Toddler Hearing Test

Jessie has been working with Early Childhood Intervention for more than a year. As much as I wanted her to get speech therapy, no one would agree to it until well after she turned two. Previously it was agreed that she was communicating just fine, although not the way I wanted. I wanted to make sure that there weren’t any problems with her hearing. If she’s not hearing the sounds right, it’s no wonder she’s not repeating them. I found an ENT and scheduled her appointment. The hearing test was a lot different than when I had my hearing tested … Continue reading

Sponsoring a Contest

Have you ever been in a store or other business location that was plastered with coloring pages or some other “signs” of a contest? Sponsoring a contest has a long tradition in business promotions and it isn’t just for large corporations. If you are looking for a fun way to drum up business or involve more people in your business, you might consider sponsoring some sort of a contest… Contests come in all sizes and forms—from those coloring contests, to puzzles, to sports “pools”, to trivia tests. Look through any daily newspaper and chances are you will see all sorts … Continue reading

Figuring Out What Fido Is: Doggie DNA Tests

About a month ago Murph and I ran into a neighbor, Marlene, and her dog Zeus. Zeus is a very big dog (I want to say in the 100 pound range) and a mix of some sort. Maybe Saint Bernard, maybe Newfoundland, maybe even Lab. Marlene’s not quite sure…but she now has a way to find out. Unlocking The Genetic Safe to Determine a Dog’s Breed She told me about a company called MetaMorphix that sells a DNA testing kit specifically designed to determine a dog’s breed. It’s called the Canine Heritage Breed Test. You order the kit online (costs … Continue reading

Preparing for Standardized Tests

I was asked the following question on a previous blog post: I know that the (standardized) testing always test beyond what the standard level of education is, but what do I do to prepare her for this test. When I taught High School, we always set aside 2 weeks to prepare students. Is there something out there I can get to prepare her for these mastery tests? Many states require standardized testing for homeschoolers. Some parents and children look forward to showing off how much they know. Some treat it as a necessary evil. Others freak out and worry that … Continue reading

Preparing for the Big Test

It’s the night before the big test and I mean BIG. Not only am I anxious, but my son is as well. I have to wonder if he is well prepared for what will be on this extensive Social Studies test. I have to admit that part of me is a bit perturbed at the teacher for having such a lengthy outline of what the students may expect on the test. These kids are only in fourth grade and already have to know so much information and in so little time. However, I do realize that teachers have guidelines to … Continue reading

Tips For Gathering And Supporting Family

The month of December includes several holidays, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Solstice. Many people enjoy gathering together to celebrate with members of their families during these holiday celebrations. For best results, follow these tips for gathering and supporting family members. Plan Gatherings Around The Most Vulnerable Family Members CNBC News reported advice from Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her number one piece of advice is to plan gatherings around the most vulnerable family members. Vulnerable communities include people who are immunocompromised, children, and elderly people. Dr. Wallace listed the following examples of how … Continue reading

Ways To Gather With Family During December

There is something special about gathering with family during the holidays. Sharing time together can help build bonds between family members. Here are some simple things you can do to encourage family members to gather together during December. Attend a Religious Event Together Many families have a specific religion that they follow. Parents can bring their children to the building where the religious experience will take place. Doing so gives the children guidance that the parents want them to learn. When the children become adults, they might look forward to attending a religious event with their parents again. This is … Continue reading

The Hottest Halloween Items of 2022

October is the best time of the year for people who absolutely love Halloween! This year, companies like McDonald’s and Squishmallows are taking part of the fun. Get them before they run out of stock or disappear after a limited amount of time. Bloomberg reported that McDonald’s has announced the return of the trick-or-treating trio. These are three, colorful, Happy Meal Pails that can double as a carrying case for kids who want to go trick-or-treating.  These colorful Halloween buckets first debuted in 1986, and could cause some nostalgia for parents who had one when they were kids. The Happy … Continue reading

What Parents Should Know About Teen Romance During COVID-19

Did your teen start dating during the COVID-19 pandemic? The Washington Post has information that parents should know about teen romance in the age of COVID-19. Parents might be more aware of signs that their teen has started dating. It is easier to notice when everyone is working from home or virtually learning. This knowledge may make parents uncomfortable, but it also provides opportunity for parents and teens to have important discussions. The Washington Post reported that schools may or may not be providing school-based sexual education during the pandemic. Schools that have on-campus health centers, which may provide birth … Continue reading

Halloween Safety During COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have posted information parents should consider before making decisions about how to celebrate Halloween this year. The purpose of these guidelines is to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, if you may have COVID-19, or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities. You also should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. The following activities are lower risk: Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with … Continue reading