Enrollment for Virginia529’s Prepaid Tuition Program Closes March 31!

The deadline to enroll in Virginia’s prepaid college tuition program is fast approaching. With Virginia529 prePAID (prePAID), parents, grandparents and other loved ones can purchase defined benefit contracts, for newborn children through ninth graders. The prePAID program is designed to cover the normal full-time undergraduate tuition and fees assessed to all students at a Virginia public university.

“Our customers find that prePAID eliminates concerns about affording rising tuition and is an effective way to control the ultimate cost of higher education,” said Mary Morris, Virginia529 CEO.

Contract prices vary based on the age of the beneficiary and the type of contract. Although the deadline to enroll is next Tuesday, families have additional time to coordinate their finances as the first prePAID payment is not due until May 1, 2015.

Participants may pay for prePAID contracts in a lump sum or in installments as low as $26 per month. Explore the full array of contract and payment options using the prePAID calculator.

Benefits may be used at other public and private colleges across the country, but payouts will differ. A prePAID contract also is transferable to other family members if the original beneficiary does not need it.  Review the prePAID Program Description, available at Virginia529.com, for complete details. Learn more and enroll online at Virginia529.com through March 31, 2015.

Virginia529 is a sponsor of Richmondmom

During the summer, most parents default to enrolling their child in a general summer camp or sports clinic, but what if there was an option for kids to explore an academic interest and build a competitive edge in the classroom? 

The Sylvan Learning Center of Richmond is introducing Math Edge — a new activity this summer for kids to build math skills and avoid summer learning loss.

Designed for kids in grades one through five, Math Edge helps nurture students’ natural math ability and builds on core math concepts in a fun, kid-friendly learning environment alongside other kids with similar interests. Well-trained teachers manage the small sessions of 12 students or less and offer encouragement, motivation and rewards in an effort to foster independent learning and encourage students to set personal goals. Math Edge is a unique learning experience that also allows students to build camaraderie with a small group of their peers. 

“There are few opportunities for young students to cultivate their passion for math outside of the classroom, particularly in the younger grades. With a growing demand for students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), it’s important to get them engaged now, our goal with Math Edge is to help foster a love of math when kids are young, helping to lay the foundation for a competitive edge in middle school and even beyond to a potential job in a STEM-related field.”

Steve Green, owner, Sylvan Learning Center of Richmond

Students interested in the Math Edge program need to take a qualifying assessment at the Richmond Sylvan Center to ensure that they are performing at grade level. The assessment will also provide students with an accurate starting point to begin the Math Edge program. From there, students will advance through the program track, which aligns to Common Core standards, in a low-stress setting at their own pace.

Math Edge will be offered in Richmond Sylvan Center at least three days a week initially during afternoon and evening hours. The program starts at $149 per month with two sessions per week and unlimited access to games and premium educational content through Sylvan’s online portal, mySylvan.

For more information on Richmond Sylvan’s Math Edge enrichment program, please contact Lisa Branner Stickley at 804-744-8002, email address sylvansouthside@gmail.com, or visit the Sylvan website.

This article is sponsored by Richmond Sylvan Learning Center

“The self must know stillness before it can discover its true song.”  Ralph Brum

It’s okay this winter to let your kids get bored.

Really really bored.

I know in today’s world we think busy is good.  We think we need to have our kids on travel soccer and two swim teams.

We think it’s important to take music and karate and to improve, improve, improve, always improve.

We take our kids on educational trips and have them learn a second language and drag them from store to store to store or on organized play dates.

We arrange fun activities and do science experiments on our kitchen floor.

Stop.

Last time I checked you were not known as Cedric the Entertainer and you are not required to spend your every waking moment improving or entertaining them; in fact not only are you not required but also you’re not doing them any favors with you’re your frenetic scheduling and creative planning.

At some point later in their lives they will have vast amounts of free time; they will not have a mom marshalling their every move, arranging their social schedule and screaming at them to get off the electronics.

They will to, gasp, entertain themselves.

Youth is the time to pursue new things or find new adventures; to think wild thoughts; to get lost in the great outdoors with no purpose; to imagine; to waste time; to wander; to be bored and move beyond bored.

Don’t take that from them.

Great things happen beyond bored if you let them get there.

I don’t speak from a place of judgment; I speak from a place of experience.

As a new young mother twenty years ago I wanted to do right by my child so I played “small’ Batman and the Pokémon card game till I was ready to rip my eyeballs out.   I arranged play dates and activities.

We took trips and rode bikes and never once did my son have a free moment to figure out what he might want to do because I was constantly figuring it out for him.

So this winter, give your kids a break.

This winter, give yourself a break.

Stop orchestrating every minute of their lives.  Put a kibosh on all day electronics because as long as electronics are in the picture they will never ever be bored; they will fill their time with mindless blips and bleeps and online conversations and blank staring at screens until they disappear zombie-eyed into their beds.

Watch them scowl lounge suffer and smirk but whatever you do don’t fix it.

They’re bored.

And it’s a beautiful place to be.

I know a lot of adults who say they can’t cook.  I realized, that even though I’m no master chef, I didn’t want my kids growing up not being able to make a meal for themselves… that’s when my 8 year old son has started cooking dinner for our family.

Aside from just learning a useful skill, read all about what kids can learn from cooking, here.

When I started looking up recipes for kids, I mostly found things like pita pizzas and ants on a log… yummy, sure, and kid friendly, but we were looking for something that required a little more effort. I found that crock pot and one pot recipes were an easy place to start.

Here are a few recipes for beginners and interested chefs.  Most of these are ideal for kids who have learned a few kitchen basics and can handle some chopping (we use some slightly dulled knives)

Of course, adult supervision is required although the kids can do most of the work.
There is no age recommendation because these skills are more about maturity and development, not age.

Crock Pot Recipes

Crock pot recipes are great for kids who aren’t ready to handle hot stoves or ovens.  They are also perfect for early-risers and if evenings are a bit hectic and busy.

2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Gimme Some Oven
Easy

It’s as simple as dumping it all into the crockpot.

Crock Pot Vegetable Ziti
Weelicous
Easy

Lots of shredding in this one, watch out for little fingers.  This one will also be done in 3 hours so you can make it in the afternoon.

Crock Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
Raining Hot Coupons
Easy (parent needed for cutting chicken)

Not exactly healthy, and if you’re avoiding processed foods you might want to skip right along… but kids (and adults) can’t usually resist creamy alfredo sauce I had to add it in there.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Jo Cooks
Easy – just dump it.

Easy peasy and a bit healthier than alfredo sauce, no?

Garden Minestrone
Good Thymes and Good Food
Easy/Moderate -chopping involved.

This one is for kids who are ready to start chopping food, for kids who aren’t ready use frozen precut carrots.  Also, the recipe goes from microwave to crockpot so there is no need for the stovetop. Since it’s a minestrone, you can omit the vegetables that will make your kids turn their nose up at the whole meal.

One Pot Pastas
Once again, this fairly easy for kids because you just dump it all in one pot.  There is usually chopping involved and the moderate comes when recipes call for sautéed onions -this is definitely parent-supervised. There is the question of the stove top so it’s slightly more advanced than crock pot recipes where you can put it all into a cold pot.

Spinach Artichoke Wonderpot
Budget Bytes
Easy

My 8 year old son makes this one and it’s a family favorite.  I’m also obsessed with Budget Bytes. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Tortellini and Sausage in Cream Sauce
Yellow Road Bliss
Easy/Difficult (see below)

Sautéing is challenging. Skip the sautéed onions if your child isn’t ready (we do this frequently in our house as there are a few members of our family who won’t touch onions)

One Pot Chicken Rigatoni 
Top Ate on Your Plate
Easy with parent help

The chicken in this recipe borderlines on difficult. Keeping things sanitary comes into play as well as the difficulty of cutting raw meat -this is a parent involved process. The rest is an easy recipe for kids to do.

Looking for more meal-time inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest

My youngest son is in middle school.

I repeat, my son is in middle school; land of sprouting pre-teens, decorated lockers, sudden bursts of hormones, brand new cell phones and embarrassing parents.

In preparation for this new adventure we had many a talk about middle school and new starts and how he would be perceived and how he would perceive people.

Let’s be clear, I want Donovan to be Donovan.

Donovan is unique, caring, obvious, verbose, athletic and hilarious.

Sometimes, all at the same time.

I’m not telling him not to be himself.  I’m just telling him to mute it a little bit, he doesn’t have to be Technicolor all of the time and especially not in the first five minutes.

I love that Donovan is prone to bursts of break dancing and that he bought a pink ruler to carry on his first day.

I love that he wrote a song this summer about pancakes and sings it like he’s Jon Bon Jovi or Elton John depending on his mood.

I love that his outfit of choice includes a hat that says “Bummer no Summer”.

I’m just not to sure the eight graders will appreciate a full- blown rendition of  “Flapjack Rock” complete with break dance moves and an “awesome air guitar solo.”

But he has watched his mother all his life.

I, upon meeting someone for the first time, might give him or her my whole life story before I even know his or her name.

I might challenge them to an arm wrestling match.

I might talk endlessly or ask them to dance.

My husband once told me you don’t have to put it ALL out there ALL at once; save a little something for someone special and he’s right.

So as our son heads off to the halls of Albert Hill and navigates the awkward weird tricky world that is middle school I say this:

Carry your pink ruler proudly, dance in the halls a little bit, wear skinny jeans and a “Bummer no Summer” hat if it pleases you, but save a little something for the second semester and for the people who turn out to be your true friends.

They are the ones who will truly appreciate those things that make you unique; laugh with you and not at you; and maybe, just maybe, join you in a chorus of “Flapjack Rock” if you’re lucky.

Moving on to middle school can be an exciting time.  Some children embrace this change while others find it difficult. Here are a few things that parents can do to ease the transition.

School Environment: The expectations are greater in middle school. Students are expected to keep track of and complete multiple assignments. Adjust to the teaching styles of 6 or 7 teachers as opposed to 1 teacher (in most elementary school settings).

• Parents can help their child by selecting an organizer that may work best for the child.

• Parents can also help students keep track of assignments by checking in via the school’s electronic classroom, a virtual environment were assignments and grades are posted.

Peers:  Peer groups may change in middle school due to the merging of other schools. This may mean new peers and or the loss of older peer relationships. At this age, children are exploring new interest and align themselves with peers who share those interests. Children are starting to change physically, cognitively, and, emotionally.

• Continue to praise your child for their accomplishments. Encourage your child’s interest.

• Make time to have conversations with your child. Have a daily check-in with your child about his or her day.

• If problems are starting to arise with schoolwork, check in with your child, and the subject matter teacher to find solutions.

Involvement: Parental involvement in academics may decrease in middle school. Maintain an active presence in your child’s academic career. Children whose parents are involved in their studies have grater potential for academic success.

Priscilla Wright is a licensed professional counselor practicing at Commonwealth Behavioral Health Inc. located in Midlothian, Virginia. Ms. Wright holds a master’s degree in Counselor Education and is currently completing a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Ms. Wright is also a National Certified Counselor. At Commonwealth Behavioral Health Inc., Ms. Wright works with children, adolescents, and adults on issues to include stress management, co-parenting, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Ms. Wright believes in a holistic (looking at the person as a whole) approach to practice. Ms. Wright’s research interest includes topics on intellectual disabilities, stress management, and topics regarding family systems.

 

By Dr. Elizabeth M. Vantre

You learned through a parent volunteer that not only did your child’s class get a visit from the ice cream truck for good behavior, but your child got the only A+ on the science test.  Why is it then when your child gets off the bus, you excitedly ask, “how was school,” only to receive a simple, “fine”?  You follow with “What did you do today,” only to receive every mom’s favorite response “stuff.”  The eight hours your child has been gone, a time that was likely filled with a plethora of new experiences, is summed up in one lonely syllable.

Try these tools to elicit more than one word responses from your child:

•    Give your children a chance to decompress.  Give them an opportunity to get a snack and run around for a bit before specifically asking them about their day.  Tell them how great it is to see them when they bounce off of the bus and save the questions for later.

•     Ask open-ended questions.  Questions such as “how was school” or “how are you” lend themselves to one word responses.  Try open-ended questions such as “tell me about school today” or “tell me about the playground at recess.”  Refrain from following up with specific questions like “did you like your teacher,” but rather try open ones such as “tell me about your teacher.”  When picking up my 8 year old from his first day at a brand new school recently, his older siblings peppered him with specific questions only to receive one-word general responses.  When I interjected with “tell me about…” my twelve year old groaned, “Mom ALWAYS says that and I never know what to say.”  While true that he may have to think a little more, he always relays more than a single syllabic response.

•    Remain open, approachable and ready to listen.  Kids will tell you the most surprising things during random moments.  I have found that by being available to listen works wonders.  After my 8 year old survived the inquisition from his siblings, it was actually several hours later that he opened up about his day.  I was sitting on my bed reviewing some papers when he crawled up next to me and started to share thoughts about his teacher and new school.  It can be quiet times like this one or in the car when kids are not face-to-face or it could be among the chaos of dinner prep and homework that kids tend to open up.  Make every effort to listen without judging or jumping right in with specific questions, especially if your child is sharing something that is bothering him.  Actively listen and acknowledge their feelings by saying things such as “That must have been a fun gym class or I’m sorry that happened in lunch, that must have been upsetting.”

•    Games are great to get conversation flowing.  Games such as “High/Low” or “Rose & Thorn” prompt kids to relay the best and worst part of their day. Our family goes around the dinner table nightly highlighting the positive (Roses) and negative happenings (Thorns) of our day.  Sometimes Rose & Thorn will apply to more general happenings such as the highs and lows of summer or particular experiences like a birthday or camp.

Refer to Dr. Liz Vantre’s new book, Ready, Set, Parent: Dr. Moms’ Guide to Parenting, for more expert parenting advice

Ready, Set, Parent is available locally at Hip to Be Round in Carytown as well as online at Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com

About Dr. Vantre
Dr. Elizabeth M. Vantre studied psychology at Wake Forest University and earned her doctorate in School Psychology from Temple University.  She is the mother of four children (ages 7, 8, 10 and 12) and is currently employed as a psychologist at The Steward School in Richmond, Virginia.  Dr. Vantre has been helping parents find success at home for over fifteen years. She has been employed in a variety of settings including public and private schools, health care facilities, and juvenile detention centers.

 

Dr. Vantre has recently published the book Ready, Set, Parent: Dr. Moms’ Guide to Parenting with her co-author, fellow psychologist, and good friend, Dr. Samantha Dawson.  With a combined 20 years of providing parenting advice both professionally and informally, raising 6 children (Liz has 4, Sam has 2), surviving 14 years of motherhood and enjoying 12 years of friendship, Liz and Sam have enough experience, insight, empathy, practical and proven strategies, real life case examples, and humorous anecdotes to fill a bookshelf. 

 In addition to speaking engagements regarding her book Ready, Set, Parent, she is also a contributor to the website Soccerparenting.com. 

 

Thankfully some creative moms have come up with some small or portable ways to create a homework station wherever you have the space:

DIY Seat Sacks
Scissors & Spatulas

These easy to make cute little sacks hang on the back of a chair to keep papers from cluttering up the table.

Over the Door Organizer
A Bowl Full Of Lemons

Put those doors to work & keep homework and craft supplies in over the door organizers.

Portable Homework StationFirst Home Love Life

Create one of these homework stations for each child and stack them up!

Rustic Wood Homework Station
Love Grows Wild

This cute little homework station is sturdy and easy to move from place to place and fits in nicely with a rustic decor.

DIY Mail/Homework OrganizerNoodlehead

This was originally made to be a mail organizer but we love it for storing school forms, homework and other important school related stuff.

Flip Down Desk
Found on Ana White

Chalkboard by day, desk by homework time.  This chalkboard cleverly conceals a flip down desk.

Vintage Library Cart Homework Station
4 Men 1 Lady

This clever little work station now has me scouring the interwebs for a metal library cart.  This cute vintage inspired work station is color coded for each kid.

Homework Study Station
Mom Advice

I could have used this growing up! For the easily distracted kid (or ones who just can’t resist reaching over and poking their brother in the face) this study station keeps the focus on homework and can be folded up and put away when the work is done.

Lazy Susan Work Station
Home Stories A to Z

I’ve seen lazy susans used to store school and craft supplies before but what’s kinda genius about this one is the clever use of magnets so you can still take your jar without having to worry about the buckets flying off. Smart move, mom!

Laundry Room / Homework Station
Teal and Lime

Who says homework or crafts should be done on in a bedroom or an office?
Borrow some space from an unlikely place, like an over sized laundry room for example.

Have any great ideas on how to maximize a small space during homework time?
Any great organization tips? Tell us in the comments below!

Want more?
Check out our
Back to School Survival Guide for Students

While the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare lunches, fighting over appropriate school attire and regulating the amount of television watched might have you frazzled, take solace in the fact that you can play a big part in getting your children motivated and excited to tackle a new school year.

Depending on your child’s age, your role in the above-mentioned tips will vary. The following are helpful ideas to ease kids of all ages back into learning mode:

Help Your Child Discover His/Her Learning Style. Because each child is special, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process.  People learn in at least eight different ways, according to the Multiple Intelligences Theory: visually, verbally, physically, mathematically, musically, naturalistically, through group activity or through quiet thinking time. Talk to your child’s teachers about your child’s learning strengths and how best to support them.

Get Back In The Routine. Ease the transition from lazy summer days to the structure of the school year by re-establishing bedtime, mealtime, reading and homework routines. Talk with your child about the importance of structure and how routines help ensure that he is not overtired or overly anxious about schoolwork.

Develop A Family Event Calendar. One of the most helpful tools for getting organized is a family event calendar. To ease the chaos, track school programs, volunteer work and after-school activities. Family time management is essential if you are going to avoid the tumultuous frenzy of disorganization.

• Depending on your children’s ages, this calendar can be on construction paper with large squares to write in all necessary information, or it can be produced on a white board so that it is easy to revise.
• If it is color-coded by family member, you can clearly see who has an activity scheduled and when the event occurs.
• Place the calendar near the telephone, so when a friend’s mother calls to invite your child to a birthday party, you will know instantly whether it fits within your family plans.

Purchase School Supplies In Advance. Avoid the last-minute rush by purchasing supplies at least one week in advance. Take your child.  She can feel excited and in control by choosing her favorite colors and designs.

Be a Cheerleader. Encourage your child to share any concerns he has about returning to school. Reinforce positive feelings by talking with your child about learning and achievement. Support his academic interests and encourage him to get involved in extracurricular activities at school.

See Sylvan Learning Center’s back to school survival tips for students

For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit www.SylvanLearning.com or call 804-782-2377

Steve Green is the Executive Director and Owner of the Richmond Sylvan Learning Centers, which is the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels with more than 30 years of experience and nearly 800 centers located throughout North America. Sylvan’s trained and Sylvan-certified instructors provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan also hosts MomMinded.com, a blog offering tips and resources from moms and education experts. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.sylvanlearning.com

Sylvan Learning Center is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com

For many students, the first day of school doesn’t only bring new teachers and new friends – it can also be a source of anxiety with homework assignments and tests just around the corner. Starting the school year off on the right foot can help minimize students’ stress levels throughout the year.

Get Cleaning. A dirty, cluttered room is not conducive to studying. Get organized before homework starts piling up.

• Remove seldom-worn clothing.
• Pack away belongings not used on a regular basis.
• For smaller children, label areas so they can easily see where belongings should go.

Carve Out A Homework Spot. Whether it is in your bedroom, the basement, or a family office, find an area where you can work distraction-free and claim it as your official workspace.

• Pick a place that is always available and where you feel comfortable doing schoolwork.
• Stock the area with all of the supplies and tools that are needed to complete homework.

Get Organized. Organization is key to ensure you stay on top of the requirements for each subject.
Use separate, labeled notebooks for each class.

• Create files for each subject. The folders can hold assignments, essays, handouts and notes taken during classes.
• Purchase a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines.

Set Educational Goals. Whether it is striving for an A in a certain subject, handing in all homework on time or preparing for tests well in advance, setting goals can help establish a routine for the new year.

• Set goals that are measurable, specific, reasonable and have personal value.

Stay On Schedule. Minimize last minute cramming or deadline mix-ups by creating a detailed school schedule.

• Include all classes, assignments and key dates, such as project deadlines and test dates. Fill in new dates as they arise.
• Schedule specific times for studying, projects and extracurricular activities. The more thorough the schedule, the more helpful it will be to you.

Know The School. If you ever feel swamped with back to school madness, ask for help. Schools assist students with transitioning from one grade to another. Meet with your guidance counselor and/or teachers. If you are still nervous, ask your mom or dad to drop you off at school on the first day of class.

Be Adventurous. Step out of your comfort zone this school year by trying new things academically and in terms of extracurricular activities.

• Try every type of class and/or activity. You never know what your strengths are until you experience as much as you can.
• Challenge yourself. If you have the opportunity, take the hardest classes – not the easiest subjects.
• Ask questions. There is nothing wrong with not always knowing the answer. Asking questions is the best way to learn!

Think Positive. Yes, going back to school means homework and early mornings. It also means reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, resuming fun extracurricular activities, learning more about your favorite subjects and improving on your last year’s performance.
For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit www.SylvanLearning.com or call 804-782-2377

Steve Green is the Executive Director and Owner of the Richmond Sylvan Learning Centers, which is the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels with more than 30 years of experience and nearly 800 centers located throughout North America. Sylvan’s trained and Sylvan-certified instructors provide personalized instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan also hosts MomMinded.com, a blog offering tips and resources from moms and education experts. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.SylvanLearning.com

This Article is Sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center of Richmond