August 2011 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

August

56

SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS

2011

BACK TO SCHOOL PREVIEW How to make the TRANSITION SMOOTHER

RETURNING TO THE WORKFORCE? Take the

PLUNGE into the

CAREER POOL

2 | August 2011

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Table of Contents pg. 16-17 Back to School Preview

mom 2 mom 8 Early Childhood Milestones: When Should I Be Worried?

10 Get the Basics on Eczema, Psoriasis and Acne 11 56 Summer Boredom Busters 12 Make Healthier Food Choices With Your Children

moms R women 2

Dear Readers,

ummer has been a blast so far…fun days at the beach, pool parties with friends, berry picking, bowling, library visits and lots of play dates. This has been my favorite summer since I had kids. Kayden and Camille are finally at the age where they can really swim and play and actively participate in all the fun activities. And, this is the first summer I’m not working 60 hours a week. I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed every day with them.

That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been daily bickering among the two of them…and plenty of “boring” days… but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. A couple months ago, when summer was just beginning, I was excit-

S

letter from the editor

August 2011

ed for fall. Both of my kids will be in school full time and I was looking forward to having some “me” time back. But every day of summer that passes, I’m becoming sadder about the end nearing. I’m really going to miss laughing and cuddling with them all day. What will I do with all my free time?

But we still have one month of summer left…and I’m going to make the best of it! We have plans for Great Adventure, Morey’s Piers, a baseball game and lots of other fun stuff on the weekends when Daddy’s off work …but in an attempt to prevent anymore “boring” days, we’ve put together 56 Boredom Busters. A lot of these ideas on page 11 don’t cost a dime and you can do them in your home or nearby.

It can’t be a party every day…but it can be way better than boring. Make the best of the rest of the summer and spend some quality time making memories your children will always remember.✲ Your Friend and Fellow MOM,

“ Like” South Jersey MOM magazine on Facebook and find out about local events, win prizes and connect with other moms in the area! www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM

13 8 Frugal Dating Tips for Parents 14 Tips for Transitioning Back Into the Workforce

Is your child the CUTEST KID IN TOWN?

know 2 grow 20 New Baby? Forget the Schedule, Think Routine 23 HELP! I’m a New Mom and I Don’t Know What To Do

also in this issue 3 5 6 19 25 26 29 30

editor’s note nana’s 2 sense life sentences just born her story business spotlight things 2 do resource guide

Every month, South Jersey MOM will feature a local child on the cover!

If you think you have the cutest kid in town, send a 4x6 photo and a $15 entry fee (per household) to P.O. Box 2413, Vineland, NJ 083622413. Please make checks payable to Superior Graphics.

If your child(ren) is/are selected, we will arrange a FREE professional photo shoot and they could be on our next cover for all your friends and family to see! Sorry, photos cannot be returned.

www.southjerseymom.com

Parent Name: ____________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City______________________ State_____ Zip__________ Phone: __________________________________________ Child’s Name & DOB: ______________________________ ________________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ August 2011 | 3

From the Family of an NBN “special child�

In 2004 our son became ill with a virus and, after many months in the hospital, came home physically and mentally at the level of an infant. To this day his condition remains the same. For a parent, this experience has no words and the new “normal� of equipment, terminology and care can be extremely overwhelming.

We were fortunate to find the NBN group (who provide our nursing, DME, respiratory services and Infusions). What they have done for us besides providing these specialized services has made it possible to live each day and, mostly, enjoy each day.

Our nurses have given us strength to get to the next hurdle, enlightened us as to their experiences and provided us with invaluable resources.

The NBN respiratory and DME personnel have come to our home at 3am, when a piece of equipment malfunctioned and were more than courteous, so that our child could attend school the following morning. Our supervisors in each division have treated our child with respect, compassion and uppermost, as a sick child, never as a name or number.

If our son could speak I know that he would simply say, “thank you� for the quality of life that NBN has made possible for him.

2 Pin Oak Lane, Suite 250 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08003 Princeton Forrestal Village 116 Village Blvd., Suite 200 Princeton, NJ 08540

856-669-0211 www.nbngroup.com

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4 | August 2011

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August

MOM 2011

CEO/Publisher: Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Executive Editor Adrienne Richardson • (856) 305-3490 adrienne@southjerseymom.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Randi Bresalier • (856) 986-9606 randi@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries: randi@superiorgx.com (856) 986-9606 chris@superiorgx.com (609) 670-1794 Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisa@southjerseymom.com Photographer Janel Warner JCP Portraits www.jcpportraits.com Contributing Writers Angela De Groot, Kara Ferraro, Jeanette Giza, Megan Horsman, Victoria M Lees, Blythe Lipman, Fran LoBiondo, Belinda J Mooney, Dr. Sarah Paterson, Jamie Roes, Shannon L. Sadler, David Thompson and Andrea Woroch Submit Calendar Listing: calendar@southjerseymom.com www.southjerseymom.com Created by Markations Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499 Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM monthly and distributes it throughout the region.

The publication is available free of charge at select locations.

Subscriptions $29.99 per year.

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher.

Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 Wenonah, NJ 08090 Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524

www.southjerseymom.com

Buzz met my new cousins when I was 9.

My aunt married into a ready-made family and was thrilled to have a house full of children – three boys and a girl. I really liked having someone to play with when we visited.

Playing Rummy with the adults got really boring. I thought my boy cousins were the cutest boys on earth, until my uncle shaved their heads. Every year they got their summer haircuts. ”It’s cooler and less trouble,” my uncle insisted. I exaggerate. He did not shave their heads bald. He gave them a crew cut – a buzz.

In a matter of minutes they were transformed into little buzzard triplets. They were not really triplets… and they liked it. I did not understand. Somehow, I did not like them as much anymore – probably a girl thing.

At the register next to me the other day were a dad and his young son. Both were sporting dyed and spiked hair and dad’s face was pierced just about everywhere you could hang a bangle. So I think to myself, maybe the green and orange hair honored their favorite sports team, but all those facial piercings… really dad? I wonder what dad does for a living. Then I feel guilty and wrong for being judgmental. Who do I think I am anyway?

My mother always told me never to judge people by the way they look. Inconsistent with her advice was her remark after I cut my waist length hair to chin length. I was 18. “That was your best feature,” did not help my self-confidence. I retaliated the next weekend by driving

I

[

On the COVER Cutest Kid In Town Winner: Leigha, age 5, is from Sewell. She likes to play dress up, tee ball, cheerleading and to go swimming. She loves to shop too! She also loves her family, especially all her cousins. Photo by Janel Worner at JCP Portraits, Cherry Hill; www.jcpportraits.com.

Special thanks to Budds Pools, www.buddspools.com.

nana’s 2 sense

South Jersey

to Wisconsin with my girlfriend to get a tattoo. Twenty-some years later I had it removed.

Make one little change out of your norm and people who claim to know you might just decide you are not the same person. Funny how changing the package can influence our idea of what is in the package. Through the years, I have witnessed rebellious children use hair as the tool for revenge. The boys grow it and the girls shave it. It’s a great in-your-face, shockthe-parents tactic. The child’s defense is quite logical. “Hey, it’s not like it’s permanent. Hair grows back.”

Years ago I visited one of my four grown cousins. It was great fun to reminisce. His hair may have grown back during the years I did not see him, but I have to wonder if those summer buzz cuts did have something to do with his current baldness.

I wonder what my friends will say if I pierce my nose or dye a pink streak in my white hair. They might just say I’d lost my mind.

I think it might be fun, maybe even liberating.✲

—Nana

Jean

Nana Jean is a South Jersey grandmother with two daughters and six grandchildren. Enjoy her stories about her 39+ years as a mom and 20 years as a grandmother as she shares her experiences and lessons learned with lots of laughs and tears along the way.

] August 2011 | 5

life sentences

The Dark Schmutz of

I

was walking from the drug store to my car one sunny morning when my sandal started to feel a little lumpy. I turned it over to look and sure enough, a wad of gum was mashed into the treads of my sole.

I have but one reaction for everything on the ground that recently came from someone’s mouth, nose or lung: dry heaves.

It’s why I don’t watch baseball. It’s inevitable that if I watch baseball for five minutes, there will be a close-up shot of a guy spitting whatever he’s chewing onto the dirt. How can they slide into home base knowing that mess is on the ground? And who wants to do their germy laundry?

The sad thing is, for every sports hero who spits on camera, there are five young fans who get the message: Want to look menacing to the competition? Spit like a baboon.

Not long ago, our sidewalks were littered with cigarette butts. Now it appears that everyone who quit smoking took up gum chewing and their leavings are not as easy to sweep up with a broom or scrape off your shoe. Have we really evolved?

my Sole

Sometimes I forget myself and actually watch where I’m walking. Ninety-five percent of the time, plus or minus one percent, I’ll see a great shining green glob that someone hawked up and left to trigger my gag reflex.

One rule I stick to: Never, ever touch the underside of a restaurant table or a kid’s desk.

Only the janitor knows what evil lies beneath.

Here’s a fun history fact. Chewing gum has been around the Americas for hundreds of years in the form of chicle, a resin from the sapodilla tree in southern Mexico and Central America. The Mayans and Aztecs used it to quench thirst, stave off hunger and freshen the breath, according to Smithsonian Magazine. But there were rules. It was fine for Aztec children to chew in public, one 16th century Spanish missionary noted, but “women who dared chew chicle in public were viewed as harlots, while men who did so were effeminates.”

Take that, baseball spitter boys.

I hate to say it, but the Brits are way ahead of the Yanks in solving this issue. In 2003, they formed a grass-roots group, GumTarget, to address the problem of littered gum.

Their credo: “Responsible Gum Chewing is Essential.”

GumTarget has plaBy Fran LoBiondo ced placards in parks, in stadiums and on light posts in town centers, often surrounded with flowers. The posters read, “Stick it, don’t flick it,” or “Like it or hate it – you chews.” One target has photos of celebrities and politicians under the caption, “Who deserves your gum?” People just walk up and stick their wad on the target.

Brilliant, what?

Sadly, we have no initiative like GumTarget here in the States. But I might become the first politician to run a “No Public Spitting” campaign. Everyone would vote for me, except the harlots and effeminates.✲ Fran LoBiondo of Vineland has children in grade school, high school and college. A Purdue University graduate with a degree in Journalism, she has written about parenting, food and fun for 25 yrs.

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mom 2 mom

Early Childhood Milestones:

WHEN SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

By Dr. Sarah Paterson • Find objects even when hidden under two or three covers • Begin to sort by shapes and colors • Begin to play make-believe

P

arents often worry whether their young child is on track in his or her development. It’s important to remember that each child grows at different rates. Despite normal developmental differences, there are specific milestones children should meet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following guidelines for milestones that should be reached by age 2. If you are concerned your child is not meeting these milestones, contact your pediatrician right away. A call or extra visit to the pediatrician may help get your child early help that can get him or her back on the right track.

Early childhood is a time of immense change and growth. Your child should be making progress across many different domains, including cognitive, language, physical and social development. Each of these is important to the well-being of your son or daughter.

Cognitive Development Cognitive development influences how a person thinks, perceives and learns about the world. Even newborn babies are aware of their surroundings and are processing information. By age two, children are inquisitive and are learning at an extraordinary rate. At this age, children should be able to:

8 | August 2011

Language Development Many 2-year-olds are very talkative, but it can sometimes take extra effort to understand exactly what they are saying. It’s been estimated that between 18 months and 2 years of age, children are learning up to 63 new words a week. During this time period, children should: • Point to an object or picture when it’s named for them • Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts • Say several single words (by 15 to 18 months) • Use simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months) • Use 2- to 4-word sentences (by 24 months) • Follow simple instructions • Repeat words overheard in conversation Movement Motor milestones are probably the easiest to spot and, for that reason, can cause parents the most anxiety when these milestones are not met, especially when parents see early walkers zooming around the playground while their child is yet to take a step. Remember every child is different, but by 2 most children can: • Walk alone • Pull toys behind them while walking • Carry a large toy or several toys while walking • Begin to run • Kick a ball • Climb onto and down from furniture unassisted • Walk up and down stairs holding on to support Hand and Finger Skills These skills are sometimes referred to as fine motor skills. Even at a young age, these abilities are important because they form the foundation for early writing. By age 2, most children:

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• Can scribble on their own • Can turn over a container to pour out the contents • Can build a tower of four blocks or more • Might begin to show a preference for one hand over the other (for example, right- or left-handedness) Social and Emotional Development Sometimes social and emotional milestones can be more difficult to spot than more obvious things such as walking and talking. 2-yearolds generally: • Imitate the behavior of others, especially adults and older children • Are aware of themselves as separate from others • Are excited about being in the company of other children • Demonstrate increasing independence • Begin to show defiant behavior • Have separation anxiety around 30 months, which then fades When to be Concerned As a parent, you know your child best and are the person most informed about his or her development. Not meeting all of the milestones on this list, while perhaps insignificant in the long run, should trigger further evalua-

QUICK CHECK: Contact your pediatrician if, by age 2, your child: • Cannot walk (by 18 months) • Fails to develop a mature heel-toe walking pattern after several months of walking or walks only on his toes • Does not speak at least 15 words • Does not use two-word sentences • By 15 months, does not seem to know the function of common household objects (brush, telephone, bell, fork, spoon) • Does not imitate actions or words by the end of this period • Does not follow simple instructions • Cannot push a wheeled toy • Experiences a dramatic loss of skills he or she once had tion now. If you have any concerns – big or small – they are valid and should be brought up with your pediatrician. If your child is found to have a developmental delay of some kind, your physician can refer you for further assessments and help you put therapy and supports in place so your child gets the help he or she needs to reach his or her full potential.✲ Dr. Sarah Paterson is a developmental psychologist at the Center for Autism Research (CAR) at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is the director of the Infant

Neuroimaging Lab at CAR and is currently conducting the Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS). IBIS studies the development of infants from 6 months old through toddlerhood to measure developmental changes linked to autism spectrum disorders. The study is currently looking for participants. Infants who are under the age of 12 months and have an older brother or sister (with or without autism) may be eligible to participate. Visit www.centerforautismresearch.com for more information.

Paterson is also the principal investigator of a formative research project with the National Children’s Study examining new methods to detect indicators of autism in 3-year-olds.

New Toddler Program Opening September 2011

The Center for Autism Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is looking for participants for a research study focusing on early brain development.

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August 2011 | 9

Get the basics on

ECZEMA, PSORIASIS and ACNE

By Angela De Groot

S

kin conditions can be uncomfortable, unsightly and erode a child’s self-image. If you are unsure whether a rash is poison ivy, eczema, ringworm or swimmer’s itch, consult with your physician for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition that appears as dry, red, itchy patches on the scalp, face, arms, legs and buttocks. Exposure to fragrances, dyes and coarse fabrics, as well as fluctuations in body temperature and stress can aggravate the condition.

Psoriasis is a life-long condition that presents on the scalp, elbows, knees and trunk as thick, red, itchy patches of skin with silver-white scales. Psoriasis is NOT contagious. Typically, there is a family predisposition to the condition.

Both eczema and psoriasis occur due to an immune system malfunction. Eczema results in a hypersensitivity of the skin and psoriasis in the over-production of skin cells and accumulation of dead skin. Board certified pediatric dermatologist, Steven M. Manders, M.D., says that eczema is seen in families with a predisposition to “atopic diseases” like asthma and seasonal allergies. Young children may outgrow their eczema but they may maintain skin sensitivity.

Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged. Manders explains that a change in the lipid content of the epidermis leads to come-

dones (plugged pores) which cause excess sebum (oil) in the pore. This allows a naturally occurring bacterium to contribute to an inflammatory response. When the plug breaks open, swelling and red bumps form. If the inflammation occurs deep with the skin, painful cysts may form. Acne can be triggered by hormonal changes and greasy cosmetics or hair products.

Manders says no links have been established between food allergies and psoriasis or acne. “The most intriguing evidence for a dietary link with acne is that of worse acne correlating with a high glycemic diet – foods with high sugar content, especially processed sugar, junk foods, etc. While omega-3 has many health benefits, there is no evidence that it’s at all helpful for eczema or psoriasis.”

Treatment The goal is to control symptoms, prevent infections and minimize discomfort. Your physician can help you devise a treatment plan that may include medication (topical, systemic and antibiotic), a skin care regimen and lifestyle changes.

The medication and skin care help control symptoms, infection and the associated discomfort. Good skin care may reduce the need for medication. Lifestyle changes involve avoiding anything that irritates the skin and aggravates the symptoms.

For eczema and psoriasis, it’s important to keep the skin well moisturized with products that are alcohol, fragrance, dye and chemical free. Bathe in tepid water and gently cleanse the skin. Pat the skin dry, don’t rub. Apply lubricating creams while the skin is still damp to trap the moisture inside the skin. An in-home humidifier can be helpful. Avoid scratching which can lead to infection. Keep fingernails trim and wear cotton gloves to reduce nighttime scratching.

For acne, gently and thoroughly cleanse your skin with a mild soap morning and night and after exercise. Do not squeeze pimples as this tends to make the acne worse and can cause scarring. Use water-based or “noncomedogenic” cosmetics and creams. Shampoo daily

if you have oily hair. Avoid touching your face and keep your hair away from acne-prone areas.

If a skin care regimen and over-the-counter acne medication are not helping or if the acne is severe and scarring, consult with a dermatologist to discuss stronger medications and treatment options.

Natural Treatment Alternatives For Eczema: Sea salt baths help to remove dead skin, soothe inflammation, improve circulation and hydrate tissue. Oatmeal compresses can relieve itchiness. Tea tree oil has many healing properties and is very effective in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

For Psoriasis: Olive oil massaged into the skin or scalp prior to bathing helps moisturize the skin and soften scales. This can be especially effective when covered by plastic wrap or a shower cap so the oil is better absorbed by the skin. According to the Psoriasis Foundation, an apple-cider vinegar dip may soothe inflammation and ease itching.✲

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56 Summer Boredom Busters

By Kara Ferraro he lazy days of summer will soon be over.

By this time, the kids start to mutter those dreaded two words—“I’m bored.”

Here’s a list of 56 budget friendly games to play, places to go and things to do and make that will help kiss the end-of-summer doldrums good-bye!

T

PLACES TO GO: 1. Go fly a kite.

2. Go play miniature golf.

3. Go berry picking.

4. Go to an ice skating rink.

5. Go horseback riding.

6. Go to a marine or environmental learning center.

7. Go on a camping trip—the backyard will do!

GAMES TO PLAY: 8. Play Charades.

9. Play some ball—kick ball, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc.

10. Play in the rain—jump in some puddles.

11. Play the Freeze dance game. www.southjerseymom.com

Photo by JCP Portraits

THINGS TO MAKE: 12. Build a fort—chairs, towels and old sheets work fine.

13. Create a time capsule together.

14. Create a family tree and spend time researching it together.

15. Start a scrap book.

16. Make homemade potato chips or fries.

17. Learn Macramé.

18. Make homemade pizza.

20. Learn Origami.

21. Paint a piece of furniture.

22. Make fresh squeezed orange juice.

23. Make a bird feeder.

24. Make homemade ice cream.

25. Learn how to knit or crochet.

26. Paint some jeans or a t-shirt.

27. Tie dye something.

28. Start a journal.

29. Create a lemonade stand.

30. Put together a first aid kit for your home and automobile.

THINGS TO DO: 31. Teach the kids to bob for apples. Dance together—go ahead, teach them the Electric Slide.

32. Lie down on the ground and watch the clouds together.

33. Plant something! A few seeds in a planter will do.

34. Wash the car.

35. Learn CPR. 36. Learn yoga together.

37. Teach your child to sew on a button.

38. Teach your child to set a table.

39. Have a water balloon fight.

40. Learn some sign language or a foreign language.

41. Have a backwards day. Have dinner for breakfast, dessert before dinner and so on.

42. Teach your child to write in cursive.

43. Donate your time at a local food bank or back-to-school supply drive.

44. Talk about yourself—tell them stories about what it was like when you were their age…old pictures and yearbooks work great!

45. Teach your child to sew, braid, tie shoes or make a knot, use the dishwasher, dryer, change a tire or any other lifelong skill worth learning. (Age appropriate of course!)

46. Do a puzzle—get a huge 1,000-piece puzzle and put it in a place that you can keep it for a while until it gets completed.

47. Invite over a few friends for a sleepover.

48. Have a pillow fight.

49. Take a cooking class.

50. Clean out the closets and donate stuff to a favorite charity or cash in on consignment.

51. Try to learn to juggle.

52. Have a tea party. (Hot cocoa will do too!)

53. Hold a watermelon seed spitting contest.

54. Redecorate a room.

55. Come up with a business plan for babysitting, lawn mowing, lemonade stand or anything your child has an interest in.

56. Talk to them about what they want to be when they grow up and research what they need to do to accomplish that goal.

Kara Ferraro is a publisher and freelance writer with two elementary aged children. She is always looking for clever, budget friendly activities to do with her family.

August 2011 | 11

Make Healthier Food Choices

With Your Children

By Jamie Roes

o you remember learning about the four food groups back in elementary school? Or maybe you were taught the food pyramid instead? This year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) who created the food groups in the 1950s and the food pyramid in the 1990s revamped their way of teaching children proper nutrition by introducing the Healthy Plate.

The Healthy Plate does not focus on numbers of servings or ounces of food to consume in a day. Instead, it’s a picture of a plate with color-coded layout displaying what a healthy meal should look like.

Half of the plate is filled with fruits and vegetables and the remaining half is divided among the other important food groups to make a healthy meal: whole grains, lean proteins and low fat dairy. While this program is a wonderfully simple way for our children to remember what they should be eating daily, it does not necessarily make the consumption of healthier choices any more appealing to our youngsters. Below are some alternatives to encourage our children to eat healthier, more balanced diets.

D

1. Make your own trail mix. Place items such as dried cranberries, raisins, honey oat cereal, raw pumpkin seeds, sesame snack sticks, sunflower seeds, peanuts, walnuts, almonds and even a few chocolate coated candies into separate containers. Give your child a plastic bag and a spoon and let them shovel their favorites into the bag to create their very own trail mix.

2. Make your own fruit smoothie. Pull out your blender, some ice, milk, juice and a variety of fruits and let your child make their own fruit smoothie! Fruit smoothies are also a great place to hide some healthy ingredients such as, tofu, flax seed, rolled oats and kale. The kale makes the smoothie turn into a great green color!

Get creative with your child and have fun making healthy meals and snacks together!âœ˛

Serve It A New Way We live in a visual society and children sometimes need to see their food presented a new way in order for it to become appetizing again.

1. Most children love fruit, but seeing the same bowl overflowing with grapes just loses its appeal after a while. Cut up fruits using a cookie cutter for some fancy shaped fruit and then slide the pieces onto plastic straws for a new twist.

2. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Freezing yogurt is a great way to add dairy into a diet but without all the fat and sugar found in regular ice cream. Pour yogurt into ice pop mold, add small blueberries and sliced strawberries and freeze overnight.

Let Them Have It Their Way Here are some easy ways to let children have their way and still get them to eat healthier options:

12 | August 2011

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By Andrea Woroch

ummer seems to be the season for love but in order to spark a romantic connection worthy of the sizzling heat, parents, whether single or married, need a night away from their kids. As exciting as that may sound, tight family finances make it difficult for moms and dads to get out of the house – let alone have fun without the worry of their wallet on their mind.

With a little savvy planning though, parents can create magical dates without blowing their budgets.

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Enjoy an At-Home Date If finding a babysitter last minute is out of the question and budget, put the kids to bed early and create a romantic date-like experience at home. Set the mood with a candle lit dinner and dancing for two under the stars in your backyard.

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Banish Booze Even if you find a dining deal – like an early-bird special – a couple drinks can greatly add to the bill.You might want to hit a restaurant that does not serve booze or make it an afternoon date. Otherwise, plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices.

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Do-It-Yourself Creativity goes a long way so plan a picnic and pack a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and portable speakers with your date’s favorite music uploaded to your iPod.

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Find Freebie Dates Not all dates are intended to include dinner and a movie. For a fun date idea that does not cost a dime, consider events and activities in your area that are free like hiking, biking or browsing a local flea market. Otherwise, many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment.

Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ.

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Seek Smart Advice from Your Phone Use your mobile phone to find local deals and date ideas. The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that are sure to impress. The app randomly selects a “thing to do” for your next evening on the town, some of which won’t bust your budget.

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Makeshift Movie Night Instead of shelling out $20 for movie tickets plus the cost of popcorn, soda and candy, consider hosting a movie night at home. You can pick up free DVDs from your local library or $1 rentals from Redbox. Recreate a theater like experience at home with fresh popcorn (extra butter per request) and your date’s favorite candy. Then dim the lights and make sure to turn your cell phones off!

Stop stressing about money by following these eight frugal dating tips:

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Frugal Dating Tips for Parents

Battling Babysitting Costs Dependable babysitters are often expensive and can quickly hike up the total cost of a night on the town.

Instead of hiring a teenager or nanny to watch the tots, consider swapping services with neighbors, co-workers, family or friends for a free night or afternoon out.

Dial Into Online Discounts Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals – up to 50 percent off – on such entertainment experiences as wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs. Buy a gift card at a discount from sites such as GiftCardGranny.com. They will save you anywhere from 5 to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities.

The trick to a successful date is having fun and not stressing out.Your spouse will enjoy spending time with you whatever you do, regardless of how much money you spend.✲ Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch has been featured as a media expert source on NBC’s Today Show, MSNBC, FOX & Friends, CNN.com, ShopSmart Magazine and many more. For more info visit www.AndreaWoroch.com.

856.582.1144 • www.bbanj.net www.southjerseymom.com

August 2011 | 13

Tips For TrAnsiTioning BACk inTo The WorkForCe

1. STAY INVOLVED. Keep your network going if there is even a slight chance you will go back to work one day. At the least, have lunch with ex-colleagues every few months, says Mercy Eyadiel, director of alumni career services at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

2. GET BACK IN THE GAME. Join a professional organization and attend conferences to make contacts and catch up on best practices. Take courses. After 16 years at home, Roberta Wood, 49, a divorced mother of two teens, is studying accounting.

She joined the college accounting club and attends networking events.

3. MAKE YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK COUNT. Put your pro bono accomplishments on your resume. And get a reference 14 | August 2011

from a key person at the nonprofit, says Eyadiel. Or follow Kim Culligan’s example. She turned a six-year, threehour-a-week volunteer gig at nonprofit Girls on the Run into a paid job as New Jersey regional director.

4. REDEFINE SUCCESS. Do not raise the bar so high that you feel like you are missing it. A big, prestigious company might be your dream, but a smaller company might offer more flexibility.

5. FIND THE RIGHT FIT. Look for a recruiter that meets your needs. Mom Corps, On-Ramps and other placement firms specialize in companies recognized for giving more than lip service to work-life balance.✲ Money Magazine, March 2007

Common Questions Your Future Boss Might Ask

By Shannon L. Sadler

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any stay-at-home moms feel pressure at job interviews, especially about questions concerning their most recent endeavors. What makes you a viable asset to the company? What are some of your most recent achievements? These questions can seem very daunting to parents who have been out of work for an extended period of time.

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Take some time to think of your accomplishments as a parent. If an employer asks you to describe a time when you had to work with a group of people to achieve a common goal, tell them about a family, neighborhood or church event you may have helped organize.

Another question that can feel like the kiss of death in a job interview is “Describe your strengths and weaknesses.” Unlike your strengths, weaknesses can be tricky and require a bit of cleverness. Refrain from answers like, “I am not particularly computer savvy.” Instead, look for a quality that may be a negative for you, but a positive for your employer.

For example, a response like, “I am a perfectionist,” or “I tend to take on lots of projects at once.” (Don’t forget to mention that you complete those projects).

Do not assume being out of the workforce loop will make you less valuable to an employer. Job interviews are not just about the skills but the caliber of the person.✲

how to Address Your Work history gaps

By Shannon L. Sadler

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or stay-at-home moms, returning to work can bring on more than just separation anxiety. Staying at home creates a large gap in employment history. Many moms wonder: does staying at home with your child qualify as a previous occupation?

Most mothers agree that incorporating their time as a stay-at-home mom in a resume is perfectly acceptable. Be sure to highlight any kind of involvement in activities during your time as a stay-at-home mom. For example, if you have participated in PTA, organized events for the local MOMs club, or even participated in any volunteer work, it will help show employers you have still been very active in your time away from the con-

ventional work world. It’s also helpful to highlight skills utilized during that time, like management, event planning and schedule maintenance. Remember, parenthood is not without its own set of special skills.

Highlight accomplishments, but do not over-embellish. List “full-time parent” as most current occupation and try to stay away from titles like “domestic engineer” or “homemaker.” Some mothers actually prefer to list “fulltime parent” as an occupation to help filter out employers who may not be completely family-friendly. If listing “full-time parent” still concerns you, try a resume format that focuses on occupation and skills rather than chronology.✲

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WORKSHOPS: • Child Development Skills • Facing the Bully • Better Business Tips • Positive Discipline • Marketing Strategies • CDA Classes • Etc.

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August 2011 | 15

Make a Smooth Transition Back to School

By Victoria M. Lees n the slow pace of summertime, reinforcement of educational skills can be accomplished in a relaxed atmosphere, but the transition to a new school year should begin well before school doors open.

Teachers and parents agree summertime is the best time to read with children. Reading to children of all ages benefits everyone involved.

It’s quality time spent together investigating cultures, history and fantasy.

It encourages a love of reading, word recognition, critical thinking skills and develops the art of discussion.

Donna Scheurenbrand, a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Yellin School in Stratford, recommends parents of older readers read along and discuss the books being read. “Read books made into movies. Once the book is complete go to the movie and discuss the similarities and differences between the movie and the book,” she suggests.

“Reading together strengthens the bond you share,” says Elisabeth Simon, a teacher at Bishop Schad Regional School in Vineland. She also suggests parents play the “I spy” game with younger children spying things that “make a particular sound, begin with a certain letter or is a specific shape.”

Teachers and parents also agree good readers make better writers.

Eileen Reuter, a first grade teacher at Parkview School in Stratford, suggests children write a sentence a day about a trip or special happening and then combine the sentences into a creative writing. “Add a cover and photos or illustrations and you will have a product to share with your class and new teacher,” says Reuter.

Scheurenbrand suggests students keep a journal of all the fun things they learn over the summer as a review for writing skills. Parents need to write back to their children in the journals as the students write more when they see parents involved in the process.

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Prevent Summer Slideback Parents can be summer “teachers” by reviewing number, letter and word recognition with their children using empty worksheets from class workbooks or you can also download them from the Internet for free.

Veronica Glogau, a second grade teacher at Bishop Schad recommends parents purchase Summer Bridge Activities books by Rainbow Publishing available in local teacher stores and online. Sheri Wilsey of Stratford uses these books for her new fifth grader, Robby, and second 16 | August 2011

grader,Tori. “You work a page a day throughout the summer,” Wilsey says, “and the book suggests a reward, like a sleepover or going to the movies.”

Repetition is essential in learning, according to teachers.

Summertime is a great time to play flashcard word or math memory games with children. Choose a time when both you and your child are rested – right after breakfast but before friends visit, during a younger sibling’s nap, or in the early evening after dinner to get your child ready for the school year and homework.

Reuter suggests parents count money with their children and ask them to tell the time. Demonstrate the everyday use of math and science in cooking, gardening and shopping.

Preparing for the School Year Be sure to include your children in the back-to-school process. Have discussions about lunches, clothing and school supplies and make lists together, suggests Jeanette Higginbotham, a second grade teacher at Cramer College Preparatory Lab School in Camden.

Take the children shopping, allowing them to select the proper articles needed. Label all school supplies. Remind children to pack book bags and lunches the night before. And most importantly, Higginbotham says, “discuss with your child the arrival/dismissal procedures for the upcoming school year. Be sure your children know who will be picking them up from school.”

Lastly, make sure your child gets enough sleep. It’s very difficult for students to concentrate and focus in school if they are tired. Parents may need to help their children transition back into the school time schedule, starting with going to bed earlier and getting up earlier.

A good way to achieve this without complaint is to do it slowly. Do it in ten minute increments, spreading it out over the course of a few weeks – ten minutes earlier, a few days at a time, to bring your child back to the school time schedule. To help get your child up early for breakfast, make their favorite breakfast foods.

Transitioning from a summer schedule to a new school year can be stress free if you follow some of these suggestions and begin several weeks before the school doors open.✲

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Preparing for Kindergarten— Easing Those First Day Jitters

By Belinda J. Mooney hether your child is entering preschool or kindergarten, starting school for the first time can be stressful for kids as well as parents.

There are several things parents can do to alleviate the first day “jitters” for their child and themselves. Being prepared ahead of time will prevent many of the problems that can occur on the first day at school.

Here are some great ways for parents to start the school year off.

The education experts at Scholastic shared some of their tips as well.

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Request the class list — If parents can obtain a student roster for their child’s upcoming class and arrange play dates, the children can get to know one another before school starts. Seeing families and friendly faces on the first day will help a child feel more comfortable.

Request a school handbook — Set aside time to review the school handbook together so kids know the rules and understand what is expected of them.

Shop for supplies together — Shopping for new school supplies together is a fun ritual that helps children mark the transition between summer and school days. Let children have a choice about what to buy, keeping in mind budget and the school supply list. The more say children have, the more likely they are to anticipate the new school year with a positive attitude.

Discuss daily activities — If kids know what keeps their parents busy throughout the day, they can make the connection that going to school, like when mom and dad go to work, is a job to be taken seriously.

Prepare to meet the new teacher — Introductions are in order!

If the occasion presents itself, seize the opportunity for the child to meet the new teacher before the first day of school. Parents can also help kids learn the new teacher’s name and how to spell it. Have your child draw a picture to give to the teacher on the first day.

Parents should meet the teacher. It would be wonderful if the teacher could make a home visit. That would help the teacher get to know the child better. A visit to the kindergarten class also offers a real advantage because they’ll know what to expect.

www.southjerseymom.com

Cut down on first morning frenzy — Have everything ready ahead of time. Pack your child’s lunch and help them pick out their favorite outfit the night before. Lay out all their supplies so they can grab them first thing in the morning.

Take a Tour — Visit the school and check out your child’s classroom.

Find the bathrooms and the cafeteria. Walking through the school before hand takes away some of the strangeness of a new place.

Spend some special time together — As school approaches, spending extra time with your child can make them feel more secure when they are away from you. Don’t linger on that first morning, it only makes it worse, but plan for some together time after school. With a little help from you, your child can have a great experience at school and learn to love learning.✲

August 2011 | 17

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CUMBERLAND OFFICE 415 West Landis Ave. Suite 202 Vineland, NJ 08360 Phone: 856.462.6800 Fax: 856.462.6801

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Sachi Fashion Lunch Handbags Sachi Lunch Bags are insulated, fashionable lunch bags suitable for school or work. Stylish and roomy enough to double as a handbag, while keeping food hot or cold as desired. Zips closed and lays flat for refrigerator storage. Variety of styles and colors. $14.99-$23.99, www.sachi-bags.com

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Zoo Packs The Zoo Pack is the little kid backpack where “fun meets function!” Whimsical details and durable materials make this the perfect on-the-go pack for kids onthe-go! BPA-free, Phthalate-free. Features roomy main compartment, insulated pouch for snacks, adjustable mesh bottle pocket, adjustable comfy straps, write-on nametag inside and easy to clean lining. $20, www.skiphop.com

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iFrogz Headphones & Accessories Listen. Headphones are a dime a dozen. A headphone that receives equal points for personality and functionality, however, is a rare find. The iFrogz custom headphones are comfortable and a perfect fit, featuring superior sound quality without sacrificing any style elements. Favorites include the CS40s, Toxix, Throwbax and Luxe — or choose the colors, fabrics, cushion and elements to personalize the pair to your specific taste. $14.99, www.ifrogz.com Chaco Children’s Shoes Chaco shoes are made for the active child. All Chaco kids shoes feature a kid-tuned LUVSEAT™ arch support for proper alignment for growing bodies as well as an EcoTread™ outsole made with 25% recycled content. Fun webbing designs keep kids playful, while necessary support and traction keep mom and dad happy. $55 and up, www.chacos.com Sanuk Yoga Mat Sandals for Women Not enough time to hit the mats? You’ll feel like you haven’t missed a single pose in yoga class with this Sanuk favorite. And yes, they’re made out of real yoga mats. Available in several styles, from the classic wide strap in bright and bold colors, to a thin metallic strap. There is even a luxe leather version and animal prints. $28-32, www.sanuk.com

just born

Looking for the latest gadgets, toys, books or family related products? Look no further! Each month, we highlight the latest and greatest just for you. Take a look at these “just born” products and add them to your list of must haves!

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Lunchopolis Lunch box Enviro Products®’ Lunchopolis line of lunch gear not only helps eliminate brown bag waste with their garbage-free lunchboxes, but also reduces the need for sandwich bags, tinfoil, juice boxes and other unnecessary waste. Each Enviro Products® Lunchopolis lunchbox comes with one drinking bottle and four modular containers that are all reusable.

BPA-free. Dishwasher and microwave safe. $29.95, Available at Natural Health in Clementon, Essential Elements in Northfield &Whole Foods in Marlton

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Lotty Dotty Shirts Lotty Dotty, a Paris- based clothing company is proud to introduce their new interactive t-shirt, allowing girls to play dress up with a “paper doll like image” displayed on each shirt. The unique design allows the consumer to create an outfit by simply changing the clothes on the doll. Glam your doll up for a party, or dress her down for a casual lunch date using the mini accessories you can choose from. $50-90, www.lottydotty.com

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Office Max School Supplies Fun, vibrant and affordable, OfficeMax’s new back-to-school collections enable students to show off their personal style with fashionable gear while keeping their parents on budget. From holograph binders to rhinestone staplers, camouflage backpacks or designer notebooks, OfficeMax has a selection of school supplies for students K through college. Prices vary, Office Max stores

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Millions of Colors Clothing By blending simple patterns and striking colors with unique silhouettes, Millions of Colors captures the playful curiosity and cosmopolitan innocence of the young city-raised girl. Utilizing sumptuous fabrics, bold prints and a unique balance between youthfulness and maturity, Millions of Colors represents that young lady who aspires for greatness. For ages 2 to 14. Prices vary, www.lilswanky.com

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Knickerbockers Back to School UnderOuts give girls the freedom to run, jump and play without being restricted by their clothing. Plus, no more bulky gym shorts under skirts!

Girls can head back to school with confidence, comfort and style with this set. $17-22, Available at Nordstrom and www.knickerbocker-glory.com

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August 2011 | 19

know 2 grow

New Baby?

Forget the Schedule, Think Routine

By Blythe Lipman

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hhh, to hear that soft breathing and those wonderful sleep noises on the baby monitor is a lullaby to any new parent’s ears. But wait, do you hear crying? Oh no, the baby has only been asleep for fifteen minutes and you are so tired!

Sometimes you can stand on your head, bring in a violinist or a whole floor show and your baby will not eat, go to sleep or stay asleep for very long. Not having your baby in a good routine can be enough to put any sleep-deprived parent over the edge.

But let’s face it, babies cannot tell time. And everything is so new those first few months. Their days consist of eating, sleeping and pooping and certainly not scheduled. But the good news is that by three to four months, most babies will be on some sort of schedule. By then you will know how long she nurses or how much formula she takes, how long she will be awake between feedings and how long naps usually last.While there can be surprises, the getting-to-know-you period is over.

Here are some tips to help you and your precious little bundle get into a routine.

• Do not keep your house quiet. Remember, the womb was a noisy place. You want your baby to be able to sleep no matter what is going on.

• After the first month, wake your baby for a feeding every three hours during the day. This will start to establish a good routine and should help her sleep longer during the night.

• If you are bottle feeding and using powdered formula, fill the bottles with water in the morning so all you have to do is pour in the formula and shake. Most babies are fine with room temperature bottles. And remember, you do not have to feed her the minute she wakes up. Give her a little time to open her eyes, stretch and give you a smile.

• If your baby is drowsy and too tired to eat, try changing her diaper, singing or gently tickling her feet until she is awake and alert. It may take a few days to get her body used to mommy waking her up.

• Make sure to complete a feeding and not let your baby graze for the next few hours. She will never get enough to fill her tummy and take a good nap. And those hunger signals will come sooner than later.

• Establish a playtime ritual after each feeding whether it be tummy-time or just a walk outside to see the flowers.

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK The first thing to do is give yourself a break. “From birth to two months, just throw the whole concept of scheduling out the window,” says Ari Brown, M.D., coauthor of Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year.

Your infant is going to reverse day and night; she’s going to sleep through feedings and feed when you think she should be sleeping. She’s still trying to adjust to the world outside the womb.

Trying to get a little baby to adhere to a timetable is a recipe for frustration.

• While it may be tempting to let her sleep in the swing for hours on end, it’s not a good idea. You do not want awake time to start at midnight! Use the three hour rule above.

• When it’s time to go back to sleep, lay her down while she is awake and drowsy. Teaching your baby to go to sleep on her own will make everyone’s life much easier.

The most important thing to remember when trying to get your baby on a schedule is to be consistent. Once you find what works best, do it the same way each time. Every baby is different and there is no right or wrong way to do things. Trust yourself. Before you know it, your baby will be on a schedule that will make your heart smile.✲ Blythe Lipman is the president of Baby Instructions. She is passionate about babies, toddlers and their parents. After working in the field for over 25 years, she wrote her third award-winning book, HELP! MY BABY CAME WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS which is available at www.babyinstructions.com, Amazon.com and all major bookstores.You can hear Blythe’s weekly radio show on Wednesdays, 11am EST @ www.toginet.com. Blythe is available for in-home, video and telephone consultations. Become her Fan on Facebook and Twitter at Baby Instructions.

20 | August 2011

KINGDOM CARE EDUCATION AND COUNSELING SERVICES, LLC • Providing individual, family and group mental health therapy • Training for mental health agencies, school systems, parents and care givers

(856) 254-CARE Shannon White, MSW, LCSW—Owner Serving Cherry Hill, Gloucester, Winslow and Washington Townships

Call for information about our summer Socials Skills Mini-Camp!

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Touring SJH MaternityCare at home made me feel _______.

When I was deciding where to have my baby, I wanted a hospital that would deliver her my way.

That’s why I went to SJH MaternityCare. They offer tons of options—including traditional and water births, midwife deliveries, aromatherapy and more. During my V.I.P. tour they showed me how they would make everything just how I want it. They also showed me the gorgeous, private labor rooms. Plus there’s a specialist ready 24/7 if my baby needs special care, and a quality group of

FREE V.I.P. TOUR at South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center or Elmer Hospital

pediatricians available for support after the delivery. I’m happy that I chose SJH MaternityCare… and I’m looking forward to welcoming my little girl my own special way.

Call 1-888-SJH-WOMAN today to schedule your FREE V.I.P. tour, or visit www.maternitycaretour.com

Students at our special education schools experience a school day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.

Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment.

Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life.

With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational training, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support … along with plenty of smiles.

These unique services are provided at NO COST for families.

Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child.

Our staff can help answer your questions. To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at

Brookfield Schools

Park Academy And we make sure Garfield your Larc School —or visit our website at 1-800-697-8555 child is ready for it. www.privatespecialedsnj.com Copyright

HollyDELL, Inc. Kingsway Learning Center St. John of God Community Services

2011 The Coalition of Southern New Jersey Private Special Education Schools

Private special education is an option for many children, and provided at no cost to families.

Finding the appropriate educational option for your child can sometimes be a complicated process. We have access to education and legal experts who can help you navigate through the process. For more information or for help in understanding your rights, call us at 1-800-697-8555. www.southjerseymom.com

August 2011 | 21

She’s graduating from high school... are you sure she’s ready?

We can help.

At age 18, students with intellectual or developmental disabilities may not be ready for adult life.

Bancroft now offers a specialized program on a college campus to prepare such students, ages 18-21, for their future:

The Bancroft School Transition Program at Camden County College This Bancroft program includes: • Educational focus based on each student’s IEP transition goals • Access to adult learning activities • Expanded social networks and involvement in college life • Improved opportunities for employment or other meaningful work • Increased opportunities for greater independence, responsibilities and successful adult life Full- and part-time schedules are available.

To learn more, contact Bancroft’s Admissions Department at

800.774.5516 www.bancroft.org | inquiry@bnh.org Founded in 1883, Bancroft is a leading nonprofit provider of services to people with neurological challenges.

22 | August 2011

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HELP!

I’m a New Mom I Don’t Know What to Do

Survival 101—Taking Care of You

By Blythe Lipman ow, is the baby really here? I can’t believe it! While you waited nine long months for your baby to be born, you never really thought about how your life would change. When your friends said you would never have a minute to yourself, you thought, “I can’t wait to be a mother, who needs free time?”

The baby is now 3 weeks old. You cannot remember the last time you showered, your shirt has spit-up on it, you did not eat all day and you have never been so tired in all your life. And you are wondering if you will ever have time to take care of yourself again.

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MAKE YOURSELF A PRIORITY: Do not forget to eat. You need your energy to take good care of your baby. Without fuel your car just will not run!

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While Grandma is as excited about the baby as you are, establish some ground rules for visiting and hanging out from the very beginning. It will help ease any hard feelings that may come up. Gently let her know you need some time to ease into your new routine.

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If Grandma does get hard feelings, let your husband talk to her.

Sometimes other people have a better way of getting mom to understand.

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When a friend offers to pick up your dry cleaning, go to the grocery store or do an errand, remember these words...“Thank you, you are such a good friend.” Throw away the “Supermom Suit.” No one’s handing out prizes.

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Sometimes a good cry is all you need. Give in to those tears.

Transitioning into motherhood is not easy. Get out the tissue box and let those tears flow. You will feel better.✲

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Try to stock up on healthy foods: fruit and vegetables, cheeses, multigrain bread, protein bars, etc. If you have good food at your fingertips, chances are you will take better care of yourself. And put your fruit in an attractive dish, ready to eat when that energy drain hits.

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Try to plan the grocery store trips without the baby or after a feeding.

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When you do go to the grocery store, buy yourself a special treat. A candy bar, a magazine, special food, something that is just a little indulgence and will make you feel good about taking care of yourself.

A little self-pampering never hurt anyone!

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If the thought of exercising sends you over the edge, just take a walk each day. It’s so important for your mind and body. Getting the baby out in the fresh air is an added plus.

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Even though you always did your own laundry, cleaned your own house, mowed your own lawn, do not feel guilty about hiring a professional to help those first few months…sometimes you just cannot do it all.

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Each time the baby has a feeding, drink some water. Staying well-hydrated is so important.

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If possible, plan your shower-time when baby is napping. If she is awake, put her in the bouncy and bring it in the bathroom. A nice hot shower will make you feel human!

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It’s a fact of life that you are going to be up all hours of the night feeding the baby (she does not know what time it is). Do not turn on any unnecessary lights. Feed, burp and go back to bed (no need to change her diaper unless it’s poopy).

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While everyone is very excited about meeting your new little bundle, it’s okay to say, “No visitors today.” Wait until you are ready to handle more than just you and your baby.

www.southjerseymom.com

Blythe Lipman is the president of Baby Instructions. She is passionate about babies, toddlers and their parents. After working in the field for over 25 years, she wrote her third awardwinning book, HELP! MY BABY CAME WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONS which is available at www.babyinstructions.com ,Amazon.com and all major bookstores.You can hear Blythe’s weekly radio show on Wednesdays, 11am EST @ www.toginet.com. Blythe is available for in-home, video and telephone consultations. Become her Fan on Facebook and Twitter at Baby Instructions.

KITCHEN RENOVATION & FLOORING SPECIAL LET US DESIGN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!

856.769.2490 Come visit one of the largest showrooms in South Jersey— 16 full kitchens displays

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Countertops • Entertainment Centers Carpet • Vinyl • Laminate • Hardwood • Ceramic 3.5% Sales Tax

20 Old Salem Road • Woodstown, NJ

www.matteokitchens.com August 2011 | 23

Home Care for Children with Special Needs ) ) ) ) ) ) )

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Registration can be completed via telephone or in person. Classes must be paid in full on the sale day only. Valid for Fall session #1 & #2 only, no exchanges of classes or substitutions.

Canlan Ice Sports 2111 Industrial Way Vineland, NJ 08360 856.691.2222 www.icesports.com 24 | August 2011

Does your child suffer from

food allergies?

Allergy & Asthma Care can help!

A AC

Allergy & Asthma Care

Norman Koven, MD Pediatric Allergist Frederick Cogen, MD Family Allergist Min Ku, MD Family Allergist Haddonfield Office 213 Haddon Avenue Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Visit us at www.aacallergy.com 856.795.5600

Pavilions at Voorhees 2301 Evesham Road Suite 207 Voorhees, NJ 08043

856.651.9700

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

By Megan Horsman

Megan Horsman and children

T

wenty years ago I had not a care in the world. I joined the Navy and saw the world and my only responsibilities were to put gas in my car and write letters home. I was young, carefree and single. College could wait, right?

Fast forward ten years and suddenly I’m married and starting a family. Where did time go? I had finished a few college courses but nothing substantial towards a degree. How did chance find me at 37 years old with four children, going through a divorce with nothing to call a career? I felt alone and scared.

Then something happened. Beneath the tears, the fear and worry I softly flamed a flicker of hope and strength. Now was the time to build an everlasting foundation for myself and my children’s future. I qualified for Veteran’s educational benefits but also learned a lot about financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans.

I enrolled only in online courses my first year of college. My youngest child had not yet

started school and it was incredibly convenient for me. I had quite a few prerequisites to fill before starting the RN program at Cumberland County College. Then, when Ayden turned 5, it was time for both him and me to enter the traditional classroom.

We both had a hard time. The first few years of college I did not experience intense lectures, exams, clinicals or even skills tests that made me doubt my decision. And, at that time, my youngest Ayden would cling to my leg as I tried to leave for class, crying “Mommy please stay home, don’t leave!” My oldest son moping sadly, “do you have to go to class again?” These were the moments I thought about quitting.

But I never quit. I knew deep down that I was setting an example for my children. I was teaching them that no matter the odds you can realize your dreams with hard work and dedication…and never give up. My children adjusted. I never had anyone outside of family babysit. The crock pot was my friend.

I dove into my classes with gusto and felt like a sponge. My fear of being “too old” to learn was replaced with a hunger for knowledge. However, I needed to find a balance between mommy and student. I needed to do well in school but also still needed to do laundry, pay the bills, cook, clean and be involved with my children. I vowed that I would not study until the kids were in bed.

A few of my classes were in the evening so I studied during the day while the kids were in school. I was still home in time to tuck them

her story

Leading by Example

all into bed. In time, this balancing act started to take a toll on my stress level and my health so I incorporated an hour a day of exercise and started eating right.

I began at-home routines such as P90X, Insanity and Turbo Fire that not only boosted my health and fitness level but gave me more energy. I needed to keep up with my kids, their school work and activities and my endless reading and studying.

By taking good care of myself, I was a better parent, more focused and had more energy. I often dreamed of the day I would finally graduate. During our nursing class pinning ceremony, my journey finally became real. On stage I began to cry. I looked at all of my wonderful professors and silently thanked them for all they taught me. I looked at my children in the audience and hoped they would remember this day, the day Mommy became a nurse and realized her dream despite the odds.

With the uncertainty of tomorrow’s economy and what the future holds for anyone, the best thing we can do for our children is to lead by example. No matter what mountains there are to climb we must take one step at a time, be earnest and honest and kind along the way. Have dreams, follow those dreams and realize your own strengths as well as your own weaknesses. Do unto others and never take one moment for granted.

I have grown immensely as a person and a mother during my educational journey. We, as a family, are better for it. I plan on continuing my education while working and leading by example.✲ Megan Horsman graduated from Cumberland County College 2011 RN program, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was named Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities. She is currently enrolled at Wilmington University’s pre RN-BSN program.

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609.487.0488 www.southjerseymom.com

August 2011 | 25

business spotlight

Voorhees Allergist Specializes in Treating and Educating About Food Allergies

By David Thompson

hat people do not know about food allergies worries Dr. Richard Wachs. Pediatric food allergy is a significant and growing problem in our country. A recent study by researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine reported that 8 percent of children (about one in every 13) have a food allergy – and nearly two out of every five affected children suffer from a severe food allergy.

Wachs has focused his Garden State Allergy & Asthma Center in Voorhees on diagnosing and treating food allergies and educating the community so they are better aware of potential problems.

Treating those with food allergies, particularly children is very important to Wachs, as he believes it’s an underserved specialty. “I’m available 24/7 to my patients because I take their condition very seriously and am always ready to help,” says Wachs.

His local efforts were recognized nationally in April as the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) awarded him with the 15th Annual Mariel C. Furlong Award for “Making a Difference” in the health professional category. “Dr. Wachs is truly a role model for allergists across the country,” says Eleanor Garrow, FAAN’s Vice President of Education and Outreach. “We commend his dedication to his food-

W

allergic patients in caring for them and raising awareness about food allergies.”

Local mother Kim Leibovitz certainly appreciates his dedication.

She nominated him for the award because Wachs once stayed on the phone with her as her son experienced anaphylaxis, walking her through directions to administer epinephrine.

Wachs volunteers much of his time to advance the advocacy for food allergy in the community. He lectures to health care providers and the public through hospital sponsored forums and provides training for many school district staff members.

Food Allergy Connections – a support network Wachs created and is the physician advisor for – provides support for South Jersey families.

In addition to lecturing, he hosts the open support group at his office every other month on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting is August 3 and the public is invited.

“The most important information people need to understand about food allergies is that they affect not only the individual but the people around them,” Wachs says.

Causes & Symptoms The common foods to which children have a food allergy are peanuts, eggs and milk. However, any food may trigger an allergic reaction almost immediately after eating it.

Symptoms in a severe reaction may include wheezing and anaphylaxis (when the patient finds it hard to breathe and has an abrupt drop in blood pressure); swelling in the mouth or throat; rash or gastrointestinal problems. There may be milder or prolonged symptoms associated with a food allergy including ongoing rash or gastrointestinal symptoms.

“Food allergies can develop at any time of life. They may present with a sudden onset of severe symptoms or as less severe but persistent reactions with exposure to certain foods. It’s important to be evaluated by an allergist if you feel you may have a sensitivity to a food,” Wachs recommends.

After diagnosis, understanding the severity and impact on the individual is necessary. “One of the most important things I’ve learned is the need for every person involved with a food-allergic child or adult to completely understand what can happen when that person eats a food to which they’re allergic or are exposed to it in their environment.”

Wachs has seen plenty of cases when a relative or family friend might think the child can have just a little piece of something and they will be able to tolerate it. “Even tiny amounts can cause a severe allergic reaction,” Wachs warns.

Parents need to be diligent and go to great lengths to ensure their food-allergic child completely eliminates the foods and ingredients that cause a reaction. Wachs offers the following tips: • If you feel you may have a food allergy, seek the care of an allergist right away.

• Undergo proper testing.

• Work with the doctor to develop a plan of action.

• Educate family, friends and schools.✲ For more information about food allergies, contact Dr. Richard Wachs at (856) 753-8989 or visit www.FoodAllergyConnections.org.

26 | August 2011

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

All Kids First II ...a place to love All Kids First is proud to announce our second location for infants, toddlers & preschool ages

Our additional facility is located at 1317 S. Main Road, Vineland (From Magnolia Rd., turn onto Stewart St.) • Enrollment begins July 25, 2011 • Infant/Toddler: ages 1 month to 21⁄2 years • Preschool: ages 3-4 years • Accepting children from any district

Private Kindergarten available... ! ask for details

For registration and inquiries please call 856.405.0711 1385 Magnolia Road Vineland, NJ

www.allkidsfirstnj.com

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AUGUST

Giveaways!

H Veggie Tales: Princess and the Pop Star DVD H RIO DVD H THE iCarly Collection DVDs H Party in a Box DVD Set H Team Umizoom DVD

To purchase your subscription via mail, cut out the form and mail with payment to: Superior Graphics P.O. Box 2413, Vineland, NJ 08362 or purchase online at www.southjerseymom.com

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Calling All Little Learners!

Does your little one love to learn?

Experience Early Learning at The Ellison School

Classes filling up fast...call to reserve a spot!

856.691.1734 • www.ellisonschool.org

28 | August 2011

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

For a complete list of events, log onto www.southjerseymom.com

To submit your event, send an email to calendar@southjerseymom.com.

Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited.

ATLANTIC COUNTY American Idols Live!

August 13 at 7:30 p.m.

The #1 rated show in America returns for another summer jaunt, showcasing performances by this season’s top 11. AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE! 2011 lineup includes Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Stefano Langone, and Thia Megia. $45 & $65. Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

(609) 348-7000.

Atlantic City Air Show August 17 The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over The Boardwalk,“ is one of the most popular events in Atlantic City, with its heart-stopping feats, aerobatics maneuvers, formation flying and solo routines by military and civilian pilots. See flybys and demonstrations that reach up to 15,000 feet and as low as 50 feet over the water in front of the Atlantic City skyline. www.atlantic citynj.com/acairshow.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Bats, Bugs & Meteor Night Hike August 13 Search the sky for bats and meteors. $10/adult and $5/child.

Advanced registration required.

Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford. www.cedar run.org.

The Wizard of Oz August 17-19 See the show put on by summer camp members. Moorestown Theater Company, Hope Community Church, 235 W Main St, Moorestown. $12/adult, $8 children 12 and under.

(856) 778-8357 or www.moorestown theatercompany.org.

CAMDEN COUNTY Shark Week July 30-Aug 7 Celebrity shark experts, free shark squirts, sharks shows & more! Guests who come with a shark fin on their head get $2 off admission. Adventure Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Dr, Camden. $22.95/ adult, $17.95/ child (2-12). (856) 365-3300 or www.adventureaquarium.com.

Dino Tales August 6-25 In honor of the Museum’s Dinosaurium opening in the fall, Discovery Theatre continues its summer series with Dino Tales, familiar stories with a dinosaur twist. You might laugh and sing along with The Three Little Triceratops, The Stegosaurus Prince, Goldilocks and the Three Velociraptors, The T-Rex Prince and more on Tues, Wed and Thursdays. Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. (856) 424-1233, www.discovery museum.com.

Peach, Princess and Pirate Party Family Festival August 13 & 14 Join the party for NJ’s favorite summer fruit with crafts, a planting activity, and a treasure hunt. Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite Princess or Pirate costume and join us for some themed crafts.

Enjoy Jersey Peaches and peach products at the Peachy Concession Stand.

Camden Children’s Garden, Camden.

(856) 365-8733 or www.camdenchildrensgarden.org.

CAPE MAY COUNTY Down the Farm Weekend August 6 &7 Visit with your favorite barnyard animals, make take-home crafts, take a horse & carriage ride with Levi the Horse and celebrate all things on the American farm! Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. www.hcsv.org.

26th Annual Antique Show & Sale August 13 & 14 The Village is lined with furniture, collectibles, books, jewelry, ephemera and much, much more.

Saturday afternoon performance by the Bob Ferris Orchestra. Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May. www.hcsv.org.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

things 2 do

August Calendar

Live Music Friday nights from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy live music at Landis Marketplace on Landis Ave, Vineland. www.landismarketplace.com.

2011 Concert Series at Giampietro Park August 1, 8, 15, 22 at 7 p.m.

Come out and enjoy the free concerts and dancing on the adjacent dance floor. Giampietro Park, Vineland. www.vinelandcity.org.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY Family Fun Show August 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Children and families are invited to sing-a-long, dance-a-long and have fun with Paisley Pickles at Fasola Park, 12 Sycamore Ln, Deptford. For rainout info call (856) 251-6710.

Movie in the Park August 19 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Gather your family and friends, bring blankets and chairs to catch a free movie, "Gnomeo & Juliet" and popcorn at Gloucester County James G. Atkinson Memorial Park on Delsea Dr & Bethel Mill Rd in Sewell. Show begins at dusk (8-8:30). Raindate 8/20. Rainout info call (856) 589-0047.

Spectacular Summer of Giveaways We are so excited to continue our Spectacular Summer of Giveaways! South Jersey MOM is giving away one prize every week for 8 weeks this summer! You could win one of the following prizes: Week 6, August 7–A $50 gift certificate for jewelry of your choice from Premier Designs Jewelry Week 7, August 14–A $50 gift certificate for candles of your choice from PartyLite Week 8, August 21–A $75 Spa gift certificate HOW CAN YOU WIN? Entering is easy! There are just 2 things you must do!

1. “Like” South Jersey MOM on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM and “Like” us.

2. Subscribe to South Jersey MOM’s e-newsletter. It’s FREE! Just go to www.southjerseymom.com and enter your information in the Newsletter Sign Up box and be sure to click on “win prizes” and select the prize of your choice! www.southjerseymom.com

August 2011 | 29

resource guide

CAREGIVER SERVICES

Local moms earn extra income with home-based business!

Guardian Angels Sitting Service, LLC Plan to spend quality time alone with the one you love, while a “Guardian Angel watches over all that matters!”

Specializing in babysitting, pet sitting & elderly companionship. Licensed, bonded & insured. All caregivers screened. (609) 884-4968 or 1-877-470-4277, www.GuardianAngelsSittingService.com.

CLASSES

COMPUTER CLASSES FOR CHILDREN BY GIGATYKES! We creatively combine fun learning adventures with technology concepts to teach children to use computers as a tool.

Children operate their own individual laptop running proprietary software that scaffolds to each child's ability. (856) 546-0939 or gigatykes@yahoo.com.

EVENTS ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE HOSTS “WACKY WEDNESDAYS” “Wacky Wednesdays” for kids on 8/3, 8/10 & 8/17 feature themed stations of crafts, activities, & snacks 11am-3pm.

Themes: Victorian Christmas, Mermaids, Pirates, Sea Life, & Lightkeepers. $10/child includes activities & Lighthouse climb.

Adult supervision required. Reservations & info (609) 449-1360.

GIFT IDEAS GREAT PERSONALIZED GIFTS FOR ALL AGES At JUST FOR LITTLE PEOPLE (and others, too!) we specialize in new baby gifts both hand-painted or embroidered. Beautifully wrapped and available for pick-up at our new Gibbsboro location, or we can ship it for you. Call (856) 627-8901 or check out www.justforlittlepeople.com.

PARTIES CELEBRATE CREATIVELY! Abrakadoodle’s CUSTOMIZED CELEBRATIONS are perfect for BIRTHDAYS, PLAY DATES and SCOUTING events. Every child takes home a FRAMED masterpiece! Hosted at your location we provide an ARTFULLY FUN teacher, materials & frames. Visit www.abrakadoodle.com/nj01 or call (856) 914-0521.

If you are like most moms, you want to be home with your children to comfort them when they are sick, or be there for their special events. But in this economy, so many families are now struggling to live on just one income.

Earn extra income and work when YOUR schedule allows!

To learn more about how you can earn supplemental or career level income please call Adrienne Richardson today at (856) 305-3490

· National Health and Wellness Company with 25 years of proven success · More than 400 all-natural products that are safe for your family and the environment · All products made in the USA and cost less than grocery store prices · No taking orders or delivering products • Just $29 to get started

ALL DANCE...ALL THE TIME Celebrating 41 Years of Dance Excellence!

POOLS & SPAS BUDDS POOLS AND SPAS We have been making backyard dreams come true in South Jersey for 53 years. Enjoy a family vacation that lasts all summer long in a new Budds pool. Visit www.buddspools.com or call (856) 845-9000.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE FALL! Tues, Aug. 9TH - Wed, Aug. 10TH 10am-12pm & 5-8pm $10 OFF EACH CLASS August 16-17 & August 23-24 10am-12pm & 5-7pm

Call or visit us on the web for registration information.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at www.southjerseymom.com

OFFERING SPECIALIZED CLASSES IN: Jazz • Tap • Ballet • Hip Hop Children • Teen • Adult Creative Dance for Pre-Schoolers 2 year old Mommy & Me

Marlton Crossing Center • Marlton, NJ 08053

856-983-6608 www.ibjazz.com

30 | August 2011

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

www.southjerseymom.com

August 2011 | 31