How To Get The Best Education Possible: Tip #1

With the new school year starting, every parent is trying to get organized and ready for a successful grading period.  There are some very important things that you can do to make sure your child is getting the "Best Education Possible".  These tips are in no specific order of importance. So, check out this week's post to get some very important information for a great school year.

TIP #1:  Turn the TV, video games, cell phones, and the computers (unless they are doing school work) off during the week.

The parents that eliminate or limit the use and viewing of TV, video games, cell phones and computer find that their children read more or have more creative play.  These children do better in school and have better grades.  There is nothing more distracting then these current day electronics.  If you don't totally eliminate their use, I would suggest they not be able to use any of them until all homework is completed and 15-30 minutes of recreational reading for younger children and 30-60 minutes for older children.  After that I would limit their use to 15-45 minutes a night. (no more than 60 for older children).  Have your child pick what game, show, or friend they want to call and make sure they stick to the agreed amount of time.  If you make it a habit there will be no arguments.  So, start the school year off right and turn off the TV, video games, cell phones, and computers. 

The First Day of School

It is hard to believe that a new school year 2010-2011 has begun.  Almost every child in this country will be in school after the Labor Day celebration.  The children in Huntsville, Alabama have been in school since August 9th, so we're in full swing.

Our granddaughter, who we helped raise, started high school this year.  I felt the same anxiety that I felt taking her to kindergarten for the first time. (To be honest, I think I was even more nervous this time).  As we drove in the car, I asked her if she was nervous and she quietly answered, "yes".  I told her I wanted to make sure she got her schedule and knew where to go for her first period class and she simply said, "MiMi, I really want to walk in by myself".  I couldn't believe it!!!!! How could she not need me to be there.  I told her if she just let me walk her in to get her schedule, I promised I would leave immediately and not kiss her good-bye and not tell her I love her.  She simply laughed and I walked her in.  She got her schedule and looked back and said, "I'll be okay".  I turned and and walked out with a pit in bottom of my stomach and bricks weighing down my feet.... How could she be in high school already? Where was the little girl who would have begged me to come with her?

I drove to school thinking about how she was doing. Would she make any new friends? Would kids be nice to her? Would she get lost trying to find her classes? Who would she eat lunch with?  As I walked in I saw the kindergarten parents walking their children to class.  Some of the fathers had their little ones in their arms.  I watch as the mothers fussed over their children's clothes and hair and could see the anxiety building as the principal announced that all parents should leave the classroom and let the teachers get started.  It was then that I realized that we have to trust our administrators, teachers, and staff to take care of our most precious possessions, "Our Children". 

I truly hope that parents do trust their schools with their children.  And I truly hope that teachers and administrators show parents that they can be trusted with their children to love, care, direct, and instruct them while in their care.  You see, school should be a "partnership" with parents because the school  has your children a large part of the day.  I pray that everyone has a WONDERFUL school year and your child is getting the Best Education Possible.  Oh yes, and enjoy "Labor Day". 

Walk Your Way Fit

Walking is the ultimate bargain exercise, proving you don't need fancy equipment or pricey gyms to get fit.  But you do need to mix it up a little.  According to Karen Asp in an article in the July 2010 issue of Better Homes and Garden, below are three different walks to keep your family's heart healthy, your waistline trim and your stress levels down.

1. Endurance Walk. A moderately paced walk you can do for as long or as short a time as you want.  Endurance training builds a healthier body, and it's something almost everybody can do, even the kids.  It can relieve stress and boost mood in as little as 10 minutes and also reduces risk factors for chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. You can endurance walk daily if you want.  Start with a five minute warm-up of easy walking.  Then pick up the pace until you breathing becomes a little quicker.  You should be able to talk, but you're definitely working a little harder. In the end, cool down with five minutes of easy walking.

2. Interval Training Walk. A more challenging walk that alternates between hard and easy periods of work.  If time is your biggest enemy, interval training is perfect for you.  In a study at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, women who id interval training improved overall health and their body's fat-burning potential in as little as two weeks. Not only do you burn calories during the workout, you also burn more just doing everyday things after an interval training walk.  This is for walkers who want to get in shape in less time or bust a plateau.  You should do two or three weeks of endurance first.  Interval training should be done once or twice a week on nonconsecutive days.  Warm up an easy five minute walk.  Then alternate between one to four minutes of moderate-pace walking and one to four minutes of brisk or fast walking, repeating this pattern tow to five times during your walk.  During the brisk/fast walking sections it should be as if you're working hard, and talking becomes more difficult.

3. Speed Walking. A faster-paced walk than endurance walking.  If your short on time, this is another walk you can do in a snap.  Granted, it may feel somewhat uncomfortable, but doing this type of workout can make you a stronger, fitter walker.  This is for serious walkers who want to get fitter without devoting lots of time to exercise.  It should be done once or twice a week.  Start with a five minute warm-up.  Then pick up the pace so you're walking a little faster than you normally would yet not pushing it so hard that you can't maintain that pace.  Continue at that pace for 10 to 20 minutes. (If this is too difficult at first, go fast for five minutes, then slow to a moderate pace for five minutes; gradually build to walking fast the entire walk.) Then cool down with an easy walk.

America's Growing Weight Problem

    According to an article in Time For Kids, a new study from Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut,

shows that cereal makers want you as a customer.  The researchers studied 115 cereal brands and their ingredients.  Of the 115 brands, 19 were identified as "child brands" because they are marketed directly to kids through television and the Internet. 

Cereal makers spend nearly $156 million each year just on TV advertising aimed at children.  The makers also grab kids' attention with colorful packages, in-store displays, and online games.  The General Mills website averages 767,000 young visitors a month Post get about 265,000 visitors monthly.

About a third of children in the United States are considered overweight or obese.  Researchers believe that TV advertising plays a part in how much kids eat and the food choices they make.  Cereal makers say that they have responded to the nation's growing weight problem.  They have reduced calories, fat and sugar.  They have boosted fiber content and vitamins.  For a list of the 10 most nutritious cereals go to, www.timeforkids.com/cereal.

Still True.... After All These Years!

Many people believe that if they win the lottery, achieve fame, or have great wealth they would be totally and completely happy. All it takes is to look at some famous youngsters or children of wealthy parents to see that it is not always true. It takes inner peace and gratitude for what they have to begin appreciating all the blessings around them.

If a child is brought up to be selfish and self-serving, they will be sadly disappointed. The result of selfishness can be taking foolish risk or using dangerous drugs that totally destroy lives and families. Parents must make sure their children know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going. They also need to understand that there are people less fortunate and instill in their children a heart of service. Below are some suggestions on how to help instill happiness and contentment young lives.

1. Children should learn to appreciate the fact that the greatest happiness does not always come with the greatest wealth. Give them a fair allowance when they reach the age of handling money and make them save 10% or more of any money they receive. It will pay off big dividends in the end.

2. Have a scheduled dinner time as much as possible. Talk and listen to your child. Find out what they like and what they are concerned about.

3. Spend quality time with each child. If it is no more than twice a year, make a special day where you and the child do something alone that will build memories.

4. Show that you love and respect everyone in the family. The way you talk to one another and treat one another is going to be the example your children take out to the world. Don't expect your child to be respectful to adults or other children if they don't see it being done at home.

5. Make sure your children know how important it is to get "The Best Education Possible" and takes advantage of all opportunities that comes their ways. Be involved in every step of their education. It will certainly help determine their future.

6. Make sure your child feels loved and appreciated. But always let them know they will be respectful and responsible for their actions and will be rewarded or face consequences for every decision they make.

7. Take time to enjoy one another. Take a family vacation or just walks in nature. Spending time as a family is very important (examples: worship together, picnic, ride bikes, fishing, camping, skating, planting a garden).

8. Find some community service that you and your children can participate in (example: Meals on Wheels, soup kitchens, cut grass for elderly neighbors, animal shelters, visit the sick). This will let children see that there are people (and or animals) who need help and they will feel good about helping someone else.

Why Gossip?

The happiest people spend two-thirds less time in small talk and have twice as many substantive conversations as less joyful folks, report University of Arizona and Washington University researchers, who analyzed 23,000 sound bites recorded from the daily lives of 79 people. Those having deeper conversations socialized more and watched TV less than habitual chit chatters. "Meaningful connections with other people are an important part of happiness," says coauthor Simine Vazire, Ph.D. You don't have to start a conversation about the Mideast conflict or the meaning of life on your Monday morning coffee break, "But for a few days, instead of gossiping, try sharing information or an opinion on something you care about," Vazire suggest, "and see if it lifts your mood."

We are role models for our children and should try not to gossip or have heated debates in their presence. It's not always easy not to gossip or debate, but it will show your children that meaningful conversation really does bring meaning and happiness to our lives. So, why gossip?

Get Organized!

With schools in some parts of the country well into the routine, while others are about to start, handling the daily onslaught of kids' permission slips, bills and junk mail can be a full-time job. To keep track of your family's incoming and outgoing messages and mail, set up a "communication station" in a convenient location (like the mudroom or kitchen). A wall-mounted magazine rack gives each family member a slot for their papers, while a "look here: calendar is for quick references. Flyers, invites, and such stay in view on a bulletin board.

Below are 3 ideas that can help keep you organized during the busy school months according to an article in the September 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping.

1. Sort Smart. Stop mail clutter at the door in a tiered bin with three sections. IN, OUT, READ. The IN slot is for mail that needs to be dealt with fairly soon (bills, paperwork, etc. that should be addressed weekly); OUT is for outgoing mail; READ is for materials to peruse later (magazines, coupon books, and so on, to be purged monthly).

2. Make Notes. A sticky note on the door is the perfect can't-miss-it reminder. Tuck the notepad and pen in a bin (near your station) meant for holding outgoing items, like those library books that are due tomorrow.

3. Pen It In. A color-coded calendar (with a different color for each person) will keep the family on schedule. But don't write everything here, save personal activities for your own datebook. Just jot down events that involve multiple family members (things that require a driver etc.). Purge your bulletin board of no-longer-needed papers when you change the calendar page.

I truly hope everyone has a good working relationship with their children's school this year, 2010-2011. Make it a priority to get involved and stay informed. Your children need you to be a positive partner in their education and the school needs your participation and support. Most school districts are operating on limited or less funding, so any assistance you can give, I know will be appreciated.