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Beware of the second-year “slump in money” A growing number of colleges award to incoming freshmen generous aid packages, then dramatically reduce the awards in subsequent years. However, many colleges are willing to place limits on price increases. Request written commitments that lock in college costs and aid packages for all four years. If you have changing family circumstances during your child’s college years (perhaps a younger child begins the college process), try to renegotiate your initial aid awards....

5 to 10 minutes Materials 3 empty toilet-paper rollsA shoe box Directions Extensions Shake the box, open it, and let your child pull the rolls out and repeat.Take turns putting the rolls into the box, talking about who is doing it each time.

How much is “plenty”? The Society of Health and Physical Educators (a professional society for teachers) recommends: Free play: At least 60 minutes a day (and up to several hours) in any kind of unstructured physical activity, like exploring at the playground or playing pretend at home Limited sedentary time: No more than 60 minutes at a time sitting still (reading books, watching screens, coloring) unless they are sleeping Structured play: At least 60 minutes a day, cumulative....

That’s not to say today’s teens are lazier than ever. There can be lots of challenges that complicate traditional employment for teens. Lack of transportation, being too young to get a job, or lack of job opportunities are just a few of the reasons some teens struggle to find work. But, if your teen still wants to earn money, starting a business may be an option. Surveys show the vast majority of young people want to own a business someday....

Just make sure your child is invested in earning the incentive. While one child may be motivated by extra TV time, another child may be motivated by a trip to the park. So offer rewards that are specific to your child’s interests and needs. Free and Cheap Reward Ideas for Kids Whether you want to motivate your child to get chores done, or you want to teach them to stop hitting, here are some free and low-cost reward ideas:...

Effort: Some sewing required Materials: White flat sheet (twin size should be large enough) Yellow felt Cotton balls or toilet paper Yarn or ribbon Spatula White sweat suit Needle and thread Scissors Elastic (optional) Instructions: Fold the sheet in half and cut it into a circle shape. You should have two circles – one for the front and one for the back. Cut out two small circles from the yellow felt, about 1/4 the size of the white circles....

Cup Stacking Cups can be piled in pyramids of all sizes and shapes or made into walls or towers. You’re just limited by the number of cups in your stash. Luckily, they’re cheap (and quite often recyclable). Plus kids are practicing math if they count their stacks or create patterns with different colored cups. Bowling Set up a mini bowling alley by using overturned plastic cups as pins. Use the traditional triangle setup or create a stacked pyramid....

You may spend those days taking note of every possible early pregnancy sign. You might even feel pregnant and believe wholeheartedly that this month will be your month. And then, your period shows up. If you are dealing with another month where your period makes an unwanted appearance, we have some suggestions to help you get through this disappointing time. Know That What You’re Feeling Is Normal Maybe you imagine taking a pregnancy test and finally seeing a positive result....

String Two drinking straws Bubble solution Large, flat baking pan Directions

By assigning your kids chores like feeding pets and sweeping the floor, you are sending them an important message: that they are a contributing member of the family. Here’s why chores aren’t really a chore for your child and the best ways to assign them. Why Chores Are Important Giving your child chores to do has a number of benefits, not only to your household but to their personal development....

Styrofoam balls in various sizes Glue Glitter Small shallow dish Thread Directions

Glass or plastic container (about six inches wide and four inches deep) Potting soil or earth without lumps Sand Fresh, unroasted peanuts in the shell Water Directions

Sunflower seeds Compost tea Compost Stakes (optional) Directions

In this scenario, you are flying alone on a commercial flight. The older man seated across the aisle (he looks to be about forty) starts talking to you. How do you react? Read through the scene below and test how much you know about keeping yourself safe. Then you can talk about the explanations that follow with your parents or another trusted adult. Being an adult also means being mature enough to know how to keep yourself safe....

While brand’s biggest sale of the year, Way Day, just wrapped up, the sales haven’t dried up. You can still save big on a handful of items like bookcases, rugs, chairs, and more. Here are the best deals you can still shop for kids and your home at Wayfair right now. When is Way Day? This year the sale starts at midnight on April 28 and continues through 3 AM EST on April 30, 2021....