Unless I do something within the next year, my grandson is going to have to spend another year in daycare--instead of heading off to kindergarten like he ought to be.
In 2007, a North Carolina state law was passed pushing the birthdate required to enter kindergarten up to August 31. It used to be October 16. My grandson's birthday in September 6.
I have been told I can get him tested at MY expense to see if he would qualify for an early entrance. My expense is the equivalent to several hundred dollars and he must have a passing rate in the 98 percentile. He must be able to read and do math.
So maybe that explain some issues involving some adults I know. They were let into kindergarten before their time.
The following is a list of states and cut-off dates for kindergarten. Your child, grandchild or some else's child you know may also be affected:
Alabama- September 1
Alaska- August 15
Arizona- September 1
Arkansas-September 15
British Columbia, Canada- December 31
California-December 3
Colorado- September 15
Connecticut-January 1
Florida-September 1
Georgia- September 1
Hawaii-December 31
Idaho- September 1
Illinois-September 1
Iowa- September 1 or 15
Kansas-August 31
Kentucky-October 1
Louisiana- September 30 (except Orleans Parish 12/31)
Maine-October 15
Maryland-Entering kindergartners must be 5 by Dec. 31
Massachusetts-September 1
Michigan-December 1
Minnesota-September 1
Mississippi-September 1
Missouri-AUGUST 1 (moved from July 1)
Montana-December 2
Nebraska-October 15
Nevada-September 30
New Hamshire-September 30
New Jersey-November 30
New Mexico
New York-November 30
North Carolina-AUGUST 31
North Dakota- December 2
Ohio-September 30
Oklahoma- September 1
Oregon-September 1
Pennsylvania (dates vary from district to district)
Rhode Island- Variable from September 1 to December 31
South Carolina- September 1
Texas-September 1
Utah-August 31
Vermont-dates vary from 9/1 to 1/1
Virginia-September 30
Washington- August 31
West Virginia- September 1
Wisconsin-September 1
Puerto Rico- September 1
Monday, October 04, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Don't Read Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie IF
If you are looking for a book that's going to change your life, don't read Don't Ask And I Won't Have to Lie.
If you want to read a book that's going to inspire you to take action, Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie isn't for you.
If you think Don't Ask And I Won't Have to Lie is going to change your lying ways--think again.
Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie may not make you feel good about your life.
Here's the point: Not every book is designed to be a self-help, inspirational, motivational, take action kind of book. Some books are just designed to be enjoyable to read--an opportunity to get inside an author's head and compare your life notes. Some books are just meant to entertain, while others may have you nodding your head in agreement with some of what you read. That's what Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie is all about.
Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie started out as a personal account of a LIE I told that nearly cost me my life. I hope my story serves as a testimony for someone else--but also give you something to think about as you deal with your own truths and untruths.
One thing I will guarantee you is, there will be something in my book that will definitely make you THINK.
You can order a copy of my new book from Amazon.com or directly from my website:
Don't Ask
And there's a cool card game to go with it!
If you want to read a book that's going to inspire you to take action, Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie isn't for you.
If you think Don't Ask And I Won't Have to Lie is going to change your lying ways--think again.
Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie may not make you feel good about your life.
Here's the point: Not every book is designed to be a self-help, inspirational, motivational, take action kind of book. Some books are just designed to be enjoyable to read--an opportunity to get inside an author's head and compare your life notes. Some books are just meant to entertain, while others may have you nodding your head in agreement with some of what you read. That's what Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie is all about.
Don't Ask and I Won't Have to Lie started out as a personal account of a LIE I told that nearly cost me my life. I hope my story serves as a testimony for someone else--but also give you something to think about as you deal with your own truths and untruths.
One thing I will guarantee you is, there will be something in my book that will definitely make you THINK.
You can order a copy of my new book from Amazon.com or directly from my website:
Don't Ask
And there's a cool card game to go with it!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Winning Approval
This post was inspired by something my grandson said at soccer practice today. After scoring the only goal for his team (who lost 5-1), he asked his mother (my daughter) if he had done good. Of course, she said yes. Then he asked me, "Grandma, did I do good today?" Of course, I said yes, too.
Why he felt the need to ask both of us got me to thinking about his need and desire for affirmation. Even though his team came out on the losing end, he wanted positive reinforcement that he had done good job.
Isn't it interesting how the words spoken to us early in life can influence us for REST of our lives? We could've said, "Yes, you did a great job--but your team still lost." That's saying you were good--just not good enough to win.
So often in life we, as adults, also need affirmation. We have a desire to win approval for the things we've accomplished---not matter how small they might seem.
Sometimes people need to hear a kind word spoken about them, despite the fact that they may not appear to be a kind individual. You never know how the words you speak into their lives---even as adults, can make a positive difference.
Why he felt the need to ask both of us got me to thinking about his need and desire for affirmation. Even though his team came out on the losing end, he wanted positive reinforcement that he had done good job.
Isn't it interesting how the words spoken to us early in life can influence us for REST of our lives? We could've said, "Yes, you did a great job--but your team still lost." That's saying you were good--just not good enough to win.
So often in life we, as adults, also need affirmation. We have a desire to win approval for the things we've accomplished---not matter how small they might seem.
Sometimes people need to hear a kind word spoken about them, despite the fact that they may not appear to be a kind individual. You never know how the words you speak into their lives---even as adults, can make a positive difference.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Happy Grandparents Day
Did you know there are more than 70 million grandparents in the United States? I am one of them.
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the official proclamation declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. That's the same year I graduated from Ohio University. Never thought much about the holiday since my grandparents on both sides were deceased and I wasn't even thinking about becoming a grandmother at the time.
According to the website, Grandparents.com, 43% became grandparents in their fifties, 37% in their forties, with the average age of grandparents in this country at 48. I becme a grandmother at 49. Other stats:
■72% take care of their grandchildren on a regular basis
■13% are primary caregivers
■60% live close to their grandchildren
■46% wish they could live even closer
■70% see the kids at least once a week
■66% travel with their grandkids
■81% have their grandkids for part or all of their summer vacation
On this day, I say Happy Grandparents Day! I salute every grandparent who has stepped up to the plate, sacrificed and helped make the life of a grandchild BETTER.
Are you one of them?
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the official proclamation declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. That's the same year I graduated from Ohio University. Never thought much about the holiday since my grandparents on both sides were deceased and I wasn't even thinking about becoming a grandmother at the time.
According to the website, Grandparents.com, 43% became grandparents in their fifties, 37% in their forties, with the average age of grandparents in this country at 48. I becme a grandmother at 49. Other stats:
■72% take care of their grandchildren on a regular basis
■13% are primary caregivers
■60% live close to their grandchildren
■46% wish they could live even closer
■70% see the kids at least once a week
■66% travel with their grandkids
■81% have their grandkids for part or all of their summer vacation
On this day, I say Happy Grandparents Day! I salute every grandparent who has stepped up to the plate, sacrificed and helped make the life of a grandchild BETTER.
Are you one of them?
Sunday, September 05, 2010
The Case of the Lost Camera
Today I am trying to wrap my mind around the fact that someone at my grandson's birthday party yesterday could've walked off with my digital camera.
It's not something I want to believe or accept but today it is missing and the last place I remember having it was on one of the picnic tables at the park. I don't want to believe it because everyone invited was either family or friends.
I would rather believe that the camera was accidentally thrown away during the cleanup and someone just didn't realize what it was.
Nevertheless, all of the wonderful pictures we took at my grandson's 4th birthday on Saturday are now gone.
Thankfully, my grandson wasn't stolen or today I would still be on the hunt or in jail.
It's not something I want to believe or accept but today it is missing and the last place I remember having it was on one of the picnic tables at the park. I don't want to believe it because everyone invited was either family or friends.
I would rather believe that the camera was accidentally thrown away during the cleanup and someone just didn't realize what it was.
Nevertheless, all of the wonderful pictures we took at my grandson's 4th birthday on Saturday are now gone.
Thankfully, my grandson wasn't stolen or today I would still be on the hunt or in jail.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Welcome to the Real World My Child
Last week, my daughter returned to college. Instead of going back into the dorms, she decided she wanted her own place so she shopped around and found a nice little apartment about 10 minutes from campus.
What my daughter has quickly learned is having your own place costs money---especially if you like "new" and not "used" and you must do your homework before deciding on the best place for you.
Here are some of the things baby boomer parents can do to help make off campus life a pleasant experience:
Affordability
What can your college student afford? Help them evaluate their budget so they know how much rent they can afford without overextending financially. You might also suggest they consider a roommate, who can split the bills.
Utilities
Your college student should make sure they check to see what, if any, utilities are included as part of the rent. Sometimes landlords will pay for the water and heat for a tenant, whereas other landlords will not pay for any utilities. There are even a few landlords out there who will pay for all utilities for their tenants. This is something your college student should know before renting so that they can estimate their monthly budget accurately.
Location
When checking out apartments, check the location. It should be close to the campus so no one will have to worry about the long commute to class.
Credit Score/Background Check
If you haven't talked to your college student about credit, now's the perfect time. They need to know that when it comes to renting an apartment, there will almost always be a credit report and background check done on them. This is why places have application fees, because it costs money to run these reports. Have too many unpaid bills, or a history of getting into trouble with the law will result in your child being denied. Also, you should explain about co-signers. Because they are probably a first time renter and don’t have much of a history, they will, more than likelt, need a co-signer on the application.
Read the Lease Before You Sign It
Make sure they read every line of the lease before they sign it--and it would be a good idea if you read it too. This is important because it will contain the rules that the landlord requests by which they have to abide. The lease will contain what pets they can have, if any, what utilities they are responsible for, how much their rent is, when a late fee is charged, and what conditions they can break the lease, if at all.
Renters Insurance
Explain the importance of having renters insurance. Renters insurance is fairly inexpensive. This minor expense will insure their valuables against damage from fire or burglary. It is especially important for them to get covered if they have valuable items such as laptops, stereo equipment, and jewelry.
With some discipline and organization, your college student's first apartment renting experience can be satisfying as well as a huge learning experience.
What my daughter has quickly learned is having your own place costs money---especially if you like "new" and not "used" and you must do your homework before deciding on the best place for you.
Here are some of the things baby boomer parents can do to help make off campus life a pleasant experience:
Affordability
What can your college student afford? Help them evaluate their budget so they know how much rent they can afford without overextending financially. You might also suggest they consider a roommate, who can split the bills.
Utilities
Your college student should make sure they check to see what, if any, utilities are included as part of the rent. Sometimes landlords will pay for the water and heat for a tenant, whereas other landlords will not pay for any utilities. There are even a few landlords out there who will pay for all utilities for their tenants. This is something your college student should know before renting so that they can estimate their monthly budget accurately.
Location
When checking out apartments, check the location. It should be close to the campus so no one will have to worry about the long commute to class.
Credit Score/Background Check
If you haven't talked to your college student about credit, now's the perfect time. They need to know that when it comes to renting an apartment, there will almost always be a credit report and background check done on them. This is why places have application fees, because it costs money to run these reports. Have too many unpaid bills, or a history of getting into trouble with the law will result in your child being denied. Also, you should explain about co-signers. Because they are probably a first time renter and don’t have much of a history, they will, more than likelt, need a co-signer on the application.
Read the Lease Before You Sign It
Make sure they read every line of the lease before they sign it--and it would be a good idea if you read it too. This is important because it will contain the rules that the landlord requests by which they have to abide. The lease will contain what pets they can have, if any, what utilities they are responsible for, how much their rent is, when a late fee is charged, and what conditions they can break the lease, if at all.
Renters Insurance
Explain the importance of having renters insurance. Renters insurance is fairly inexpensive. This minor expense will insure their valuables against damage from fire or burglary. It is especially important for them to get covered if they have valuable items such as laptops, stereo equipment, and jewelry.
With some discipline and organization, your college student's first apartment renting experience can be satisfying as well as a huge learning experience.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
My husband and I are a part of a growing trend in America. We are grandparents taking on the role of primary caregivers for our grandson.
My daughter is a rising junior in college and since school is located out of town, we have agreed to raise him in her absence. We are among nearly 6 million grandparents who have grandchildren living with them. and
Here are more numbers from the Census Bureau about grandparent caregivers:
4-out-of-10 grandparents are responsible for the youngsters basic care.
5.8 million, the number of grandparents who live with one or more of their grandchildren under 18 years old.
4 percent, the percentage of people age 30 and older who live with grandchildren. The rate is 8 percent among blacks and Hispanics.
2.5 million, the number of grandparents responsible for most of the basic needs, such as clothing, food and shelter, of one or more grandchildren with which they live.
21 percent, the percentage of preschoolers who are cared for primarily by their grandparents while their mother is employed or in school.
My daughter is a rising junior in college and since school is located out of town, we have agreed to raise him in her absence. We are among nearly 6 million grandparents who have grandchildren living with them. and
Here are more numbers from the Census Bureau about grandparent caregivers:
4-out-of-10 grandparents are responsible for the youngsters basic care.
5.8 million, the number of grandparents who live with one or more of their grandchildren under 18 years old.
4 percent, the percentage of people age 30 and older who live with grandchildren. The rate is 8 percent among blacks and Hispanics.
2.5 million, the number of grandparents responsible for most of the basic needs, such as clothing, food and shelter, of one or more grandchildren with which they live.
21 percent, the percentage of preschoolers who are cared for primarily by their grandparents while their mother is employed or in school.
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Passing the Torch from Baby Boomers to Millennials to Gen Z
Whether baby boomers can accept it or not, a changing of the guard has taken place with millennials and the up and coming Gen Z generations...
