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Teaching Kids Math: Middle School

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I am so, so grateful that we are coming to the end of our middle school years. Finally!  The hormonal changes, body changes and introduction of some semblance of adult responsibilities can wreak havoc in your home. And I had two going through it at the same time!

Needless to say, despite the teenage angst and random outbursts of “feelings”, education is still at the top of the priority list. What they do in middle school sets them up for high school, which as we all know is when it counts.

Tackling Middle School Math

Children typically enter middle school with the basic math concepts in tact. They know addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They are familiar with fractions and decimals, and even know how to apply them in some real world situation such as cooking and shopping.

Middle school math is where they start putting it all together. Algebraic concepts are introduced. Word problems become more complex. They have to start weeding out the needed data from the extraneous information that is not needed.

middle school math

It can be hard, especially if math is not their super power! While many researchers now admit that the theory of Left Brain vs Right Brain is an over-generalized assessment, there are certainly some merits to understanding the way your child thinks and processes information. This is especially true when tackling middle school math!

Find Out How Your Child Learns

I highly recommend you educate yourself on how your child learns. While you probably have a pretty good idea after 12 or so years with them, it doesn’t hurt to get some additional feedback. Ask their teachers. Visit the school counselor. Do some research online.

There are several online resources and quizzes that can guide you:

The bottom line is the best way you can support your child in middle school, math or otherwise, is to understand them. And help them understand themselves.

Once they understand why and how they work, they can begin to work to their strengths, ask for what they need (and be able to explain why) and establish more self control. All of which are crucial for their future success.

Supporting their Math Skills

While most kids will continue with the preset public school curriculum and end up mastering the advanced math with some effort. There are certainly circumstances and times when us as parents need to help out.

There are several ways we can do that:

  • Help them with their homework. Even if it’s beyond you, there are free resources to help out. Look at Khan Academy, ask Google or check out a book from the library.
  • Purchase a full set of curriculum. Math U See has upper level math sets just like they have Preschool and Elementary math options.
  • If your child is all about independence and loves online classes, check out ALEKS.com. It is a mastery based curriculum that goes all the way through college and professional levels, and it lets parents monitor what their child is doing. This is my absolute favorite math option for upper level math!

You can support your child through middle school math. I’m not saying it will be easy. In fact, just getting through middle school may take everything you’ve got. But I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And with your support, your child will come out confident and ready for what is next…high school!

Saving Money on School Supplies

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One of the expenses you don’t always think about as you consider the cost of raising kids are school supplies. And for 13+ years (depending on if you child attends a preschool program,) you are responsible for an assortment of the supplies used in the classroom. These seemingly small costs can add up quickly.

Because we have always homeschooled, I’ve had a bit of sticker shock this year when I saw all that was required for the different grades.

Saving Money on School Supplies

There are several ways to save money when buying school supplies.

  • Tricia wrote about Tax Free Shopping Days states offer at the beginning of the school year. And many stores offer additional discounts on those same days.
  • If you have more than one child, buying in bulk may be the way to go! I know our local Sams Club has a whole section of back to school supplies.
  • Buy used. No I’m not suggesting you send your child to school with the nubs of used pencils or markers that barely write. But seriously, rip out the used pages from the spiral binders. Let them paint or color their 3-ring binder and re-use it. Ask around for a family that no longer needs those expensive scientific calculators.
  • Family Dollar stores are currently (as of 7/21/18) offering 70% off school supplies.family dollar store ad from website

There are lots of options for saving money on your child’s school supply needs. But what about saving your sanity?

Save Time and Your Mind

We’ve all been to the grocery store and heard a child (of all ages) with the “Gimmees!” Give me this, give me that. I need this, I must have that.

Now picture that on the school supply shopping aisle, time fifty. All the new and shiny school supplies. Bright colors, different “cool”  things this year.

Not to mention, depending on when you shop, the lack of organization, misplaced items, out of stock items.

It can be overwhelming to even the most experience parent. I’ve got to words for you: SHOP ONLINE!

  • Walmart.com has a fantastic website and app that allows you to shop from the comfort of your home, your car or while you are out to eat. Then you just walk in and pick up your order! And, hey, you can take care of that week’s grocery shopping at the same time. They even offer free shipping with orders of a certain amount.
  • Amazon.com offers anything you could imagine, free shipping if you are a Prime Member. While I adore Amazon, I do recommend shopping around, their prices are not always the most competitive. You are paying a premium for convenience at times.

Make It Last

About the time my kids got to middle school age, I started making better financial decisions. (Yes, I know I’m a slow starter.) But it was then that I learned to invest in quality over fashion when it comes to some of our school stuff.

I learned that spending a little extra of name brand items for certain supplies was worth it. Believe me, not all crayon brands are created alike.

Backpacks

But one of my biggest long term savings was investing in good quality backpacks. Thankfully, they had all outgrown the desire to have the latest cartoon character on their backpack. Instead, we focused on protection for their electronics, brand reputation and cost.

I even bought myself one, and as I sit writing this in the local coffee shop, it sits beside me. Each child had specific wants and I made sure all the needs were met.

And I’m happy to say that here we are 4 or so years later, and they are all still using the same backpack. Those $60 investments paid off.

What tips and tricks have you found for purchasing school supplies? Are you an online shopper or do you brave the crazy school supply aisle? Does your child go with you or are you a solitary shopper?

 

What is the Cost to Raise a Child?

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The cost to raise a child seems to rise every year. According to this article published on USAToday.com in February, it costs $233,610 to raise a child.

How Many Years will You have to Work

According to US Government Census data, the median household income in the United States if around $57,000 annually. That means every penny earned for 4 years must go towards raising 1 child. And what if you have 2 or 3?

If it takes 18 years to “raise a child” (yes, we know it can take far longer than that, don’t we?) and you have 3 children, you will be working for 12 years just to raise them. That gives you 6 years to take care of everything else…retirement, emergencies, house, car and so on.

That’s a bit daunting, isn’t it?

And what if you don’t fall in the that “median,” which most people don’t. The majority of households are below that, even far below that.

Where there is a Will, there is a Way

When I considered adopting my twins a few years back, the cost alone was the biggest deterrent. Adoption became an option when they were 14 years old.

twins at niagra falls

Twins on a visit to Niagra Falls in 2016

All I could think about was the cost of teenage boy’s driving. Cars, insurance, INSURANCE!

In the end, my heart won and I just determined I would figure it out. And I have.

They are now on the cusp of 20. They have helped pay their phone bills, their insurance bills, their car usage and maintenance costs.

One of them totaled a car, and one of them bought a “new to him” car that died pretty quickly. But we have worked it out.

It wasn’t always easy. And there were certainly arguments, and “phone blackouts” to prove a point, but they are both well educated on money and debt.

Sea Cadet will finish his EMT program at the local community college debt free. And as of yet, has not gotten a credit car; although, he is an authorized user on my single card for emergencies.

My Point

Don’t let the numbers scare you. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. That’s kind of the point of this site, isn’t it?!

There are plenty of ways to cut back. Bartering has made a HUGE difference in our lives. We have barted for activity fees. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.

I always tell my kids, the worst someone can say is “No.” So what? Just ask. You may get what you want. And even if you don’t, you won’t be left wondering “what if?”

I’m looking forward to sharing more way that we have made it work. That we have cut back on the “expense of raising a child.”

Teaching Kids Math: Preschool and Early Elementary

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Before you can teach your child about money, they must know some basic math. And even the most advanced mathematician can be intimidated when it comes to teaching kids math.

We’ve all seen a parent ask a child how old they are, and some random number of fingers show up. Or heard a child count and skip half the numbers. It’s so cute.

As a homeschool and foster/adoptive parent to older kids, I have had to teach math from a variety of stages and in a variety of methods. No one method works for every child.

Starting Young

Math for my two biological children started very young and in two places: the kitchen and the grocery store!

Kids made cupcakes

Baking cupcakes is where they learned fractions. Circa March, 2008

In the Kitchen

Every parent knows that your child wants to be where you are. Instead of banging on pots and pans or pulling everything out of the cabinets, I invited my children to do what I did.

They measured and stirred, chopped (with a butter knife at this age) and poured. It was messy. There were lots of “oops” moments. But my kids understood the concept of fractions before they could count to one hundred.

And they loved decorating and delivering their baked goods to neighbors and family.

In the Grocery Store

We were blessed with a FANTASTIC Kroger near us when my children were small. The staff quickly became accustomed to our weekly “math” lessons/grocery shopping trips.

Because I worked from home and had flexible hours, we went during their least busy times. And the kids quickly became confident and independent in their tasks. (Safety was always considered, but the staff were great and quickly understood what we were doing and supported that.)

We started with shapes and colors. They couldn’t read at this age (think 2 and 3) but on any given aisle I would assign them each to find a certain shape or color. This exercise not only gave me a chance to grab what I needed unencumbered by “can I have” or whines, but kept them active and engaged.

As we got started, I would show them an example and discuss characteristics…

  • A square has 4 equal sides while a rectangle has two sides that are equal and then another two sides are equal, but not all four.
  • Or a circle is flat while a cylinder has a circle on the top and a circle on the base, like this Pringles container.

Elementary Age Math

Because I knew I would homeschool, I never considered school standards or the order I taught things. We really followed a Montessori method and most learning was child led.

If they expressed an interest we went with it. There were no experiences that I couldn’t and didn’t make a lesson out of.

As they got more advanced, those grocery descriptions became more advanced and their tasks got more complex. By the time they were in early elementary, they would each have a small measuring tape and have to find items with a certain perimeter or tell me the area or volume of a box. Geometry at it’s finest.

Introducing Math Curriculum

Even in elementary children are more apt to learn by play and movement, but I understand the need ingrained in us from our own education to use worksheets and curriculum.

One math curriculum that understands and does a good job of meeting both needs is Math-U-See. They offer a mastery based, student paced curriculum that encourages, even demand the use of manipulatives even through their upper level classes.

Math-U-See manipulatives

Math-U-See Integer Block Kit – Manipulatives

And don’t worry if the thought of teaching your child math intimidates you, they offer a full video curriculum as well!

Teaching your young child math can be so much fun! More play than teaching really. And it can take you anywhere and does not require any special skills, tools or forethought most of the time.

Ask your child what the volume is of the drink they are drinking, show them how to read the label. Then turn that into a science lesson by talking about the path it will follow…at elementary age that’s super simple. You can even add a health lesson by talking about the affects of whatever they are drinking on their teeth or general health.

In the end, your child will learn more from you through these short engagements then in any classroom. So put down your phone, turn off the TV and lets do a scavenger hunt for “blue” things! Have fun!

 

 

 

Baby Powder – Helpful or Dangerous?

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There is nothing quite like the smell of baby powder as your put a fresh diaper on a baby. However, as early as the 1960’s the American Academy of Pediatrics was warning parents of the dangers of talcum power, primarily to their infant’s lungs.

abstract from the american academy of pediatrics

Read entire article here.

Doctors Say It’s Dangerous

In the 80’s, the frequency of baby powder aspiration reached epidemic proportions and was written up several more times by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

  • Baby Powder – A Hazard – this doctor reports that more than 50 cases were reported to New York City Poison Control Center that year.
  • Hazards of Baby Powder – doctors indicated that once the dangers of powder inhalation were publicized they began to see a progressive decrease in reports.
  • A Warning: An Epidemic of Baby Powder Aspiration – authors wanted parents to be made aware that powders were not considered essential to a baby’s skin care and to emphasize the importance of keeping baby powder out of children’s reach.

Benefits of Baby Powder

Despite the warnings and the studies, baby powder is still on the shelves on the infant aisles and many parents still use it. It is used primarily to absorb moisture from the diaper area to prevent a rash from developing.

Talc powder can also absorb odors from those adorable baby fat rolls. And if you are worried about the concerns about talc powder, many recommend cornstarch as a replacement.

fat baby rolls

Other Uses for Baby Powder

Just so you know, talc powder does have lots of other uses…not necessarily for babies!

  • Put a tiny bit in your hair if you don’t have time to wash it. It will help control the oil and keep your hair fresh longer. (Use on pets and humans alike.)
  • Remove grease stains from your clothing.
  • Prevent chafing and ease pain from waxing.

There are so many more. DIY & Crafts compiled a list of 20 brilliant uses to help you get started.

The bottom line is that you must decide what is best and safe for your infant, your family.  But know that there are lots of options for using Baby Powder even if you decide it is not safe for your baby’s skin!

 

 

Six Steps to Prepare for Baby

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preparing for babyWhether it’s your first child or fifth, there are things you must do to prepare for your infants arrival. And no matter how much you prepare, there will be times you just have to wing it. Here are six steps to prepare for baby.

  1. See a doctor – your OB/GYN will make sure mom and baby are healthy and guide mom in making healthy choices during this crucial 9 months. Educate yourself on your options though. You are not required to have every test done. While you are at it, seek out a pediatrician and know what’s expected after birth – shots, visits and so on. Don’t freak yourself out, but ask about any “high risk” medical concerns you have and wrap your head around what they will require medically.
  2. Purchase the basic supplies – the basic supplies vary from family to family, but in general you will need diapers and wipes, crib or bassinet, swaddling blankets and several size and weather appropriate outfits for the infant. Also consider some bottles and formula, even if you are planning to breastfeed. It never hurts to be prepared.
  3. Prepare your home – consider the pets in your home and preparations you need to make with them. Prepare meals and keep them in the freezer for those first couple of months when sleep is a luxury and your free time will be spent snuggling with baby. While child proofing your home is not required with an infant, you will find that time flies and before you know it, those little fingers are seeking out electric sockets.
  4. Organize help – who will watch your other children while you are in the hospital? Will your mom come to stay when baby is born? How much maternity leave does mom have and what’s the plan when she must return to work? Perhaps you can get help cooking and cleaning for a while to take some pressure off. Work these things out before baby makes his or her appearance to give you peace of mind and time to just enjoy your new baby.
  5. Know your options – we all go into the birthing process with a preconceived notion of how it will turn out. Are you expecting an all natural birth or are you ready to ask for an epidural the moment you arrive? Are you scheduling c-section or are you going to wait until the baby is pushed out into a tub full of water? Whatever your hopes and dreams, make sure you are aware of alternatives. An all-natural birthing process may turn into an emergency c-section in an instant, be aware of it all and the repercussions.
  6. Relax and enjoy the process and your baby – pregnancy and birth are miraculous. Make sure to slow down and breathe and enjoy the process. Enjoy your baby’s movements in your belly. Watch as they punch out through your skin or practice kicking. Babies do not come with a handbook, but relax and trust yourself to know what’s right for you and your baby. And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Every new mom has been there!

Games for Teaching Kids about Money

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If you are not ready for your children to have access to real money, there are lots of “pretend” options with games and printable money for you to use to teach your kids about money.

The Balance posted a great article on a variety of ways you can teach your children about money.

Printable Play Money

Rewarding Your Child

In addition to games and allowance, many families use money (real or play) to reward their children for a job well done.

Games that Teach about Money

There are lots of options for teaching your child about money with fun games. You can download them on your phone, use printed money and even enjoy board games together during family night.

monopoly

  • Education.com offers a variety of downloadable games. From identifying coins to preparing to shop with a budget and decimals, there is something for all ages.
  • VirtualFamilies.com is a PC game that simulates family life and all the financial obligations that come with it. It takes into consideration decorating a home, pets and shopping. They offer a variety of games with the same type of themes and lessons.
  • Money Crashers reviewed the Top 5 Board Games for teaching kids about money. Many of these are oldies but goodies when it comes to life lessons: Monopoly, Life and even Payday.

There is no shortage of unique and creative ways to teach your children about money. Have you found a tried and true method not listed here? Share it in the comments below.

 

 

Best Ways to Teach Kids about Money

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Teaching kids about money from an early age is important. My parents used the envelope system to show my siblings and I the importance of budgeting for spending, giving and savings. They kept it in their closet and doled it out as needed.

Despite their best efforts, I failed at those money lessons when it came to adulthood. I had no concept of debt load, credit and money management. When I got to the place that I was earning my own money and managing my own bills, I was on a slippery downhill slope.

I want better for my kids. I want their eyes wide open. And therefore, I started teaching them real life money lessons early.

Power of Money

They quickly learned the power of money from pre-school age on. When they had money in their hand, they were able to buy treats, play arcade games and try out new experiences.

While I guided them, and really controlled what they were exposed to as far as options, I always made sure they either paid themselves or saw me pay. They knew to get what they wanted or needed, money had to exchange hands.

Piggy Banks are a great tool during the pre-school and early elementary years. About once a month my children would get their banks out and count their money (even if it was just counting the number of coins before they recognized the differences.)

Bank Accounts

By the time my kids were half way through elementary school, they had their own bank accounts (both savings and checking) and enjoyed going in and interacting with the tellers.

They were able to earn money through chores around the house and even for neighbors. In addition, they received an allowance.

The savings rule was put into place then: save 50% of all money earned. (Doing this from the start made the transition into teenage earning, even easier, they had to save.)

The kids quickly became adapt at the language they needed to talk about money. With statements like:

  • What is my balance?
  • Please transfer $X to my checking.
  • Can I have $X as $1s, $5s or whatever.

Even now, as they are all teenagers and we have transitioned to online banking, they miss the interaction with the tellers.  Talking money was a very good life lesson.

Even if you are not ready for the real deal, there are lots of realistic money games you can play with your children that teach real life money lessons.

Manage the Grocery Budget

As the kids got a little older, I had them become more involved with managing the day to day expenses of our household. The biggest of those is our grocery budget.

Being a single mom of four, meal planning has always been a way of life.  I cannot juggle everything otherwise. From week to week, each child has a meal their are in charge of: planning, list making, preparing and cleaning.

But the shopping, can you imagine trying to manage four shoppers with different agendas working with the same money? Yeah, me neither.

Each week a different child is responsible for collecting the grocery list and doing the shopping. When we started they would be in the store with their list, a calculator and a phone. And I had to do lots of hand holding to make sure we stayed on budget and got everything we needed for everyone’s meal.

They were always so proud when they came in under budget, or found a substitution that would work better or more economically. But more importantly, they loved the power that controlling this part of our budget gave them.

There is no better teacher than real world situations, real money and real consequences. Encouraging our teens to contribute to the cost of their activities and extras is a great way to teach them the power of money and the sacrifice you sometimes have to make.

Let Them Learn the Hard Way

While kids are still under our roof and our protection, is a great time for them to learn some hard money lessons. There is nothing wrong with them having to go without, or not have the latest and greatest. It is also important for them to learn the natural consequences of bad financial choices without having to go without food or shelter.

Here are some other ideas of ways you can help guide your child toward a healthy relationship with money, good financial decisions and empower them use their money wisely.

 

 

 

 

Single Moms and Money

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Let’s talk about single moms and money. Everywhere you look you see the statistics on single moms and money. They are on welfare, raising children alone and the pay disparity between men and women has been well documented.

Today’s economy is characterized by underemployment and low wage work. The plight of the single mom, single parent household is not getting any easier.

Who are the Single Parents

According to KidsCount.org, more than 1/3 of today’s children are being raised by a single parent. In addition, research shows 32% of the single-parent households are living in poverty versus 7% of two-parent families.

The literature documenting the detrimental effects of growing up poor is sweeping and strong. Some of the many challenges identified include: academic deficits, reduced access to safe communities and quality enrichment activities, and a heightened risk of physical, behavioral and emotional issues.

According to the Census Bureau, 4 out of 5 of these single parent households are single moms. Approximately, 50% of single parent households only have one child.

Emma at WealthySingleMommy.com has compiled a comprehensive list of statistics on single moms. Historically, single moms began in committed relationship and it was only as those relationships failed that they became single moms.  Whereas today’s Millenials are choosing single motherhood from the beginning.

single mom

Single Moms Income

The disparity in the income and debt load carried by single moms in the United States is not necessarily tied to a higher rate of unemployment. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report released in April of this year, in 2017 only 9.0 percent of families maintained by women had an unemployed member. Single moms are working!

However, when you consider families with two parents, 61.9% of those families are supported by two incomes (both parents working.)

VeryWellFamily.com also points out that the media victimizes single moms. But the reality is that the majority of single moms are doing it without government assistance. They are working, supporting their children through gainful employment.

Single Moms get Child Support

According to this 2015 United States Census Bureau report, only 7 out of 10 single parents received some sort of child support. Less than half of these recipients received all of the court ordered support.

Even more concerning is that the average amount received by the custodial parent per year was only $3,447. When I consider the cost of raising a children in a year…$3,447 isn’t even a drop in the bucket!

Now this number does not take into account, provision of health benefits for children or other types of support (non-monetary.) But, in general, single mom’s are not getting financial assistance in the form of child support to help support their children.

What Can a Single Mom Do

Emma at Wealthy Single Mom suggests these 14 steps for a single mom to get out to debt. This step by step list provides an easy to follow plan to get started on getting out of debt.

The Single Mothers Guide has compiled a list of grants available specifically for single moms. Many of the assistance is comprised of federal grants in the for of government assistance or grants for going back to school.

Then most importantly, use the resources on hand wisely. And isn’t that the point of this site. Guiding parents to make wise use of their resources. To provide materialistically and otherwise for their children as frugally as possible or maybe just more wisely.

Related Post: 10 Steps to Create a Stay at Home Budget

About Hope: A New Contributor

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As a single mom of four kids, keeping a balanced budget while giving my children the best life possible is always a priority. This is is to tell you about Hope, about me. I am sure looking forward to getting to know the Kids Ain’t Cheap community.

This week my youngest child officially becomes a teenager. It is more important than ever that I make good financial decisions.

I am excited to share this journey with the Kids Ain’t Cheap community. The community I find online helps me keep my head on straights when I consider all my kids wants and needs, and wise financial decisions.

About Hope

My name is Hope. I am a entrepreneur, single mom and sole provider for my four children.

hope's family picture

Family Picture when the twins were adopted

Over the years, I have learned that meeting each of my children’s’ needs and wants requires a different commitment whether it be in time or finances. I have learned to ask for discounts, barter where I can and give experiences rather than material possessions.

About the Kids

Since much of my writing will focus on my kids, it is important you know who they are:

  • Sea Cadet – Placed through the US Foster Care system with me when he was 12. I was blessed to adopt him and his twin brother, History Buff, when they were 15. He has just graduated from high school and plans to live at home and attend the local community college in the fall. He will be studying to become an EMT. He works part time and is saving towards a car. Sea Cadet has to work hard at school and I am unbelievably proud of how hard he has worked to get where he is today.
  • History Buff – Sea Cadet’s twin brother. He moved out right after his 18th birthday and decided not to complete high school. He remained in Virginia when we moved to Georgia just over a year ago. History Buff works at a movie theatre and just bought his first car with his tax refund. I keep hoping he will move home and return to school. He is brilliant and kind. The door remains open and we communicate semi-regularly.
  • Princess – My biological daughter who skipped a couple of grades and will graduate from high school a couple of years early. She works so hard at everything she does, and is chomping at the bit to get her first job. She plays volleyball and has an uncanny ability with all animals.
  • Gymnast – My youngest son will finish middle school this next year. He is very athletic and has been a competitive gymnast for 6 years. We are now in transition, trying to determine what he will do next. He is a charmer and very bright, and just entering teenage years. I am holding on for dear life and clinging to my parents’ advice “just get them through it.” He is also very brand conscious and pushes hard to always have the latest and greatest. That is always a challenge for any parent.

Steps Taken Now

Raising kids definitely is not cheap. But as we approach cars and insurance, college and trade school time, I must do better at saving for the future. And the first step to that is making the most of my day to day budget and saving more.

There are lots of steps I currently take toward that goal. They include:

I hope the tips and tricks I provide here on Kids Ain’t Cheap are helpful for all parents. In particular,  single mom’s particularly can relate to some of the unique ways that I have overcome and even exceeded my own expectations when it comes to providing for my children.

I sincerely look forward to getting to know the Kids Ain’t Cheap community and exchanging tips and tricks!