I know that most parents worry about their children’s future economic security as a top priority. This is why 401kid has taken the pains to develop such a comprehensive education planning solution as ESP Wizard. However, at 401kid, we seek to engage parents, kids and communities in broader, more immediate issues, such as the quality of health, fitness and education that our children are experiencing right now. How can we continue planning effectively for the future while addressing today’s important needs, for ourselves as well as our kids? It is of no use being a martyr to your kids. Too many parents pride themselves on the noble idea that they are ‘putting the kids first’ at all costs. This could turn out to be a destructive attitude at the end of the day. Your kids need you as do you, to be healthy - physically, mentally and emotionally. What are you doing to ensure that?

Kids Learn By What You Do, Not What You Say.
Parents, uncles, big brothers and sisters, teachers and coaches - you are the role models that give kids a chance to mold themselves. Your every action counts. Think about the habits and emotional states that you picked up from your childhood, and you will recognize the power that your parents and childhood influences had upon you. Aside from my parents, I had a big brother who I idolized, and a very influential soccer coach, whose mentoring gave me a lot of discipline in the area of fitness and team work. That has stayed with me to this day. Do your kids have that type of positive influence outside of the household?

What Do You Do For You?
Ironically, one of the best things that you could possibly do for your kids is to do more for yourself. So many working mothers and fathers are crunched between work and home life, running the kids around, that they don’t make or reserve any time for themselves. Nothing can be more unhealthy in the long run. How can you change this as soon as possible? Here are some suggestions -
1. 15-minute workouts. If you don’t have time to get to the gym, then do something - whether it’s a run, some push-ups and sit-ups or yoga - for 15-minutes in the morning or evening every day.
2. Meditation and breathing exercises. Pick up a book or search the Internet for meditation and breathing practices, which you could do 2-3 times per day for as little as 5-minutes at a time. During this time, clear your mind as best as possible of all responsibilities and thoughts. You will be amazed at how rejuvenated you will feel, and as a result, how much more you will be able to give to your kids and others.
3. Plan some time off. This could entail long weekends if you can’t afford to get away for an extended trip. We all burn out at some point. Try not to wait too long between vacations or days off. When you do get time off, make sure that you do not spend it running around all day.
4. Something for you each week. When you sit down to plan your upcoming week, make sure that there is at least one activity or time slot where you - either by yourself, with your partner or some friends (i.e. without the kids) - do something that you chose, that you thoroughly enjoy. Whatever it is, make at least an hour for it. This is your time. Enjoy it.

It is very easy to start these kinds of things only to lose steam after a few weeks. Try making a checklist that goes on your fridge or desk, where you can refer to it daily. This might help keep you on track, and not to forget about yourself! Your kids will benefit more than anyone from your ’selfish’ behavior.

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Due to a recent tax change, UGMA account owners between the ages of 18 to 23 years old will be subject to the Kiddie tax (i.e., will be taxed at their parents’ tax rate) for unearned income in excess of $1,700 beginning in 2008. [This is provided that they are full-time students under age 24 whose earned income does not exceed one-half of their support]. If you or someone you know falls into this situation, you could be well advised to sell appreciated investments prior to January 1 in order to ensure the resulting capital gains are taxed at the child’s presumably lower tax rate. For more information, see this article . We recommend that you consult an independent legal or tax advisor for specific advice about your individual situation.

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Service Learning–it’s a big trend gaining increased popularity on college campuses nation-wide. Do you know someone–a son or daughter, niece or nephew, grandchild or friend–currently in college who is participating in a Service Learning program? If so, you may be quietly wondering about the specifics of this experiential education approach and feeling eager to learn more.

So, what exactly does “Service Learning” mean? When students enroll in a Service Learning course, it indicates the professor has included a community service component as a class requirement. The hands-on service component represents a large assignment, but it doesn’t necessarily replace other traditional requirements such as a research paper or final exam.

In a Service Learning course, students demonstrate an in-depth understanding by integrating the course material with the lessons gained from their direct service. This learning objective is typically accomplished through a paper, presentation, or other reflection method such as a journal. The amount of service and reflection required is decided by the professor. Consequently, Service Learning programs do vary depending on the academic focus, integration activities, and level of civic engagement.

Curious about the advantages of Service Learning? What do students gain from a Community Based Learning approach?
Benefits include:

Understanding the integration of theory and practice

Making a vital contribution to serve local community’s needs

Gaining civic skills and competencies

Sharing learning and service with peers

Acquiring leadership and mentoring skills

Learning in a real-world environment

Feeling enthusiasm for relevant coursework and community based problem-solving

From the Ivy League to state schools, many institutions of higher learning are now providing community based learning (CBL) for students. Currently, some of the most respected and innovative Service Learning and Civic Engagement programs are offered by: Northeastern (MA); Alverno College (WI); Antioch (OH); Brown (RI); Duke (NC); Georgetown (DC); Marquette (WI); Michigan State; Providence College (RI); Stanford (CA); Trinity College (CT); University of California-Berkeley; University of Colorado-Boulder; University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; Notre Dame (IN); University of Pennsylvania and Colorado College. Opportunities for Service Learning abound from coast to coast.

With so many colleges designing and implementing Service Learning programs, there are more choices than ever for community-service oriented students. Encourage your college-bound children to check out schools, that implement Service Learning, in the geographic region(s) of interest to them. When students learn more by helping their local communities grow stronger, it’s a win-win for everyone!

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Hi Dr. Crespin,
My son just finished his junior year and is a dual major in Psychology and Government at a small liberal arts college out West. He mentioned he’s going to do a Service Learning program when he gets back to campus in the fall. I have some real concerns about his plan, as a parent, that I wanted to discuss with an educational specialist and career coach like you.

His grades have been good (mostly A’s, some B’s) and I want to make sure they stay that way. As you know, college now costs a small fortune; I don’t see any point in him taking on extra responsibilities that give him less time for homework and studying. Wouldn’t that hurt him when he enters the job market?

Also, I am wondering what Service Learning actually means? I’m not sure we had that at my school, but college for me was back in the day! I guess I’m just worried that Service Learning really isn’t worthwhile for my son, given the cost of college tuition these days.

Thanks for your advice.
Sincerely,
Concerned Mom

Dear Concerned Mom,
Thank you for your terrific questions! I’m happy to act as an educational and workplace consultant on your behalf. Now, let’s tackle the concerns you shared. For a detailed explanation of Service Learning, please take a look my other blog on this topic. It will orient you to this exciting, hands-on educational approach. You won’t want to miss it!

Participating in a Service Learning program will detract from neither your son’s coursework, nor any other academic plans. In fact, it’s an especially good match with your son’s dual major in Psychology and Government. Why? Because most Service Learning programs provide not just opportunities to serve the community, but also germane classes in civic engagement, leadership, and social justice.

Service Learning programs also vary somewhat. Northeastern University and Colorado College, for example, both offer exceptional but unique opportunities for students. For a better understanding of your son’s specific program, just go to his college’s website and enter the words “Service Learning” in the search engine. It’s perfectly alright to contact the Service Learning director by phone or email, too. Once you research it a bit, you’ll gain more clarity regarding the many benefits of his Service Learning program.

A final word of reassurance? Your son’s employability will be enhanced when he graduates. Service Learning experience impresses employers; it demonstrates maturity, empathy, teamwork skills, and a commitment to serving those in need. Coursework is also considered important, but as far as businesses are concerned, there’s no substitute for real world experience. After learning more about all the positives inherent in Service Learning, I hope you feel proud of your son’s decision. It’s a great one that will serve him (and the community) well!

Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia A. Crespin

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We all experience stress. Multitasking non-stop. So many places to go, people to see, things to do. Juggling work, relationships, the house, the bills, the kids, the sink full of dishes (and toddlers!)…Seems like the list of responsibilities never ends. Being on the go and on-the-job 24/7 has become the norm, leaving many people wishing they had more time for family, fun, and relaxation. And, as if every day stress weren’t enough…Sometimes, life throws you a curveball and you wind up coping with even more stress than usual.

Sound familiar? Take this short quiz if you’re feeling stressed and find out how much is too much.

1. Have you had a major loss in your life (such as death of a loved one, end of significant relationship, financial trouble)?

2. Have you had a major positive event in your life (such as a new baby, beginning a significant relationship, beginning graduate school, beginning a new job)?

3. Have you had a major change in your life (such as changing your major, moving into a new apartment, new roommate)?

4. Do you find yourself having difficulty managing any of the above? Are you experiencing physical symptoms of stress (such as trouble sleeping, an inability to relax, nervousness, a sense of being under pressure, restlessness, etc.)? Do you feel like you don’t have enough problem solving skills?

5. Do you find the stressors in your life are interfering with your motivation rather than motivating you?

If you answered yes to any of the first three questions in combination with any of the last two, then you may have too much stress in your life. If you think that you’re experiencing too much stress, consider meeting with a stress management specialist, taking a stress management workshop, or implementing some of my favorite stress busting techniques below.

1. Seek support. Sometimes talk is the best therapy. Coping with chronic stress or a specific emotional obstacle? Find a sympathetic ear. It could be a spouse, parent, psychologist, or your best friend. Share your feelings with anyone who cares about you. Venting can help you feel heard, understood, and supported, all of which reduce feelings of stress.

2. Prioritize. Think you can get it all done in a day? Think again. Superheroes are cartoon characters, not real people. Focus on accomplishing your top priorities, like saving for college, first. Tasks of low importance can and should wait. Remember to prioritize and you’ll free up precious time to create more balance. The reward? Feeling calm, cool, and collected.

3. Take time just for yourself. Leave a little wiggle room in your schedule for something fun. Pick a special activity that you particularly enjoy, whether it’s working out, going to a museum, or just hanging out with friends. Maybe it’s that fascinating new book you’ve meaning to read. Whatever it is, indulge in it for a while. Think of it as a mini-vacation. Recharge your batteries and get raring to go!

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