Parenting Squad

10 Easy Ways to Make the Farmer's Market Fun for Kids

Alyssa Chirco — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

Your local farmer's is a fantastic place to find the season's freshest produce and discover some of the unique local businesses that offer goods and services in your community. Make a trip to the market a family affair — and teach your kids a few valuable lessons — with these fun ways to make farmer's markets exciting for kids.

1. Sample the bounty.

Children love samples, and farmer's markets are usually filled with them — especially if you visit on a Saturday morning. There's no whining or complaining when little mouths are full, so encourage your kids to taste all the fruits, veggies, baked goods, and local meats and cheeses that the market has to offer.

2. Issue a challenge.

Before you go, tell your kids you're holding a contest to see who can try the greatest number of new foods. A farmer's market is a great place to issue this challenge because children love food on a stick, and the chance to spear a piece of papaya or stinky cheese with a toothpick is probably all the encouragement they need to try something exotic and new.

3. Plan a picnic.

If you have a bustling market in your area, there's a good chance local vendors will have food available for purchase. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and plan to purchase picnic food while you're strolling through the market — and bring bubbles or a ball so the kids can play nearby.

4. Give them money to spend.

Give each child about five dollars, and encourage them to spend it wisely. You may want to set some ground rules, but you'll be amazed to see how much more they enjoy shopping when their own money is involved.

5. Have the kids plan dinner.

Can you plan tonight's dinner with just the food you're buying from the market? Your kids probably can. Ask them to create a menu based on what you've purchased, and then invite them into the kitchen to help you prepare the meal. One suggestion: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is even more delicious when made with the season's freshest berries.

6. Talk with the farmers.

One of the neatest things about a farmer's market is the opportunity to learn where your food comes from. Most farmers take great pride in the bounty their farms produce and love to share their experiences, so encourage your kids to ask questions. They'll enjoy the trip a lot more if their minds are engaged by the task at hand.

7. Create a scavenger hunt.

Have a little family fun by creating (or just downloading) a Farmer's Market Scavenger Hunt. What's the biggest vegetable you can find? How many farms in your county are selling produce at the market today? The questions to ask are endless — and adults should participate too!

8. Educate yourself.

If you can't tell the difference between kale and collard greens, you can't explain it to your kids. Everyone will have more fun if you educate yourself on various fruits and vegetables you're likely to see and get some great ideas for fresh, kid-friendly recipes from a book like At the Farmer's Market with Kids.

9. Time it right.

Don't visit at noon on a hot summer day if your kids tend to melt in the heat, or right before mealtime when everyone is hungry (and less likely to behave well). Your kids might also enjoy the trip more if you shop on a quiet weekday when they don't have to battle crowds of adults for the chance to see what the market has to offer.

10. Keep the momentum going.

If you find a farmer you like, plan a family field trip to visit his farm. Continue shopping with some of the local vendors whose goods you discover. Explore more whole food recipes at your family dinner table. No matter how you do it, work with your kids to sustain the healthier lifestyle that the farmer's market represents. Some day, they will thank you.

Permalink | Comments | Alyssa Chirco's blog | Channel: Tips

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Why Women Need to Talk About Their Miscarriages

Lynn Truong — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Lynn Truong

About 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most experts agree that the number is probably higher (perhaps up to 40%) because many occur before women know they're pregnant. Every pregnant couple knows they're not supposed to share the news until the first trimester is over.

During my first pregnancy I was worried all the time. Every four weeks I would dread the doctor visit, holding my breath until the heartbeat came out loud and clear. It wasn't until the baby was kicking regularly that I could relax, day to day, knowing that if he was still kicking, he was okay.

During my second pregnancy, I told people once I found out. I didn't want it to be like the first, when I was worried and paranoid the whole time. I didn't want to lie or circumvent direct questions (people were always asking about whether we were planning #2). And I wanted my close friends and family to share in the happy news. Why should a whole third of my pregnancy be relegated to a secret?

But most of all, I felt strongly that friends and family should know if a miscarriage had happened. It's a big loss, and it shouldn't be kept from people who care. People should know that it happens a lot. Women should get the support they need. It all shouldn't happen in the dark.

At 7 weeks, before my first appointment, I started spotting.

I went in to see the doctor that day. There was nothing on the screen. A water sac. No baby. The doctor sent me to get some blood work, saying that perhaps I had miscalculated my weeks (I knew I didn't), or that sometimes you just don't see the baby until a little later. I also scheduled a time to come in a week later.

A week later it was confirmed. I had a miscarriage.

Before I had one, I actually thought that I wouldn't be so upset by it. After all, there's a 1 in 5 chance (at least). And it happens (usually) early. It's all very scientific and logical. Sometimes the pregnancy just isn't healthy to begin with. What's the big deal?

Turns out it's a big deal. I was devastated.

And that's why we need to share. It's a big deal. And it's not all emotional. Our bodies have to go through the process of getting rid of all the stuff. This involves a birth-like process, where we go into mini-labor, with pain and blood (lots of both). Or we could opt for a procedure, which involves going to the hospital and getting knocked out for a few hours. And that's not a painless recovery either, not to mention the monetary cost.

I'm not advocating that announcements be made on Facebook or every distant aunt/uncle be called once the pregnancy has been confirmed. It was difficult for me to go down the list of people who knew and tell them the news. It was also difficult for me to handle some of the reactions. Some really had no clue how awful it was for me. I regretted having told them, but in principle I'm glad that I shared. Because in the end, this information is helpful.

If any of my friends or their friends go through this, I want them to reach out to me so I can provide support. There's nothing like another women who has been through it being there for one who is going through it (something I could have used myself). I found this out when I was struggling with all the emotions and challenges of being a new mother. Now, I make sure any new mother I know, knows that I am available at any time to answer questions or offer support. This is how readily women going through a miscarriage should also receive support.

Share. Don't feel ashamed. Don't suffer alone and keep friends in the dark. They deserve to know. We deserve to be supported.

Permalink | 1 comment | Lynn Truong's blog | Channel: News & Commentary, Family Planning

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Marvelous Meals for Any Day in May

Alyssa Chirco — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Alyssa Chirco

Hot soups and hearty stews may be the name of the game during the cold winter months, but we're well into May and it's time to swap the stock pot for the fresh, seasonal bounty of your local farmer's market. Wow your family at the dinner table this month with one of these light and delicious May meals.

Insalata Caprese

This Italian specialty may be a salad, but don't let the name fool you — it's hearty enough to serve as a meal. Layer slices of the season's best vine-ripened tomatoes with slices of fresh Mozzarella cheese, and then top with chopped garlic and fresh basil leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.

Serve this salad with a loaf of crusty Italian bread for dipping.

Pasta With Asparagus Pesto

Asparagus is in abundance during May, but let's face it, the stalky green vegetable is not always a family favorite. One tasty way to prepare it? Whip up this Pasta with Asparagus Pesto for a delicious spring meal straight from the farmer's market. (Call it Shrek Pasta and your kids may even ask for seconds!)

Spinach and Bacon Quiche

Quiche is a go-to meal for many busy families because it can be made ahead of time, served at any time of day, and used to mask all kinds of fresh vegetables behind kid-friendly layers of eggs and cheese. This simple Spinach and Bacon Quiche has only 6 ingredients — including a healthy dose of fresh baby spinach — and pairs well with a light and healthy fruit salad.

Pasta Salad With Seasonal Veggies

Sometimes, you don't need a recipe to create a delicious dinner. For an easy May meal, toss whatever fresh veggies you have on hand (think broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, etc.) with cooked pasta and your favorite Italian dressing, and then refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to blend. For extra kick, add diced cheeses and ham or salami to the mix.

What types of meals do you prepare in May? Do you use fruits and veggies from your local farmer's market in your cooking?

Permalink | Comments | Alyssa Chirco's blog | Channel: Tips

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8 Tips to Help Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool

David James — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By David James

Choosing a preschool is a daunting challenge. An even bigger challenge may be preparing your toddler to leave the cozy confines of home with all his toys, friends, and parents who give him constant attention. But if your child will be moving to a preschool setting soon, there are steps moms and dads can take to help ease the transition.

1. Be honest.

Sit down with your partner and discuss whether your toddler is mentally and emotionally prepared for preschool. Is he ready to leave your home and be in a structured environment for several hours each day? Also, determine any areas that he needs to improve on so he can be thrive in a preschool setting.

2. Start early.

This cannot be a last minute decision. Finding the right preschool for your child might take longer than you anticipate and there are lots of questions to answer. Give yourself at least 6 months to start compiling lists of schools and information you need to make an informed decision. You'll want to check out each school you're interested in to make sure it fits your child.

3. Know what to expect.

Go to the preschool and spend half a day there. Watch how the teacher interacts with the students and rewards and disciplines them. Take notes. The information will enable you to help toddler adjust before classes begin.

4. Explain expectations.

Using terms that toddler can understand, focus on one or two things that deal with how he's going to be expected to behave in class. Drill these things daily so toddler knows how to handle himself.

5. Discipline now.

If there are issues with listening, sharing, or following directions, start working on them right away. It might mean that you have to be more proactive with punishments and consequences, but the benefit will be a child who is better behaved and gets along better with other children.

6. Practice.

If possible, enroll your child in a Bible study class or Mommy & Me class to give him an understanding of the structure of a classroom setting. If your child is in day care, some of these issues might have already been dealt with.

7. Build structure in your day.

One of the biggest challenges for toddler might be dealing with the structure of a preschool classroom. There are times to play, learn, and eat. If your home is more laissez-faire, that structure might be unusual for him. Start building more structure into his day leading up to the start of classes to assist in the adjustment period.

8. Cut the cord.

Emotionally it might be challenging for toddler to leave the comfort of home and his special bond with mom or dad for several hours a day. This can be tricky, but explain to him that being away from home is only temporary and that you'll be thinking of him all day long. If need be, make arrangements for toddler to have play dates with other children and leave him on his own. This might help ease the transition if he's used to having you around 24/7.

Permalink | Comments | David James's blog | Channel: Tips, Pre School

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Why Jason Collins Is a Great Role Model for LGBTQ Youth and Straight Youth

Maggie Wells — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:50:58 +0000

By Maggie Wells

In a Sport's Illustrated Op-Ed, NBA Center Jason Collins recently came out as gay. "I'm black and I'm gay," he said. This big news sent the sports world into a storm of comments both positive and in support of Collins, and exasperated as to why he felt the need to say anything at all. He leaves many mainstream parents wondering if this is a good thing or a bad thing for a sports figure to do.

Sports, undeniably, play far too much of an important role in American culture. Everyone has the teams they root for and we constantly are looking up to — and letting our children look up to — sports figures to model behavior for our children. Most of this probably stems from the athletic rigor of "practice, practice, practice and you will achieve." For poor kids, sports figures from economically depressed backgrounds have always been a source of aspiration. Play ball, and if you practice hard enough, and are really good, you too will become a professional athlete and be out of poverty forever.

We want our role model athletes to not take drugs, not cheat on their wives, and to do well in school. Most are human, so most fall short of our unrealistic expectations.

Jason Collins, on the other hand, offers a better role model. A role model who comes out and says "be who you are." It's no secret that America's LGBTQ youth are some of the most bullied and mentally abused kids by both family members and their school peers. Collins speaking up about his orientation provides strength and hope — and not just for LGBTQ youth! When children see someone comfortable in their own skin and being honest and true to themselves and who they are, it provides a perfect teachable moment. If Collins can come out as gay, then maybe Sally can come out as a math geek and Jeff can come out as loving to quilt. His admission on a grand scale makes the pathway that much easier for others to be who they are.

And It's Not About Sex

A common misconception by those parents who freak out at celebrities and sports figures coming out is this idea that somehow the person who comes out is "bringing what goes on in the bedroom into the public." That's not what sexual orientation is about. It's. Not. About. Sex.

Worried parents often make this assumption that it is, and that's where the freak out begins and the homophobic comments start flying. Sexual orientation is exactly what it is — orientation.

Imagine you're in the workplace, any workplace. Maybe you're a basketball player for the NBA. Maybe you're an office worker. It's a Friday afternoon and your co-worler says "Hey John, what are you going to do this weekend?" John is going to his partner of 20 years Mark's niece's 5th birthday party. He should be able to say, "My husband and I are going to his niece's birthday." But he won't. He'll just say, "Oh, I'm going to a family party."

Or maybe the women in the office are talking about how hard it is to deal with an aging husband, and your name is Julie and you have a wife who you take care of on your days off and you hire a caretaker for the days you are working. The five women surrounding Julie can talk about their husbands all they want in this scenario. But unless Julie is in a workplace that's open and caring, she can't enter that conversation. She'll pretend she single. Or smile. She cannot say, "I know what you mean" and talk about her home life. That's what being in the closet is.

Most heterosexual parent families probably (hopefully?) do not talk about their sex lives with their children. The same is true for homosexual families. No kid gay or straight wants to hear about their parents having sex, gay or straight, because most of us don't want to think that our parents ever had sex.

Which brings us back to Jason Collins and the media circus surrounding his coming out. Jason and open-minded people everywhere know that his admission wasn't about sex. It was about orientation. Jason no longer has to hide. He no longer has to pretend. Jason will no longer have to make excuses as to why he doesn't want to be set up on a blind date with a hot woman. He won't have to sit out a Pride parade that his straight friend went to instead.

"No one wants to live in fear. I've always been scared of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I never have. But each time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more soundly. It takes an enormous amount of energy to guard such a big secret. I've endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie," says Collins.

We want our kids to be truthful and honest. Jason's honesty gives us the perfect example of how lying about yourself can take a toll on you emotionally, physically, and mentally. Telling the truth was a brave thing for him to do and it should serve as an inspiration for all youth — LGBTQ and straight — to do the same in their lives.

Permalink | 1 comment | Maggie Wells's blog | Channel: News & Commentary

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Hilarious Infant Sleep Advice From a Tired New Mom

Alyssa Chirco — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:44:29 +0000

By Alyssa Chirco

For most new parents, sleep — or lack thereof — can be the bane of your existence. Those early days with a newborn who eats every hour and can't tell the difference between night and day are excruciating, so it's no wonder that so many of us turn to the experts for advice. But are they actually helpful? Or are they only making an already stressful situation worse?

New Mom's Sleep Rant Goes Viral

According to Ava Neyer, a sleep-deprived mother of 5-month-old twins, the many blogs and sleep websites and books on infant sleep create nothing but confusion for parents. Neyer, like a lot of new moms, was frustrated by all the conflicting baby sleep advice she's received, so she put her frustration into words, and the hilarious rant she wrote as a result has now gone viral.

Apparently, other parents can totally relate, probably because Neyer's summary of the classic infant sleep refrains touches a nerve within all of us. She writes:

"You shouldn't sleep train at all, before a year, before 6 months, or before 4 months, but if you wait too late, your baby will never be able to sleep without you. College-aged children never need to be nursed, rocked, helped to sleep, so don't worry about bad habits. Nursing, rocking, singing, swaddling, etc to sleep are all bad habits and should be stopped immediately."

Neyer goes on to talk about the conflicting advice she's received in regards to swaddling, pacifiers, naps, schedules, crying it out, and just about every other aspect of infant sleep. Her ultimate conclusion is that we should:

"Sleep when the baby sleeps. Clean when the baby cleans. Don't worry. Stress causes your baby stress and a stressed baby won't sleep."

Infant Sleep: Is There a Solution?

In lieu of Neyer's rant, I'm not about to start offering infant sleep tips here. She's entirely right — for every bit of advice you get as a new parent, there will be someone else telling you to do the exact opposite. And as tough as sleep struggles can be, they also teach a valuable lesson in parenting — in the end, the choices are all up to you.

Need sleep advice? Here are my two cents: Take expert advice into consideration, but always follow your instincts. Ask questions. Ignore your critics. When one method doesn't work, try a different one. Be open to new ideas. Be willing to change your mind. Make decisions based on what works for YOUR family. Know that this too shall pass.

And most importantly, remember that (as annoying as this advice may be) there really will come a day when you would give anything to hold that baby in your arms — even at 3 a.m. — just one more time.

Permalink | Comments | Alyssa Chirco's blog | Channel: News & Commentary, Home Life, New Parents

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Your Child's World View: Join Our Tweetchat Today, 05/16 at 2:00 EST for a Chance to Win!

Rhonda Franz — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Rhonda Franz

Come talk with other moms and dads today about making sure children have exposure to everything, from other cultures and economic situations to people with special needs and people in need.

Do you enjoy traveling? Do your children? Where have you traveled together as a family?

Do you read books or watch shows/movies that show your children how other cultures live?

Does your child attend a school with a lot of diversity?

Is your child in class with any students who have special needs/disabilities?

What kind of volunteer work have you done as a family?

What do you say to your children when you talk about money and finances?

Extra Reading

Everyone is welcome to chat! Use #pschat to participate, and make sure you're following @parentingsquad for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

Permalink | Comments | Rhonda Franz's blog | Channel: News & Commentary, Tips, Home Life, Finances, Education, Social Skills, Learning Tools, Culture, K-8, High School, Extra Curricular

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7 Books to Help Expand Your Child’s World View

Nancy Flanders — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Nancy Flanders

We can't all be world travelers, especially with small children ruling ours. But we can still teach children about different areas of the world and different cultures. We can show them how other people live, eat, and travel. And we can do it through the power of books.

Material World: A Global Family Portrait. In the 1990s, 16 photographers traveled to 30 nations and spent a week living with families from those nations. Each photographer took a family portrait with the family and all of their possessions in front of their home. This bestseller is a great way to share the world with your child.
To Be a Kid. This simple book shares pictures of children from around the world. It emphasizes the similarities among children from a variety of cultures. Great for young children.
One World One Day. This beautifully photographed book captures one day in the lives of different children from around the world. It highlights everything from what a child eats at breakfast to how they get to school.
Houses and Homes (Around the World Series). This book shares pictures of different houses and homes from around the world. From houses of mud to houses of stone, your children will learn about the different structures that make a home.
Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey around the World. This book uses vibrant color photography to capture images of children from all the corners of the earth. Along with the pictures is information about each child's culture and language.
Children of the World: How We Live, Learn, and Play in Poems, Drawings, and Photographs. This book comes straight from the children of 192 different countries. They share their worlds with each other through their own artwork and poetry. The book includes photographs, maps, and fun facts too.
Families: Around the World, One Kid at a Time. This large book feature maps and photos to teach your children about children from across the globe. Your children will learn about different family structures, activities, religions, and local customs.

We can all benefit from a little diversity including learning how others live, especially those without a television to watch or a Wii to play. Exposing your children to different cultures can help foster a sense of a global community, inspire generosity, and teach your children appreciate all that they have.

Permalink | Comments | Nancy Flanders's blog | Channel: Tips, Education, Social Skills, Learning Tools, Culture, Home School, Extra Curricular

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How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child With Special Health Needs

Nancy Flanders — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Nancy Flanders

It isn't easy to choose a preschool. There's location, cost, class size, and schedule to consider. Plus, if your child has special health needs such as severe allergies or cystic fibrosis (like mine), the considerations you need to take as a parent seem to quadruple. You have to be thorough. You have to have a clear plan. And you have to ask the right questions.

How many is too many?

Class size and student-to-teacher ratio are important. My daughter needs to be protected from respiratory viruses. This is going to be pretty close to impossible at any preschool. However, the fewer children there are in her class, the less likely there will be germs getting sneezed around. In addition, the more teachers there are, the more likely your child will get the attention (as in the right medications at the right times) she needs.

How small is too small?

Another consideration for us was the actual size of the classroom. Too small of a room with a bunch of little kids around would mean there was no escape for my daughter from any of the germs. Too small of a room would be like sticking her in a glass box full of the cold virus.

Is there a nurse?

Some preschools are located in actual school buildings where there is a nurse. This is a huge plus for us in terms of administering medications and having a place for our daughter to go if she becomes ill. And a nurse, although most likely not an expert in all health conditions, is more likely to have a basic knowledge of your child's condition than the teacher may have.

Is it accessible?

Some preschools are in buildings that may not be 100% accessible for children with wheelchairs or walkers. It's rare, but still possible to run into this problem. However, finding a school with an accessible playground is probably going to be tough. But they do exist. Spend some time researching to see if you can find one for your child so she doesn't miss out on any of the fun.

Is it clean?

This is huge for us, again because of the germ factor. One preschool we checked out had a bird for a class pet. Birds are not the best for people with cystic fibrosis because of certain bacteria they can carry. Plus, if doorknobs are never cleaned, there is a very good chance of our daughter catching a cold or even the flu without even being near the person who is sick.

What is their experience?

Sometimes, you can find a school where a teacher has had experience with a child who has the same condition as your child. This person will have a very clear understanding of the accommodations that need to take place for your child.

Get started early to find the right preschool and ensure a spot for your child. Be sure to visit the school and perhaps even sit in on part of the day. If you can't find the right preschool for your child, don't stress. Your child can always start mid-year or not at all. Preschool is a great way to gain some skills for kindergarten, learn to socialize, and learn to be away from Mom and Dad if your child hasn't gone to daycare, but it isn't required. Your child can skip preschool altogether and learn the necessary skills with you at home.

Permalink | Comments | Nancy Flanders's blog | Channel: Tips, Education, Health, Social Skills, Etiquette, Learning Tools, Pre School, Allergies, Diseases & Disorders

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What Your Community College Student Needs to Know About the New Financial Aid Policies

Maggie Wells — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:02 +0000

By Maggie Wells

Ah, Community College. It's the place to explore interests, knock out a few general education courses, and figure out what your major might be. We've all heard the joke about those community college students who are on the 10-year plan. Your local state and federal government is trying its hardest to make sure that the leisurely over two years attendance is a thing of the past.

But the word isn't getting out fast enough, and some community college students are finding themselves in a heap of trouble. The rules went into effect for the 2012 Fall Semester, but many students will be really feeling the pinch of the issues now as they are registering or beginning the Fall 2013 semester.

A simple Google search on new federal financial aid guidelines will bring you to PDFs from colleges all over the country trying to interpret the new rules. See if your child's community college is offering up its own interpretation of the new rules and regulations.

New Changes in Financial Aid Beginning to Take Effect

Think back to that class you hated. Mine was statistics. I took it three times. The first two times, I dropped it with a "W" — which was great. I didn't hurt my GPA and I could take it again when I had more understanding under my belt. Essentially, community college was designed to help students not ready for college level on a subject to be able to obtain skills at their own pace before matriculating on.

But budget cuts and stringent oversight is making the community college more of a factory for two-year transfer to a four-year college instead of a place to get solid on subjects a student doesn't understand. This is a state wide measure many states are looking into. California, for example will no longer let you take a required course like an English 101 more than three times and a student will have to just accept the grade earned — even if he or she withdrew and has a "W" on the transcript.

Federal financial aid recipients aren't going to have that sort of option anymore.

Now, a "W" in a course counts as an attempt at the course and will factor into the GPA. Also, you only get two attempts at the course, whatever the course is. Three strikes, you're out whether you passed that course or not. There will be students who will not be able to attend anymore.

Some liken the new rules to going cold turkey on an addiction with no transitioning period.

Tax Changes for Students Using Financial Aid

Additionally, a new verification process is in place called a tax transcript. Previously, you submitted your tax return information or your parents'. Now you must submit a tax transcript from the IRS in order to verify that your student qualifies. This is to catch anyone being claimed on someone else's taxes, those married filing separately, etc. But in practice the transcript can take up to eight weeks to make its way to the school financial aid office, which means students might not see money to buy books for two months of the semester.

Pell Grants

Pell Grants, which were once the godsend of financial aid for students from low income families, now max out at 12 semesters when previously a student could go 18 semesters. Again this sounds reasonable, but remember all those mid-career Americans out there who have had to go back to school to train in something else because the market fell out of their field? There might not be any aid left for them, and of course it means that the young student better get through school as quickly as possible.

At some state schools it is nearly impossible to get through in four years due to added state or school requirements that require courses that aren't offered every year.

Students are required to maintain a C (2.0) average to continue to receive financial aid; appeal for a so-called bad semester will be going by the wayside. Of course students should strive for for the 4.0, but many times life gets in the way and students (especially at the beginning) have a bad semester. As an instructor, I've seen students get sick, or their kids have gotten sick, or they've gotten pregnant or had to work more hours to stay in school.

The new financial aid rules are not designed with compassion or second chances in mind.

Traditionally, community college is the land of opportunity and second chances. Returning adults, single parents, those transitioning from one career to the next, as well as the high school student getting ready for college all rely on the community college system to provide the chance they need to better their options and opportunities in life.

It's just now with those new guidelines in place they'll have more limited time to achieve those goals.

What Can You Do?

Go over the new rules yourself and make sure your college student (or you) understand that there are no second chances anymore.

If you are planning to start school soon, make sure that you have the time, energy, and money to do so. If any part of the equation is missing, you could be setting yourself up for problems such as being barred from taking a course that is part of the GE requirement for graduation.

For students receiving financial aid loans, the interest rules have also changed. For high school students taking community college courses, the eligibility has changed as well.

Find out your options for everything way before you decide to enroll.

Know Your Rights and Be Alert

One of the common complaints on the college campuses right now is that the information on the new policies weren't well publicized last semester as they went into effect. As students are beginning the spring semester, they are finding that they can't retake courses or that they are now at the bottom of long wait lists, as students who haven't taken that course will now have first dibs no matter who enrolled first in the course.

Financial aid advisors at your colleges are obligated to explain the new policies to you when you ask. Talk to your child and explain what the new policies might mean to their education and why it's more important than ever for them to be serious about their education.

We hope this information is useful for your and your family, but we are neither tax professionals nor financial aid experts. Please consult your college's financial aid department for more information on the new rules, and a tax professional for help with changes to tax law.

Permalink | Comments | Maggie Wells's blog | Channel: News & Commentary, High School, Higher Education

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