Parents' Summer Survival Guide

Parents’ Summer Survival Guide for Life’s Little Emergencies:

1. Every medicine cabinet usually has a box of band aids but Dr. Wood recommends having butterfly band aids around. Helpful for minor cuts that need to come together, and waterproof, these are essential.
   
2. Dr. Christine Wood often has parents apply Mederma for Kids on cuts or scrapes that are scarring. The product does truly help in minimizing the appearance of scars.
   
   
   
3. Brace yourself for bug bites. For those stings and bites that are so common in the summer, Dr. Wood says parents can use an itch-stopping topical gel like the Children’s Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel. Dr. Wood suggests that if your child is having an allergic reaction to a bee sting, you can give your child a Benadryl or look for a product with diphenhydramine.
   
4. If your kids experience that dreaded motion sickness on family road trips, Dr. Wood has a great suggestion. Since Dramamine comes with drowsiness, Dr. Wood used with her own son, Sea-Bands. The Sea-Bands work as acupuncture bands on the wrist and minimize motion sickness.

5. For those children who are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, Dr. Wood often uses a probiotic. She recommends using the USANA Health Sciences Probiotic (www.usana.com) since it is easily packaged. Dr. Wood says you can just throw it into something the kids are eating to soothe indigestion symptoms.
   

6. Dr. Wood recommends the NoseFrida or “snotsucker” for young children with colds. She says the nasal aspirator works great for clearing children’s stuffed noses.
   

Christine Wood, M.D., FAAP USANA Health Sciences Spokesperson

Christine Wood is a practicing pediatrician, an expert in nutritional medicine for children and the author of How to get Kids to Eat Great & Love it. She is active in addressing childhood obesity and regularly speaks in the media and with schools, parents and health professionals.

 
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews? Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Get Fit America for Kids: Inspiring Conscious Happy Active Children

 

Get Fit America for Kids: Inspiring Conscious Happy Active Children

By Scott Cole

I have been working with children since 1986, and in those early years I worked with suicide prevention teens in the Dallas area---to this date the toughest audience in my career.  I mention this because sometimes adults feel that a child may just be “lost” and that what we are doing for them is perhaps not “breaking through” and never will.

Believe me, that is a common feeling to have, and certainly faced with what we see in America today---children who are morbidly obese, diabetic, medicated, and experiencing ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), it is no wonder that adults and parents feel frustrated, which seems to be pushing us farther from what we need to be doing---and that is reversing this ugly sad uninspired trend of cutting time and funds for music, art, and physical education.

I can share unequivocally that when given the chance to move, express, and learn something new and different like Yoga and Tai Chi, children respond, not always when and how you want them to, but trust me, the seeds are planted and these mindful movement programs make a huge difference.  By the end of my term with the suicide prevention teens, I remember one girl coming up to me, hugging me crying, “Don’t leave, I love it when you come see us.” I never forgot that.

Let us consider what are children are NOT getting:

1. Healthy, organic, soil-grown food that for the most part could prevent adult-onset diabetes and obesity.
2. Movement in all forms: Dance, Yoga, Tai Chi, Physical Education and PLAY every day.  Children NEED to breathe, move, express, scream, and ultimately experience healthy quiet time.
3. Nature Experience: Outdoors, or certainly learning about Nature through “field trips” as we used to call them. 
4. Healthy levels of TOUCH, both from adults and their peers.  Activities that involve touch and physical/social communication are needed now more than ever as children bury their heads in video games, computers, cell phones, instead of looking into the eyes of their friends and touching each other in healthy play or activity.
5. Support at home and in school: The United States is #36 on the longevity list worldwide (tied with Cuba according to the United Nations list), and is the most obese nation on Earth.  This translates into adults who have the same issues in charge of making decisions to prevent the current generation from having the problems we have. 

America’s current in-home and educational landscape isn’t coming close to any viable solution until concerned adults (WE) take charge of it at ALL levels.

Let us consider addressing what children today NEED:

1. First off, we need to make it MANDATORY that organic REAL food is served in schools, and have the children take an active part in learning about food, crops, and conscious farming.  No more corn subsidized fructose corn syrup in drinks and fruit cocktails, no more packaged nutrient-less slop, no more low-quality after-thought beef and chicken fingers, and all soda machines should be eliminated.  Not the most popular decision I know, but AMERICA IS ADDICTED to this “STUFF” that isn’t real food, and our bodies are in rebellion.  If children had normal levels of blood sugar, and are not doctored up by medication or addictive fast-food and sugars, ADHD would be reduced and we would start to see healthy alert, active children re-emerging.  The problem arises in budget and corporations that bid for these contracts, promising more for less dollars, and inevitably it is about profit, not about providing great food for our kids.
    
2. If anything should be subsidized by the government, it should be food for our public schools, but organized by a non-corporate committee of nutritionists, parents, organic farmers, and educators.
   
3. Next, we need to implement all forms of movement and PE in schools: Yoga, Tai Chi, Sports, Kickball, and Creative Play.  We just need to get our kids moving and playing again!  Whoever decided that eliminating PE would make our children “study more” has never dealt with children.  Once children play, emote, and express, they are more likely to actually WANT to sit down and read a book, study, or be quiet.
   
4. Children need to learn more about their surroundings, from farming to crops to geography to nature.  Whenever I do the Get Fit America in-school assemblies, I teach barefoot, and if allowed by the school, the children are allowed to take their shoes off too.  This ALONE is a big adventure that gets the children excited to play and learn.  It still amazes me that something so natural and simple is not the norm anymore.  We talk about feeling the earth, listening to and becoming aware of Nature, and how our bodies are designed to touch and feel through the feet and hands, all incorporated with the movement and exercise.
   
5. Touch is vital for any person.  Touch deprivation can contribute to depression, loneliness, and anti-social behavior that can manifest in a lifetime of discomfort around others.  After I have the children moving for awhile in the school assemblies, I then introduce a Partnered section of the program where the children get to touch, do mirrored-image movement, and learn to stretch and trust each other.  I tell them, “If you let go of your partner you are letting go of yourself.”  Most of them get the lesson.
   
6. Adults need to do their part and understand that even if we don’t get the lessons of healthy living, it is VITAL for us to make choices that will influence our children for the better. 

American obesity is an addiction, and adult onset diabetes is preventable, so unless we want to watch people age, become medically dependent, become lethargic, depressed, and inactive, then we need to turn this big ship around and get back on course to dock in an environment that will have clean pure water, organic healthy food, mindful exercise and creative encouragement as standard fuel for a healthy life. 

Parents, teachers, educators, and concerned adults need to play an active part in each community, as part of an expressive society that both honors and cherishes our children enough to give them the tools to become the healthiest, most mindful, articulate, compassionate generation ever.

Get Fit America TOP TEN ACTIVITY MOTIVATORS FOR KIDS

1. Walk: Anywhere, anytime, with friends and supervised if needed
2. Jump Rope: Great for coordination and fun to do
3. Dance: Learn a new Hip-Hop routine and perform it
4. Play Sports: Solo and interactive, wonderful for social skills and self-esteem
5. Stretch or Do Yoga: Different poses are fun to try, learning proper breathing and focus
6. Learn Martial Arts: Tai chi, taekwondo, karate, judo teach self-respect and discipline
7. Garden and Build: Dig holes, build a flowerbed, create a stone pathway, plant, get your hands in the soil
8. Get Active Outdoors: Create an obstacle course, hopscotch, climb trees, hike
9. Play in the Water: Lakes, beaches, and pools, enjoy swimming, building sandcastles, tromping through the mud
10. Sketch, Draw, or Create: Draw your favorite Yoga pose, sketch your feelings, see www.getfitamerica.us to see other children’s drawings from the school assemblies 

 Scott Cole is a former National Aerobic Champion, star of Abs of Steel, and creator of the top-selling Discover Tai Chi series for adults.  His work with children began in 1986 with suicide-prevention abused children, which won him an AFAA Notable Award.  Cole continued to fine-tune his in-school assemblies and has taught children in Texas, California, Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, and Wisconsin.

Get Fit America for Kids original NAPPA Award-winning workout DVD and the ALL-NEW Get Fit America for Kids LIVE!!!  Adults for Kids Educational DVD is available through www.scottcole.com and www.getfitamerica.us .

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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8 Frugal Tips To Help You Feel Like Prom Royalty

From dresses and tuxedos to flowers, photos and limo services, high school students (and parents) could end up dishing out a ton of cash on junior and senior prom. Heck, you could throw an entire wedding for the same price.

Since teenagers have more important worries, like finding the perfect date, coming up with the cash should be the least of their concerns. With a touch of savvy planning, students can find smart ways to keep prom costs under control.

Follow these eight savvy tips to feel like prom royalty without blowing your budget:

1. Borrow Accessories
Dig through your grandma's or mom's jewelry box to find retro costume jewelry or a vintage clutch to pair with your dress. You could also ask your sister, cousin or friends if you can borrow a fabulous pair of earrings or necklace for the special evening. If you decide to invest in jewelry, make sure it's a style you can wear for many years to come.

2. Find Frugal Frocks
Every teenage girl wants to look like a princess at prom, but blowing your budget on a formal gown you will wear only once isn't a smart purchase. Consider a simple cocktail dress that will serve double duty for post-prom celebrations, like college formals and weddings. Browse consignment shops and thrift stores for fabulous vintage frocks at prices that run as low as $20. Or, search sale racks at stores like Nordstrom and Dillards, which offer a large discount dress selection. Don't forget to compare prices online and search for dresses and women's shoe coupons to score even better deals from sites like CouponSherpa.com.
Dreaming of a designer dress? Sign up for flash-sale sites like Hautelook & Daily Candy Swirl! to receive daily deal alerts on popular fashion brands for savings of up to 70-percent off.

3. Do Your Own Grooming
Extremely formal up-dos are no longer popular, so consider doing your own hair. If you're old enough for prom, you're probably capable of handling your own makeup and nails. You could also swap services with friends. You could easily save up to $200, and ultimately look more like your real self. Include your mom or aunt, who may also be able help curl your locks and your lashes. Gather ideas from online photos or magazines and be sure to practice the hairstyle before the big night.

4. Use Simple Floral Tricks
Make your own boutonnieres and corsages, or order them from your local grocery store. Often, their prices for flowers are 40-percent less than a traditional florist. Go for a more minimalist look, like an elegant single rose or flower with greenery.

5. Chuck The Formal Photos
Professional prom portraits cost anywhere from $25 to $75, depending on the size and number of prints purchased. Unless you marry your prom partner, that expensive photo will likely end up at the bottom of a box. Nor do formal photos really capture the memory of the night. Instead, share camera duties with friends for an honest record of the evening. Photo prints at CVS or Snapfish cost as little as $0.15 per picture and offer the option to create digital photo albums for a more memorable and less expensive keepsake.

6. Compare Tuxedo Prices
Tux rentals will set most students back $75 to $100 or more. That's why it's important to comparison shop. Don't be afraid to barter for a better price. You may even be able to negotiate a cheaper rate if you recruit several friends to rent in bulk from the same store. Be sure the shop provides all the needed accessories, including a shirt, vest or cummerbund, handkerchief, shoes, tie and belt to eliminate spending extra on these suiting essentials. Better still, skip expensive extras and fill in with your own stuff for a free-spirit look.

7. Lose the Limo
Most limos have four-hour minimums and require tipping, which could result in a bill of $400 or more. Divided among several friends, the cost can be affordable. However, party buses that hold more people than limos are a fun and more affordable option, so search around for prices and negotiate among several companies. Also, consider the possibility of borrowing a nice car from a parent or relative.


8. Buy Gift Cards at Discount Prices
From pre-party decorations to such prom essentials as dresses, shoes and flowers, students can buy gift cards and save as much as 30-percent. You'll find them at sites like GiftCardGranny.com for such major retailers as Target, Macy's, 1-800 Flowers, and many more.

###

Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, is available for an in-studio, satellite or skype interviews to share "8 Frugal Tips To Help You Feel Like Prom Royalty" with your audience. As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or you can also follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips.


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Financial Literacy: Mom vs. Dad

According to the TD Bank Financial Literacy Poll released today by TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, 62 percent of all parents agree they should start teaching their children about money by 12 years of age. While mothers and fathers generally agree on when to start money-related conversations, the survey reveals they differ when it comes to their own financial confidence and how they teach their children financial literacy.  

TD Bank surveyed 1,637 consumers within the Northeast as well as Florida and Washington, DC to better understand their financial literacy and attitudes, specifically examining the role of the parent and how this can differ between mothers and fathers.

“The survey shows that each parent contributes different money-related lessons when it comes to a child’s financial education,” says Suzanne Poole, executive vice president, retail sales strategy, TD Bank. “This indicates that it’s important for moms and dads to combine efforts to ensure that their children learn all aspects of financial literacy from monthly budgets to every
day spending.”

Mom vs. Dad: Financial Confidence

According to the survey, 34% of respondents rated their financial knowledge as “good” or better. From that, dads are found to be nearly 10% more financially confident than moms. Despite these findings, 66% of dads also report they wish they had more conversations with their children about money.  

Moreover, while moms perceive themselves to be less financially confident, 52% report feeling they take all or most of the responsibility when teaching their children about financial matters. 

Mom vs. Dad: Budgeting

Despite evidence that better budgeting can contribute to a more financially fit family, 43% of families surveyed still are not creating or following a monthly budget. Even more interesting are the parental disparities in the reasons why they don’t budget:

• 35% of dads versus 22% of moms feel they do not need a budget
• 19% of moms versus 12% of dads feel they find budgets too complicated and don’t know how to create one

Moms vs. Dads: Financial Education Actions

When it comes to the actions taken by individual parents toward their child’s financial education, moms are more likely to engage in everyday financial conversations:

Teaching children how to count money (81%)

Teaching money matters while shopping (70%)

Saving money in a piggy bank (70%)

Dads, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on the tangible aspects of money:

Providing an allowance (52%)

Setting a savings goal (32%)

 

Other Key Findings From the Survey Include:

 

Given the recession, 55% of families say they are talking to their children more often about money

30% of families feel they are being more proactive and having conversations with their children before matters arise

Only 1-in-3 parents are setting a savings goal

 

Note:  Please contact us for additional data points and specifics from New England, Mid-Atlantic, Washington, DC and Florida.

 

According to the TD Bank Financial Literacy Poll released today by TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, 62 percent of all parents agree they should start teaching their children about money by 12 years of age. While mothers and fathers generally agree on when to start money-related conversations, the survey reveals they differ when it comes to their own financial confidence and how they teach their children financial literacy.  

TD Bank surveyed 1,637 consumers within the Northeast as well as Florida and Washington, DC to better understand their financial literacy and attitudes, specifically examining the role of the parent and how this can differ between mothers and fathers.

“The survey shows that each parent contributes different money-related lessons when it comes to a child’s financial education,” says Suzanne Poole, executive vice president, retail sales strategy, TD Bank. “This indicates that it’s important for moms and dads to combine efforts to ensure that their children learn all aspects of financial literacy from monthly budgets to every
day spending.”
Mom vs. Dad: Financial Confidence

According to the survey, 34% of respondents rated their financial knowledge as “good” or better. From that, dads are found to be nearly 10% more financially confident than moms. Despite these findings, 66% of dads also report they wish they had more conversations with their children about money.  

Moreover, while moms perceive themselves to be less financially confident, 52% report feeling they take all or most of the responsibility when teaching their children about financial matters. 

Mom vs. Dad: Budgeting
Despite evidence that better budgeting can contribute to a more financially fit family, 43% of families surveyed still are not creating or following a monthly budget. Even more interesting are the parental disparities in the reasons why they don’t budget:

35% of dads versus 22% of moms feel they do not need a budget
19% of moms versus 12% of dads feel they find budgets too complicated and don’t know how to create one

Moms vs. Dads: Financial Education Actions

When it comes to the actions taken by individual parents toward their child’s financial education, moms are more likely to engage in everyday financial conversations:
Teaching children how to count money (81%)
Teaching money matters while shopping (70%)
Saving money in a piggy bank (70%)

Dads, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on the tangible aspects of money:
Providing an allowance (52%)
Setting a savings goal (32%)
 
Other Key Findings From the Survey Include:
 
Given the recession, 55% of families say they are talking to their children more often about money
30% of families feel they are being more proactive and having conversations with their children before matters arise
Only 1-in-3 parents are setting a savings goal
 
Note:  Please contact us for additional data points and specifics from New England, Mid-Atlantic, Washington, DC and Florida.
 

Survey Methodology
The study was conducted among consumers in the New England census division, Middle Atlantic census division, Florida and Washington DC from January 5-12; 2011.TD polled 1,637 consumers from Maine to Florida: 718 in New England, 689 in Middle Atlantic and Washington, DC, and 230 in Florida. The sample size of 1,637 has a margin of error of +/- 2.4%. The survey was hosted by global research company Angus Reid Public Opinion.
 
About Angus Reid Public Opinion
Angus Reid Public Opinion is the Public Affairs practice of Vision Critical—a global research company. Vision Critical is a leader in the use of the Internet and rich media technology to collect high-quality, in-depth insights for a wide array of clients.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Vaccines Are Not A Piece Of The Autism Puzzle

As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month in April, I want to mention a common controversy: vaccines.  Here at the Pregnancy Risk Line in Utah, we hear from callers who are concerned about vaccine use during pregnancy.  Some moms are so concerned that they do not want to be vaccinated. 

Much of the concern by parents has come from one poorly-done research study.  The study, published back in 1998 in Lancet, made false claims about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the preservative thimerosal.  The preservative thimerosal contains a very small amount of mercury, causing some concerns.  Since that time, the medical journal that published the study has publicly stated the research did not show any link between the vaccine and its preservative thimerosal and autism.

Vaccines are one of the most important medical advances in modern times.  We have seen worldwide control of devastating diseases like polio and smallpox and are making progress in reducing other diseases, like chicken pox, hepatitis, pertussis, and other illnesses.  Vaccines keep our children healthy and reduce disabilities that have lifelong consequences. 

Even with all the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, some parents are still concerned.  In response to those concerns, vaccine manufacturers have reduced or eliminated the preservative thimerosal from vaccines.  Most children’s vaccines do not have the preservative.  Some of the current influenza, or flu, vaccines contain thimerosal at low levels that are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding (see the Vaccines and Pregnancy fact sheet link below).  Preservative-free flu vaccines are available for anyone who still may have concerns.  Even with the reduction and elimination of the preservative, the rates of autism continue to increase, further showing that neither vaccines nor preservatives were the cause. 

What is autism and what causes it?  Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of conditions that include developmental delays, autism, and Asperger syndrome.  Children typically have problems with communication, behaviors, and social skills.  Currently, researchers think parents may pass on genes that may lead to ASD or that may become active after being exposed to something in the environment.  Some researchers also believe the drugs thalidomide and valproic acid may increase the risk for ASD.  Some of the symptoms of ASD, including communication and behavior problems, begin to be noticed as developmental delays when a child is about 18 months to 2 years old.

There is no cure for ASD, but early detection and treatment can help improve language, behavior, and social skills.  Parents can learn about developmental milestones and ask their primary care provider (medical home) if they have any concerns.

Autism is still a puzzle, but parents can track their children’s growth, take them for regular check-ups, and read to them to give them the best start possible. 

Alfred Romeo, RN, PhD, works at the Pregnancy Risk Line, a partnership between the Utah Department of Health and the University of Utah.  His experiences include working as a nurse in newborn intensive care units, training medical homes in improving services, and training young adults with disabilities in leadership and advocacy. 

The Pregnancy Risk Line is an affiliate of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), a non-profit with affiliates across North America. Utah women with questions or concerns about pregnancy or breastfeeding exposures can call 1-800-822-2229.  Outside Utah, please call OTIS at 1-866-626-6847.  OTIS is conducting several studies, including vaccine studies for influenza, meningitis, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).  Women who have received these vaccines during their current pregnancy can call OTIS to volunteer to participate in the studies or learn more by visiting OTISPregnancy.org.

References:

http://www.otispregnancy.org/files/vaccines.pdf

http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c655.full

http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/182/4/E199

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/thimerosal/index.html

http://www.pregnancyriskline.org/

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.


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Make the World a Greener Place, One Blade at a Time

Below are tips from TurfMutt, a caped dog crusader - and face of a new Discovery Education program – who aims to help kids get outside and understand the importance of the everyday green spaces all around us.

1. Fertilize Naturally. Lawns take up the largest amount of carbon when they recycle nitrogen contained in grass clippings. So, take off that mulcher bag and leave clippings on the ground while mowing to break down and feed your grass naturally. And, how about applying some compost to your lawn in the Spring or Fall with your seed spreader?
2. Plant the Right Plant. It’s important to choose grass or plants that are right for the climate where you live. Then, plants will need less water and fertilization to survive. Go to your local nursery or an online gardening site to find your climate zone to discover what plants are native and which will grow well in your area. For instance, if you live in a drought-prone area, select plants and grass that withstand heat and need less water.
3. Prune Regularly. A single grass plant can have 300 miles of roots. Roots grow strong with appropriate watering and proper pruning. Mowing your lawn regularly, similar to pruning perennial plants and flower gardens, keeps grass healthier and thicker.
4. Water Early. Watering in the early morning before the sun is intense helps reduce the water lost from evaporation. Installing rain gutters and collecting water from downspouts also helps reduce water use. Trickle irrigation, drip irrigation or smart controller systems help reduce water use and meet the needs of plants. Or, when drought conditions exist, let the grass go dormant.
5. Create More Green Space. Lawns and other green spaces lessen the “heat island” effect, especially in urban areas, keeping surrounding areas cooler. Is there an area in your neighborhood that could benefit from some green space? If so, plant a garden for tasty veggies or a lawn area for play and relaxation.

Try one or more of these tips to keep your backyard healthy and “green” in a responsible way. And, find out more tips and information at http://www.turfmutt.com/
 
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews? Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

AT&T and T-Mobile Merger: Combat Possible Rising Wireless Prices

With news of a possible merger between two of the nation's largest wireless carriers and one of the most significant deals since the financial crisis, AT&T and T-Mobile's proposed $39 billion deal have many speculating: will this lead to price increases for cell phone plans and other wireless services?

Although this merger is a winning deal for the two companies involved, financial experts and consumer advocates suggest that there's a potential loser in the outcome of the decision - the consumer.

Don't let the uncertain future of unlimited minute and data plans keep you up at night. Prepare for the possible increase in wireless service prices with these 8 savvy saving tips.

1. Extend Your Family

Family plans are great for any group of reasonably trustworthy people, including roommates, friends and extended family. Members of your plan don't need to be related to receive these money saving rates, but make sure everyone on your plan is trustworthy enough to pay their share of the monthly bill.

2. Switch to Pay-As-You-Go Phones

The New Millennium Research Council says that 25 million Americans could save money by switching to a prepaid phone. Prepaid service companies like Boost Mobile, NET10 and Virgin are more accessible than ever and even major national companies are getting in on the act, crafting reasonable prepaid plans for those who want the reliability of a nationwide network. Some carriers have watered-down versions of other plans, such as the text-friendly T-Mobile offering of $15 per month for unlimited text (but no voice). Others opt for a credit model, where you pay per usage. Rates differ by company, but most charge between 5 and 10 cents per minute or text.

3. Purchase Unlocked Phones

Consider purchasing an "unlocked" phone when switching networks, signing up for a new plan or simply updating your phone. The SIM card (Subscriber Identification Module) isn't associated with one specific provider, therefore these free-agent phones are compatible with any network, allowing you to use them for the service you prefer. Amazon and eBay are just a few of the electronic stores you can purchase an unlocked phone at a very reasonable price.

4. Use Coupon Codes

You can buy unlocked phones online with coupons for Best Buy and TigerDirect from a site like CouponSherpa.com. Don't forget to use a coupon when buying accessories to compliment your new phone.

5. Make the Trade

If you are just looking for an upgrade and your phone still works, check GreenPhone or CellTradeUSA to switch for another model. The trade will cost you, but often you will discover a better deal than purchasing elsewhere. Also, consider CraigsList to purchase from a private individual. But, buyer beware, as electronics purchased from this website come with no guarantees.

6. Download Text for FREE Apps

Texting can cost upwards of $10 per month. Cut your provider out of the picture if you have a smartphone. Download free texting apps like Textfree With Voice for iPhone and chompSMS for Android which also include free voice minutes too. Even though you'll only be able to connect to others who have the app, the savings make it worth convincing your family and friends to try out this new method.

7. Take Advantage of Employer Discounts

Switch to the provider your employer uses if you're not voraciously committed to your current provider. Almost every major carrier offers a business discount that can be applied to personal phones. The only thing required is a valid e-mail address or other form of ID from your employer. From major corporations to school districts, plenty of outfits are part of these programs.

8. Let Go of the Extras & Go Basic

Service providers have started heaping on extraneous fees. Almost any desirable phone these days now requires a data plan in addition to voice, text and other services. The key is leaving all else behind and selecting only what you'll use.
 
 
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Unhealthy 'Health' Foods from Consumer Reports' ShopSmart magazine

Some health-food masqueraders can fool even the savviest shoppers and people who pride themselves on their nutritional know-how. A new report in the April 2011 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, unveils some foods that may seem good for you but aren’t necessarily—and advice on truly healthful foods to choose instead.

“Don’t let seemingly healthful foods derail your diet,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “If you think you’re making a good choice by having a bran muffin or trail mix for breakfast instead of a bowl of cereal, you could be undermining your health—with lots of fat—and sabotaging your waistline—with excess calories.”

Here is a sampling of ShopSmart’s unhealthy health foods and what to try instead:

• VEGETABLE CHIPS

Their colors may be mesmerizing, but they’re usually high in calories and fat and they don’t count as a serving of vegetables.

TRY THIS instead! Have some air-popped popcorn or dried veggies. Try the Just Tomatoes brand of dried vegetables because they have no added fat, salt, or anything else.

• GRANOLA CEREAL

It’s usually high in sugar, fat, and calories and relatively low in vitamins and minerals. There are about 400 calories in a cup.

TRY THIS instead!  Have a bowl of an airy, oat-based cereal, like Cheerios, which topped ShopSmart’s  last tests of kid-friendly cereals. For extra crunch and sweetness, add just a sprinkling of granola on top.

• TURKEY HOT DOGS

A lot of turkey hot dogs are surprisingly high in fat, and some are even higher in fat than regular hot dogs. They also might contain loads of sodium and nitrates.

TRY THIS instead! A turkey breast sandwich is a better choice. But if you’re really craving that hot dog, read packages and go for the turkey version with the least fat.

• VITAMIN INFUSED WATERS

While vitamin infused waters do have some added nutrients, they’re often loaded with sugar and sometimes caffeine.

TRY THIS instead! Have plain old H2O with a squeeze from a lemon, lime or orange slices.

• WRAP SANDWICHES

They’re usually huge— enough for two people sometimes—and high in calories and sometimes fat. White flour tortillas often have 300 to 400 calories alone, and offer little nutritional value.

TRY THIS instead! Have a sandwich on whole-grain or whole-wheat bread. When shopping for bread, make sure whole grain is first on the ingredient list.

• COUSCOUS

Just like white pasta, regular couscous is a processed, refined grain with little nutritional value.

TRY THIS instead! Buy whole-wheat couscous or opt for a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice.

About ShopSmart magazine:

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports’ celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Nine Top Tips to Tame the Power of Technology When It Interferes with Homework

Nine Top Tips to Tame

the Power of Technology

When It Interferes with Homework  

By Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed. 

Technology has transformed our world, but for our kids, life without gadgets would be unimaginable. They expect to have access to these devices 24/7, but their expectations and reality are very different. Technology can be an asset to learning. It can also be a significant detractor unless parents establish clear policies and consequences. If the overuse of technology is affecting your child's schoolwork, try these simple solutions:

·  Set limits starting with an electronics-free routine.   When your child returns from school, allow screen access for an agreed upon period of time, and then the electronics go off. In many families, it is a half hour, but whatever time allotment you determine, stick with that time limit daily. You may also want to have a small box or container labeled "electronics go here". That way, you're not holding out your hand asking for your child's beloved cell phone. Having a neutral place for it to be placed makes the transition less confrontational. It also limits the child's temptation to sneak calls, texts, or games while doing homework.  ·  Trust but verify. After homework is completed, your child can retrieve his electronics after an adult has verified that the work is done. This usually includes checking completed assignments against what has been recorded in your child's planner or posted online by the teachers.

·  Consider returning electronics later in the evening.  If your child is one who will rush through homework just to have access to his gadgets, consider a later time for returning them. You may find that about an hour after dinner works well. By this time homework should be out of the way unless an extracurricular activity is thrown in the mix.  ·  Having a routine decreases battles because kids know what to expect.  Even if your child's schedule is different every day, stick to a routine as much as possible. For example, if your child returns home from school at 4:00 and has a half hour of screen time, then homework would start at 4:30. The electronics can be collected from the basket by your child at 7:00 p.m. Now, if he has soccer practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30, allow him access for a half hour after school. Expect that he start his homework before practice and then work on it again immediately after dinner when he returns. On those evenings, he may not earn screen time until his work is completed.

Depending on the age of your child, you may be wondering... ·  What if he needs the computer for research? The answer is to allow him to print out information needed for the writing portion of the assignment. That way, he'll have the information, but won't have continuous and distracting access to the Internet. ·  What if he needs to type his homework? If your teen has a desk and computer in his room, but is constantly surfing the Internet when he should be doing homework, disable the Internet and only run word processing programs only. This isn't hard to set up.

·  What should I do if I see him online or texting when he should be doing homework? After you've established a "no screen time" policy and window of time that this rule is in place, you must enforce it. Let's say your policy is in effect from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If he breaks the rule, penalize him an hour and restrict his use until 8:00 p.m. ·  She says she focuses better when multitasking. Could this be true? No. In fact, studies show that when kids continually multitask, they lose the ability to focus on one thing at a time. Picture your daughter with earphones in while listening to her iPod, texting furiously, and checking her Facebook page all at the same time. This is common, but not productive. The problem is that when kids try to concentrate on just one task, such as reading or studying, they're less able to sustain attention because they are so accustomed to stimulation from multiple sources. Even though you can discourage this type of behavior, you cannot stop it. You can, however, eliminate it during homework time.

·  She says she can't focus without music. Should I allow her to listen? There may be something to her claims. Studies show that the majority of kids do attend better with background music. If your child is productive when listening to her iPod, allow its use; however, if she is constantly distracted, then consider soft background music only.  By setting limits and boundaries now, you'll be helping to create a positive and production homework environment in the future. Good habits now will pay off throughout the high school years and in college, too.

Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed., is the founder and president of Educational Connections, Inc., a comprehensive provider of educational services in Fairfax, VA and Bethesda, MD. In her book, Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, Dolin offers proven solutions to help the six key types of students who struggle with homework. Learn more at anndolin.com or ectutoring.com.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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Special Spring Break Ideas

Spring break offers the last extended break for children before summer begins. This year, think about different ways to celebrate this time off from school with a special trip, vacation or family planned activity that will elicit smiles from the little ones – big or small.

Visit the Relatives
For families that live a long distance away from other family members, spring break can allow for a surprise visit outside of standard holidays and get-togethers. This spring, consider surprising your family with a special visit from the grandkids or nephews and bring everyone together again. During road trips, you and the kids can spot license plates from other states and try to name the capital of each plate’s state.  You can also play funny storytelling games where you start the first sentence of the story, your child has to make up the next part of the story and then the next person in the car takes a turn and so on. Soon you will have a wacky hodgepodge of a story that everyone improvised together.

Frugal Family
FunYou don’t have to spend a lot to have fun with the kids during spring break this year.  Try staying in and creating a life-sized self-portrait. Visit your local crafts store and purchase a giant piece of paper that is as tall as your son or daughter. You can even try using butcher paper from your deli, which could work also. Once you have your paper, lay it on the ground at home and have your child lie on it while you trace his or her entire body on the paper. Once you have the basic form, your child can go to town decorating it and drawing whatever he or she wants on the form. When your child is finished, take a picture of the self-portrait with the artist standing next to it.

Go Local

If a big trip isn’t in the cards this spring break, try something local. Consider taking your children to the premier of the newest movie they are dying to see. It will cost a little more than a normal matinee, but they will feel special when they know they have seen the film before anyone else and will likely want to brag about it. Doing this lets you show your child you understand their world, makes you feel like a rock-star mom and gives you the chance to share the movie details with friends who might be considering a film outing for their own family.



Thanks to http://www.kumon.com/ for the great tips shared above about Spring Break! For more information about them, visit their website or the other following accounts:
www.Facebook.com/Kumon

www.twitter.com/KumonNAmerica

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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4 Steps to Raising a Future Writer

4 Steps to Raising a Future Writer

By Dr. Richard Gentry

Adapted from his new book, "Raising Confident Readers"

Lots of parents read aloud to their baby and toddler, but few take the next step: encouraging early writing. Did you know that babies can draw pictures (prewriting) and create narratives at between 2 and 3 years of age? A young child who is stimulated with targeted activities early and often can be writing and illustrating complex stories by age 4 or 5.

Why does this matter? Because studies show that when reading and writing is taught to children starting at birth, their neural pathways develop in different ways. They are more intelligent, have a 32-million-word advantage by kindergarten over children who did not get this exposure, and are less likely to develop learning problems such as dyslexia.

Over 30 years as an early childhood literacy, reading, and writing specialist, I have developed fun and simple activities parents can do with their babies and young children that help them develop writers' brains. They can be summed up in four easy-to-remember words in the acronym READ.

Repetition. Joyful repeated readings of favorite books are a hallmark of early reading and writing success. Long after you are exhausted rereading these favorite books, your baby or toddler will thrill in reading them over and over again. Babies love repetition, which encourages him to mimic the words and babble sounds -- early language responses. Over time, this mimicking behavior turns into higher-order concepts and understandings, and eventually memory "reading." Babies also mimic feelings during book sharing. If you read with feeling, it encourages your baby to have positive associations with reading.

Enthusiasm. Many experts agree that talking to your child and having frequent read-alouds, surrounded by talk about books during book sharing, are the most important brain-stimulation activities in parenting. You are activating her social, hearing, emotional, and linguistic systems all at once. The other E's in this step are Enticement, Exploration, Engagement, and Explosion. By enticing your child with fun reading activities, exploring new books, and engaging her in the process, her vocabulary, knowledge, and love of learning will explode. From birth to age 6 is when your baby's brain has the greatest ability to establish language proficiency.

Attention. When you read or write with your child, you are constantly making decisions about how to direct his attention. Since reading and writing are complex, at various times you must focus his attention to the many different aspects of language, reading, writing, or spelling. You are switching off between attention to sounds, meaning, rhythm or musicality of language, expression, feelings, letter naming, and letter formation, to name a few. The key is to do a variety of targeted reading and writing activities with your child that are appropriate and fun for his phase of development.

Drawing. Your child might be ready to scribble on paper long before you think she's able. Early scribbling is the precursor to early writing. With early marking and scribbling, she is showing an internal desire to communicate, joy in expressing ideas, and the urge to make meaning. Experts agree that drawing almost always opens the gate to early literacy. There are lots of fun and easy activities you can do with your toddler or preschooler to help her be an early writer.

About the Author 

J. Richard Gentry PhD is the author of Raising Confident Readers: How to Teach Your Child to Read and Write -- from Baby to Age 7 (Da Capo / Perseus, www.jrichardgentry.com), which is chock-full of reading and writing development tips and activities you can do with your baby and young child. Dr. Gentry is a nationally acclaimed expert on childhood literacy, reading, and spelling development, with more than 30 years of experience working with beginning readers. A former university professor and elementary school teacher, he is currently an educational consultant in Florida. 

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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