After School Activity Program – How to Find a Good One
Unfortunately, the average school day and the average work day are not the same length. For parents who have to work a full day, it can be challenging to find a good after school program to fill in those hours between the time school lets out and the time you get off of work. Here are some tips for finding an after school activity program that works for your schedule and meets your child’s needs.
Contact Your Child’s School
The first step is to check with your child’s school and see what is available on their campus, or what programs are affiliated with their school. The school principal can point you in the right direction and let you know websites to visit and organizations to contact.
Local Clubs and Organizations
You might also like to check with your local Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts counsel to see what is available for after school. Other organizations to consider are your local place(s) of worship, boys’ and girls’ club, and recreation center. Even your local daycare center might be associated with a program for school-aged kids.
Observe
Now that you have some specific programs in mind, one of the best ways to determine what will work for you and your child is to go and observe the program. Drop in unannounced if possible. Look for some of the following:
* What are the kids doing? If everyone is disorganized, unsupervised, or if you see groups of kids plotting mischief in the corners, then you may want to reconsider.
* How many adults are there per child? It’s important for there to be enough staff to keep things safe and under control.
* How do the kids seem? Do they seem to be enjoying themselves? Are they happy and engaged in the activities? What kind of activities are there?
* Check the cleanliness of the facility, especially if they serve a snack or food.
* If the program does have a snack for the kids, what kind of food do they serve? Are you comfortable with it?
Questions to Ask
Talking to the staff is important. Here are some details you might want to ask about.
* What are the holiday and cancellation hours?
* How many kids attend on average?
* What are the fees, and do they vary? Do you have to pay extra for field trips, food, or other things?
* What is the pick-up time, and what happens if you are running late? You’ll want to know what the policy is if you can’t get there right at pick-up time.
With these things in mind, you should be able to find an after school activity program that works for you and your child.
Valentine’s Day Salmon and Pecan Bake
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets, both sides seasoned with salt and pepper
4 tsp runny honey
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Adult Kids Living at Home: Why They Should Pay Rent
The concept of adult kids living at home and paying rent is a bit of a controversial one. Some people are adamantly opposed to it, while others consider it essential. What most people will agree on is that it is somewhat situational. For example, some parents hold that adult children who have just had a devastating life event need a safe haven where they can get their bearings; however, they will charge their kids rent if they feel they are in a financial position to do so.
Here are some of the situations where most parents agree their kids should pay rent:
They Have the Means
If your child is living at home and earning money, he or she is in a position to pay rent. This can be an introductory exercise to help your adult child get a handle on how money works.
They Are a Bit Too Comfy
Many parents will charge an adult child rent if he or she seems a bit too comfortable living at home. Maybe he is playing video games all day, or perhaps he is staying out late with friends and sleeping until noon. Many parents will charge rent if they feel their child needs a dose of reality, or a nudge toward getting out on their own.
A Matter of Practicality
Sometimes, it’s just a practical matter – Mom and Dad need the financial contribution, and it’s just common sense to help pay for what you’re receiving, whether it’s room and board or groceries. Sometimes, it’s just necessary for the family to function.
Reality Check
Let’s face it – some adult kids living at home need a dose of reality. Maybe they’ve been too sheltered, or are used to having things handed to them. Charging them rent is a good way to introduce them to the reality of the modern world – nothing’s free.
Learning to Contribute
Whether it’s your local community or workplace, learning to contribute to a functioning group from which you draw benefits is an essential life skill. Your adult child needs to understand that he or she ought to give back to the family and community from which he or she receives. In the workplace, this attitude toward contributing can make or break a job opportunity.
Build Confidence
It’s worth noting that a child who seems incapable from getting out on his or her own may lack confidence. If your child does not feel equipped or feels incapable and incompetent, he’s going to be reluctant to strike out on his own. He just may not think he can. So it might be a good idea to spend a little time building confidence, and charging rent is a way to do that. Your child will see that he can, in fact, pay rent and be responsible, thus building up his sense of competence.