help! my child is the bully emergency preparedness are smartphones making kids dumb avoid the back to school blues keeping teens on task
Aldine ISD – August 12th
Alief ISD -August 12th
Conroe ISD – August 14th
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD –August 19th
Deer Park ISD – August 13th
Fort Bend ISD – August 8th
Galena Park ISD – August 7th
HISD – August 12th
Humble ISD – August 7th
Katy ISD – August 16th
Klein ISD – August 14th
Magnolia ISD – August 8th
New Caney ISD – August 7th
Pasadena ISD – August 13th
Sheldon ISD – August 12th
Spring ISD – August 14th
Spring Branch ISD – August 15th
Tomball ISD – August 13th
AUG9-11,2024 AUG9-11,2024 AUG9-11,2024
AUG 3RD AT GRB
MAYOR'S BACK 2 SCHOOL FEST
The Start Of A New School Year Brings Excitement!
The Comptroller encourages all taxpayers to support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free weekend. Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.
This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 9, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 11.
The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
Visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/ for full list of details on what qualifies for tax free shopping.
The Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell is designed to help economically disadvantaged Houstonarea elementary school students and their families as they prepare to return to school. In addition to distributing 25,000 backpacks with school supplies, the event will feature on-site health screenings to include: dental screenings and sealants, vision screenings, and routine immunizations.
The event also connects families to a wide range of health and social services offered by community agencies There is a continued need for assistance with basic school supplies and health screenings for Houston-area students. Once again, the Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell is prepared to help fill in these gaps.
Visit https://houstontx.gov/btsf/ for more information.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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VALERIE KOHLER
JANEEN LEWIS
SARAH LYONS
JAN PIERCE
SANDI SCHWARTZ
ON THE COVER: BACK TO SCHOOL AT THE VILLAGE SCHOOL
Houston Family Magazine is published monthly by Houston Family Magazine, LLC We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all submitted material. Houston Family is 2020 by Houston Family Magazine,LLC All rights reserved Reproduction in part or whole without express permission is prohibited
preparedness
by sandi schwartz
We are living in a time of record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events causing havoc, such as floods, hurricanes and other storms, tornadoes, and wildfires. Coming face to face with one of these emergencies can be stressful for the whole family. Plus, we never know when disaster will strike, and many of these types of events don’t come with ample warning. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prepare our family to stay both safe and calm during a treacherous weather emergency.
Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan
An emergency evacuation plan is a detailed guide that outlines all the steps family members need to take in order to exit any room in the house, leave the area, and arrive at a safe location to stay together. Having a well-thought-out plan can minimize fear, chaos, confusion, injury, and damage during an emergency.
Emergency evacuation plans typically include the following:
Floor plan of the home indicating exits, escape routes, and where to shelter in place
Ways to receive emergency alerts and warnings
Safe meeting place for all family members
List of community shelter locations
Evacuation routes
Family communication plan
Home inventory for insurance purposes
List of items for the emergency preparedness kit
Plan for pets: many shelters and hotels don’t allow pets, so make sure your destination is pet-friendly by checking resources like Petswelcome.com
While it may be convenient to save the evacuation plan on your computer or phone, it’s a good idea to also print it out since technology may not be accessible during a major weather event. Prepare a laminated checklist, map of home exits and evacuation routes, and key contact information to store in several rooms throughout the home and in your vehicles. You can find home evacuation plan templates at Ready gov and American Red Cross.
What Belongs In An Emergency Preparedness Kit?
Having an emergency evacuation kit or bag readyto-go is a critical part of a successful evacuation plan. Include enough essentials to last at least one week in case the power goes out. Store items in airtight plastic bags and place all disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry container, such as a plastic bin, duffel bag, or suitcase
Include the following items:
Water (one gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle
Face masks
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
Wrench or pliers
Manual can opener
Maps of the local area
Cell phone charger and a backup battery
Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
Medications including pain relievers, antidiarrhea medication, and antacids
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents: insurance policies, identification, and bank account
records saved electronically and printed out in a waterproof bag or container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Clothing
Fire extinguisher
Matches
Personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, and other activities for children
Practice Your Emergency Evacuation Plan
Reviewing and practicing your emergency evacuation plan as a family is key to staying prepared and safe Running through it lets all family members become familiar with what they need to do during an emergency. American Red Cross recommends practicing your plan twice a year.
Work together to choose a safe meeting place that everyone is comfortable and familiar with. Decide on a single location but have a backup one as well. Some suggested meeting points include the end of the driveway, an intersection, a neighbor’s house, or a local school or restaurant within walking distance.
Hold practice drills that allow everyone to refer to the floor plan and head to the actual safe destination. Walk through the steps of grabbing your emergency kit and pets and following your evacuation route. Make it fun by picking different scenarios out of a hat and keeping a timer. Kids love a good race!
Help Children Manage Emotions During An Emergency
News about large storms and other weather events can be scary to children, so it’s important to keep everyone calm during a weather emergency. Consider the following tips to ease the stress:
Make learning about extreme weather and climate change fun for your kids–read books, attend science education events, and visit museum exhibits.
Avoid watching excessive television coverage before and during the storm, since the dramatic, intense images can upset children. Keep to routines so children feel as comfortable as possible.
Reassure and console children so they feel loved and protected no matter what happens. Let them know they can talk openly about their feelings with you
Keep an eye out for changes in behavior like sleeping patterns or eating habits that indicate they may be anxious or depressed Seek professional help if needed.
Community ResourcesTo LearnMore
Every city or county has a disaster emergency management agency. Get in touch with your local jurisdiction and visit their website to learn your evacuation zone and other details.
DisasterAssistance.gov is a good place to start.
To report flooding and nonemergency help to the City of Houston: Dial 3-1-1 or call 713-837-0311
State Emergency Assistance Registry: Dial 2-1-1
CenterPoint for downed power lines or gas lines: Call 1-888-876-5786
American Red Cross of Greater Houston: Call 713-526-8300
HPD non-emergency: Call 713-884-3131
All true emergencies: Dial 9-1-1
help your child make the most of
preschool
BY SANDRA GORDON
Besides helping you get work done or caught up on some errands, daycare and preschool present enormous benefits for your child
“Both offer kids experiences they might not get at home, such as exposure to a larger social environment that can help them learn how to get along well with others,” says Cathy Keller, the director of preschool and infant care center. Who knew that 18-month-olds could have friends? When kids go to daycare and preschool, their schedule tends to fill up with play dates and birthday parties Developmentally, kids who’ve done at least a year of preschool are more ready to jump into the learning environment of kindergarten, too
“Preschool is an environment in which kids have the opportunity to use language in many different ways with others who are at the same developmental age,” says Jennifer Kurumada Chuang, the owner of a multi-grade child care center and preschool that serves 225 children and their families. But, overall, preschool helps young naturally-egocentric kids learn how to exist with others in a classroom “Preschoolers learn how take turns, follow directions, pick up after themselves, stand in line, sit in a circle, raise their hand, use their words to express themselves instead of physically acting out and talk when it’s appropriate,” Kurumada Chuang says “If they master those social skills in preschool, they’re ready to learn in kindergarten.”
All told, your child’s early learning experiences can set the tone for years to come To help your child prepare for daycare and preschool and reinforce the lessons he learns there, here’s the homework you can do that can make all the difference
Ace the Drop-Off
Pick the right daycare or preschool “Separating from mom and dad can be tough for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, though some kids display it more aggressively than others,” says Keller. To make drop-off easier, choose a daycare or preschool you feel good about “Parents telegraph their comfort and confidence about the school in so many ways to their kids,” says Keller If you’re happy with your choice of school and know that your child is in a good learning situation, your child will pick up on your confidence and be okay with it, too, even if he initially doesn’t seem to like going there. And keep in mind that separation anxiety is often more painful for you than your child “Children are amazingly adaptable,” Keller says
Manage morning madness
To help make drop-off at daycare or preschool smoother, take the hassle out of your AM. Try doing what you can the night
before, when you have more time to think the next day through. For example, fill out permission slips, write any notes to the teacher and checks for daycare or preschool field trips and put them in your child’s backpack or lunchbox Have your child take her bath or shower too You can even set the table for breakfast and take out the breakfast cereal, if you want to You could also check the weather forecast and let your preschooler set out the next day’s outfit Give her choices: “Do you want to wear the striped shirt or the orange one? Your blue jeans or sweat pants?”
As soon as you can, “Get your kids invested in the process with age-appropriate tasks,” says Mary Robbins, a licensed clinical social worker To encourage your preschooler to begin to do these things on her own, praise her for a job well done, such as: “Wow! You picked your outfit by yourself? You’re getting to be such a big girl!” As your child masters one task, add another Eventually, she can help you pack her snack and her lunch the night before
Stick to a routine.
Whether your child is in daycare or preschool, establish a morning routine and stick to it It might be: wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, has a short playtime together, double check the backpack or lunchbox, and leave the house Structured routines give children a sense of control “When they know what’s coming next, they’re less likely to procrastinate or become anxious about going to daycare or preschool,” Keller says.
Make a morning-routine poster for your family and put it in a common area, such as on your fridge The poster should outline the order of tasks such as dressing, eating breakfast, putting on shoes and socks and brushing hair and teeth Use pictures to convey the message.
If your child dawdles even with a set routine, move up his bedtime and his wake-up by 15 minutes instead of trying to get him to conform to your schedule Also, make sure he gets to bed early enough so he’s more apt to be up-and-at-‘em in the morning. Keep in mind that infants 3 to 11 months need 9 to 12 hours of sleep at night and a 30 minute to 4 hour nap one to three times a day Toddlers need 12 to 14 hours of sleep in 24 hours and preschoolers need 11 to 13 hours of shut eye at night
Don’t dawdle.
At daycare or preschool, say goodbye to your child calmly, give your child a kiss and hug and tell him when you’ll be back to pick him up (such as after lunch or his nap) Then walk out the door and let the teacher give your child some lovies so you can make a quick exit At the end of the day, make sure you’re there to collect your child when you say you will be “Kids that young can’t tell time, but they will know that if you always pick up after their nap and you’re not there until 5 PM, that’s a big difference,” Keller says Try to pick up at the same every day, if possible
School Success Rx
Read, read, read to your child
“Being read to is the single most consistent and reliable predictor of academic success later in life,” says Kurumada Chuang She recommends reading to your preschooler for 20 minutes every night at bedtime While you’re at it, stop every so often and ask your child a question about the story before turning the page, such as: “Gosh, why do you think she was sad?” or “What do you think it going to happen next?” Making reading more interactive makes it more fun and helps build your child’s comprehension skills
Help
your child learn to follow directions.
To help your preschooler get the hang of following directions, practice at home by giving simple commands, such as “Please help me pick up your toys and put them in the toy box.” Then, encourage your child to follow through by offering an incentive to do whatever it is you’re asking Tell your child that he can play outside once he’s finished putting his toys away An incentive helps him understand that following directions makes other fun activities possible If he doesn’t follow your directions and, for example, put his toys away, calmly explain that he won’t be able to play with those toys for the rest of the day or go to the park. Keep it positive by focusing on how clean the playroom will look when you’re done Then praise him when he’s successful “You followed my directions so well Thank you for helping me put your toys in the toy box like I asked you to! That was so helpful ”
Help your child master sharing and turn taking.
From age 3 to 5, children tend to hoard coveted toys and objects. They’re not really ready to grasp the concept of sharing yet But you can help your youngster practice by having him “take turns” with toys and catching him when he shares on his own To help him develop the empathy that true sharing requires, state what he did and how it makes others feel, such as: “Thank you for sharing It makes your sister feel good when you share the ball ” Your child should be able to “own” special or new toys, though, so keep them out of sight on play dates or in his room away from siblings
By kindergarten, children are capable of sharing well and taking turns If your child isn’t there yet, help him get the hang of it by inviting a friend over for a cooperative task such as baking cookies If things aren’t going well, calmly ask him to sit out Pretty soon, he’ll get the idea and want to join in on the fun again You can also read your child books about sharing and discuss them In the classic tale, Stone Soup, retold by Heather Forest, for example, two hungry travelers make soup from ingredients that everyone in the town contributes What makes it extra delicious is the sharing it took to make it
Help your child make friends.
If you get the sense your toddler or preschooler needs a little help in the social department, try hosting play dates with others your child likes or with whom she has common interests
Play dates offer an opportunity to break away from the group and foster individual friendships You might begin by asking your preschooler, for example: “How about a play date with Grace? I notice that she likes to draw, too.” If you’re not sure who to invite over first, ask your child’s preschool teacher if there’s anyone in the classroom who might be a good match for your child Then, feel free to go from there and make the rounds so that your child gets the chance to know several children better
To help your child play hostess, let her pick the snack and ask her beforehand what games and activities she and her friend might like to do On the play date, feel free to play along and stay close by to make sure everyone stays safe But give your child and her friend the chance to play on their own, too To help things go smoothly, keep play dates to two hours; children start to get tired after that And keep it simple by inviting just one child over at a time.
Practice sharing.
From age 3 to 5, kids aren’t yet capable of grasping the concept of sharing, but you can help your preschooler get the hang of it by having her “take turns” with toys and catching her when she shares on her own “Stating what she did and how it makes others feel, such as: ‘Thank you for sharing. It makes your sister feel good when you share your toast,’ helps her develop the empathy that true sharing requires,” says Marcy Guddemi, Ph D , executive director of the Gesell Institute of Human Development You can also read your child books about sharing and discuss them
Hone your child’s listening skills.
At the dinner table and during car rides, help your preschooler hone her listening skills by asking her to wait to speak until her brother has finished his sentence When it’s her turn, remind her, “Now it’s your turn to talk Thank you for being patient and for being such a good listener while your brother was talking ” Explain that being a good listener shows respect for the speaker, whether it’s her brother or her teacher and the other students at school who are trying to hear what the teacher has to say. Mention that it’s a two-way street: When she’s a good listener, she’s showing the same kind of respect that she gets when others listen to her If she continues to interrupt, keep reminding her that she’ll get the chance to talk Becoming a good listener, like many things, can take lots of practice
Be There at Pick-up
Focus on your child. When it’s time to collect your time, be really glad to see her. Make sure you’re not on your cellphone or otherwise distracted “Pick-up should be all about your child,” Keller says “Your child wants to know you’re super glad to see her and that you’ve been looking forward to it all day ”
BySARAHLYONS
A O S
For many families, back to school season means back to a busy schedule with practices, lessons, meetings, and activities. Parents may feel like the busier schedule creates a sense of chaos in the evenings Feeding the kids a healthy dinner, keeping your schedule organized, and getting homework done become challenging when you have multiple kids in multiple activities How can families enjoy a full schedule while calming the evening chaos?
FamilyCalendar
Maintaining an accurate and up to date family calendar is key to managing a busy schedule and staying organized
For many families, if an event or activity isn’t on the calendar, it’s likely it will be forgotten or double booked Some families may find a paper calendar works best but others may prefer to use a calendar app so they can access the calendar on their phone while on the go “My phone is set with reminders for every recurring event Get ready for ballet, leave for ballet, ballet dismissed I’d be a mess without it.” said Amy Cameron, mom of three.
PreptheNightBefore
School mornings can be hectic. Particularly when your family also has a busy evening of after school activities To avoid stress in the evening and reduce the risk of forgetting something, lay everything out in advance “I work ahead whenever possible.” said Kara Thomas of Shawnee. “I put all the equipment together the night before so I’m not doing the scramble when I get home from work ” It might also be helpful to pack a separate bag for each activity so the kids can grab the bag for that activity on the way out the door This method can also double as storage for equipment, shoes, and sports gear
FindDinnerSolutions
“Crockpot meals are the only way for dinners when one kid needs to eat at 4:00 and another at 9:00.” said Angela Leever, Olathe mom of three “This saved us during busy game and practice nights I also prepared ready-to assemble meals like a big salad or burrito with all the components ready.” Leever also suggests having quick,
filling snacks on hand such as yogurt, Uncrustable sandwiches and pre-cut fruit on hand for busy nights. Stephanie Loux, mom of three with a spouse that often travels for work said “Having heavier snacks before activities if dinner will be late that night has been super helpful this year.” Cameron suggests planning all the meals on Sunday night while taking the calendar into consideration “We’re all home at different times on Mondays, so that’s our crockpot night.”
UseCreativeSolutions
Even with careful preparation and planning, you simply can’t be in two places at once. Try to come up with creative solutions that can help you manage a busy night Loux suggests carpooling with friends, having an older child help cook dinner, setting reminders on Alexa or your phone, eliminating screens until tasks are done, and meal planning “Depending on the day, homework is done right after school before they can do anything else or in the car on the way to a game I also told the kids ahead of time they needed to be flexible and helpful or we can’t do all of their things.” Two parent households can try a divide and conquer approach to split up the activities Some parents may also hire a babysitter that can drive or use the help of a teen sibling to manage rides
Extracurricular activities have many benefits and they are fun to participate in However, when you find yourself with so many activities that your child (or yourself) have become overstimulated and stressed, it may be time to consider cutting back on something Every family is different and enjoys a different activity level. You may find that your family thrives on keeping busy Either way, careful planning and preparation and some creative solutions may be just what you need to calm the chaos
MY CHILD IS the bully HELP!
by jan pierce
Every parent knows bullying behaviors are rampant in our schools and communities We teach our kids ways to stay safe and to avoid becoming a victim. What most parents don’t expect is that their own child may be bullying others When confronted with this troubling information parents may at first respond with “It’s just normal playground behavior,” or “boys will be boys” thinking. It hurts to realize that one ’ s child is making life difficult for others
Bullying is defined as mean-spirited, harmful behavior It is the use of power over someone perceived as less powerful or lower in status. It is intentional, not accidental It can be physical or verbal and has far-reaching consequences for both the victim and the bully
It may be surprising to learn that many bullies are the “popular” kids. The children who are good-looking, good at sports and who set the tone for group behaviors They have the power and don’t want to risk losing it
The question is why? Why do some kids choose to hurt others by physically attacking them or by harassing them in other ways? Psychologists say kids bully because:
They have learned ways to bully by copying aggressive behaviors early in life. They lack problemsolving skills
They have been exposed to violent conduct glamorized in music, games, television and movies They have witnessed conflict and punishment at home. They’ve learned such behavior is acceptable
It gives them a sense of power and status with friends
They are children with poor selfcontrol.
They may be being bullied or abused themselves
Once parents receive and accept the truth about their child’s behavior the question becomes “What do we do?” Studies have shown that punishment for bullying behaviors is seldom successful Once the detention or suspension is completed, the same behaviors re-occur And apologizing to the victims is also not a helpful intervention
Bullying is not an easy problem to fix. It grows out of layers of problematic understandings, relationships and learned responses It may be related to some medical conditions So, when parents first become aware of the problem, they may need some help to intervene Here are some ways to address the problems:
Sit down with your child and discuss the problem Share the information given to you and listen to your child’s responses. Be sure to talk in specifics such as what was said and done
Let your child know your family does not endorse any form of bullying whether it is physical, social or done online. Role-playing ways to interact peacefully may be helpful for younger children
Discuss your child’s friendships and whether or not they contribute to bullying behaviors
Make an effort to engage in positive activities in the community where your child can find success. Sports, drama, music, or other activities may provide opportunities for healthy interactions with others Limit entertainment that glorifies violent behaviors.
Consider getting a medical examination to rule out any underlying conditions such as ADHD or autism
Find out if your child’s behavior stems from being hurt by others.
Teach what it means to feel empathy for others Talk about how his or her bullying behaviors have affected the victims.
Consider getting help from a skilled professional such as a psychologist or counselor
Learning your child is a bully can be very traumatic but accepting that reality is the first step to making positive changes for your entire family Determining to get to the root of the problems, finding appropriate support, and making a plan to improve interactions with others will go a long way toward curtailing your child’s bullying behaviors
Jan Pierce, M Ed , is a retired teacher and author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun Find Jan at www janpierce net
www.stopbullying.gov
National Bullying Prevention Center: The Pacer Center, www.pacer.org/bullying/about Guide to Bullying and Cyberbullying online manual
To Do if Your Child is a Bully, www.stompoutbullying.org
www
org
Building Bridges with Your Child’s Teacher
BY JANEEN LEWIS
Do you feel intimidated when you think of talking with your child's teacher? What if your child complains about problems with his or her teacher?
What do you do then?
I'm a parent and a teacher, so I've been on both sides of the teacher's desk. Here are some tips to help you communicate and connect with your child's teacher so that all involved can have an amazing school year.
“But Mom! Everyone else has one!” These all-toocommon words are heard in households across America when you deny your child a cell phone or, more specifically, a smartphone. They feel left out and afraid of not fitting in. Meanwhile, you want to keep them engaged with the real world instead of addicted to a phone screen. If your child has a bad case of “nomophobia”—no mobile phone phobia—read on.
This year, multiple efforts have been made nationwide to limit or ban cell phone use for children in school. Why? Among the many reasons are screen addiction, cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and increased fighting in schools. Some simply say it’s because of porn and predators. But it goes well beyond that.
This year the second-largest school district in the country, Los Angeles United School District, elected to enforce a full ban on cell phones at school. New York is following suit, banning cell phones for 1 million students in 2000 schools. And the teachers agree. 72% of high school teachers see phone use as a major issue claiming it not only distracts students from learning but also keeps kids from engaging with their peers.
Other schools, like La Vega High School in Mead, TX, are using cell phone pouches that students lock their phones inside. They keep possession of their phones but when they have to use them, “they need to step outside the phone-free zone and tap their pouch on an unlocking base.” One parent at La Vega noticed a marked improvement in her son’s mental health since using the pouch, “He’s able to enjoy more friends… He’s forced to talk to them and actually have conversations.”
You’re probably thinking, what’s the big deal? It’s just a phone? Well, it’s such a big deal that U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to put warning labels on social media platforms highlighting its potentially harmful effects on young people. When the creators of smartphones and search engines and algorithms keep their own children from using those very devices, maybe we should listen.
For elementary-aged children who have not developed the emotional regulation to navigate cyberbullying, cell phones can be an even bigger problem. That’s why Brooke Shannon started the Wait Until 8th movement. Parents can sign a pledge vowing to wait until their child i
is out of 8th grade before giving them a smartphone. In turn, the platform helps connect you with fellow parents in your area to combat that nomophobia.
Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that smartphones are partly to blame for soaring rates of teenage anxiety and depression. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, notes “The younger the age of getting the first smartphone, the worse the mental health the young adult reports today.”
Protect Your Eyes, makers of the PROTECT App that teaches internet safety, has suggestions to arm kids with responses when asked why they don’t have a phone. One is “My parents have read the research that says they’re not good for kids. They can’t find a benefit to me having one.” Another way to handle it is to blame your annoying parents and say they signed the Wait Until 8th pledge
In a similar effort, Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV’s Home Town have started their own screen-free movement called OSPREY which stands for Old School Parents Raising Engaged Youth. Their goal is to help children achieve a social-media-free childhood. Taking their pledge means being connected with other like-minded families in your area to “set your children up for success before peer pressure can take it from them.”
Of course, you want to be able to communicate with your kids, especially in an emergency. And you probably want to know where they are at all times. Those two issues are easily solved with a GPS-tracking device made just for kids. One such device is the multiple award-winning option from Japan called BoT Talk, an AI child tracker with voice messaging functionality designed with kids in mind. BoT Talk allows you to communicate with your child without them having to use a screen.
BoT Talk is for parents who want real-time location tracking of their children along with automatic notifications for enhanced safety and peace of mind. This screen-free GPS device with two-way voice messaging features advanced "monitoring AI" offering precise location tracking and anomaly detection. This simple child GPS is lightweight, durable, and simple for kids to use. If you value simplicity, energy efficiency, fewer manufacturing materials, and affordability, this smartphone alternative for kids could be the right choice for you.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE
No matter what option you choose, choosing is the point.
You get to choose who has access to your children.
You can still have contact with your child should an emergency happen at school.
You do not need to throw your child to the social media wolves.
They can still be independent, free thinkers who know how to make eye contact and conversation while you maintain your peace of mind.
WAIT DELAY ------ ABSTAIN ------
Just make the best choice for your family now that you know you have one.
BoT Talk Device
Keep Keep your your teens teens
on TASK
BY SANDI SCHWARTZ
Middle school tends to be a stressful time for most kids and the parents who are dealing with them. Between raging hormones, new social dynamics, social media, and school pressures, middle schoolers can experience a slew of emotions and get easily distracted from their school work. Here are some of the most common challenges that they face and ways to help tackle them.
Too Many Commitments
Many kids feel overwhelmed with their over-scheduled lives. As parents, we feel like we are not doing a good job if we do not sign our children up for a variety of activities. As kids reach the teen years, the time commitment for activities like sports and theater can get really intense. Not only is there a ton of pressure for them to perform at the top of their game, but they participate for many hours each week—sometimes until late in the evening and on weekends. These outside commitments take away from the time they need to concentrate on homework, not to mention sleep and downtime.
Too Many Distractions
Teens’ lives are filled with so many distractions, mainly from technology. The texts and social media updates pour in all day. Friends talk about video games they have to play or TikTok dances they must watch. All of this buzz can make it extremely hard for teens to focus on their school work. And, frankly, it’s hard to compete when there’s so much excitement happening online.
Too Many Pressures
Since middle school is a stepping stone to high school, many kids feel intense pressure to do well in order to get accepted into the best private high school or magnet program in their community. They are often told that they need to excel in honors classes even as early at sixth grade or there future will be ruined. This is an unnecessary pressure put on kids who are still developing in so many ways. Instead, they should be exploring their interests and learning how to maneuver the new dynamics of being a teenager. All of this pressure can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which will only take away from their academic success. Staying relaxed and balanced is critical for teens to be able to focus and learn effectively.
So, what can we do?
Teach time management skills. By providing some simple tools to our kids, we can help them better manage their time so they can get their school work done without too much stress. Using a planner can be very effective as well as daily check-ins to go over assignments. Reducing tech distractions like text alerts can also help kids stay focused and manage their time wisely.
Communicate. On any given day, our kids are probably juggling lots of feelings and may not always know the best way to process them. As parents, it’s so critical that we keep the line of communication open and let them know we love them and they can always come to us with their questions and concerns. Learn to say no. This is a powerful tool to teach our kids that will help them throughout their lives. Limit the amount of time spent in extracurricular activities by choosing them wisely. Encourage your kids to say yes to what they love and no to commitments that drag them down. My rule of thumb is to not commit to more than one activity each day, and to leave plenty of time for relaxation on the weekends.
Make time for fun. Balance is key to a happy, healthy life. Give your kids plenty of space for good old fashioned fun, such as creative arts, games, reading, a new hobby, and even free play (it’s for big kids, too!)
A Day At School With The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Penguin Books For Young Readers)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar spends a busy day at school from greeting the teacher to reading a book
Getting Ready For Preschool by Vera Ahiyya (Random House Books For Young Readers)
It's almost the first day of preschool and everyone is busy getting ready A young boy and his family meet the teacher, post a family photo on the classroom wall, send a special lovey for naptime, pack a healthy lunch, and take a special photo
Getting Ready For Kindergarten by Vera Ahiyya (Random House Books For Young Readers)
A young girl and her parent pack a healthy lunch, fill her backpack with supplies, pick out a colorful outfit, and take a special photo but is that everything she will need for her big first day?
The First Week Of School by Drew Beckmeyer (Atheneum Books)
An ensemble cast of characters in one classroom experiences the first week of school--including one unexpected visitor
This Is A School by John Schu (Candlewick Press)
A school isn't just a building; it is all the people who work and learn together It is a place for discovery and asking questions
Shermy And Shake: The Not-So-New Kid by Kirby Larson (Candlewick Press)
Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better?
Spy School #1 (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers) Twelve-year-old Ben Ripley leaves his public middle school to attend the CIA's highly secretive Espionage Academy, which everyone is told is an elite science school.
Made Glorious by Lyndsay Eager (Candlewick Press)
On the surface, Rory is the underdog--a scholarship kid, teased for her weight, but we soon find out that she will go to any length to secure the lead role in her school's senior musical
Prairie School by Lois Lenski (Open Road Media)
It's the worst blizzard in fifty years! Delores is very ill, but there's no way to get through the snow How long will she be stranded at school?
Faculty Lounge by Jen Mathieu
A funny, bighearted adult debut that is at once an ode to educators, a timely glimpse at today's pressing school issues, and a tender character study, following a sprawling cast of teachers, administrators, and staff at a Texas high school
Back to School Back to School $avings Tips
BY JANEEN LEWIS
Every year it seems like clothes and supplies for the new school year get more expensive. And with recent inflation, the average family will continue to feel the pinch this year, spending hundreds of dollars outfitting kids for back to school.
From pencils, crayons and backpacks to school uniforms, instruments and laptops, it all adds up. Parents who invest time in a variety of strategies may find discounts that help lessen the financial burden of back-toschool. These tips make sending kids back to class a little easier on the wallet.
Deviseaplan.
Jot down all back to school items needed Consult the school or teacher’s supply list Talk to other parents Ask your kids Make this list complete, so you don’t spin like a yo-yo back and forth to the store for forgotten items during those last carefree days of summer Ask these questions: Is there anything you can delay buying until after school starts? What items must be brand new? What items can be borrowed or bought gently used? Once the list is complete, create a budget. Keep the list and budget with you when shop, so you stay within your limits
Startearly.
Shopping in a crowded aisle, not being able to find the item you want, or paying more because you are crunched for time are frustrating A couple of weeks before you shop, compare prices online Involve the kids They can research, too Keep track of items and prices with a spreadsheet or table. Check to see what stores will have back-to-school sales and when they will start It may take a little time upfront, but it will save time during the back-to-school rush And if you know the best prices for the items you need, you can buy with the confidence that you are getting the best deal.
Thinkoutsidethe“BigBox.”
Instead of buying everything at Big Box stores, think about other places that may have items at a lower cost Compare prices at teacher supply stores, eBay and Etsy My grocery store often has lower prices on basic school supplies, and it saves time and money to quickly add supplies to my curbside pick-up order Office supply stores, dollar stores, and thrift stores are other possibilities Craft stores often carry school supplies, offer coupons and if you’re an educator, you may get an extra discount For music instruments for a budding band student, try Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
Buygentlyused.
Before heading out to buy everything brand new, it might be worthwhile to peruse your local thrift and consignment stores These sell everything from shoes and clothes to backpacks and sports gear Even better, clean out closets and sell items before school shopping Most consignment stores will give you more if you take in-store credit instead of cash. You can then use that in-store credit to buy items on your list Also, check your local listings for neighborhood used bookstores Thriftbooks (check out Thriftbookscom) is an online store that buys and sells used books.
Bulkbuywithabuddy.
Coordinate with another parent who has a child in your child’s class or organize a bulk purchase with neighbors Usually, bulk purchases are cheaper, and buying a bulk order online is more convenient than individual parents shopping on their own Plus, you may get free shipping or at least be able to split the cost of shipping between several parents Good items to bulk purchase are folders, binders, tissues, paper towels, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer
Swaporborrow.
Do you have a friend or a family member that has that graphing calculator your teen needs for advanced math? Can you swap kids’ clothes in good condition with another family? If you have a bookworm, trade used books online at PaperBack Swap (paperbackswap.com). Simply mail in your used books at your own cost, and receive credits that you can use toward paperbacks, hardbacks, textbooks and audiobooks Freecycle is an online site where members don’t swap but give and receive a variety of items to each other. And of course, everything on Freecycle is free More sites to check out: Listia, Buy Nothing Project and Rehash
Checksalesflyersaftershopping.
Have you ever purchased school items early only to find out that they go on sale for a cheaper price the next week? If you take in your receipt, some stores will honor the sales price even after you purchased it at the regular price Some stores may honor prices from seven up to 30 days after you have made the purchase For this reason, keep all receipts in a specific drawer or clearly marked envelope.
With these smart tips, you can be on your way to a thriftier start to the school year Try them and head back to school without breaking the bank
Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She has been published in several parenting magazines across the country. Her favorite part of back to school is getting good deals on school supplies.
Keeping KidsCalm
during shots
BY SANDI SCHWARTZ
It’s that time of year again when I have to keep a huge secret from my kids. They have no idea where I am driving them, although they keep trying to guess. I have a very good reason for doing this. Last time I took them they started crying, screaming, and demanding that we go home. The shaking, red faces, and dramatic outbursts were enough to make me want to cry, too No, I’m not talking about going to a haunted mansion for Halloween or riding a scary rollercoaster. I am referring to the dreaded flu shot at the pediatrician’s office! Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year, so be sure to take your kids early in the fall.
Children are certainly not in a good mood when they know they have to get a flu shot This could be more of problem than we ever realized. A recent study at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom found a link between our mood when we get a flu shot and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
For years, researchers have been studying a range of factors that can affect our immune response to vaccines, such as sleep, stress, physical activity, and nutrition. This new research specifically looked at patients’ psychological well-being. The study began two weeks before the vaccine was administered when individuals took a blood test to check antibody levels They were also asked to fill out diaries detailing food and drink intake, physical activity, stress levels, sleep, and mood patterns. For four weeks after the shot, they continued to record in their diary and had additional blood tests on weeks four and 16.
Finally, the research team assessed the data and found that positive mood was the only factor that predicted higher flu antibody levels in the blood samples. In fact, the influence of the positive mood was especially strong on the day the participants received the shot Given this vital discovery, how do we possibly overcome what seems like an impossible task to keep our kids happy and calm before they get pricked? Here are some ideas.
Mindful breathing......
has been scientifically proven to minimize stress and anxiety. It’s times like these when we need to rely on the breath to get us through the stress. Try an easy tactic with your kids called Heart Hands in which you create a heart shape with your hands. Ask your child to breathe in as you expand your hands to a heart shape. As she breathes out, collapse your hands into two fists side by side. If you don’t have a free hand, then ask her to take a deep breath in and to pretend she is blowing out a candle or blowing bubbles. Repeat this exercise several times.
Music......
is a magical mood shifter. It helps take our attention from fear to something more pleasing. Sing a song or play one on your phone as your child is about to have the shot. Consider putting together a special playlist for your kids to listen to when they’re stressed so you have it on hand in case they need it. Although slow, quiet classical music is known to have calming effects, it’s really a personal choice to discover which music your children find most soothing. Upbeat party music may actually be a more effective distraction than slow orchestral music
Soothing imagery.......
Another option is to bring along some beautiful pictures of nature to look at. Research shows that viewing pictures of nature scenes can reduce stress because our parasympathetic nervous system (which helps us to calm down) is activated. To calm your child down, read a book with calming nature pictures or pull up some photos on your phone or iPad. Keep your children’s focus by asking questions about what they see even while the shot is being administered
Laughter.......
Your children will think you’re crazy that you are telling jokes while they are facing a traumatic event like getting a shot, but don’t let that stop you The best way to help your children is to try to get them to forget where they are laughing can certainly help with that. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughing improves our body and mind and is one of the simplest tools we have for reducing stress and anxiety. You can bring a joke book, tell a silly story, or make silly faces in the doctor’s office
Texture game.......
Finally, children can find some comfort using their sense of touch. Sometimes doctor’s offices will provide a stress ball for your child to hold You can also bring along a cozy stuffed animal or a soft toy like a rabbit’s foot. Another trick is to have them feel different textures one after another using a touch-and-feel book or cards.
BY JANEEN LEWIS
A V O I D
Back to Back to School School
B L U E S B L U E S
BY JAN PIERCE
It’s back to school time and the inevitable problems need to be addressed. How can you get back on that early to bed, early to rise schedule?
How can you best communicate with teachers?
How will you encourage your kids to work hard and do their best while at school and also with their nightly homework?
Here are some tips for making that back to school transition as smooth as possible.
1) Anticipate the schedule change and move bedtimes earlier by increments over several weeks before the beginning day of school. Going to bed fifteen minutes earlier isn’t a big deal and it will help avoid that drastic change from the relaxed summer schedule to the rigid, up and at’em schedule of fall.
2) It’s also a good idea to incorporate some morning chores into the new routine so that the first school morning won’t be such a shock. If they’re up at 7:00 a.m. and have eaten breakfast, put dishes in the dishwasher, dressed and gathered up their school supplies and lunches by 8:00 a.m. they’ll be organized and ready for their new day.
3) Make back to school shopping fun and reasonable The supply lists may be long and costly so do your best to get a head start on that. But for school clothes you may want to shop sales for a few new outfits and then wait until after school begins to buy any other necessary clothing items. You’ll avoid the rush of other back to school shoppers and you may get better bargains afterward.
Another tip is to take careful stock of each child’s existing wardrobe and see where to fill in. You may be able to minimize the items purchased by adding some classic colors and styles to what is already in the closet
4) Take advantage of any back to school or meet the teacher open houses at the schools. Most of kids’ worries and concerns about school revolve around unknowns such as the location of bathrooms and classrooms, the identity of their new teacher, and the friends who may be in their class. A thirty minute visit to school before the opening day will do a lot to dispel such worries.
5) Make discussion about the upcoming school year positive. This is not the time to relate unhappy stories about your own school experiences. It’s a time to encourage, speak about your confidence in each student’s abilities, build enthusiasm for school and after-school activities and let your student know how much you trust them to succeed. If children have stayed active in academics over the summer, all the better. If not, get back into the reading routine before school starts.
6) Re-establish homework expectations each evening. Be sure there is a time and place for doing homework and protect that time.You may need to have a family meeting to set new expectations for screen time, sports and other activities that compete with homework time A weekly schedule of family events posted on the wall is a big help to some families
7) Look for signs your child is concerned about returning to school. If sleep habits or eating habits change, of if your child voices worries about school, take the time to talk about them. Some children fear bullying behavior on buses or on playgrounds. Be sure to assure them that both you and school staff members will protect them.
No matter how old your children are, there are bound to be some jitters when the first day of school rolls around. Let the day be an exciting one, but not a scary or negative experience. Remind your children that teachers are a little nervous on the first day of school as well.
How can they be an encouragement to others on that first day? The first day of school is like a nice, clean sheet of paper Do all you can to be sure the writing done on day one spells out the beginning of a wonderful year.
