January 2011 - South Jersey MOM Magazine

January

2011

12

THINGS TO DO with your

FAMILY in 2011

BETTER PARENTING in the New Year

RESOLVING FAMILY CONFLICTS

"

"

!

813 East Gate Drive, Suite B Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

"

Pathologies Appropriate for Integrated Medicine:

The Services We Provide Include:

• anxiety • depression • ADD/ADHD • eating disorders • boosting brain function • stress management • headache management • increased energy • time management skills

• biofeedback • neurofeedback • nutritional consultation • auyervedic medicine • homeopathy • myofascial trigger point therapy • massage therapy

1-888-661-2827 • www.biofeedbacknj.com

*#- $ ,*", +#$ /," ,3 • ). - , , .( ). • ) " ( ). • &$) ) # ($ ' '3 *'$ '- • -*,$ -$''/'$. , .( ). • $+*-/ .$*) • - , # $, , (*0 ' • /0 ,(4 • $ -- • -.3' ) • .$-- • $ ,* ,(

*(+' . -&$) , - ,0$ - !*, '' " - $) -. . *! .# ,. ! $'$.3 *, 3*/, -&$) *)-/'. .$*)

,

) , %/0 ) .$*) )

-

3-+*,. , , .( ). *.*2 , -$*)

, ) ) 1

'' !*,

Dr. Ingrid P. Warmuth Skin Care Center * , $)

,.$!$ ,( .*'*"$-. $) ," # ,*). ., . '( ,

3 ) 2 | January 2011

0 )$)" ++*$).( ).- 0 $'

' (*-. $)-/, ) -

+.

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

Table of Contents mom 2 mom 6 How to Start Your Child on an Allowance 8 Better Parenting in the New Year

moms R women 2 9 Put Yourself on the List

know 2 grow 10 The Eight Keys to Resolving Family Conflicts

features 12 12 Things to Do With Your Family in 2011

also in this issue 3 editor’s note 5 nana’s 2 sense 7 business spotlight: Easy Learn Languages 11 business spotlight: Mathnasium 13 things 2 do 14 resource guide

[ ] NOW HIRING!

Dear Readers, ’m back! And you thought I was gone forever! Funny how things have a way of working out...

Several days after the December issue went to the printer, I got an offer on the magazine. And the new owner asked me to stay on as the Executive Editor! The proposal allowed me to work fewer hours, having more time with my family, but still being part of South Jersey MOM. My prayers were answered!

As the editor, I will still be planning all the stories and information we provide in the magazine each month. This is great news, as our readers have fallen in love with SJM because of the content and the way we deliver it.

The new owners, Chris & Karen Ognibene, have been in the printing and publishing business for over 20 years. They have been married for 19 years and have 2 children: Skyler, 10 and Julia, 8. They live in Wenonah, NJ along with their dog, Buddy and Bubbles the fish.

The Ognibene family enjoys spending time together doing lots of fun family things — bike riding, nature walks, and playing board games & puzzles. Mom and daughter Julia are both artists and enjoy spending time on their creative hobby. Dad and son Skyler like to play sports together. They love the beach and also

I

*Experience preferred, but not required.

Full training provided.

www.southjerseymom.com

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

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

MOM

Interested applicants should send cover letter and resume to bill@superiorgx.com

P.S. Happy 3rd Birthday Camille!

Is your child the CUTEST KID IN TOWN?

South Jersey

• Flexible hours - 20 hours per week minimum • Work from home - must have home office setup

the snow – they vacation frequently at the shore and spend time skiing together every winter. You will get to know them more over the next few months.

I am really excited to have found a happy balance with work and family. Please make sure you continue to visit our web site (www.southjerseymom.com) as changes are coming and also, sign up for our e-newsletter while you are on the site. Each month we send events and articles not included in the magazine and valuable coupons from our advertisers!✲ Your Friend and Fellow MOM,

Correction from Dec 2010 issue: The BambinOz Porta Chair that was featured in the Dec 2010 Gift Guide is NOT $79.95. The correct price is $55 and can be purchased at www.bambinoz.com.

BECOME AN ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE WITH

letter from the editor

January 2011

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.

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

Love Of Learning ... Begins Here

Private Early Childhood Education For 6 Weeks To 8 Years

Come let your child explore

the wonder of learning, where they will create, discover and make new friends,

nurtured by teachers degreed in early childhood education and a curriculum designed for their age and their imagination.

Enroll Today!

®

Locations In PA & NJ

1-877-MALVERN

Visit malvernschool.com for NAEYC accredited schools

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.

4 | January 2011

Who are we looking for?

• Infant siblings of typically developing children • Infant siblings of children with autism

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

January

MOM 2011

CEO/Publisher: Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Executive Editor Adrienne Richardson • (856) 305-3490 adrienne@southjerseymom.com Director of Sales and Marketing Bill Wilson • (609) 280-1741 bill@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries: bill@superiorgx.com (609) 280-1741 chris@superiorgx.com (609) 670-1794 Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisa@southjerseymom.com Contributing Writers Jeanette Giza, Cynthia Hickman, Kate Hogan, Diana Mercer, Tiffany Reevior, Renee Taylor Negin Submit Calendar Listing: calendar@southjerseymom.com www.southjerseymom.com 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.

TM

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

Tea Party

he holidays are over and I hope they were as delightful for you as they were for me.

Holidays grant me more time with family and my grandchildren.

Now that the holidays are over, I am back to seeing my grandchildren on Sundays and Mondays.

I cherish my Mondays because I spend them helping my daughter around the house and keeping my 3 year old granddaughter, Camille, occupied; playing. I also try to get there before Kayden, 4, leaves for school so I can give him a big kiss and hug for the day.

Then I help, I clean and I play. With two little ones the place always seems in disarray; so many toys, so much laundry. I am often distracted when my eye catches another displaced item, like the stray sock that belongs in the laundry basket.

Sometimes I re-organize the toys thinking the children will be able to find them easier if the blocks are in the block bin and the animals are in the animal bin. But there is a reason the lion is on the windowsill. Today, when I kissed Kayden goodbye before school he said, “Nana, can you please leave my track set up just the way it is so I can play with it when I get home?” Yikes. He’s 4, but he knows exactly where his things are before school and he expects them to be exactly in their place after school.

T

nana’s 2 sense

South Jersey

Today Camille and I had a tea party. Much preparation is involved in an imaginary tea. We were just about ready to start when Camille realized she forgot one detail and declared “Excuse me, I be right back.” She is so polite. She came back with two Dora caps. We donned them and continued.

She pretended to pour the imaginary tea and we ate imaginary snacks. I asked her if I should get some “real” snacks and drinks and she said “no.” She pretended to cut the plastic potato chips with the plastic fork and knife. I had to snicker as it slid off the plastic plate. Not wanting her to think I was making fun of her, I acknowledged, “those fancy chips can be slippery.”

I have so many Christmas morning memories of the children playing with the gift wrap and boxes instead of the toys. The fact is, children naturally pretend, naturally use their imagination. No doubt computers and video games can be educational and keep children occupied for hours but there is no substitute for that which encourages a young mind to turn a box flap into a monster truck ramp or piece of shiny gift wrap into a fancy dolly bedspread. Let them just play, pretend and imagine and leave the lion on the windowsill. ✲ —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.

END OF YEAR PRICE BLOWOUT! Start your New Year with a New Kitchen or New Flooring

Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524

On the COVER Cutest Kid In Town Winner: Baby Mason of Hainesport, will be 3 months old on January 21. He is the first child for parents Mitch and Chrissy.

Photo by Lisa Ward Photography.

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 www.southjerseymom.com

January 2011 | 5

mom 2 mom

How to Start an Allowance for Your Child By Tiffany Reevior

ne of the best ways to teach children about money is to let them actually use it. An allowance gives kids their own money and lets them make choices – and mistakes – that will ultimately teach them how to handle their own finances. Most experts say you can start giving an allowance to a child as young as age 6, though parents should make that decision based on the individual child. Here’s how to set up an allowance system that works for your family.

O

Think About Goals for Allowance We all want our children to grow up able to earn and manage their own money. Some parents have additional financial values they wish to instill, such as saving for a rainy day or giving money to charity. All of these values are easily incorporated into an allowance system. One simple way is to give your child three different banks, marked “save,” “spend,” and “give.” Every week, your child will divide his allowance among the banks.

For very young children, simplicity is best. Give them an amount that is easily divisible by three, and have them divide their money equally between the three banks. Give allowance in cash, since it’s more concrete for young children, and consider giving it in quarters if you are dealing with small amounts. For example, if your 6-year-old child receives a $1.50 allowance, give him six quarters and tell him to deposit two quarters into each bank.

Choose an Amount Before you can pick a dollar figure, think about what your child will need

to spend their money on. One of the most important parts of an allowance system is giving your child responsibility along with money. Let your child know they will be receiving an allowance, but will also be expected to spend their own money for certain things.

Young children can be responsible for buying their own toys outside major holidays or birthdays, or for buying their own snacks when the family is out for the day. Older children can pay for more things, such as birthday presents for friends, music or games and even their own clothes.

Think about the responsibilities that will work for your family. Of course, how much you give for allowance will depend on what you expect your child to buy with their allowance. If you plan to split up the allowance into spend, save and give categories, make sure you are giving enough so they can buy everything they need with the spending portion of their money.

Set Guidelines The goal is to let your child spend money on things they want – and to occasionally let them make their own mistakes with their allowance. Most experts advise against tying allowance to household chores, saying it’s best to cultivate responsibility to the family without attaching financial strings. Let the allowance be their own money, regardless of other factors.

However, it’s fine to set some guidelines for what they can and can’t buy with their allowance. If you do not allow certain toys in the house, for example, let your child know up front that they still can’t buy them with their own money.

Let the Allowance Begin!

Now that you have made all the important decisions, it’s time to start the allowance system. Watch for opportunities to talk about money with your kids and why you choose to spend money the way you do. Talk with them about their own spending habits and savings goals. Fine-tune the allowance system to fit your own family’s needs and lifestyle.

When your child wants a raise in their allowance, tell them to give you a proposal for how much they want and what increased responsibilities will go along with the raise. You are now well on your way to raising a financially savvy kid!✲ Tiffany Reevior is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and their 6-year-old son, who recently started receiving an allowance.

Classroom time includes a mix of teacher-directed as well as independent learning center activities.

Call for a tour today and see if our center is the right place for your child.

Shining Lights Preschool and Daycare Center 1720 Springdale Road Open 5 days a week Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 from 7am-6pm

6 | January 2011

Full and half day programs for children ages 21⁄2 through 5 years, Transitional Kindergarten www.shininglightsonline.org

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

ow many times a week, when you are out and about, do you hear someone speaking a language other than English? Our world seems to be shrinking by the day, and the ability to communicate with other people from other parts of the world is becoming more important. I sat down to interview Claudia Krusch, CEO of EasyLearn Languages and asked her about the most common misconceptions related to children and learning a second language.

H

“My child doesn’t speak English yet.

Won’t I be confusing him or her by introducing another language at the same time?”

Even if your child doesn’t speak your primary language yet, any introduction to language will stimulate the brain, which is already working to produce language. In addition, studies have shown that young children possess the ability to develop native-like pronunciations. That ability seems to disappear with age, so the younger a child is introduced to a language the more likely the accent will be on point.

“My child already speaks two languages. I don’t want to confuse him/her.”

Studies conducted with children who learned more than two languages at an early age have shown that there are infinite ways in which the brain is wired to store and process new language. And, there is no limit to it.

Bilingual children will intersperse words from their different languages with their parents. But the language used is a social behavior. For example, if their mother requires them to speak French at home, they will speak French. But to talk to their friends at school, they have to speak English. Children will use the language that is socially required.

“My child has a speech impairment, so I don’t want to enroll him/her in a foreign language program.”

I currently have two children in my class who have speech issues, specifically with consonants in English. However, they presented no speech impairment in Spanish. I came to the conclusion that there are different areas of your brain for different languages. Your vocal system is wired to use its tools to communicate in different ways, for different languages.

In addition, learning a foreign language increases creativity, problem solving skills and cognitive thinking abilities. It has been documented that students who are learning a foreign language score higher on mathematical standardized tests than their peers who are not learning a foreign language. Clearly, the benefits to learning a foreign language go beyond linguistics.

“I’ve read that introduction to a foreign language is most beneficial between the ages of three up to elementary school. I feel as if I have already missed that window of opportunity.”

I strongly believe that our brain is being formed until the age of 12, which benefits the early acquisition of any language. But that doesn’t prevent any motivated individual from learning a second language later on. I currently have an 88 year old student!

business spotlight

Can Your Child Learn a Foreign Language?

By Kate Hogan

“My child is too young.”

It’s never too early to introduce a foreign language to a child. I believe the younger, the better.

The longer the amount of time a child is exposed to a foreign language, the higher the likelihood of proficiency. We start mommy and me classes at 14 months. Children love it and the parents learn a few things as well!

“I feel like my kids are in school all day and they need something fun for their extracurricular activity.”

Our methods of teaching are varied, but we always try to infuse a lot of fun! For instance, we offer a girls-only class called Las Ninas where the children dress up and play house to learn Spanish. We also offer a class using Legos to learn Spanish. In all of our classes, we sing and play games to bring the gift of foreign language to our students.✲ For more information about introducing a second language to your child, contact Easy Learn Languages at (856) 848-8870. To find out which of their six locations is closest to you, visit www.easylearnlanguages.com.

Where Learning a Second Language is FUN! Enroll now for winter classes - private classes available!

Offering: Spanish, Italian, French, Portugese, German and Spanish Lego Ages 14 mos. - 10 years

NEW! Easylearn Computer, Art and Music Lessons

NOW IN 6 LOCATIONS! West Deptford • Mullica Hill • Cherry Hill Hainesport • Mt. Laurel • Sewell

Gift Certificates Now Available!

Reservations and Information Center

856.848.8870 www.easylearnlanguages.com

www.southjerseymom.com

January 2011 | 7

Better Parenting in the new Year

I

t’s the New Year, and once again our intentions turn to fresh starts, personal improvements and resolutions. But what if our goals were to move beyond just exercising more and losing weight? The New Year provides an excellent opportunity to consider improvements we can make as parents. So what can we work on in 2011?

“As parents, we make mistakes every day,” says parenting expert Laura Gauld, award-winning co-author of the book The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have and creator of the effective parenting seminars that emerged from it. “And that’s all right. We will never be perfect. Still, there are some guiding principles and practical tools that can help us grow as people, inspire our children and ultimately

8 | January 2011

build confidence in performing our most important job.”

According to Gauld, our own personal growth as adults will be our true legacy to our children—not the successes and talents we think will inspire them.

As Carl Jung states in his powerful quote: Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on children than the unlived lives of their parents.

Gauld’s advice to parents: Live a little.

But How? • Lead by example.

• Take risks in front of your child.

• Do something each day for pure joy.

• Tackle the deep attitudes that hold you back.

• Accept what your own parents gave you, what they tried to give you and what they were unable to give you.

• Understand your job as a parent.

“This is the foundation of parenting,” Gauld says. “Like any job, one must understand the duties and responsibilities that go along with it. Most of the unproductive issues we get into as parents stem from the conflict between the role we want to play in our child’s life, rather than accepting the role we need to play.”

For example, Gauld offers, we can be friendly with our children, but we are not their “friends.” Also, we love our children, yet we must resist seeking their love. Our role is to teach, and guide and to establish a foundation of character.

Finally, take some time this year to build family traditions.

“The big picture of raising children is done with the actions, routines and practices that make up a lifetime of memories, habits and character,” says Gauld. “It’s never too late to start a family tradition. Often, the value of these actions is seen looking back at one’s upbringing.”

If you get so busy with school, work and the day’s activities that you are missing meals with your family, find a way to establish dinner as a meal where everyone sits down together.

Light candles at the dinner table.

“Studies show that simply having dinner together reduces the chances of depression, drug use and other challenges to young kids’ lives. If a shared meal seems an impossible task, remember that an improvement in parenting requires a commitment to priorities—and those priorities need to be made clear.”✲ Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

By Cynthia Hickman

A

larm goes off. My husband is already one step ahead of me, out the door by the break of dawn. I make the coffee.

Get dressed. Listen to some radio. Turn on the computer. Prepare my daughters’ lunches for school. Prepare breakfast. Help my 6-year-old brush her teeth and hair. Thank goodness, she can dress herself now. Buses come. Out the door they go. Do a load of laundry, or two, or three, or four. Tidy up the kitchen. Make beds.

Eat breakfast… cannot forget that.This all happens slightly before the start of the business day.

On many days, I leave my home to go to work. After the day is done, I come home and do more laundry. Prepare dinner. Complete office work. Pay a bill or two, or three, or four.

You get the point. Let us not forget food shopping. Kids return home, help with homework if necessary, school issues, and the list goes on and on.

This is my list of “to-dos” on a very calm, normal day at our home. Of course, the list can change, depending on what life experience takes priority on a given day. Sick children, a friend in need, a husband’s request, a deadline at work or a meeting with a client.

This is my list. I cannot even imagine yours. Do you have babies at home, or are you taking care of an elderly parent, attending school yourself or coping with an illness? Your list can go on and on as well. To some extent, your day is probably somewhat like mine. If not in form, it is in “theme.”

Did you ever notice that your list of things to do does not include you? In Greek, the word “servant” means to minister and, as moms and perhaps, wives, we minister to many people throughout the day. What I did

www.southjerseymom.com

Groc

ery S tore Dry C leane rs Laun dry not tell you is that I have other things on the list I do.

You see, I put myself on the list. For example, I try to maintain some kind of physical activity. I do not forget to make my doctor’s appointments for my yearly check-ups, which are vital to sustaining good health. I also make personal time for reading or studying, either first thing in morning, mid-day (if I am not working outside the home), or late evening when I can find some quiet time.

Sometimes, it may just mean that I sit down and simply have a cup of tea, read, and enjoy the evening close.

You see, I put myself on the list. I eventually get there. On days that I am off the list, peace leaves me. If my priorities are not right, peace leaves me. I like to have peace. If not, I pray for strength to complete what I am called to do, and hope for time in the near distant future to do it.

Why is it important to put yourself on the list? It’s simple. If we continue to do for others and forget ourselves, we can become unhealthy, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Let us face it, some days are just one long list of doing for others. This is reality. However, if we are not careful, three things can happen to us. First, we can grow bitter toward those we serve because our heart is in the wrong place when doing for others. Second, we can grow weary if we do not prioritize what is important. Finally, we can grow resentful because we have not tended to matters of our own heart.

For those of you who find discontentment with your to-do list, here is a bit of advice. We must look for a greater purpose in why we do what we do. When we serve, it must be from the bottom of our hearts and

moms R women 2

Put Yourself on the List

for the right reasons. Second, recruit teamwork and cooperation in the home. Everyone in our home, big and small, can help. Yet, there are days when we must minister continuously, with or without the team’s help.

Remember, prioritize, organize, and do not forget to take care of yourself in some small way. Doing things for the right reasons and making sure you are a part of your own list is how you can manage your busy day. In a culture that demands too much to do with too little time, it’s our responsibility to make time for ourselves. When the day is done, make sure you are on the list.✲

January 2011 | 9

know 2 grow

The Eight Keys to Resolving Family Conflicts By Diana Mercer

A

nyone can be a peacemaker. You can work a little magic and learn to resolve almost every conflict with your teenager, spouse, parents, siblings and co-workers—even if they refuse to cooperate—by using these eight simple techniques. It takes some practice but, once you see the results, you will use them every day:

1 2

Be hard on the problem, but easy on the people. People are more willing to help you problem solve when they don’t feel attacked.

Listening is not the same thing as obeying. Meet people where they are, and hear out their concerns. They won’t consider changing their mind before they feel heard. “Let me make sure I understand what you’re saying, and then can I have a little time to think about it before I respond?”

3 4

Use “I” statements. “I would feel more comfortable if you left more space between the car in front of us and our car,” is a request that is easy to honor.

Give people the benefit of the doubt. Don’t take everything personally, because it probably isn’t really about you anyway. When someone is late for an appointment, are they really trying to hurt you or was it because of something else that went wrong for them today? Chronic offenders are one thing, but it’s also possible there was an accident on the freeway or the supermarket checker was slow.

5

Have the awkward conversations real time, before things get worse. Little resentments build up over time—better to clear the air when it

J A N U A RY

happens than to keep score or wait until the damage is done. “I’m going to miss the mortgage payment in two weeks, what do you think we should do?” is a very different conversation than, “I missed the mortgage payment two months ago and we got a foreclosure notice today.”

6 7

Life is a dialogue. Conflict is inevitable. It’s how you choose to handle it that makes the difference. Keep the conversation going.

teacher called me. How do we make this right?” Or the classic, “I’m glad you called me to pick you up because you’ve been drinking.

I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

Choose your battles. You can be right all the time, or you can be happy.

Your happiness depends, at least in part, on how happy other family members are with you. Make it easy to be nice to you.

These techniques are simple but not easy, but practice makes perfect. Before you know it, you will be stepping in on small disputes and even making peace with that difficult family member before you know it.✲

Be easy to talk to. If you bite your spouse’s head off every time he comes to you with a problem or embarrassing situation, eventually he will stop coming to you. Double that advice with teenagers. Make it safe to talk to you, so people can tell you things that feel embarrassing or frightening to them without worrying about your reaction. “I am really glad you came to me with this before the

Diana Mercer is the founder of Peace Talks Mediation Services, www.peace-talks.com. She is the co-author of Making Divorce Work: 8 Essential Keys to Resolving Conflict and Rebuilding Your Life and Your Divorce Advisor.

8

Giveaways!

H Ringling Bros Circus Tickets (Philadelphia) H Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Tickets (Trenton) H Disney on Ice Presents Princess Classics Tickets (Trenton) H Kidz Bop 19 CD

Visit www.southjerseymom.com to enter to win these prizes 10 | January 2011

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

M

any students struggle with math. The skills for math are serial; one must learn them in a certain order and build upon them. At Mathnasium Learning Center students can get the help they need to catch up, keep up and get ahead.

Mathnasium is a math-only learning center where students receive individualized attention in a small group setting. Students are evaluated and a lesson plan is created based on the evaluation of where they are and where they and their parents want them to be.

Bryan Cooke opened his Mathnasium franchise in Cherry Hill as a means of going into business for himself. He was looking for a business he could believe in that would fill a need within the community.

Mathnasium fit those requirements. Nathan Cooke, Bryan’s son, serves as the center director. Nathan worked with children as a center administrator at a community center prior to joining his father. He often stayed to help with the after school program, and he knew he would enjoy helping the students at Mathnasium as well.

In Washington Township, Bob and Kathie D’Orazio opened their Mathnasium in September 2010. Kathie says they discovered Mathnasium almost by accident. Bob’s background was in retail management and Kathie’s was in education, specifically in math. They were looking for a new opportunity that suited them both when they received an email about franchises. They spotted Mathnasium and knew that was the business for them.

50% DISCOUNT on assessment fee with this ad

www.southjerseymom.com

business spotlight

Children GAIN CONFIDENCE and Learn to LOVE MATH at Mathnasium Learning Center

By Renee Taylor Negin Mathnasium is open to students from first grade level through calculus. Students gain confidence and learn to love math because they are not frustrated or intimidated by it. They are taught in a way that makes sense to them so they are not just getting through their current assignment, but are learning skills that will take them beyond that. Students are taught in groups of up to four students, but both locations say their groups are often comprised of fewer than the maximum. They are given instruction and then time to practice what they have learned. They gain self-confidence, self-reliance and a mastery of skills.

Parents who enroll their children at Mathnasium pay a monthly fee per student, and the student then attends as few or as many sessions as they and their parents choose. Bob and Kathie D’Orazio recommend at least two sessions per week, but they say students may attend six days a week if they want to. Most elementary and middle school students stay for an hour per session, while those taking algebra and above are encouraged to stay up to an hour and a half. Mathnasium tutors are well-qualified and enjoy working with children to improve or enhance their math skills.✲ To contact Mathnasium Learning Center in Cherry Hill, call (856) 874-0050 or email cherryhill@mathnasium.com. For Mathnasium Learning Center in Washington Township, call (856) 875-1234 or email washingtontownship@mathnasium.com.

January 2011 | 11

12 things 1.

to do with your family

Take a bicycle trip along the boardwalk in Ocean City. Make sure to stop at one of the many candy shops and taste the salt water taffy and homemade fudge.

Watch the planes take off and land at Freefall Adventures in Williamstown.

Grab an ice cream cone and keep an eye open for the skydivers as they jump from the planes! Hours are daily from 10 a.m. to sunset. There is no cost to sit and watch the excitement!

Go on a breakfast picnic to a local park. Bring along finger sandwiches made from bagels, fresh fruit and homemade smoothies.

10.

4.

5.

By Adrienne Richardson

Go camping in the backyard and in the morning, cook breakfast on the grill.

2.

3.

6.

7.

8.

in 2011

Take the kids on a tour of where Dad works.

Experience the excitement of a professional rodeo at Cowtown Rodeo in Salem County, NJ. Open from May to September each year, children will be in awe over the bull riding, steer wrestling and team roping.

9.

Make your own homemade pizza. Kids love to help roll the dough and add all the toppings like ground turkey, mushrooms, peppers, black olives or crushed pineapple. Cover with cheese!

Have a lemonade sale. This gives children the opportunity to learn a little bit about basic business building, marketing and how to earn money.

11.

Donate your time to a local retirement home.

Spend an afternoon reading a book or playing a game of cards with a grandmother or grandfather who misses their grandchildren that live far away.

Have

Go horseback riding. One great place in South Jersey is Miller Farms in Berlin. (Must be at least 7 years old).

Research your family history.

Sites like www.ancestory.com are a great way to research your family’s background. Or, you can simply have your child contact older relatives and start asking questions about their childhood, etc. Find out the names of their parents and aunts and uncles, and do your own search at the local library.

12.

Go to a drive in movie. The only remaining drive in theatre in New Jersey is located in Vineland.

Delsea Drive In is open from late March to mid-December each year.

South Jersey MOM delivered to your home!

For just $29.99/year you will receive:

4 Home delivery of South Jersey MOM, 12 monthly issues ❑ 4 Our monthly e-newsletter in your inbox ❑ 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 12 | January 2011

Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City___________________________________State_____ Zip ______________ Phone __________________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________________

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 Indoor Auto Racing January 28 and 29 The thrill of live auto racing will return to Boardwalk Hall when Len Sammons Motorsports Productions presents the 9th Annual “Gambler’s Classic” for the Three Quarter Midgets/600cc Micro-Sprints. Ticket prices and show times vary. Call (609) 888-3618 or visit www.aarn.com for more info.

BURLINGTON COUNTY Winter Fever Toy Show January 30 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Featuring 200 tables of new, antique and collectible toys for sale from unique toy dealers. Toys from 1900’s to the present such as GI-Joe, Barbie, Diecast Vehicles, Science Fiction, Horror, space toys, action figures, dolls, Transformers & more. $5/person, children under 12, free. (9a early buyers, $10/person).

Free parking. (856) 302-3606,

www.toyshows.org.The Westin Hotel, 555 Fellowship Rd, Mt. Laurel.

Sensory Based Feeding Difficulties Workshop January 20 at 10 a.m.

Is Your Child a Picky Eater? This interactive workshop is geared toward ages 2-5 yrs, struggling with sensory based feeding issues. Brief overview discussed as well as specifics to your child. Call or e-mail to reserve spot.

Mary’s Place Pediatric Rehab, 9004-F Lincoln Dr, W., Marlton. (856) 988-1160 or info@marysplacerehab.com.

CAMDEN COUNTY Overnight Encampment On The Battleship December 31 to January 1 Families can spend New Year’s Eve on board our nation’s largest and most decorated battleship! Enjoy dinner and breakfast served from the chowline, tour the battleship, ride the 4D

flight simulator, and sleep in the bunks where the crew of the Big J once slept. 1-866-877-6262 ex. 203, Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, 62 Battleship Place, Camden, $60.95/person.

CAPE MAY COUNTY First Day At The Beach January 1 at 2 p.m.

Featuring Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year. Music Pier, Boardwalk & Moorlyn Terrace, Ocean City. (609) 525-9300.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY Tale Spin Stories with Miss Kathy January 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Join Miss Kathy every Tuesday in Center Court at Cumberland Mall in Vineland for a creative adventure in storytelling, songs and play-a-long fun! Each week children visit a mall vendor for a special treat.

(856) 825-9507.

things 2 do

January Calendar

GLOUCESTER COUNTY The Three Little Pigs January 21 and 22 Live children’s theatre. Friday show at 10 a.m., Saturday show at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. $7/person. Reserved seating (Sat. only) $9/person. Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman. (856)384-8381, www.thebroadwaytheatre.org.

SALEM COUNTY Tin Bird Choir January 7 at 8 p.m.

Tin Bird Choir is an alt-folk quartet led by husband and wife Eric and Heather Hurlock who have stated that their music has an old sound with a modern sensibility. Their debut album, Barn Rock, showcases their literate lyrics, organic harmonies and urgent melodies. Appel Farm Arts and Music Center, 457 Shirley Rd, Elmer.

1-800-394-8478.

MAKE A RESOLUTION WORTH KEEPING! • Full/half day • 7am to 6pm • Reasonable rates • Computer classes • 21⁄2 yrs. thru kindergarten • Certified, caring staff • Security cameras

Resolve to give your child the BEST education!

Register now for pre-school and kindergarten

• Limited class size • Science/Spanish • Exciting playground • Summer camp • Educational field trips Half price r gi re stration fo t en llm ro Jan. en $25 value 536 Lambs Road Pitman, NJ 08071

856.256.1166 www.southjerseymom.com

January 2011 | 13

resource guide

FOR THE HOME CAN'T GET THE TOYS, LAUNDRY AND OTHER KID STUFF UNDER CONTROL? If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the “stuff” consuming your house, let BB’s Clutter Solutions reduce your stress, create order and help you find a place for everything... for good. Contact Barbara Berman at (856) 912-0077 or www.bb-clutter-solutions.com and get your house back today!

HEALTH & WELLNESS ARE YOU READY TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF? Want to improve your eating habits, increase your energy and understand your food cravings? Turning Leaf Nutrition and Wellness will develop a personalized program that will radically improve your health and happiness. One conversation can change your life. (856) 912-3709, www.turningleaf-wellness.com, Debbie@turningleaf-wellness.com.

Need Help Fighting for Your Child’s Rights?

Let Us Help...

MICHAEL I. INZELBUCH Attorney-at-Law • IEP Development • Due Process Hearings • Service Procurement

PARTIES ABRAKADOODLE ARTY PARTIES! Celebrate CREATIVITY! Abrakadoodle CUSTOMIZED Arty Parties are perfect for BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS, SCHOOL OR SCOUT EVENTS. All artwork FRAMED – the best PARTY GIFT ever! Hosted at your location; we provide ARTFULLY FUN teacher, materials & frames. Visit www.abrakadoodle.com/nj01 or call (856) 914-0521.

Phone: 732.905.0325 Fax: 732.886.0806 Email: Michaelinz@aol.com Lakewoodlaw555@aol.com

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY NEED HELP GUIDING YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNEY? At The Schlinic, happy childhoods are our specialty. Kids come for awesome motor equipment, fun sensory experiences and developmental play. Parents come for answers, professionals who listen, assessments and research-supported intervention. Learn more at www.schlinic.com or call Dr. Jodi at (856) 692-9292.

Member NJ & NY Bars

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION? Professional Therapy Services, LLC is dedicated to providing support, resources and education to families who have children with Pediatric Developmental disabilities, Sensory Integration, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Individual and group services available. Call Gerry at (856) 678-4701 or learn more at www.professionaltherapynj.com.

Increase Enrollment in Your Summer Camp!

When it comes to reaching moms in the area, South Jersey MOM has the recipe for success.

Advertising your camp to our readers will win you more high quality leads, higher sales conversion and increased enrollment...which means, increased profits!

Because our 38,000+ readers are your target market, almost every reader is a potential customer.

63% of our readers have children ages 8-12 42% have children ages 4-7 Call today for details...609.670.1794 or email chris@superiorgx.com 14 | January 2011

Visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter

WHERE LEARNING MEETS CARING ONE CHILD AT A TIME

S CLASSE ST UP FA G IN L FIL

010 FAL.6L921.7600 856

ERS VOUCH

ED ACCEPT

For Ages 0-13 years INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRE K. • BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL NIGHTS & WEEKEND CARE AVAILABLE

1940 Southwest Blvd., Building — B, Unit 104 • Vineland, NJ 08360 856.691.7600 • www.cclcvineland.com

on! et your bounce g d n a n fu e Jump in on th

Bounce Mania is an indoor inflatable party and play zone for both children and adults. Have a whole ton of bouncing fun with our wide variety of inflatables.

Call our team at Canlan Ice Sports to schedule your Birthday Party today!

www.southjerseymom.com

January 2011 | 15

SJ MOMS SAVINGS BY THE NUMBERS:

Awesom Birthday Pac e k Starting at $ ages, 199!

Save $30.00 $10.00 Off On a weekend party package A weekend ticket Use code SJ1995 Save $40.00 $12.00 Off On a Friday party package A weekday ticket Use code SJ1795

Must mention at booking, remit on day of party

Admission offers expire 2/28/2011. Cannot be combined with group or party packages. Limit 8 discounts per household. Birthday savings expire on 3/31/2011. Birthday savings not valid on Wacky Wednesday parties. Savings offers cannot be combined with any other discounts.

535 N. ROUTE 73 IN WEST BERLIN, NJ 08091 U 856-767-7580 WWW.SAHARASAMS.COM UĂŠ15 MINUTES FROM CHERRY HILL