What I learned on my summer vacation...

Remember writing these essays every fall when you got back to school? I sure do. I always tried to think of some grand way of spinning what usually was a pretty uneventful summer - in my eyes at least. Although looking back now, I had some pretty spectacular summer breaks (thanks, mom!). For me, this summer was unlike any summer I have ever had - and as I spoke to my 8 yr old the other day - I realized it was the same for him, as well. This was our first summer together since he was 2... No camp for him, no full time office job for me. It was the two of us against the world.

I learned this summer that patience is a lot more than a word. It's a gift that we give a kids and ourselves, and it takes time to unwrap and really understand the true power it holds. I learned that when given the opportunity to just play again - with no distractions - I have more fun than I did when I myself was an 8 year old in the summers. Slip n slides are more fun, sprinklers feel much better and water gun fights are become all out wars.

I found out that the power of my words, my tone and sheer facial expressions can turn a child upside down. Again - see the sentence above on patience. :) I taught myself that it's ok to turn my phone off, walk away from work and just be mom, wife and friend for an hour, a day or a few days - and you know what - the world keeps going on. I learned that just because they make amazing cupcakes on Cupcake Wars, doesn't mean my son and I can make them in my kitchen. We did have fun eating the frosting off the tops though. I learned that somethings are better left to the professionals on TV.

I learned that bumper boats are much more fun when you spin around and around and spray other people at full blast. I taught myself how to launch water balloons and also how to run from them when being tossed at me! I learned that when at the pool, it's OK to get wet! It's not just about sitting on the lounge chair, or dipping feet in from the side. It's about getting full on in the water, throwing diving sticks, going in water mushrooms, freezing when the water hits your belly, and racing to see who can swim the fastest. I found out what it felt like to race down a giant waterslide with my 8 yr old cheering me on. I beat fear.

I learned that even 8 yr olds are allowed to not like their moms every day. They have ups and downs that adults have - only they actually express it better than we do. I learned that it's ok not to have all the answers and to just say that sometimes and walk away. I taught myself to have time outs.

All in all, I learned that it's not always easy - being a mom, a wife, a friend, a teacher, a mentor, a business owner... any of it. But, it's how we learn to deal with it. Where we find the joy in each moment and how we find the teachable moments. I probably taught myself more this summer than I did my son. I am far from perfect - way far. But at the end of the summer, I am closer to being the mom I want to be, and my son is closer to knowing the mom he has. We became friends this summer. Knock down drag out friends, mind you, but friends none the less.

My son knows that I am a work in progress and now starting school in 5 days, he knows that it's ok that he is too.

What did you do on your summer vacation?

"Hello Fear, Let's Dance."

Fear. We all have it... It knows no age limits, no gender. And it certainly does not care WHAT you are doing when it appears. No courtesy whatsoever. While I use to run from fear, I've learned as a parent, that my children learn by what I do more times than not (cue the SHOCK & AWE sounds), so Fear and I now have a different relationship. We have to - my kids have to learn how to deal with it too.

So now I say, "Hello Fear. Let's Dance." And off we go. I match fear move for move. Tall buildings - no problem. I've shown my son I can conquer that glass elevator with his hand in mine...easy. Mouse in the house - piece of cake (um, well cheese, maybe), kinda. That one took a little more time, and a longer piece of music for us to "dance" to, but we got there. And my nemesis - the tall, dark, crazy fast water slides... yes, I see Fear waiting there for me just laughing. But not this time. I take my son's hand in mine, we walk up those 6 flights of stairs and we do it together. We conquer it - one turn and drop at a time. Guess who's afraid now? ;)

My point is, fear strikes at every angle. Our kids face it daily - and especially at back to school time. New teachers, new friends, old friends in different classes, new lunch tables, what to wear, what to eat, where to sit, who to play with, is the work too hard/too easy? And if your child just moved to a new school, or is transitioning to kindergarten, middle or high school this year, it's an entirely new set of challenges. Be prepared for changes with your child. Go through those changes with him and teach him to "dance" with fear - not run from it. Look it in the eye, and move with it, step for step, turn for turn. In the end, it will be your child leading - not fear.

But remember, your job before that is to show him that it can be done. Conquer your own fears with your child as much as you can, and when he can't be around, tell him about it.

Trust me, I couldn't have conquered half of my fears without my 8 yr old's hand in mine, saying, "You can do it, Mom. You can." Take that, fear.

School Supply Savings? YOU BET!

It's that time of year... and everywhere you turn there are new pencils, backpacks, markers, rulers, folders and everything else under the sun your kids need - and want - for heading back to school. So, where do you start? Who has the best prices? Where can you save? Are the discounts worth it? We've got some answers - thanks to Good Morning America and their awesome research! Start here before heading out into the Back to School Supply Jungle!

Click here for the Back to School Supplies Price Comparison Chart

Here's To a Great Year.

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The Countdown is ON! Back. To. School.

Whether it's two and half weeks, one week or even just a few days... The Back to School countdown is here! And even though some whining has started with the typical, "Not school already!" The majority of students actually are starting to get -- wait for it -- BORED. As you start to prepare the school supplies, new clothes, the "must have shoes," new backpacks, and other essentials... Tutor Doctor Chicago, your in home tutoring service, would like to make sure you are preparing AHEAD of time for the academic side of things too!

Is your child / student academically ready to dive in successfully to the new studies and assignments awaiting? Is he or her entering not only a new grade, but a new school, with nerves, apprehension, fear of failure, or with grades from the end of last school year that may already be a sign of being behind, or struggling with comprehension, which could lead to a difficult start to the new school year? Is this a pivotal grading year in which standardized achievement testing determines whether your child advances to the next grade - or where standard tests and class grades factor heavily towards college acceptance for your senior?
If the answer is "yes" to any of these, and even whether your student is in gifted and advanced placement places, or if he or she is in standard grade level classes, Tutor Doctor Chicago can help get your child's new school year off to a great start, enriched with confidence, and possessing the knowledge, tools and ability for success! Our highly trained tutors follow your child's specific school and grade curriculum, with a personalized, one-on-one in-home approach.
Forget playing taxi cab driver from school or after school activities to a learning center with larger student to single tutor ratios, that follow their own learning center materials instead of what your child specifically needs to learn. Leave it to our Tutor Doctor Chicago tutors to come to you, then proceed to get your student caught up, current, and then ahead of his or her school's and grade curriculum studies.

Help for Parents of A Struggling Reader

You think your child is having trouble with reading...whether it's instinct or it's been pointed out to you. It's never an easy realization, but it's one that can be worked on! Sometimes children just need more time, but in other cases, they may need extra help. Trust your instincts! You know your child better than anyone. If you think there's a problem, there probably is. This is where you have to be their voice.

Don't give up or necessarily believe or agree that your child "will grow out of it." You may be told this. The fact is, whenever a child has difficulty with reading or with school, it can be an overwhelming and emotional time for parents and for the child. The more you all learn, the less overwhelming it will seem and the more you'll be able to act effectively and quickly. You are the best advocate for your child – keep asking, learning, and acting to ensure that he or she has the best opportunity to succeed at reading. No one else is going to do this for you or your child. Remember that.

Take a look at the following 8 Steps to ensure that he or she receives the help needed to succeed - no matter what age or grade level.

1. Find out if your child needs extra help: Talk to your child's teachers and doctors. This could be more than just a school issue...it could be a vision or hearing issue, as well.

2. Consult with the school and other parents: Make an appointment with your child's teacher and possibly the guidance counselor/social worker to review a plan you all can work together on. Having everyone on the same page will benefit your child the most. Talking with other parents will many times unveil a wealth of information, as other children have gone through similar situations and you can tap into other resources families may have already found and tried.

3. Know your options:

• Find out about IDEA -Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – that ensures that children diagnosed with a learning disability will receive special school services (for free).
• Check other sources:
  LD OnLine,
  National Center for Learning Disabilities,
  National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities,
  Schwab Learning,
  Wrightslaw
• Put EVERYTHING in writing! Keep all your research, conversations and concerns in a log so that when or if things don't get moving or get worked on, you have a copy of the issue and conversation. It's important to document everything as you begin to advocate for your child. Keep your decisions, your choices and your notes with you always. This is your child you are fighting for.

4. Ask the school to evaluate your child: Send the principal a written evaluation request requesting that a specialist (reading) review your child's progress. Also, make certain that your child is being evaluated in his/her strongest language, if English is not the primary language in your home.

5. Consider an outside evaluation from an independent expert like a child psychologist or outside specialist. You can find names by contacting local Parent Resource Centers in your area.

6. Consider finding an advocate. An advocate is a professional, education consultant or sometimes attorney, who specializes in helping parents resolve problems with a school. These professionals can be expensive. Your local Parent Training and Information Center or a Parent Resource Center may have information on advocates in your area.

7. Consider hiring a tutor. There are many tutoring options including private tutors, tutoring centers, educational therapists, and formalized programs. Ask for recommendations and do your homework to find a tutor who has specific knowledge and experience in working with children who have reading or learning disabilities. Some tutors also can work as an advocate for your child in the schools and will work directly with the school to help get your child the help he or she needs while in their care, and while at home. Tutor programs and curriculum should be designed completely around YOUR child and the uniqueness of how he/she learns. Make sure that question and topic is covered when you are doing your own "tutor homework."

8. Support your child at home by providing as much academic support and emotional support as you can. There are many extra activities you can work on at home without adding additional stress to your child, that shows you are there to help. Always letting him/her know that you are there no matter what is part of the success equation, as well. Focus and confidence go hand in hand with these issues, so continuing to provide encouragement during this time will be key to overcoming the struggles.