Is Your Child Ready to Stay Home Alone?
Here’s a great idea…
Over the next couple of weeks, your children will likely be on Spring Break! Unfortunately for us, not every parent gets a week off from work. Because kids are out of school, you will need to make other arrangements for their days, and it may be a good time to assess whether s/he is ready to stay home alone. Because every child is different, there are no hard and fast rules regarding what age is appropriate to leave a child home alone (though some states have laws regarding this issue); however, there are several things to take into account when making the decision to trust your child with this responsibility:
- Is your child excited about the possibility of staying home alone? (If not, it may be too early.)
- Can your child read well enough to follow instructions?
- Can your child open and close windows, lock and unlock doors, and operate small appliances (toaster, microwave)?
- Can your child reliably use the telephone, and do you have one available for them to use (either landline, cell, or tablet)?
- Does your child have the maturity to behave calmly in a crisis?
- Does your child understand plans for emergencies such as fire or storms?
- Would your child reliably follow house rules such as staying inside or in the yard, not answering the door or divulging to a stranger that s/he is home alone, staying away from dangerous things in the house such as chemicals and firearms?
In other words…
You know your child and her/his capabilities and maturity. It is up to you and your child to decide whether they are ready for such a responsibility, and up to you to train them to handle it! Here are a few ideas about how to test their skill.
How this applies to you…
If you and your child think staying home alone is a good idea, give them a few, short, trial runs where you are not far away and can return quickly if needed. Be sure to leave them with a reliable, means of communication. If you do not have a landline, make sure they have a phone, computer, or tablet that is equipped to make outgoing calls. Some use FaceTime or Skype, and this may work for your family. You may consider getting a phone for your child if they will be staying home frequently (such as after school daily). Typically, a child mature enough to stay home alone will be excited about the freedom, but be sure to set firm rules to help them govern their time.
To find out more…
For more information, visit www.childwelfare.gov
By Brittney Schrick
Make your relationship a safe place.
Here’s a great idea
Make your relationship a safe place. When financial deception occurs, it has a negative impact. Two in five Americans admit to committing financial infidelity against their partner, according to a new survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®),
In other words
Hiding purchases or accounts, lying about debt, or overspending can create problems. It’s also unfair if one partner is brown-bagging lunch and clipping coupons while the other is eating out every day and going on spending sprees. Money can be an area of power, manipulation and control. Here is the exception to being totally transparent with your partner – Individuals in an abusive relationship may need to hide money. Financial resources are a critical component of a good safety plan.
How this applies to you
If your partner is reasonable, approach him with kindness, respect, and an open mind. Set common financial goals and create guidelines for spending and saving. It may take time to re-build trust. Identify the reasons for the problems. Learn how to use good communication skills. Set a regular time to review finances together. If you are in an abusive relationship, it may not be possible to have a reasonable conversation about money. Watch that your partner does not try to make you pay more than is fair or completely control your financial situation. Learn to protect yourself financially.
To find out more
Discover good communication skills with The Marriage Garden at http://www.uaex.edu/health-living/personal-family-well-being/couples/marriage-garden.aspx
Learn more about financial management at http://www.uaex.edu/health-living/personal-finance/default.aspx
Suspect abuse? Prepare for a safe future by learning to protect yourself from a controlling partner. National Coalition against Domestic Violence at http://www.ncadv.org/need-help/what-is-domestic-violence
By: Laura Hendrix
Here’s a great idea ...”Food nourishes your body and provides necessary fuel to help you thrive and fight disease,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Kristen Gradney. “Food is also a source of pleasure and enjoyment. ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right’ by taking time to enjoy healthy foods and all the happiness they bring to your life.”
In other words …National Nutrition Month® is a great time to encourage your family to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives.
How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Help your children develop healthy eating habits by making sure they enjoy the sight, sounds, smells, memories and interactions associated with healthy eating.
Here’s how you can use this idea to have a better life … Sharing food has always been an important part of social interactions. Research shows that family meals promote healthier eating and strengthen family relationships. Make family meals a priority and enjoy the tastes and traditions of favorite family foods.
Be mindful of what you are eating and take time to appreciate every eating experience. Today’s families are busy and all too often grab something quick to eat on the run. When you do have time to sit down and eat together, encourage all family members to slow down and enjoy the flavor and texture of their food. Talk about how the food tastes and how it makes them feel. Eating slowly can also help prevent overeating because it gives your stomach time to tell your brain that you are feeling full.
To find out more … about National Nutrition Month® and ways to help your family “Savor the Flavor Eating Right”, go to http://www.eatright.org/resources/for-parents. For more general information on healthy eating contact your county extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent or go to: http://www.uaex.edu/health-living/food-nutrition/youth/.
Rosemary Rodibaugh
Photo: www.eatright.org
Healing comes first
A Great Idea …
“If you hurt your partner when he or she is already hurting, you’ll just throw gasoline on the fire. Before you start to deal with the [issue at hand] . . .you must find a nonverbal way to connect and show that you value each other. (Patricia Love and Steven Stosny in their book, How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It, p. 108)
In Other Words …
A physical wound should be treated with proper first aid before the injured person tries to resume normal activity. The same is true for emotional wounds. Those wounds need to be treated with compassion and kindness before issues can be dealt with.
When our partners are hurting, we shouldn’t immediately push them towards solutions. We need to offer listening ears, tender hearts, and loving gestures. Only when our partners feel safe and loved can we return to effective problem solving.
How This Applies to You …
The next time your partner is hurting, don’t try to fix the problem until you deal with your partner’s pain. Just be there and listen. Sit with your partner and offer comfort. After your partner is feeling better, you can work together to find a solution.
To Find Out More…
For more great ideas (or to share your ideas) check out the Navigating Life’s Journey blog
For an excellent (and free!) program on marriage, see The Marriage Garden at Arkansas Families.
For an excellent book focused on marriage, read How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It by Patricia Love and Steven Stonsy or The Marriage Garden by H. Wallace Goddard and James P. Marshall.
By:Ashley Terry
Need or Want?
Here’s a great idea
“Most of the things we buy are wants. And we call them needs, but they’re wants.” Dave Ramsey. Smart money managers know the difference between needs and wants. They pay for needs before wants.
In other words
It’s important to teach your children the difference between needs and wants. Learning to make smart spending decisions is an important financial management skill. It is the key to financial freedom and worry-free living.
How this applies to you
Need or Want? Everything we buy can be classified into two groups, something we need or something we want. It’s important to know the difference between wants and needs. Needs are basic or necessary to survival. These are things that if not met will jeopardize health, safety or well-being. Young children need assurance that you will provide for their needs. Needs are usually few, but costly. Wants are things that make our lives more comfortable and enjoyable. Wants provide lifestyle. Wants are limitless. For example, we need food, clothing, shelter and physical and emotional care. We need shoes; we want the latest style or several pairs of shoes. There are lots of choices in between. Usually we have fewer needs than wants. However, the things we need such as a place to live and food can cost a lot. Wants are limitless. Grocery shopping provides a good opportunity to discuss needs and wants. Healthy food is a need. We may want soft drinks, chips, or cookies but they are not a need.
To find out more
Kids & Money is a free online course. Discover easy ways to help your kids learn good money management skills. Go to http://courses.uaex.edu and click on Kids & Money to view this one-hour, video-based course.
The Cooperative Extension Service is your source for reliable, research-based information to improve quality of life. Discover the latest recommendations for creating a spending plan, managing credit, building your savings and investing for the future. Learn more at www.uaex.edu.
By: Laura Hendrix
Photo: Thinkstock
Happy National Nutrition Month!
Here’s an idea…
For many of us, by this time each year our New Year’s resolutions are long gone and replaced with the normalcy of our everyday lives; the exercise you promised yourself you’d do or those vegetables you said you’d eat more of have now been forgotten. That’s okay, we all know life happens, but spring is quickly approaching and March is National Nutrition Month, so what better time to get back on track with your healthy lifestyle goals for 2016. This year’s theme, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, which encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives.”
In other words…
Even with the holiday season come and gone, our lifestyles still revolve mostly around food; birthday parties, picnics, Easter dinner, Mother’s Day, and basically any other special occasion that we celebrate. Usually, these gatherings consist of heavy meals with tons of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods like chips, sodas, cakes, candies, etc. that will easily take you off the healthy lifestyle bandwagon. This month is dedicated to enjoying and appreciating your food traditions and the social experiences food can add to our lives, so why not make these occasions an opportunity to involve your friends and family in your journey to a healthier lifestyle by serving up some healthier (but still delicious) options.
Here’s how you can use this idea to better your life…
When an occasion comes around, like a birthday party for example, try bringing or making mini cupcakes for everyone; the minis are a smaller portion than a piece of cake or a regular cupcake and you could even serve it alongside a small scoop of frozen yogurt. This way, you can have your cake and eat it too! Some other ideas for special occasions could include: replacing chips and dip with veggies or pretzels and hummus; replacing the sugary sodas with fruit infused sparkling water (soda water); and replacing butter with canola or olive oil in recipes.
To find out more…
About ways you can stay on track with your 2016 healthy lifestyle goals, without missing out on the beloved special occasions, go to http://www.nationalnutritionmonth.org/nnm/ or http://www.foodandnutrition.org/National-Nutrition-Month/.
For more information on healthy living, visit http://www.uaex.edu/health-living/food-nutrition/default.aspx.
By: Serena Fuller
Photo: http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/recipes/chocolate-zucchini-cupcakes-recipe
Choose your best filing option
Here’s a great idea
Save money at tax time by finding your best filing option. Commercial tax preparers charge $55-$100 for a basic return. Products like refund anticipation loans and refund anticipation checks add $60 or more in extra fees (eitcoutreach.org).
In other words
There are filing options at every income level. Tax filers with complicated returns may need to hire a commercial service. If so, it’s important to find a reliable, qualified preparer. Be sure to shop around and compare prices. Many people can file for free. The average tax filer can save $150 or more by using a free service.
How this applies to you
Why pay when you can file for free? Here are some options to consider:
Online – IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance. Use Free File Software if your income is $62,000 or less and Free File Fillable Forms if your income is greater than $62,000. My Free Taxes is step-by-step online filing for individuals and families with incomes of less than $62,000. The MyFreeTaxes Partnership campaign, now in its sixth year, allows free, online federal and state preparation and filing in all 50 states.
In person – Volunteer Income Assistance (VITA) sites can be found in community centers, libraries, schools, and other local places. Trained volunteers provide tax preparation for filers with household incomes of $54,000 or less. The AARP Tax Aide program offers free tax help to people ages 60 and up. AARP volunteers provide in-person assistance at sites in local communities.
To find out more
Find more information about IRS Free File at www.freefile.irs.gov
Learn more about tax credits and file free with My Free Taxes at www.myfreetaxes.com
To find the nearest VITA site, call 1 (800)-906-9887 (toll-free) or search for the closest location online at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep
To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-227-7669 or use the AARP Site Locator Tool at http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action
Discover the latest research-based tips for personal finance at http://www.uaex.edu.
The more you know….
Here’s a great idea….
In his book, The Seven Principles for Making Your Marriage Work, John Gottman says,“From knowledge springs not only love but the fortitude to weather marital storms. Couples who have detailed love maps of each other’s world are far better prepared to cope with stressful events and everyday conflict.” (pp. 48-49)
In other words…
People do what they do for reasons that make sense them. The more we know about our partners, the better we’ll understand the reasons behind our partners’ actions. When we understand what is going on in our partners’ lives ,we can be more compassionate. The more we practice compassion in our relationships, the better we are able to deal with the storms stresses of life.
Here’s how this applies to your life…
Every day find something to add to your life map of your partner. Learn something about them you didn’t know before: a hope, a fear, their best and worst parts of their day.
To find out more…
check out The Marriage Garden program on the uaex website. Like us at www.facebook.com/navigatinglife or contact your local County Extension Agent. You can also read Seven Principles for Making Your Marriage Work.
Ashley Terry and Ashley Henderson
navigatinglife@uaex.edu
Tax tips for parents and guardians
Here’s a great idea …
Raising kids can be expensive. Thankfully, they also come with some tax breaks. Keep more money in your pocket at tax time by applying for all qualifying credits and deductions.
In other words …
Tax exemptions lower the total amount of your taxable income. The lower your income, the less you pay in taxes. Tax credits are applied toward the amount of tax you owe. Some tax credits are “refundable”. If you owe less than the amount of the credit, the balance is refunded to you. Parents and guardians can save money at tax time by using the appropriate deductions and credits.
How this applies to you…
In 2015, you can claim a $4,000 exemption for each qualifying child, which may include your child or stepchild, foster child, sibling or step-sibling, or descendants of any of these, such as your grandchild. To qualify, the child must live with you more than half of the year and be under 19 at the end of the year or under 24 and a full-time student. Some families may also qualify for a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 per child.
You may be able to claim the child and dependent care credit if you paid expenses for the care of a qualifying individual to enable you (and your spouse, if filing a joint return) to work or actively look for work.
Do you have a college student? Deduct up to $4,000 of eligible tuition and fees paid for your dependent’s higher education costs. You may also be eligible to take one of the education credits instead of a tuition and fees deduction. Choose the one that will give you the lower tax.
To find out more …
Find more information about tax credits and deductions at www.irs.gov.
The Cooperative Extension Service is your source for reliable, research-based information to improve quality of life. Discover the latest recommendations for creating a spending plan, managing credit, building your savings and investing for the future.
Learn more at www.uaex.edu.
Laura Hendrix
What’s the deal with added sugar?
Here’s a great idea …
As a nation, we are getting too much sugar and it’s affecting our health. The new Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugars to 10% of your total intake. For a 2,000 calorie diet, this means limiting to 50g of added sugar per day.
In other words …
Added sugars include brown sugar, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose, glucose, honey, malt syrup, molasses, agave nectar, sugar, raw sugar …to name a few! Naturally occurring sugars, such as those in fruit or milk, are not added sugars.
How this applies to you..
If you’d like to get a handle on your family’s sugar intake, a good start is to check ingredient lists on the food you buy. If an added sugar is listed as one of the first ingredients, maybe check for a healthier option. The nutrition facts label does not yet list added sugar and naturally occurring sugar separately. Keep that in mind when checking labels on foods that contain fruit and milk.
To find out more…
To read more about the 2015 Dietary Guidelines, visit: http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
Family Life 