School-Age Kids Archives
Jodi Skulley-October 7, 2009-
Fall is here and usually that means time for school pictures! School picture day may last only a few minutes for most individual students, but the outcome can haunt them for a lifetime. Bad haircuts, clothing, or poses can become the stuff of family legend. However, it doesn’t have to end that way. SchoolPictures.com, an authority on taking classic student portraits, is sharing some advice this year with parents, students, and teachers to hopefully best prepare them for this rite of passage.
Mark your calendar! You do not want to forget the date of your student’s pictures.- A well-groomed child is the best start for a perfect photo.
- Do not try out any new haircuts, styles, or colors within two weeks before photos.
- Avoid wearing stripes or loud prints on clothing. Solid colors are a sure bet.
- Avoid clothes with printed slogans. They often get cropped out of the photo.
- A good night’s sleep keeps under-eye circles at bay.
- Select small accessories that don’t detract from the focus on your student.
- A spot of eye drop solution can help reduce eye redness.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure for a few days prior to picture day.
- Good posture will ensure kids look alert and at their best.
- Tell students to relax and let their own smile and personality come through!
Do you have any school picture stories? Share your funny stories with us and other ParentLife readers by leaving a comment.
William Summey-August 31, 2009-
We heard such positive things about our August Back to School issue that we wanted to share the article from ParentLife's former Editor in Chief Joy Emery for any of you who missed it. We thought it might encourage those of you who are homeschooling to see Joy's story.
We had no problems with our public school. What led us to consider the homeschool option was our family’s unique situation. While we live in Tennessee, Chris works with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) which is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. He is a regional team leader for the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Because much of his work involves travel to his assigned states, along with a week on-site in Atlanta each month, we decided to pray about whether or not to venture into the homeschool arena in order to travel with him.
Considering Each Child’s Needs
When making any family decision, consider how each person may be impacted. Our three children vary in need and personality. Our oldest, 12-year-old Jackson, is a high achiever and people pleaser. He pushes himself and aims high. Kristen, our 11-year-old, is an average student who enjoys the social part of school. She is our practical child — the one who is best at problem solving and organization. Our 7-year-old is Brandon — our ball of energy. He is very bright and loves sports, drama, and the outdoors. He is a confident child and is not scared of new adventures.
When considering our children’s needs, there was one in particular who seemed to be best-suited for the homeschool environment. Kristen had always struggled with reading and comprehension as well as in mastering math concepts. I always had wondered if she might find greater success with a homeschool program. Jackson was at a transition time into middle school. It would be a year of transition for him regardless of whether we homeschooled or not. Brandon would lack the daily social contact with peers but would continue to have that interaction at church.
Gathering Information
To make the decision to homeschool, we had to gather information. One of our most useful resources came through conversations with experienced homeschool families. We learned that each family has to find what fits the family and that what fits one child might not fit the others.
Conversations with homeschool families helped us better evaluate our options and gave us direction. We also gained the confidence that we could be successful in homeschooling our children.
Homeschool Support
We made our decision to homeschool and enrolled with an umbrella school which keeps our school records, serves as our parent/teacher advisor, and operates as a testing facility to measure the children’s progress. The umbrella school also coordinates events and field trips for the children to meet other homeschoolers.
School at Home and on the Road
We have enjoyed many different on-the-road learning experiences. My contribution as the primary teacher of three varied students means a lot of preparation on my part, but I truly believe that my children are getting a well-rounded and personal education plan as we learn together at home and on the road. We are thankful we listened when God began to lead us in this direction. It makes each day a new adventure and broadens each child’s life experiences in a way a typical classroom never could.
To view the entire article, download this pdf document: My Homeschool Story.pdf
Jodi Skulley-August 6, 2009-
Looking for a new tradition for the first day of school? Check out this idea submitted by ParentLife writer Donna Noble.
We have a back-to-school tradition in our family. It began the year my nephew Brian was in kindergarten. I am sure that my sister never anticipated on the day of the first-ever “Bus Party!” that the celebration would lead to another and yet another, until the wheels on the bus had gone around and around, carrying us 20 years down the road.
A Bus Party
What is a bus party? It is simple. All you have to do is make a few treats and a pitcher of lemonade and, at the end of the school day, park yourself by the bus stop. When the bus comes into sight, you jump up and cheer in celebration of your child completing her first day of the school yearIf all of this sounds a little funny, believe me, it is! You should see my sisters, my mom, and me each year! As we shout, “Hooray! It’s the bus party!” we get a few questioning looks from the bus driver. (Come to think of it, our kids have had a new bus driver every year. Is it possible that we scare them off?) Still, these incredulous bus drivers have never turned down the brownies we have offered them through the window.
Every year, our children know to expect this bus party silliness. Though the kids look a little sheepish as they descend the steps of the bus, try as they might, they cannot hold back their laughter. Once again, demonstrative affection triumphs over embarrassment.
The bus pulls away, but we stay and eat goodies. We talk about the day, about new teachers, and about our hopes for the year to come. Best of all, we share a very special bond.
Special Memories
Though every bus party is similar, each one is also unique. Sometimes we sing silly songs, read inspirational verses together, or simply reminisce about past bus parties.
One year, it rained so hard that only my 72-year-old mother and I were brave enough to dance around in the front yard. Everyone else waited under-roof for the guests of honor to arrive. When the bus finally came, the kids dashed straight past poor Grandma to the shelter of the barn where they joined their cousins and the faithful aunts for a great celebration.
Future Bus Parties
Once upon a time there were more little ones waiting on the blanket than riding the bus. Then there were more on the bus than on the blanket. Now our wonderful high schoolers would not miss celebrating their elementary school-aged cousins’ bus party days. The celebration continues for my children: the last two of the bus party of 12!
The Deeper Truth
One thing is for sure: The children in our family have gained the confidence to venture forth on their own because they know how much they are valued at home. And here is the icing on the bus party cake: Together we have experienced a sense of community that some people may never understand. Success calls for celebration ... even if it is just an ordinary day, like the first day of school.
Donna J. Noble and her husband, Darrin, are co-founders of PineCross Ministries, LLP (www.pinecrossministries.com), whose focus is hospitality and encouragement to families. She writes from PineCross Acres in Hartville, Ohio, where she and her family love to celebrate ordinary days.
Does your family have any back-to-school traditions? Leave us a comment and tell us about them!
William Summey-August 5, 2009-
Have your kids gone back to school yet? Mine are 12 days away now. As I wrote in the August ParentLife "Parenting Matters," it seems like just yesterday our oldest, Jonathan, was starting kindergarten. Now he is a fifth grader, and our youngest, Christopher, is on his way to kindergarten!
There are a lot of worries and fears about starting anything new — and kindergarten is a big deal! To help Christopher get ready for his first day of kindergarten, our school had a kindergarten camp. The kids got to meet their teachers, visit their new classrooms, play a few games, and even practice the afternoon hookup line. All of this was designed to cut down on first-day jitters, and I think it worked!
We have also gathered supplies like backpacks, lunch boxes, and clothes to start the school year off with excitement. We always have a routine of taking photos on the first morning of school that is a fun start to that first day.
Do you have a child starting school for the first time? Or do you have a sure fire way to cut down on first-day jitters? I would love to hear your ideas! Post a response so that other parents can read your ideas.
Read our August issue of ParentLife for all sorts of great back-to-school article and tips. Have a great beginning of the school year!
William Summey-July 6, 2009-
We ran across this great information from the American Camp Association (ACA) about packing for camp and thought parents might find it useful for kids who are going to camp the second half of summer. The ACA encourages parents to contact their camp for specific packing lists and guidelines. In addition, the ACA suggests the following guidelines for parents to keep in mind when packing for camp:
- Headgear – Parents should pack items to protect a camper from the sun: scarves, bandannas, baseball caps, or sunhats, as well as needed eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming goggles.
- Clothing – Clothing is a necessary component of camp, just do not expect any to return home clean! Include T-shirts, a swim suit, and shorts for hot days; a jacket, sweatshirt, and jeans for cool or cold days; and a raincoat or poncho for rainy days. Also, long pants will protect a camper from poison ivy, bugs, and thorns during hikes.
- Footwear – Appropriate footwear is one of the most important items to pack for children at camp, especially when they are hiking, spelunking, running, and heading to the beach. Consider packing boots, tennis shoes, sandals, lots of socks — and dress shoes if the camp requires them. Remember that shoes should be broken in prior to the start of camp.
- Bed and Bath Needs – For children attending a resident camp, parents should remember to pack the home basics: towels, as well as a blanket, pillow, pillow cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry bag, and mattress pad. Bathroom Kits are essential. Families should pack a brush and comb, shampoo, soap and soap container, toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, sun block, and lip balm with sun block in it.
- Additional Items – Pack some additional items including books and magazines, flashlights and batteries, Frisbees® or other toys, a water bottle, and writing materials. When considering electronics, musical instruments, and other special gear, check with the camp about policies.
Decisions about camp, including from what to pack, should be made together as a family. When children participate in the decision-making process, their likelihood of enjoying a positive experience is improved.
For expert advice on what to pack, or preparing for camp, visit ACA’s parent resource site at www.CampParents.org.
Where are you sending your kids to camp this summer? Tell us about your camp experience!
William Summey-May 18, 2009-
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) invites children to enter a national art contest with a chance to win a trip to Washington, DC. The contest is open to boys and girls in three groups, grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, and the theme is "Protecting Children from Tobacco Smoke.”
Group winners and their parents will be invited to a presentation ceremony at the 2009 AAP National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 17. Each first-place winner will receive $500 and up to $1,000 for travel expenses. The three second-place winners will each receive $250. The winners’ schools will be awarded matching amounts. Winners will have their artwork featured on the AAP Web site and promotional materials.
“There are still far too many young people who smoke and many pick up this deadly habit while they are at school,” warns AAP President David Tayloe, Jr, MD, FAAP. “This is an opportunity for children to exercise their creative side to alert other children – and parents -- to the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke.”
This year’s contest is an initiative of the AAP’s Julius B. Richmond Center, supported by the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, and dedicated to the elimination of children’s exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke.
To enter, children should submit an original piece of artwork to: National Art Contest, American Academy of Pediatrics, 141, Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Rules, official entry forms and consent forms must accompany all entries and are available online. Entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2009. Winning entries will be selected by a panel of judges including pediatricians, and announced in the summer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
Are you and your kids excited that summer is almost here? What are you planning to do this summer?
William Summey-April 4, 2009-
Couples not getting along, workplace strife, children whining. Have you noticed that the root cause of many problems is
lack of communication? We can never spend enough time practicing our listening and speaking skills at work, church, or home. The problem is that we have gotten so busy that we don't have time to sit down and talk when we are rushing from event to event. I will be the first one to admit I am too busy. Unfortunately busyness can cause us to miss out on one of the best parts of parenting -- sitting together and
talking with our kids.
Whether we are teaching our children some of his first words, asking about his school day at dinner, or having "The Talk" about the birds and the bees, talking with our kids is so important. I am at the stage in parenting where my children ask lots of questions -- about everything -- to the point where it can be tiring! But I am careful to answer questions because I know that the time will soon come when my children will hit those teenage years and be more reserved.
Yesterday
Christopher and I talked for nearly two hours while we watched Jonathan play in a baseball game. We talked about everything from baseball to silly April Fool's Day jokes, but it was precious time together.
In the "Parenting Matters" editorial for the
April 2009 issue of ParentLife, I talk about other great times we talk together as a family.
What are some of the great conversations you have had with your kids? Do they surprise you at the insights they have and the questions they ask? Post a comment and let us hear from you!
William Summey-March 26, 2009-
I love to watch TV! In fact, some of my favorite downtime at the end of the day is getting to watch a favorite show we have recorded or to start a movie.
But with kids, there are often so many things to be careful about regarding the TV shows and movies they watch. We definitely draw boundaries as to the type of shows and movies that our boys watch, but sometimes they hear from friends about other shows and movies we would not let our boys see. So how do you decide what to let your kids watch?
One resource that I have used for evaluating movie and TV content is
Common Sense Media. They provide a target age range for every movie and TV show and even video games, books, and music. Common Sense Media gives an age that they evaluate media to be appropriate for and then evaluates content based on several subject categories: Violence; Language; Sex; Consumerism; Drinking, drugs, & smoking; and Message & role models. Check out their
evaluation on the new video release of
Bolt to get an idea of how their system works.
The
Parents Television Council is another good source for information regarding TV shows and what kids are actually watching. Check out their
research on the best and worst TV shows for kids.
No matter what tool you use to evaluate shows and movies, sometimes the best option is to sit and watch shows together and talk about what you are watching. So many times even the best shows or sporting events can have commercials that are violent, sexually charged, or promote alcohol, so the best bet is to be involved and communicate about media with your kids.
Are there other tools you use to evaluate movies and TV shows? What are the best shows that your kids watch?
William Summey-March 24, 2009-
Sometimes we spend too much time and energy listening to what experts say we should do as parents. Oftentimes it is our kids who tell us what they need the most!
Proof positive are these real-life student comments submitted by ParentLife writer, Mia Pinson, a middle school teacher in South Carolina. Their assignment was to write down advice they would give their parents to help them be a better student in school.
Listen to what some students said they really want from their parents.
• Help me with homework.
• Don't ignore me when I ask for help.
• Help me study so I don't have to make bad grades. I am embarrassed when I do.
• Don't yell at me when I don't get my homework.
• Don't scream at me if I mess up.
• Don't yell at me to wake me up in the morning. It starts me off in a bad mood.
• Reward me for good grades with a surprise.
• Please congratulate me more.
• Be happy when I make a good grade.
• When I tell you the truth about something, don't go and try to fix me.
• Spend time with me. Talk to me about school.
• Don't fuss if I get a C on my report card and I tried my best.
• Don't make me feel bad because I am not smart.
• Stand up for me. Show other people you are proud of me.
• Show me how to love school.
• Pay more attention to me. Encourage me to do well.
• Thank you for always asking me what my day was like and for trying to understand me.
• Thank you for saying you love me.
This list was humbling to me. I think it shows that, no matter the context, our kids need our love, help, support, and encouragement. And it makes me want to ask my sons, "How could Daddy be a better parent?" I think they would say, "Play with us more!" What do you think your kids would say?
Jodi Skulley-March 17, 2009-
Is your preteen tired of school? Is she feeling the pressure of completing school work, earning good grades, and fitting in with her peers? Help her take the stress out of school.
Encourage excellence but emphasize to your preteen that she does not base her self-worth on grades. There is a balance here. Push her to do her best but assure that her value is grounded in being a child of God. - Ensure that your preteen has enough time to study and complete homework. Procrastinating or rushing through assignments will catch up to your
preteen sooner or later. Be proactive in this area. Know what
assignments are coming up and help your preteen set aside enough time
to get all of them done.
- Celebrate your preteen's success. Be eager and quick to point out when your preteen does well. When she earns a good grade, praise her! When she writes a paper, ask to read it and give her positive feedback. If the only time you talk about school is when you are critical, your preteen most likely will worry more.
For more help on teaching your preteen to see herself through God's eyes, be sure to check out ParentLife's 9 to 12 Years Growth Spurt article "Self-Identity" in the March 2009 issue.What school struggles is your preteen facing? Do you have
stress-reducing suggestions to share with other parents? Leave a comment and
let us know.
Jodi Skulley-March 9, 2009-
Google™ recently announced this year's
"Doodle 4 Google" competition. The competition invites all K-12 students in the U.S. to design a Google logo inspired by the timely theme,
"What I Wish for the World." The winning student's doodle will be displayed on the Google homepage on May 21, 2009. The champion "doodler" will also receive a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school. This year's competition also includes a $10,000 award to recognize the school district with the greatest quality participation.
This year, Google is partnering with the
Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, a leader in encouraging the next generation of designers and advancing public understanding of design. After the competition concludes, the top 40 winners' doodles will be displayed in a national exhibit at Cooper-Hewitt in New York City.
Teachers can register their class online by going to www.google.com/doodle4google.
Registration closes on March 17 and all entries must be postmarked by March 31.
Jodi Skulley-March 6, 2009-
Did you know that every child learns differently? How does your child learn best?
There are eight primary ways that children learn. To find out how your child learns, check out the article
"How Am I Smart?" (
HowAmISmart.pdf) by
Dr. Kathy Koch from the September 2009 issue of
ParentLife.
Which of these eight learning styles describes your child? Let us know.
William Summey-March 4, 2009-
This time of year always makes me think of
Upward™ Basketball. I have helped coach Upward three years and love this organization for its sports philosophy and emphasis on teaching kids about Jesus. I thought you would enjoy these words from Upward's founder and president,
Caz McCaslin.
What we do: Specifically designed for K5 through 6th grade boys and girls, Upward sport leagues provide a fun, positive atmosphere for children to grow in a sport they love while also learning about Jesus Christ. Who we are: Upward™ Unlimited is
an international nonprofit children's sports organization designed to
give children and their families a positive sports experience. To
fulfill their mission, Upward partners with evangelical churches across
the country. By working with and training local churches, over half a
million children will participate in Upward this year. How we operate: Giving
children the opportunity to learn and grow through participating in
games they love is one of the most rewarding aspects of conducting a
league. Unlike traditional sports programs, Upward programs are
structured so children participate in practices and games without
league standings. Characteristics such as sportsmanship, kindness, and
character are valued as winning qualities. Coaches primarily focus on
ministering to children and their families instead of game strategy.
Teams are arranged in a substitution system where all players are
allowed equal playing time and equal opportunity for improvement. What we emphasize: To
further the "Every Child Is a Winner" philosophy, Upward coaches
encourage each player with a game-day star award following each game
that builds self-esteem and team spirit. Coaches also are prepared with guides containing a Scripture
learning verse and devotions for practices and games. In addition, the
referee will lead all sports teams in prayer in the center of the field
or court at the beginning of each game.
Upward offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, and several camp options so
find a church near you who offers one of our sports leagues.
Have you participated in an Upward league? Tell us about your experience!
William Summey-February 25, 2009-
Has your child had a big project due at school and needed your help? How much should you step in? Do you find that the majority of school projects reflect Mom's or Dad's work more than the student's?
Ouch! The truth hurts.
Why is it that we sometimes step over the boundary line and do things on our child's behalf? This tendency doesn't happen overnight. Parents often are caught in a pattern of doing things for their kids, rather than stopping to teach or coach them how to do things for themselves. The following are three guidelines for fighting this trend.
Step back. It is OK for kids to make mistakes. We sometimes forget that trial and error can be the best part of learning. We would rather step in and make things right. Or we are living vicariously through our children and take things personally when our children make mistakes.
Build in time for interruptions and teachable moments. Kids learn by asking questions, hands-on experimenting, and connecting new things with what they already know. We are sometimes too busy for our child's questions or to stop and teach a life skill. We have to fight packing our schedules so full that there is no time left for life's interruptions. Unfortunately, all too quickly the question "Dad, will you help me?" turns to "I can't do this! You'll have to do it."
Place the journey together higher than the finished product. Too many times, we focus on the end product. We want our child to make the perfect project or we must have the clothes folded a certain way or we are not happy. Resist the urge to refold those clothes or make the project the way you would have done it. Life is a journey together, so enjoy the time along the way!
Have you ever had trouble with this "doing too much" boundary? How do you discern where to draw the line?
Jodi Skulley-February 24, 2009-
It's hard to believe, but the
ParentLife team is already starting to make plans for 2010 and we need your help! We want to make sure the topics we cover are practical and helpful to your everyday life. So tell us ...
What parenting questions do you have (or hear your friends asking) related to this specific stage of parenting? Leave us a comment and let us know. Or e-mail your ideas to
parentlife@lifeway.com.
(Please include in your comment or e-mail the ages of your child/children.) We want to use this information to plan the topics we will cover in our "Growth Spurts" section in 2010.
William Summey-February 12, 2009-
One of my favorite parts of
Valentine's Day is helping the boys pick out their Valentine cards for school. They are not that much different than the cards I picked out as a young boy, except for the characters on the front of the cards (although I think
Scooby-Doo® has remained popular across all these years). And this year? My sons both picked out
NASCAR® cards to give to their friends!
Although Valentine's Day is about more than giving chocolate and flowers, these tokens of love still remind us of the source of unconditional love -- God. Perhaps our greatest task in parenting is to show our children unconditional love on a regular basis. If you are like me, when I am tired, frustrated, or angry, I realize that I can only love my children unconditionally with God's help. So as you open your cards and eat candy hearts, remember to give thanks to God for sending Jesus -- His greatest gift of love!
What do you plan to do this year with your kids on Valentine's Day? What are your Valentine's Day traditions?
William Summey-February 4, 2009-
A month later, how are you doing on your new year's goals? If you are like me, I am doing better keeping some resolutions more than others! I made it a goal this year to have a
daily quiet time each morning with my oldest son before school. It has been a struggle to find this time in our busy schedule. Although we have not been successful every day, many mornings we are able to read a devotion and pray during breakfast. It has been great time together and with God!
What do we do? Jonathan reads a devotion in
Adventure magazine, a devotional for 3rd and 4th graders. I have been trying to stay on a plan to read through the Bible this year. Sometimes we read slilently and other times read aloud part of our devotion. We talk about what it means and then end in prayer. We usually spend about 10 minutes, and it starts our day off right!
What are some of the ways you spend time as a family with God?
Adventure magazine is one of the LifeWay family of devotional magazines. LifeWay also produces More magazine for children in 1st and 2nd grades, Bible Express for preteens, and ec for teens. These devotionals are all designed to help children spend time with God each day. Each magazine also has a lot of fun learning games inside and focuses on practical application of Bible truths.
William Summey-January 26, 2009-
I love this time of year! Nothing is better than football in January (except maybe March Madness). You might be thinking, "But the big football game is now in February every year!" That's true ... but also part of the reason why I say that football in January is so great.
Let's face it. Super Bowl games can be duds. The best games often are in earlier rounds of the playoffs. The Super Bowl gets so much hype and attention. How could it possibly pay off?
Have you noticed that once your kids entered school that parenting becomes a lot more event centered? You have to take them to practice, rehearsals, school, church and all the corresponding games, performances, recitals, plays, parents' nights, and other important events. Ever beat yourself up for missing some of those big events?
As Dads, we sometimes put too much emphasis on the things we do or a few big things in life -- Christmas morning, a birthday party, or a family vacation -- when those events may not live up to expectations either. The heart of parenting comes in the day-to-day time you spend with your child -- being there, talking, loving, and even drawing boundaries fairly and consistently. This knowledge can take the pressure off trying to perfect those big events and back on how you live today.
Don't worry about tomorrow! Take some time for your child today.
Let me hear from you: What are some of the things that stand in the way of you doing all that you want to do as a dad?
William Summey-January 19, 2009-
ParentLife Online is here! We are excited for the opportunity to communicate with you online. ParentLife Online will be updated daily during the week with commentary from the ParentLife staff, content that goes deeper into topics appearing in our print magazine, product reviews, and helpful links to parenting sites and the latest parenting information.
We also want to hear from you! Respond to our posts, send us ideas for articles, and submit your writing and queries to be considered for ParentLife.
Meet the Editor in Chief
Hi there! I am William Summey, the editor in chief of ParentLife. I have been working on ParentLife for 7 years, initially as editor and now as editor in chief (EIC). As an EIC, I help edit the magazine but function as team leader, helping everyone do their jobs as best they can.
I have been married to my wife, Christy, for 15 years. We have two boys, Jonathan (10) and Christopher (4).
One of my passions is to help encourage parents in their parenting journey. One of the best ways to encourage others is by being open and honest about parenting struggles and challenges. By building community, we are all stronger. I hope that our blog can be a small piece of that community for you!
What are the parenting issues you feel most strongly about? I would love to hear from you!
