Don't Discount Child's Back-to-School Fears

The O.C. Register
Sandy McDaniel

Q.My daughter is awakening at night and increasingly difficult to be with. I followed your suggestion and asked her what she would change about her life if she had a magic wand. She responded, "Going back to school." I don't understand. As I told her, "You have friends, your grades are good, so you have no reason to be nervous." What else could I say?

A.Change is hard for children and for adults. In school there are a lot of unknown factors in the equation: What will the new teacher be like? Will he/she like me? Who will be in my classroom? Will it be different from last year, and if yes, how? The unknown is upsetting to adults; these are children with less experience upon which to draw for their answers.
I think it is dangerous to tell children how to feel or how not to feel: "You have no reason to feel nervous." How do you know? Are you a wizard who sees all, knows all? No. Maybe there is a reason for the fear. It is best to honor a fear and move toward finding a solution.
Having a play date with children from your child's school gives that child a bridge that is crossable – or, to say it plainly, someone she knows when she goes back to school.
If you know your child's teacher(s), you could call the school and arrange a meeting before school starts.
One of the ways I talk about fears is to use the example of walking out onto a diving board. The first time you did that, it was plenty scary. You wobbled out to the end of the board and stood there wishing you had not gone there. Walking back was too frightening, so eventually you jumped into the water – only to find it was a fun thing to do.
Tell your daughter, "You are not on the diving board yet. There is still some summer fun left. Don't get on the diving board until it is time. Then we will walk out onto the board, count together and jump into school on the day school starts."
If your child could learn to live today, today and not run ahead worrying about tomorrow, he/she would know a skill you as parents might not know. Live one day at a time and see if that changes your priorities.
Some children are square pegs trying to fit in a round hole called school. Those children are experiencing fear as the beginning of school approaches (or as it is under way.) Have reasonable standards, create a homework place and see that homework is completed, and communicate with the teacher(s) to know your child's progress. Many children drown in the first part of school. Keep a sharp eye on your child as school begins to be sure that he/she builds on success.
One more time, if your children have not started school yet, get them on the school schedule now! Start having school bedtimes. Decrease the amount of sugar they eat. Get them up at the same time you will be doing so when school starts. Get all their school supplies together and organized right now. Be sure they have appropriate school clothes and shoes.

Labels: back to school blues

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Great Offer from Apple

Here is a great offer from Apple if you are looking to get a computer for school--

Back to School is in full swing, and it is your last chance to take advantage of Apple Online Store's biggest promotion of the year. Until Sept 16th, teachers, college students and their parents can get a FREE iPod nano when they purchase a new Mac at the Apple Online Store for Education.

College students: buy a Mac and get a free iPod nano.* Order online now and get free shipping. Hurry- offer ends 9/16.


Jane
 posted by Jane    0 comments

Street Smarts for our Teens

All of us have teens that will start driving at some point in time...here are some tips from Nationwide to help your teen drive smart!

Getting that driver's license is exciting for teens--but dealing with the distractions that come with being a new driver can be intimidating. Use these tips as a guide on what to say to your teen about managing the distractions they'll encounter on the road.

• Switch cell phones off. This includes hands-free models. If you need to send or receive a call or a text, wait until you've reached your destination.
• Pre-select music. Choose the CD or radio station you want and stick with it--changing them can be distracting.
• Plan routes beforehand. Review directions to your destination so you won't have to read a map or call for directions while in the car.
• Common sense counts. Little things matter! Avoid eating or drinking and make sure to wait until you've parked the car to search for something in a glove compartment or your backpack or purse.

 posted by Jane    0 comments

When to Get a Tutor?

When to get a tutor?

• To gain competitive edge for your student
• Grades are dwindling
• Recommended by child's teacher
• Struggling with homework for hours a night
• Not completing homework
• Child misbehaving, often because they are confused
• Child has less confidence in their work and themselves

 posted by Jane    0 comments

School Supplies and Shopping

• If you're using a curriculum set order far enough ahead so that you can review the materials before it's time to begin


• Buy in bulk whenever you can


• Supplies for home school are often going to be the same supplies as public or private school


• Take advantage of tax free school supplies day in your area and stock up


• Borrow as much as you can from the library to lower expenses


• Join homeschooling share groups in your area and online


• Hit the Dollar Tree (franchised stores have a small selection of teacher supplies including maps, awards, stickers, handwriting practice pads etc)


• Order as a group if you have a homeschooling support group, pool together to get the bulk discounts on workbooks and other needed items

Basics

1. glue sticks


2. reams of paper


3. composition books


4. triple lined handwriting practice paper for those learning to write


5. flash cards


6. post it notes


7. pencils


8. pens


9. highlighters


10. graph paper


11. dry erase board


12. dry erase markers


13. pencil sharpener


14. scissors


15. craft supplies


16. folders

Other???

1. stapler


2. science sets


3. wall maps


4. wall calendars


5. paper clips


6. paint and art supplies


7. easel


8. physical ed supplies, kick balls, trampoline, exercise videos


9. music and possibly instruments

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Do You Know All of This About Public Schools?

Public Schools:

• Often not much choice on what school your child attends, goes by where you live and district


• Budgets for public schools will vary by their location


• Public schools often require students to provide everything, down to the hand soap and paper


• Many public schools are requiring uniforms to avoid distractions


• Some areas offer a lottery system if the public schools in your area are considered unfit or rough, only a small portion of students are chosen at random to attend a different school out of their assigned area without extra charge


• Sometimes for a fee you can gain admittance to a different public school in the area if you do not like the one assigned to you


• Public schools do standardized testing of students at different grade levels, these can be opted out of in most cases if you disagree speak to your school counselor or principal - in some cases testing is to gain funding for the school


• Taxes pay for public school funding, in essence this is your "tuition"


• Public school is considered a well rounded education, drawing on the most important points that are needed to prepare for the future, there are strict curriculum's to be followed and not a lot of room for variation


• Charter schools are form of public school with private school benefits, still paid for by tax dollars but not as limited in curriculum. Only students whose parents choose to send them to these schools will attend. It's not "assigned" by a school district, these are available in some areas, but not everywhere - yet.


• Whether it is public, private, or homeschooling education is required for children

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Thinking of a Private School?

Private Schools:

• Not all private schools are accredited, this could be important later - ask about it if it's not disclosed


• Some private schools offer financial aid programs and scholarships, apply in advance


• Many private schools have waiting lists up to 2 years long, apply as soon as you decide on a school


• Interview as many schools as you can in your area before deciding on one


• Not all private schools provide transportation, you may need to arrange your schedule to accommodate drop off and pick up times


• Many private schools encourage an at your own pace learning environment, ask about curriculum


• Montessori schools are not all created equal, it's a style of education not an organization - ask questions and check accreditations


• Same sex or co-ed, what's best for your child


• Discuss your expectations at the interview, are they able to live up to your standards


• Will you need to purchase uniforms or are they provided as part of tuition?


• Discuss any special needs for your child ahead of time, during the application process so that both you and the school are prepared to do what's necessary for your child's education


• Many private schools offer boarding as an option for students that live out of driving distance, is this an option you want to consider and how much of a cost difference will it be for you

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Thinking About a Preschool?

• Some areas offer public preschool, often referred to as 4k (4 year old kindergarten), unfortunately many do not and preschools are private schools and daycare facilities requiring tuition payments


• Some private preschools offer financial aid and scholarships


• Preschool is not a requirement but does help some children adjust from being at home all day to going to school all day


• Preschool is not just about learning but about socializing and new experiences as well


• Preschool can begin as early as age 2


• Meet up and introduce your child to their teachers before you they are actually dropped off and preschool


• Many preschools will allow an observation day before you actually begin attending


• Many preschools use computers so your child can learn to use a computer if they don't know how already


• Half a day preschools are a great way for your child to meet new friends and get used to the learning environment


• If a preschool is not available to you, you can always have "school time" at home" utilizing home school and printable websites across the Internet. just set aside an hour or two a day with your toddler

Shopping List for Preschoolers Headed to School:

• Small backpack


• Pack of crayons


• Snack container or lunch box if they have to take their own food (some preschools have menus and kitchens others don't)


• A lightweight jacket to wear and keep in backpack


• Comfortable shoes preschoolers do a lot of playtime and tend to go outside for activities


• Over sized pencils for learning to write

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Places to Find Homeschool Necessities

• Dollar tree stores (Dollar Tree, the franchised stores) have great teacher supplies that you can easily use in your home school classroom, displays, wall maps, stickers, charts, calendars etc - usually located near the greeting card and paper supplies section


• Oriental trading - provides educational and projects supplies as well as bulk pencils etc


• Many websites offer books to match up to curriculum of homeschooling - these are just a few www.books4homeschool.com/ www.homeschoolingbooks.com/ www.usbornehomeschoolbooks.com/


• Bulk discount shops like Sam's club and Costco for things like paper, pencils, books, notebooks, desk lamps, etc


• Teacher's Place shops are open to the public, go in and pick out some supplies


• Science and puzzle shops provide great experiment kits


• Ask your local public school for any extras or leftovers they may have at the end of the school year (you'd be surprised how many things get thrown away that you can use)


• Ask at your local church or community meeting


• Homeschooling support groups often have programs to "share" more expensive supplies and displays


• Sign up on home school websites to product test the latest home school programs and tools


• Send emails to education companies and ask for samples, products to test, and ordering information for small classrooms


• Be creative, supplies and aides can show up in unlikely places

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Things to Look for in a Preschool

• Different types of preschools*private or state-sponsored full-day programs*religious school*half-day nursery school*Montessori schools


• Do the children receive individual attention?


• What is the adult to child ratio? - laws require one adult per 5 children under the age of 5 in most places but many preschools strive to have a one adult per 3 children available


• Flexibility in times and days


• Licensing, accreditation, permits, etc all in place?


• A discipline policy that you agree with


• Look for happy students when you visit to tour and interview, are the staff pleasant, and the kids smiling?


• Are "spur of the moment drop ins" allowed?


• Is there outside time and play time?


• Is a nap required or optional? (some preschoolers do not nap during the day and some preschools will not allow a child that does not nap, strange but true)


• Do others recommend the school, ask around, stop by during pick up and drop off times and see if parents are pleased or frustrated


• Are the caregivers certified in things like CPR etc...


• If snacks and meals are provided by the facility - do they have a well balanced meal plan?

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Do You Homeschool?

• Laws and requirements vary by state and province


• Know the high school credit requirements if you child will be making the switch at that grade level


• Many public schools offer openings in their extra curricular activities such as club and sports team to allow home schooled children to participate as well


• Join a support group to get talk to other homeschooling parents


• If a particular subject is tough you can always bring in a tutor to help


• Curriculum is up to you, plan ahead and have a goal


• Home school children can follow an all year schedule, a fall to summer schedule, etc


• Set aside a "school space" keep it orderly and quiet during school time


• Have supplies on hand before you begin school for the day


• Choose the teaching/learning method that is right for you and your child - you may not get it right at first and might want to experiment


• Plan projects and field trips in advance (some support groups offer to do these as a group)


• Deciding what NOT to teach is just as important as deciding what to teach, is there anything you will be avoiding, things you want to swap out of a standard curriculum etc


• Utlilize the internet, there are many resources for activities, curriculum help, support groups, printable sheets, etc


• Go to the library often, one of the things often overlooked that public & private school students have is a school library.

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Preparing for High School?

• High school courses prepare your child for college and technical school, help them choose their course schedule wisely


• Extra curricular activities become more and more available at the high school level, get involved with your teen


• S.A.T prep classes and practice tests are available at this point


• Driver's education is offered at many public and private schools to help students at this age learn to drive (and it also provides parents with an insurance discount)


• Many high schools offer classes that count as early college credits, help your teen choose these to their benefit


• Unless attending a uniform policy school fashion and clothing tends to be a big deal and a distraction for high school students, shop with your teen and let them voice their opinions about clothing


• Individuality and peer pressure are budding in this environment, encourage a hobby or extra curricular activity to help your high school student cope with the stresses

Back to School Shopping for High School Students:

• Sturdy backpack to hold *heavy* books


• Gym bag


• Gym sneakers


• Gym clothes


• Swimsuit if your high school requires swimming half the year for phys ed


• Travel size hygienic items (deodorant, etc. for locker and/or gym bag)


• Pens in black and blue


• #2 pencils are still a staple item


• Erasers


• Colored pencils


• Highlighters


• Day planner or assignment book


• Composition books and spiral bound notebooks


• Reams of paper


• Folders with prongs


• Binder if your school allows them (a lot of schools have banned binders and trapper keepers from k-12)


• Calculator appropriate for student's math level


• Supplies will vary depending on what courses were chosen by the student, hopefully the school sends a list to the home in advance
  

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Financial Aid

• More than one type of financial aid*need based financial aid ~ for students do not have sufficient financial resources *non-need based or merit-based aid is awarded for special skills and talents or exceeding academic (these are very competitive)


• Grants - grants are like a gift and do not need to be repaid and come in many forms from government and private grantors


• Scholarships - also gift like and do have to be earned and/or repaid


• Loans are financial assistance and do not need repaid, sometimes paying is deferred until student is finished with schooling


• Work aid - some schools have job openings that can be applied directly to tuition costs (not all schools offer this)


• Private organizations - private organizations often offer small grants and loans in an effort to better the future of their community


• Campus programs, will vary greatly all schools offer different opportunities to help their students


• State aid varies from state to state in the US, ask your financial aid counselor


• Federal aid


• Pell Grants


• Federal Work Study


• Perkins Loans


• Stafford Loans


• PLUS Loans
  
  

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Getting Ready for Elementary School?

Elementary or (Primary) School Tips and Facts:

• Elementary or primary school is grades K-1-2-3-4-5 in most cases, some elementary schools only go up grade 4


• The beginning of your child's formal education, most kids start at age 5 or 6 with kindergarten in a public or private school


• Kindergarten is not a required a grade and some schools in certain states will not provide transportation to their kindergartners because of budget cuts and gas costs


• First graders (usually age 6 or 7) in most school systems need to already know how to read on a beginner level at the beginning of the school year and are expected to do things independently to some extent


• All grade levels of elementary school are using and learning to use computers in most schools


• Homework is given on all grade levels in varying degrees - parents are reporting that even kindergarten students have small daily homework task


• Reading is the main focus of most elementary curriculums and students are asked to read daily at school to themselves and aloud and reading is also usually part of the homework assignments


• Mathematics quickly follows reading as a main elementary focus, and many students are doing algebra already


• Basic foundations and study skills are built in other areas as well including social studies by learning local history and geography, social sciences are introduced and so forth


• Sadly physical education is not that big a deal in elementary schools and many students have gym class once a week for 30 minutes


• Due to many budget cuts a lot of students have to provide their own supplies for everything


• Some elementary schools offer foreign language classes and advanced classes, ask about these if you're interested


• Standardized testing begins, you can opt out of these for your child and keep them home that week if you want to, discuss options with your principal

Basic Shopping List for Elementary Students:

• Sturdy backpack


• Over sized pencils for K & 1st graders, standard yellow #2 pencils


• Blunt point safety scissors


• 24 count crayons


• Tissues


• Hand sanitizer and/or soap


• Big pink erasers


• Spiral notebooks and composition books


• Folders


• Flue sticks (less mess!)


• Pencil box

**Most teachers and school districts will send out a required supply list before school starts **Take advantage of tax free school supply shopping day in your area

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Dealing with a New Teenager?

• Remember this is a difficult and growing point in your child's life they are almost an adult


• Look into drivers education courses, this is the 'stress-free' way to teach them how to drive


• Discuss working permits and what you expect if your teenager goes out for a job


• Choose your battles carefully, teenagers will test their grounds - Is it worth arguing about or can you be flexible?


• Peer pressure is on in many ways, be open to talk about anything


• Offer a haven and let friends visit your house and hang out, they'll be out of trouble and you can keep an eye on them


• Stay involved, if they are enjoying activities ask if they need a ride, stay to watch, etc


• Start a money management system and help them learn to manage their money


• Teenagers rebel, if its just a phase and your teen isn't doing any harm to themself or in danger of harming themself try to have an open mind about what they are doing


• Talk to them as adults when its appropriate, and let them know when it's not appropriate


• Have ground rules, curfew, homework etc...discuss them, and talk about trust with your teen

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Preparing for College

• Depending on what type of college or vocational school, preadmission testing may be required
• Some schools ask for SAT scores
• Apply for scholarships and financial aid well in advance
• Contact a financial aid advisor to find out what is available at your colleges of choice
• Offer to proofread applications and application essays for your teenager, but don't "over help" in this area it's a great accomplishment for them to do this on their own
• Choose courses carefully, seek the help of a college advisor and don't over extend yourself especially in the first semester
• Decide of living on campus or off campus, at home or on their own?
• Roommates or no roommates?
  

Shopping Lists for College Students:

• Don't forget the #2 pencils! still a staple
• Erasers
• Laptop
• Flash drives or disks
• Desk lamp
• Dorm furniture? beanbags, chairs, single bed with bedding etc...
• Composition books
• Reams of paper
• Pens, black, blue, red
• Calculator for appropriate level of math
• Hooded sweatshirt with your school name on it! must have for all college students
• Some classes require special tools depending on your field of study and will usually notify you a few weeks in advance of the first class

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Preparing for College Admissions

• Applications are not all the same--read carefully.


• Apply for financial aid


• Talk to guidance counselor


• Apply for scholarships


• Apply for loans if needed and talk to financial planner


• Application essays required by some


• PSAT can be taken in preparation for the future


• SAT scores


• ACT scores


• Standardized testing needs to be done within a certain time frame for results to count


• Transcripts and any credits earned information ready to provide


• List of names, phone numbers, fax numbers and contacts for aquiring sealed records


• Recommendations from previous teachers


• Visit more than one school and carefully consider choices


• Get on waiting lists ahead of time (junior and senior year) if that applies to your college of choice

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Dealing with Your Baby Going off to School

Here are some tips for dealing with sending your 'baby' off to school!

• Attend an observation at your daycare/preschool/kindergarten class can help ease the first day stress for both you and your child
• Meet the teacher and ask any questions you might have
• Talk to your child about, are they nervous because you're nervous?
• Volunteer in your child's classroom, teachers at this early level always appriciate an extra hand
• Join a book club or other hobby group if you'll be home during the day, this will take your mind off your little one being away from you
• Take this opportunity to take some continuing education classes yourself
• Remember summer and carefree days will be back again soon enough to spend even more time with your child
• Take advantage of extra time to get errands done quickly and child free (wow do they get done faster!)
• Some moms pick a part time job for a few hours a day to pass the time and make some extra money
• Most of all enjoy some quiet me time if all your children are off to school now and the house is quiet! Be brave and take a bath with the door open and be free of disturbances.

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Small Spaces, Big Ideas: Maximizing Space and Organization at College and at Home

Each college has its own personality and team colors, but all dorm rooms are alike: they’re small, plain and short on storage.


Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to maximize the space, dress it up and augment the meager storage you’re allotted. And there are plenty of stores that carry the right stuff—at the right price—to help you accomplish these goals.


Best of all, these student-centered solutions also will work for parents who are looking to maximize storage space at home while giving their child’s now-empty room an upgrade.
Where to start? Here are some ideas to help get you, and your college-bound student, going.


Maximize the Space You Have
“Stuff expands to fill the available space you have,” says organizing expert Harriet Schechter, author of Let Go of Clutter (McGraw-Hill, $16.95) and an advice column on the topic at http://www.miracleorganizing.com/
And the range of storage products is so enormous that you can buy things that turn out to be more interesting or attractive than useful, she points out.
Schechter suggests two strategies that are fairly foolproof when it comes to maximizing small spaces: take advantage of the vertical space and use mobile multipurpose units.


In dorm rooms, where you’re prohibited from making holes in the walls and the lack of floor space precludes adding furniture, consider using a bed frame with built-in shelving, a desk hutch, stacking shelves that expand, CD towers, bed risers (to make way for under-the-bed storage) and over-the-door organizers and hooks.
Products that might work:The Skandia Hutch ($225.99) and over-the-door hooks ($1.99–$2.99) at The Container Store®; Chromed Steel Expanding/Stacking Shelves ($7.99–$12.99) and Chrome 6-Shelf Mesh Tower ($29.99) at Bed Bath & Beyond®; and Creative Bath Bed Risers at Linens ‘n Things ($9.99).


Dress It Up
Decorating is the best way to make any room feel like home, especially when you’re away at school. But dorm rooms come with strict limits: you can’t nail things to the walls or repaint, and everything must be removed at the end of the year.


To get around these constraints, “add color and texture with linens, tapestries, a rug and the things on your walls,” says Joshua Thomas, a spokesperson for Target.


“Another challenge to face is the fact that this is a shared space, so the students have to compromise and coordinate their efforts,” points out PBteen spokesperson Katie Molinari. If you and your future roommate are able to coordinate ahead of time, you can buy “new linens with different but complementary patterns or colors, and use pillows and throws as accents.”
Window treatments can be hung on tension rods. Plastic or canvas stacking bins up the style quotient while creating storage space.


Products that might work:For bedding, check out Bed Bath & Beyond’s Crash Land category at their Web site under the “Shop for College” tab for a huge selection of colorful and graphic sheets, comforters, quilts, pillows and more. Standouts include the Kona Mini Duvet Set or Ginger Mini Duvet Set by Roxy ($99.99 for twin to $129.99 for queen) and the Madrid Duvet by Jonathan Adler ($89.99 for twin to $169.99 for King).
Products that might work:For duvet covers, Linens ‘n Things carries Wamsutta’s Expressions boldly stripped duvet sets range of palettes for either sex ($19.99 for twin to $49.99 for king) and coordinating decorative pillows ($19.99 each). For area rugs, PBteen has a broad selection of options in different patterns, textures, colors and materials (such as cotton and wool). Dorm room classics include the tailored Preppy Striped Rug ($129–$299) and Dottie Rug ($99–$499) collections and the funky wool shag Flokati Rug ($99–$399) collection.


Augment Storage
“The biggest challenge is how to fit everything in the room, so use pieces that can do double duty or are collapsible,” says Bari Fagin, spokesperson for Bed Bath & Beyond.
“Stuff expands to fill the available space you have.” Harriet Schechter, organizing expert and author.


Folding bookcases or crates can be used as space allows and can be easily collapsed and stored under beds. Freestanding storage carts on wheels can be moved around the room as needed, and storage boxes can be stacked on shelves or slid under beds.
Products that might work:3-Tier Metal Bookcase ($39.99) and Storage Cart with Wheels and Canvas Drawers ($39.99–$49.99) at Bed Bath & Beyond; Stackable Folding Bookcase ($79.00–$158.00), Stor-n-Slide Underbed Boxes ($12.99–$19.99) and Fabric Tote Boxes ($12.99–$19.99) at The Container Store.


Where to Shop
Bed Bath & Beyond (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/), Linens ‘n Things (http://www.lnt.com/) and The Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com/) have comprehensive, well-integrated shopping programs for college students that include thorough checklists so nothing is forgotten.
The Container Store also sponsors a “College Night Event,” giving shoppers 20 percent off of all regular priced merchandise. The company offers students free one-on-one phone consultations to develop their own customized dorm room plans.
Target (http://www.target.com/), Kmart (http://www.kmart.com/), CB2 (http://www.cb2.com/) and Pottery Barn’s PBteen (http://www.pbteen.com/) are also good sources for college basics.


Discover EDGE contributor Lisa Skolnik has already decorated several dorm rooms for her college-age children.
 posted by Jane    0 comments

Back to School Shopping

For many parents, "back to school" means "back to shopping"—whether you're buying items off your child's classroom list or making sure your college-bound kids have all the necessities.
While many parents still go from store to store to pick up the right items at the right prices, the Internet allows for one-stop shopping. Online, you can easily and quickly find the right products at the best prices.

Start by visiting your child's school Web site. Most schools post each grade's school–supply list, which you can download and print. Then shop around at these sites to get the best prices—while saving valuable time.

Back-to-School Supplies
Many office supply companies sell supplies in bulk at discounted prices to schools, colleges and universities. And most offer the same sorts of discounts to individual shoppers. Not only that, but in many cases, you'll get free shipping if your order is above a certain amount.
For example, with a purchase of $45 or more, Quill (www.quill.com) offers free next-day shipping.

The company also has a program called Future Delivery Service that allows you to select items now but delay both shipping and billing for up to four months. This helps you lock in a current sale price for a later purchase. Quill.com updates its specials and sale items monthly, so it's worthwhile to check back throughout the fall.

Uniforms
An easy place to find school uniforms that make the grade is Target (www.target.com). You’ll find an extensive array of styles, colors and sizes on the Web site. Target.com also offers free shipping for uniform and shoe orders over $50.

General Supplies for High School Students
While many elementary schools offer specific school supply shopping lists, high schools typically leave it to their students to choose the right supplies.
Still, there are some basics that everyone needs. Here's a list of suggested supplies to have on hand at the beginning of the school year. (After school starts, your high school student may need additional supplies that are class-specific. Check with the teachers for details.)
Backpack
Colored pencils
Calculator
Colored pens
Glue stick
Graph paper
Highlighters
Markers
Organizer/planner
Pens/pencils
Pencil sharpener
Pocket dictionary
Pocket folders
Poster paper
Ream of computer paper
Scissors
Spiral-bound notebooks
Stapler
Thesaurus
Three-ring binder
College Supplies

"Shopping online for school supplies will save you time and money."

If your child is heading off to college, he or she will need school supplies and a few things to make the living a bit easier in the dorm.

When it comes to basic school supplies, the list for high school students is a good start. Many college students use a laptop to take notes in class, so consider buying a laptop with a wireless connection. And don’t be surprised if a BlackBerry or another PDA, a cell phone, a digital camera and an iPod are also on your college student’s list of necessities.

What do college kids need for their rooms? A set of plastic plates, cups and silverware will give your child the option of not always eating out of the take-out container. The hot plate you might have brought with you to college a generation ago has been replaced by mini-microwaves and mini-refrigerators.

But for the communal bathroom, a shower caddy continues to be a college staple. Check out Target and The Container Store (www.containerstore.com) for a variety of options, including colorful buckets.

Containerstore.com also offers a printable checklist of items every college-bound student should consider, including microwave-safe food containers, stacking drawers and an over-the-door towel rack.

Textbooks
Textbooks can eat up a back-to-school budget pretty quickly. But there are a variety of Web sites to help your student buy the required texts at the biggest discount possible.
Amazon.com (www.Amazon.com/textbooks) offers over 25,000 textbooks online—and it will buy back your books at the end of the semester.
http://www.ecampus®.com/ allows you to search by school and specific class. This is especially helpful for middle schools, high schools and colleges (although the list of schools is in no way comprehensive). While doing your book shopping, you may also want to check out the discounts Ecampus.com offers on art and office supplies.
http://www.textbookx.com/ allows you to shop through specific college bookstores, as does eFollett®.com (www.efollett.com), which runs bookstores at major universities.
Other Web sites to try include Bookbyte.com (www.bookbyte.com), TextbookHound.com (www.textbookhound.com), TextbookLand.com (www.textbookland.com), http://www.campusbooks4less.com/ and http://www.collegebookservice.com/

In order to use these sites effectively, you’ll need the exact name of the textbook, the author’s name and the edition being used in the class. You can also get the book’s ISBN and search through various Web sites (or simply type the ISBN into Google and click from there).

Discover EDGE contributor Sara Fiedelholtz is happy to be finished with her back-to-shopping days.
 posted by Jane    0 comments

Teaching Kids the Value of Money

Want to teach your kids about money? Start early, use age-appropriate activities and hold their interest by making connections to something they love.


"Keep it simple, keep it fun and keep it relevant," advises Lynne Strang, vice president of communications for the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation.


For Kids 10 and Under
To introduce children 10 and under to money matters, you’ll want to employ some kid-friendly strategies:


Count your cash:
"Counting games help kids learn about money and math," says Susie Irvine, the foundation's president and CEO. Illustrate the value of different denominations by having kids break down a dollar bill into nickels, dimes or quarters. Use actual coins to make the exercise more concrete.


Play games:
"Introduce your kids to games like Monopoly," says Irvine or let them play grocery store. Set up your kitchen with empty boxes and containers and have your kids "buy" groceries with a set amount of money.


Clip coupons:
Have kids clip coupons for products you use and then total up the savings. Let them deposit a portion of what you save into their piggy bank, says Strang.


Pinch pennies:
In the aisles, compare the costs of store brands, sale items and name brands. Help your kids figure out how much of each you get with the same amount of money, says Irvine. Challenge them to road test a less expensive product.


Make allowances:
Start giving your kids a weekly allowance. "The earlier you start it, the better off your child will be in the long run," says Irvine. Your guidance on how to manage money, not the weekly grant itself, is the real benefit.


Instill savings habits by encouraging kids to set short term (i.e., reachable) goals for special purchases, says Laura Levine, executive director of the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.


You might also want to have them set aside a percentage of their allowance or savings to donate. One cool tool is Money Savvy Generation's "Money Savvy Pig," says Levine. The bank has four slots, labeled "save," "spend," "donate" and "invest."


Money Savvy Generation (www.msgen.com) offers a kit that includes the pig, a 44-page parent handbook, an 8-chapter CD-ROM, a 21-page student workbook, a coloring book and a poster, all for $29.95. The kit is recommended for children ages 5 to 11.

For Kids 11 to 15
"If you want to teach your kids about money, keep it simple, fun and relevant."
When kids reach this age, you’ll be able to tell if they have a natural instinct for money or need help. If your kids fall into the latter category, have them try the following exercises:
Work out a budget:
Let them use your back-to-school budget to help them make choices about what they need this fall, says Levine. Set ground rules—like no "belly shirts," or sneakers must cost less than $50. Beyond that, let your kids decide what they need and what trade-offs they’re willing to make.

Let those decisions open up a conversation about smart spending.
Hunt for bargains:
Encourage them to look at the newspapers and comparison shop, says Irvine. Consider letting them shop for groceries.
Negotiate a larger allowance:
Discuss what you both expect it to cover, says Irvine. Ask your kids to create a list of regular expenses and optional entertainment expenses. Talk regularly with them about what they're buying, giving and saving.
Open a savings account:
At the bank, let them fill out the paperwork, says Strang. Then help them draft a short term financial plan (or budget) to save for something they really want.
Talk about plastic:
When you pay with a credit card, explain to your kids that you're using it now (for the convenience, rewards, an interest-free loan, etc.) but will be paying off the entire amount in a few weeks, says Irvine. They learn that cards are a tool, not a magic wand. Explain that a debit card allows you to tap into your checking account—provided there is enough cash in the account.
Let older kids dissect a credit card statement, says Strang. What’s the balance? What’s the APR? Talk about credit records and what happens if you don't pay bills on time.
For Teenagers 16 to 18
Grab older kids' attention by demonstrating how they can get something they want—like a car or the latest electronic device—through saving. In addition, try the following:
Get tech-savvy while teaching them to be smart about spending:
Take a technology your kids understand well, like cell phones, and ask them to explain the different features to you. Have them research the cost of various wireless plans. You gain their knowledge, and they see just how expensive the services and extras can be.
Make them accountable:
Privileges carry price tags. If your kids rack up bills by going over phone minutes, losing a retainer or scratching your fender, they pay the tab. You might also ask them to keep a record of every cent they spend so that together you can later compare their actual expenditures with the budget they created.
Give older teens access to your credit card:
With some teens, you might consider extending credit privileges, says Irvine. (But cosigning on a card of their own or making them authorized users on your card can impact your credit.) If you’re going to do this, set limits and give your teens the 411 on APRs, due dates, carrying a balance and identity theft. Since this is a lesson, make sure their statements are sent to you so that you can examine the bills together.
Discover EDGE contributor Dana Dratch writes frequently about money and personal finance for national publications.

 posted by Jane    0 comments

Time to Choose a New Computer?

If you have enough time to shower and make a pot of coffee while waiting for your computer to boot up, it might be time for a new one. Today's media-intensive applications demand high-speed processing power.


Experts suggest, you'll want to buy a new PC every two to five years. The good news is that it's never been so easy to get so much for your money. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the choices.


PC or Mac?


The gap between PCs and Macs is shrinking. PCs have become easier to use and more reliable, and Macs have become less expensive and now run on Intel processors. Macs still have a slight advantage on ease of use, mostly because Apple keeps tight control on their hardware and software. In the PC world, there's more variety in hardware and software, so there can be more compatibility and reliability issues.


Your interests will play a role in which machine you choose. If you are more into creative pursuits like podcasting and creating Web pages, you'll probably want to get a Mac so you have access to Apple's great software.


If you spend more time using basic Web applications, word processing and synching other devices with your computer, you'll probably get more out of a PC. Keep in mind that you can run Windows applications on a Mac, but you’ll need to purchase both Windows and a program called Parallels to do so.


Laptop or Desktop?


One compelling case for desktops is that they have become incredibly cheap. You can get a perfectly reasonable one for as little as $500 (plus the cost of the monitor). The same power in a laptop will cost you at least $200 more.


Desktops are great if you have an office space devoted to your machine or you like the comfort of a large display. Desktops also make it easier for moms and dads to supervise their kids' computer use. But for families on the go, a laptop with a wireless connection is freedom in a box.


Where and How Do You Plan to Use Your New Computer?


If all you do on your computer is surf the Internet and word process from the same place in your house, you'll be fine with a less expensive desktop computer. If you plan to travel or even move from your desk to the kitchen and back again, the flexibility of a laptop is what you need.
While you can find a fairly powerful desktop computer for around $500, you’ll be hard pressed to find a great laptop for much less than $1,000. Laptops less than that price-point tend to be a bit on the heavy side and not much to look at. They'll use Celeron or Core Duo processors rather than the state-of-the-art Core 2 Duo.


Gamers and media-minded users may want more power (and perhaps a better sound card) than these less expensive laptops. If you're a gamer, you'll be happier if you consider a desktop PC that allows you the flexibility to add memory and hard drive space, which you'll need for some of today’s top graphics.


"Today's media-intensive applications demand high speed processing power. To keep things running smoothly, experts suggest you'll want to buy a new PC every two to five years."


Here's a list of the minimum specifications you'll want in this year's PC laptop.
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo• Memory: 1GB (more is better)• Hard drive: 80GB• Media: DVD-RW to read and write disks• Wireless capability: 802.11a, b and g
General User:If your computer will primarily be for schoolwork, e-mail and iTunes, you'll be able to buy a lot of power for not that much money. Instead of spending more on the computer, you may want to upgrade your monitor to a larger, sleeker, flat screen.


BEST BETS
Laptop: Dell Inspiron E1505Desktop: HP Pavilion a6050y, Dell Dimension E521, HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n


Multimedia User:You need a powerful laptop or desktop for designing Web sites, editing movies and photos, listening to music and playing games. That means you'll want exceptionally good graphics capabilities along with a large hard drive and the fastest processor you can afford. Some computers designed for multimedia use, like the HP Media Center PC, are more focused on entertainment, while others, like the iMac, support creative pursuits.


BEST BETS
Laptop: Sony VAIO AR Series, Apple MacBook ProDesktop: HP Pavilion Media Center TV m8000n, Apple iMac Core 2 Duo


Road Warrior: The smallest and lightest notebooks are often called ultra-portables. They weigh less than four pounds and are no thicker than a standard spiral-bound notebook. Other good choices for the frequent traveler include small form-factor laptops with rugged components and a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth or 802.11. Some road warriors are opting for tablet PCs which let you write and draw as well as type.


BEST BETS
Laptop: Panasonic Toughbook Y5, Samsung Q1, Lenovo ThinkPad X60 Tablet (Windows Vista)Desktop: You can’t take 'em with you.


Discover EDGE contributor Robin Raskin is the former editor of PC Magazine. She regularly tests new PCs and Apple computers, and thinks today’s computers offer a lot of bang for the buck.
 posted by Jane    0 comments

Quick Trips for the Last Days of Summer

In August it feels as if the long days of summer are quickly disappearing. But before your family goes into back-to-school mode, there's time to squeeze in one last blast of summer fun.
"You don’t necessarily need to go far to feel the fun of being on vacation. You can find great adventures close to home," says Jonathan Adolph, Editor-in-Chief of FamilyFun Magazine. "If vacations are as much a state of mind as a state of being, you really don’t even need to leave your home state to pack in a quick vacation."

Adolph suggests creating a stay-at-home getaway. "This is a great last-minute vacation because you don't have to pack, wait at the airport or spend a lot of money. It is really the type of trip you can do without a lot of planning."

Start by figuring out what you would spend if you and your family went away. Then, Adolph suggests, take a percentage of that money and spend it on sightseeing in your hometown.
"Think about the fun things you would like to do but wouldn"t normally do," says Adolph. "Go ahead and splurge for these outings. It really will put you in a different state of mind.
"In my family’s case, we went to a nearby river for white-water rafting. It definitely isn’t something we would normally do," he adds.

Take advantage of nearby amusement parks, water parks, historic sites, museums and national parks.

"There are those local places you've seen a million times, the places you frequently pass by and the flyers you see up around town but never seem to be able to go and do. This is the perfect excuse to do them. Go ahead and make your city or town a little more special," he suggests.
Here are a few other simple ways to create a vacation in your own backyard:
Go ahead—indulge your appetite.

Allow the kids to purchase foods they don't normally get to eat. Eat donuts for breakfast. Pack a picnic lunch with fun fare and dine alfresco. Buy ice cream treats and popsicles. "Go ahead and buy the food you don't think twice about having when you are on vacation," says Adolph.
Create a carnival in your own backyard or a nearby park.

Set up the badminton net. Get out the croquet set. Plan a water balloon shaving contest followed by a water balloon fight. Make your backyard a special place for fun and games.
"You don’t necessarily need to go far to feel the fun of being on vacation. You can find great adventures close to home." Jonathan Adolph, Editor-in-Chief of FamilyFun Magazine
Make the ordinary extraordinary.

Don’t own a Nintendo Wii® console or an Xbox 360? Try renting one with a bunch of games for a few days from the local video store.

Mark your calendar to attend local events and festivals.

Most metropolitan areas offer outdoor concerts, day or weekend festivals, art shows and food-tasting events, many of which are free.

Make great memories.

"Create fun family memories by doing all the things you've wanted to do but never have the time to do," says Adolph.

If you'd like to get away for a quick night or two but still stay close to home, you may think about visiting a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Contrary to popular belief, B&B's are not just for couples on romantic getaways.

Many B&B's and inns accommodate and even cater to families, providing activities that can't be found at a standard hotel. From hiking and swimming and golf to kids' camps, working farms and spa treatments, there's often something for every family member at an inn.

Here are just a few examples:
A Family Farm VacationWeatherbury Farm, Avella, PA, http://www.weatherburyfarm.com/
Make some down-on-the-farm memories. Families staying for two nights or more are invited to participate in the Official Weatherbury Farm Kids Program. Younger and older kids are invited to do farm chores and are awarded a certificate for their work. You can also simply relax on the grounds and enjoy the countryside.

Family Fun PackageThe Mountain Top Inn & Resort, Chittenden, VT, http://www.mountaintopinn.com/
This 350-acre resort is pet-friendly and offers a full-day children's summer program with enough activities to keep kids 6 to 12 busy. You can also take a pontoon boat ride and use the resort's facilities (including a private lakefront beach), hiking trails, kayaks, canoes and more.

Families Are Welcome Greenlake Guest Home, Seattle, WA, http://www.greenlakeguesthouse.com/
Families with children (ages four and up) will enjoy this overly friendly locale. A welcome basket includes age-appropriate toys and videos to use during your stay. Green Lake Park is right across the street and has a playground, bike and inline skate rentals, paddleboats and canoes and a swimming beach.

Check out these resources for more information and ideas:
http://www.bnbfinder.com/
This online bed and breakfast directory has more than 1,000 family-friendly bed and breakfast inns (www.BnBFinder.com/FamilyTravel). The site also highlights amazing specials and great packages (www.BnBFinder.com/FamilyPackages).

http://www.travelchannel.com/
Looking for ideas on where to take a family vacation? The Travel Channel maintains lists of the top water parks, national parks, theme parks and other family-friendly destinations. You can find a list of the top water parks at http://travel.discovery.com/ideas/family-travel/theme-parks/water-parks.html

http://www.expedia.com/
Expedia serves up information about family-friendly activities in the Family Travel section of its Web site.

Discover EDGE contributor Sara Fiedelholtz loves to travel with her nieces and nephews.
 posted by Jane    0 comments