200 off. Buy it now for $599 at www.officemax.com while the offer lasts.
Budget Daily Planning
Your teen will need an agenda to record all of his or her assignments. After he or she learns the tricks to staying organized and on top of things from the “Where’s My Stuff: The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide” mentioned above, this Scholastic Daily Planner, which is only $4.95 at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide will complement the guide.
Shower Safe
In case your new undergrad doesn’t know, he or she will need a shower caddy (not to mention shower flip-flops) when showering in the communal bathrooms at the dorm. Unlike Mom and Dad’s house, they can’t leave their toiletries behind. Luckily, this Carry All Caddy with Metal Handle, which is only $7.84 at www.walmart.com, will help him or her out a great deal during the first year.
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July 7, 2008
We love our children more than life itself and Double Stuff Oreos, but dealing with their bodily functions can be mentally draining. Or, in this case, bodily dis-functions when an older child (age five and up) has a problem with bedwetting. Joanne Kimes, author of “Potty Training Sucks: What to do When Diapers Make you Miserable,” explains why your child is wetting the bed and what can be done about it.
By Joanne Kimes
As frustrating as it can be to deal with waking up to a full load of laundry each morning, bedwetting is no picnic for your child either who has to deal with the embarrassment and humiliation. So let’s see what we can do about this situation because, if you’re dealing with bedwetting after potty training, “urine” need of some education.
Primary Bedwetting
To begin with, there are two types of bedwetting in older children. The primary being when your child has never been dry at night for longer than a six-month period. This type occurs more often in males, and will decline with age. The causes are varied but not one of them has to do with the child’s laziness or any improper parenting skills, despite your feelings to the contrary. No amount of scolding, pleading, or candy-coated bribes will make the situation go away.
The most common reasons for primary bedwetting are that the child’s bladder is small, the muscles that control the bladder aren’t working together correctly, or too much urine is produced either due to late night drinking or a hormonal issue that prevents their body from producing less urine at night like it should be. There can also be a problem with the signal from the bladder to their brain that’s supposed to alert Junior that it’s time to make a pilgrimage to the potty. Studies also suggest that children who wet their beds are deeper sleepers than those who don’t.
Secondary Bedwetting
The secondary type of bedwetting is when a child has been dry for at least a six-month period and then starts wetting their bed. In this case, the cause may be due to severe stress such as a death in the family, a divorce, a bullying peer, or even sexual abuse. It could also be due to a new medical condition such as diabetes or even a seizure disorder.
So, what’s the solution? First, no matter the type, make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to find out if the reason is physical. If it is, there are medications to take and minor surgeries to correct any abnormalities. If your child is going through a stressful period, have your pediatrician suggest a child psychologist.
If your child is given a clean bill of health both mentally and physically here are some other ideas:
1. Restrict liquids two hours before bedtime and do away with diuretics like caffeinated colas.
2. Wake your child before you go to bed at night and have him use the bathroom to reduce the amount of urine he’ll have to hold during the night.
3. Buy an alarm that is snapped into your child’s pajamas and goes off whenever liquid is detected (there are several brands, all of which are available on-line).
4. Get a waterproof mattress pad!
5. For sleepovers without shame, buy specially made diapers for older children that go virtually undetected under pajamas.
Most importantly, don’t yell at your child. In fact, if you or your spouse was a bedwetter as a child (which is more than likely since the condition tends to be a genetic) tell your child stories. Kids can’t get enough of embarrassing mom and dad tales like “when I was young I farted during an oral report”. And, as hard as it may be to do, relax and know that (unless the cause is psychological or due to a physical abnormality), over time your child’s internal plumbing will mature, and the accidents will decrease along with the size of your pile of laundry!
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May 12, 2008
By Brie Gatchalian
It’s that time—the end of the school year. You’ll finally have your kids back home for the summer and you’re ready for camp, fun outings, and picnics. But before you move forward with your children’s summer arrangements, don’t forget to thank the special instructors who are with them during the other part of the year. Stumped and fresh out of ideas? Here are some great gifts for your child’s deserving teachers.
 For the art teacher
Teachers encounter creativity roadblocks, too. It’s hard to come up with arts and crafts all the time. The Highlights Craft Book Set ($15.98) can help your kid’s teacher with project brainstorms. This book with easy-to-follow instructions incorporates easy-to-find household objects like paper plates and boxes to turn into gifts, decorations, and more.
For the baking aficionado
 Teaching teens how to make monkey bread and pizza dough can get tedious after awhile. And odds are, your kid’s home economics teacher isn’t eating what your little one has made in class. Give him or her the gift of sweets minus the work. Consider the Cheryl and Co. Pretty in Pink Cookie Flowers ($39.95). The cookie bouquet comes with 12 buttercream frosted heart-shaped cookie flowers with realistic “leaves.”
For the eco-friendly instructor
 From handouts to books, one thing that teachers struggle with is lugging things to and from their cars. While some use plastic and brown paper bags, your child’s teacher has recently gone green. So how about a tote? Give your son or daughter’s green teacher a hand with this Natural Tote Bag ($40) from Things Remembered. You can even personalize it with his or her initial for a personalized touch.
For the jet-setter
 Aside from molding young minds, many teachers say that one of the best things about their profession is the free summers. While some get part-time jobs or immerse in hobbies during their work-free months, others will take the opportunity to travel. Give the jet-setting teacher a funky padlock (prices start at $9.99 and up). This thrifty gift find, available at Target, Wal-Greens and your local hardware store, will keep his or her luggage secure during hostel stays.
For the writer
 You recently found out that your little one’s teacher is a poet. What better gift for him or her than a beautiful journal? These patent leather journals from Staples ($6.99 and up) are not only useful, they’re also stylish. Its design and usability will surely motivate the teacher’s creative side.
For the humanitarian
 Your child’s favorite teacher is a true humanitarian, loves contributing to good causes and participating in volunteer work. He or she will appreciate this bracelet from the Angela Moore Autism Awareness collection ($35-$50, enter code 300400 at check out). Fifteen percent of the proceeds go to the Autism Society of America and its designated affiliates like The RIMLAND Center, an autism treatment and physician training center in Lynchburg, VA.
 For the techie
It’s easy for a laptop to get scuffed up in a schoolbag or dropped in transit—they’re fragile instruments. If your little one’s teacher needs laptop support, he or she may need this Laptop Sleeve from JW Hulme Co ($60). The computer cushion might prove to be a lifesaver for the techie. You can also have the gift personalized with his or her initials for a customized touch.
For the fashion maven
 It would be inappropriate and odd to buy your kid’s favorite teacher clothes, but you know he or she would love a gift with style. Steer clear of garments. Instead, get her the Classic Daisy Notes by Kate Spade ($35). The gift is not only stylish, but practical since teachers have to send notes home periodically.
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May 5, 2008
By Michelle Bruns
You have always wanted the best for your bundle of joy, and his education is no exception. With so many choices, from homeschool to public and private schools galore, how are you supposed to know which one is the best for your little Einstein?
According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics, the number of homeschool students is up 29 percent from 1999, totaling approximately 1.1 million in 2003. While a fraction compared to the 48,540,000 children who attended public school and 6,099,000 students who attended private schools the same year, the trend toward homeschooling seems to be growing.
There are both positives and negatives no matter which option you choose. Here are a few of the common concerns for many parents:
Socialization
Both public and private have peer pressure, which is drastically cut down on in a homeschool situation. But, with homeschooling, the student may miss out on learned social behavior, such as interacting with others their own age. Public and private schools have dances, sports teams, and clubs, but homeschool students do have opportunities to attend community dances, private sports teams, and community clubs.
Types of Students
In public schools, the types of students that attend the school are based on the neighborhood in which the school resides. Not keen on the neighborhood kids? Private schools are much more selective in their enrollment, and homeschooling allows control over to whom their child is exposed. In relation, public and private school students are more likely to be exposed to violence in schools, while homeschool students are sheltered from this growing problem.
Curriculum
The teaching curriculum at public schools is determined and tested by the State. For private schools, the curriculum is set by the school, which commonly includes religion. Parents who homeschool their children set their child’s curriculum based on each individual child, what moral values they hold, and at the level and style that suits their child best.
Learning Environment
Although public class sizes are growing, students in these settings learn to work together with other students and problem-solve, which gives them a chance to experience and learn from these interactions. Parents who prefer smaller class sizes opt to send their little intellectuals to private schools, although the lowest student-to-teacher ratio is the one-on-one learning homeschooled students can receive.
Teacher Credentials
Teachers in public school must gain their degrees or credentials based on government standards, such as a bachelors degree. Private school teachers, on the other hand, are hired based on knowledge or degree in the subject in which they are teaching. Requirements vary from state to state for parents who homeschool their children, but a recent ruling in California requires parents to possess teaching credentials in order to homeschool their children. This recent ruling will no doubt affect the numbers of students who are homeschooled.
Cost
In a self-sponsored study by the Unites States Department of Education for fiscal year 2004, the average cost was $6,500 per public school student each year and $3,500 per private school student annually, in which both cases include the cost of teacher salaries. The study also showed that the cost per homeschooled student was about $550 per student each year, which does not include the time parents spend homeschooling their children. These numbers do not include the parents’ cost of lunches, transportation, and for some, after school care.
Family Time
For some families, the decision to choose the public school, private school, or homeschool route boils down to family time. For some families, time in the evenings and on weekends is enough, in which cases public and private schooling is the best option. While others feel that being together all day is the best scenario for them, in which homeschooling is the option.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual child. Only you, as the parent, know your youngster best, and the style, environment, and place of learning should be based on the child’s individual needs. The goal is to get your tiny scholar to his cap and gown; how he gets there is a decision only you can make.
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