Not proficient in "new math"?

Long ago my solution to find Math Homework Help was to have older siblings help the younger ones since Math help no matter if it's Calculus Help, Geometry Help or Algebra 2 Help -- it's above my level of expertise and I ended up frustrating whoever I was trying to help more than I helped them.

Tutoring systems like Tutor Vista are designed to help end that frustration if you don't have older siblings around to help or if your school system doesn't offer additional tutoring assistance. Internet assistance is also more convenient since you can get help when you need it.

I took Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 in High School, but it seems to me that it's changed quite a bit since the late '70s, especially when it comes to some of the terms used. The only area that appears to still be the same where I can actually offer some assistance is when it comes to Statistics Help which is not very much help at all since only one of mine has taken Statistics ...

Hence it's better to turn to the experts.

I weigh less than an ox...

When I saw this scale I had to chuckle since instead of giving you pounds it tells you what animal you weigh closest too. It was ironic since one of my daughters was talking about wanting to buy a scale so she could follow how her diet and the weight loss supplements she's taking are working for her. We don't own a scale anymore since some in the house became to obsessive about their weight, so when the scale broke, I didn't replace it. I'm not sure how into the idea I am of having a scale in the house again, though I think the animal one would at least provide some moments of humor...

Similac recall

FDA Consumer Health Information - Abbott Recalls Some Similac Formulas

SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A global health and nutrition company is recalling 5 million units of a well known baby formula because of possible contamination with insect parts or larvae.

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm226941.htm.

Sign up for e-mail notices of new FDA Consumer Updates at:https://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USFDA_9.

View the FDA Consumer Update RSS feed at:http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/Consumers/rss.xml

Child Nutrition Legislation supported by Nemours

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nemours endorses the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and urges Congress to pass this Child Nutrition Reauthorization legislation without delay. This bill marks a significant advancement in the field of childhood obesity by providing children ample opportunities to develop healthy nutrition, physical activity and screen time habits that will last a lifetime.

As a leader in the fight against childhood obesity, Nemours, a nationally recognized child health system, recognizes the value of working in all the places where kids live, learn and play including child care, school, primary care and in the community, to help children grow up healthy.

Fruit & Veggies and young children

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on The Rise in Young Children, But Down in Teens

HOCKESSIN, Del., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New data shows children under the age of 12 have been eating more fruits and vegetables since 2004. Children under the age of 6 increased their fruit consumption by 11 percent from 2004 through 2009, while consumption for ages 6-12 increased by 7 percent. The vegetable trend was slightly less positive, but still an improvement, with children under the age of six consuming 3 percent more vegetables over the last 5 years and 6-12 year-olds consuming 2 percent more. Teen consumption of fruit and vegetables is on the decline, however, with a 6 percent decrease in vegetable consumption and a 2 percent decrease in fruit consumption since 2004.

Additional data from this study regarding the fruit and vegetable consumption of adults was generally consistent with findings the CDC study published in the September 10 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly which indicated that last year's adult fruit consumption was down slightly and that vegetable consumption was about the same as reported in 2000.

Allen honored by Working Mother Magazine

Jeanne Allen Named One of Working Mother's Most Powerful Moms in Education

Education reform a prominent component of latest list

The Center for Education Reform is proud to announce that President Jeanne Allen has been named to Working Mother magazine's list of the ten 'Most Powerful Moms in Education'. The editors of Working Mother praised Jeanne's goal of turning parents into activists for their children's education as well as her work to frame education policy on the local, state and national level.

"I'm honored to be recognized alongside some of the most notable working mothers in the education world," said Allen. "This recognition points to a shifting national focus towards reforming our education system and providing strong school options for parents and their kids, no matter where they live."

In addition to Jeanne Allen, the president of MIT, the dean of the Duke University School of Medicine, a public schools chancellor, the founder of a charter school network, and the president of Barnard College were also honored.

Jeanne Allen has been President of The Center for Education Reform since its founding in 1993, and works tirelessly to empower parents and community leaders to advocate for more and better school options for their students. She is a much sought-after media analyst and has advised state and federal lawmakers on education policy for more than 20 years.

I do know one and one is two...

When I was back in school I did know how to divide and I did learn how to do Algebra equations though when I now look at some of the work my children are doing in math, it almost seems as if what I learned then would now be called, pre Algebra.

While I enjoy solving math word problems in crossword puzzle books, I'd probably not fare well at a math practice test. I can't even begin to tell you what a standard form or a slope formula is, at least not without googling it to be able to give a basic description. When I was involved in parent's club at my older children's school, I suggested we have a class on new math for parents. It was a very successful program that they still do today...

Get your tutoring on...

With school about ready to begin in many parts of the country, it's time to start thinking about more than just buying school supplies, finding a Homework helper is also something parents should start looking into. While many school systems do offer help for parents and students, not all of them offer Algerba 2 help and many of us as parents have no idea what is meant by Equivalent Fractions.

When my older children were at home and one of the younger ones needed a Math Tutor it was simple, I just directed the child needing help to a sibling. Now it's not quite so easy, so when my youngest comes to me needing help to solve math problems -- at times I'm stumped and I have gone online to find a free online math tutor or to find the answers to the math problem so I can attempt to figure out how the problem needs to be done. So, if you are like me and you have no idea what a Probability calculator is? You might want to start thinking about where you are going to turn for math help this upcoming school year, tutornext.com is one site I recommend checking out.

Average child in the U.S. costs his or her parents about $286,050

Since I have five children, it's easy to reflect on this issue and to dispute the costs increase to the point where multiples cost that much per child, but it's still a lot. It's also making some parents decide that perhaps they are only going to have one child. This Time article debunks some of the myths that people believe apply to only children. I'm not sure I agree with all of it, while parenting may be a factor in creating spoiled children, I have come across more only children who were spoiled than multiples...

But in that case, is there truth to the stereotype that they're overindulged? In Austin, I seek out psychologist Carl Pickhardt, who tells me, "There's no question that only children are highly indulged and highly protected." But that doesn't mean the stereotype is true, he says. "You've been given more attention and nurturing to develop yourself. But that's not the same thing as being selfish. On balance, that level of parental involvement is a good thing. All that attention is the energy for your self-esteem and achievement." But, he adds, "everything is double-edged. And everything is formative."

Another teenage drama moment...weight...

Whether it's consumerism gone crazy or peer pressure, each one of my four daughters a one time or another have announced they are fat and they need to go on a diet. Their preferred action appears to always be diet pills as to diet and exercise. Which to be frank, none of them are fat. This morning my youngest started again on that theme after going to the doctor to be treated for a bladder infection. She decided upon hearing her weight that she was fat. No matter the fact that she is well within the desired weight range for her height, not even towards the "heavier" side of the spectrum. I suggested diet and exercise, we bought some lower calorie foods and she is convinced that pomegranate juice works (thanks Oprah for that one) which I've paid top dollar for in the past, and she hated the taste. I gave in, she hated the taste...however this time I was smarter. I bought a smaller bottle so when she doesn't end up finishing it? Less waste.

:-)

Another kind of oily problem...

If you have teenagers, you are familiar with another type of an oil crisis. One that can require trying an acne solution or at times more than one acne product to make them happy about their appearance. Having survived four teenagers, with one left to go, it's for them a big deal. As of course it was when I was their age as well. Few want to go to school with a pimple on their forehead that looks as if they are sprouting a horn. One of mine had acne that was severe enough to necessitate going to a dermatologist. In part this is created by the eating choices made, as well as not drinking enough water. Yet, when you suggest that? You might as well be talking to the wall...

:-)

One way to learn about a person...

This may sound funny but you can actually learn a lot about a person when it comes to how they put together items, such as tv stands which recently happened here. My youngest daughter and her boyfriend decided they were going to put one together, it was one of the first "projects" they'd done as a couple. Would one of them be the impatient "I don't need directions" type and the other, "read the directions first" type? Would tempers flare if they did something wrong, with one of them blaming the other?

Or, would they glance at the directions, assemble the pieces and then be happily watching tv less than an hour later...

Help for the math challenged parent...

For most of us, even if we were good in math way back when we were in school, math has changed. Some of what we did is merely just being called different names, some of it seems completely new. Yes, probably why they call it "new math" -- but if you are a parent trying to help your child may create scenarios where you need Math help before you can help with homework. Some schools offer this help, but not many and if you work it can be a challenge, so having access to an online math tutor could be your solution.

If your child is struggling or you just want to make sure they are proficient in math, you can also consider online math tutoring for them. In some cases it's possible to get Free online math tutoring.

TutorVista offers a variety of online math help for not only students K-12, but for those of you in college or those of you who are thinking about going back to school. If you have been out of school for a few years, seeking out some Free online math help may be all that you need to brush up or you may discover you need a bit more assistance to feel confident.

Save money on textbooks...

One of my daughters is currently taking classes in college, and the university she goes to does not make it easy when it comes to saving money on her books. While they offer some used books at the Student Book store, the prices are much higher than textbooks found online. Making the situation more difficult, they refuse to provide the ISBN number online or over the phone so that students have a tougher time finding the right book that they need. In some cases, the professor will pick the latest version, which the school library doesn't even have enough copies that is several hundreds of dollars more and not very different than a previous edition. We've found creative ways around it, including going to the student book store and writing down the ISBN number...

How to counter the cold? Think beach...

The below post and winter have you shivering? Then it is not to late to plan an escape to a Myrtle Beach Hotel. Yesterday one of my daughter's was planning her spring break vacation that also coincides with her 21st birthday. Her main requirement was she wanted to be able to go to the beach...

While she first talked about going out of the country, after I reminded her that she doesn't have a passport, I suggested considering something a bit closer to home. I pointed out that a Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotel could end up being less expensive than a stay somewhere else, and have a better view than a discount cruise room.

Then there is the travel aspect, there are some really good flight deals right now to parts of the States, that would include the area where Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hotels are located. That way not only could she walk on the beach but it might also be possible to open the window, or a patio door and actually be able to hear and smell the ocean...

To make up or not to make up

No, I'm not writing about making up as in after having a fight with someone but my long stemming resistance to wearing makeup. Part of it stems from working so many years from home, but now even when I'm on television, I don't wear make up, which creates lectures from my makeup expert daughters on the merits of eye cream and new mineral foundations and blushes, etc., etc. It's really never appealed to me, even when I did wear make up, it didn't last all day, if you did anything strenuous like playing softball it'd streak, and it didn't seem as if it was worth the time. What is ironic that with my make up apathy, all four of my daughters are the exact opposite...

:-)

Too many products...not enough space

My second to oldest daughter has an entire desk top that she uses as a vanity full of every possible hair or skin product that you can imagine, you can barely see the top of the desk. That doesn't include all of the shampoos and acne treatment items that are in the upstairs bathroom. Yet, even with the hundreds of products and different types of make up stacked up, she has the uncanny ability to be able to know when something is missing that her younger sister has borrowed...I've never been able to figure out how she knows, and I've been tempted to just move some things around to see what happens...

It was dreary and cold and I started thinking about....Halloween

Originally today I planned to watch one of my granddaughters and be able to let her swim in our small pool and perhaps walk down to the park. Instead? It was rainy and almost cold compared to the day before, Halloween Invitations came to mind as we played dress up. Okay, she played dress up, I assisted. We aren't really into the whole invitations Halloween or otherwise, though we are really into Halloween. After being inspired by looking at some of the Halloween Party Invitations online, at Cards Shoppe, we then turned to one of her other favorite activities, coloring. It's probably just a tiny bit early to be teaching her how to draw ghosts and jack-o-lanterns, since she's not even two, but I'd easily be able to pass off some of her drawings today as preparation for a Halloween Invitation. Last year she really didn't grasp the concept of Halloween, this year since she will be two, I think she'll catch on to it, she understands candy is pretty tasty...

She even asked for a pony...

My youngest daughter has been angling for a variety of new pets for me to consider when we move into the new larger house after we are done with our renovation project. A long list of exotic animals has been broached, and yes even a pony, which created an interesting discussion on the cost of horse supplies and how you could legally have a chicken or two within city limits but not a horse, pony, caribou or any of the many other animals she attempted to get me to consider. A friend who was over at the time was at least amused, probably because he doesn't have children, though one could state my daughter's debate skills are improving.

:-)

It's having children for the wrong reasons that makes people upset...

As I read Calling a Truce on the Octuplet Mom the article mentions that the Duggar family who has had 18 children the "normal way" have not gotten the same type of scorn that Nadya Suleman has. In a way that's true but in a way it's not, there were many people who scorned and blogged about the Duggar family in a less than complimentary way and one of the main issues was the exact same concern that was raised in the Suleman saga, who will ultimately end up caring for these children.

Had Suleman gone out and gotten pregnant naturally, people would still question her having that many children, but the mere fact that she artificially created this pregnancy knowing multiple children were going to result is what has so many angry. For the thousands out there trying to conceive, for those concerned about the well being of these children which in part exists because Suleman's own mother is raising some of the concerns.

It is irresponsible to have that many children as a single parent, purposely, especially when you are not the one financially providing for them. It's clear no matter what Suleman says, she's not "earned" the money to pay for her children's needs. Perhaps she has not gone on welfare, but she has taken financial support from her family and she was supposedly to disabled to work due to a back injury. Having been pregnant more than once myself, one wonders how someone who was deemed to be to injured to work could carry that many babies safely.

It's true that companies and communities have dumped dollar upon dollar on other families of multiples and that families have profited or attempted to profit from the media spotlight. I don't agree with that either, especially when it is a non-natural scenario where the couple purposely had that many children. There are many families out there struggling, if you can't be responsible enough to care for multiples without needing corporate sponsorship, community babysitters, etc., then perhaps you shouldn't be surprised when some out there don't agree with the choices you've made...