'Tis the season! Your child has a few weeks of school under his belt, and it's time for an in-person progress report. The parent-teacher conference! As much as your child's teacher would love to spend hours discussing your child's talents and needs with you...there just isn't time. So you must make the most of the limited time you have. Be prepared and do your research ahead of time. We've rounded up a few of our favorite articles outlining the best questions to ask during your … [Read more...]
SecDef Carter Pushes New Initiative to Benefit Military-Connected Children
Highlights From the MCEC 17th National Training Seminar Targeted Resources Maximize Success Secretary of Defense Ash Carter addressed attendees of the annual Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) National Training Seminar on July 31 to discuss challenges facing military-connected children. Carter stressed the importance of working with groups such as the Military Child Education Coalition to push progress in the realm of public schools since more than 90 percent of military … [Read more...]
5 Easy Ways To Teach Your Child About Self-Control
When kids melt down in the middle of a crowded store, at a barbecue with neighbors you've just met, or at home while waiting for dinner, it can be extremely frustrating. Why can't he just control himself?!? Self-control is one of the most valuable skills parents can teach to set up children for long-term success. Not to mention make your life easier on a day-to-day basis! The path to self-control begins in early childhood, develops throughout one’s life, and is highly influenced by … [Read more...]
5 Fun Ways To Teach Kids About Healthy Eating
According to research, food preferences are formed in early childhood and affect an individual’s eating habits for life. For LIFE? No pressure, right? And as we all know...kids do what they see. So strive to be a good role model! I know I know...it seems impossible to compete with the peer pressure and junk food commercials. But every little bit helps! Even small changes in your family's eating habits can make a big impact on your children's health. By encouraging awareness and sharing … [Read more...]
Activities That Teach Perseverance
"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship." ~ Louisa May Alcott When teaching kids about perseverance - sticking to a challenging task - I think of the phrase "meet them where they are to take them where they need to be." If you see your child struggling to complete an activity, join them in the activity at their level (meet them where they are), engage them, work with them and encourage them to keep going. If necessary, provide them with suggestions or teach the skills … [Read more...]
Powerful PBS Documentary “The Homefront” Explores Military Families Who Serve Too
While more than 2 million men and women serve in the American military, a new PBS documentary, “The Homefront,” focuses on the additional 3 million husbands, wives and children who remain behind, waiting for their loved ones to return from deployment. They carry with on their lives while a loved one is overseas for months, even more than a year, and sometimes on multiple deployments. Wow. Grab the tissues. Not what I had planned for today! But once I started watching, I couldn't stop. … [Read more...]
Can I Do Anything to Stop Test Anxiety?
Everyone worries about exams, but test anxiety is in another league, causing such fear that it is impossible to do your best. But there are strategies to help! 1) Develop good study habits. 2) Practice under simulated test conditions. (This helps more than you know!) 3) Use relaxation techniques. (BREATH!) 4) Write about your feelings. 5) Be prepared. (Admittedly, this seems like a no-brainer.) 6) Arrive early. (I rely on this for ANY situation in which I feel … [Read more...]
A New, Convenient Child Care Option for Military Families
Military families face the challenge of finding safe, reliable child care with every PCS. A new Department of Defense website – MilitaryChildCare.com – will help ease this transition by simplifying the search and registration process. MilitaryChildCare.com supports eligible families in requesting full day and part day care in DoD Child Development Programs (CDPs). These programs provide access to available, affordable, quality programs and services for children birth through 12 years in a … [Read more...]
Dandelion Wine: The Flower of the Military Child
Dandelions are like military kids: strong, sturdy, blooming wherever the wind blows them and thriving in any climate. Sometimes we need a little “help” (wink, wink) while parenting our dandelions kids. … [Read more...]
Dandelion Jam: The Flower of the Military Child
Want a great way to connect with other families and a clever conversation starter? You can make delicious dandelion jam (from flowers that represent your military kids!) to share with your neighbors introducing your family to the neighborhood. Who could resist such an unexpected way to jumpstart a new friendship? … [Read more...]