Choosing Your Child’s Summer Camp: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

The sun is out and the summer camps are ready to start. I personally don’t have a great perception of summer camp because of an experience I had when I was a child. I remember being very young – seven or so – and being dropped off with my Strawberry Shortcake Lunch box, excited to meet new kids and run around all day long. What I got instead was a dreary, miserable camp experience. I was picked on, made fun of, and left to sit under a tree when it rained with no end in sight. The days stretched on and I kept going with the hope that “tomorrow couldn’t possibly be as bad as today” but I was wrong. The instructors took “smoke breaks”, the kids were mean and I didn’t learn anything new – except to hate summer camp. When I had my own kids, I decided to look into the camps a little more thoroughly than my over-worked parents had so they could have a better experience than I did.

There are thousands of residential summer camps in North America and it can be difficult and overwhelming to try and figure out the appropriate camp for your kids. Every camp is different, with different activities, varying timeframes, instruction levels and policies; leaving a child in the care of strangers is not something a parent does lightly. Ask questions and weigh the answers carefully for a stellar summer experience.

Which camp is your child most interested in? Many parents pick camps based on cost and availability only without really considering what experience their children would like to have. Ask your child what he or she is truly interested in doing / learning and sit down with them to chat about what’s available in your area.

What is the camp’s bullying policy? Bullying is a widespread problem in North America and it doesn’t stop at summer camp. Many children and parents report that bullying can be worse at camps than it is at school simply because of the change in environment and the close proximity of the children to each other on a constant basis for days on end.  Ask questions about the camp’s policies on bullying and their disciplinary tactics.

Are the instructors or camp leaders experienced?  Before leaving your child with strangers, find out a little more about the background checks and experience of the current staff. The best summer camps have dedicated, experienced and / or certified instructors, while others are simply municipal employees or people looking for easy summer money.  Also, be sure that at least one or more leaders are trained in CPR.

What happens when it rains? Many outdoor camps boast a plethora of rainy-day activities, but parents would be surprised to learn how many actually have no set plans for these unfortunate days! Ask what types of activities your child will be taking part in if such an occasion arises. 

How many people will be supervising in total? Find out how many campers there will be and compare it to the number of supervisors. If the number in comparison seems too askew, the supervision will be lacking – this can prove to be dangerous especially when there may be swimming or transportation to different locations.

What is the cost compared to the value? Summer camps that are worthwhile are sometimes a little more expensive than most simply due to training costs, materials, vehicle rentals and other overhead that means a better experience for your child. Make sure that the summer program is worth what you are paying. Loosely calculating the costs of field trips, materials, payment of instructors and rentals and dividing it by the number of children attending may help you really figure out what you’re paying for.

What are the pick-up and drop-off times? Many working parents use summer camp in place of pre school or as a replacement to their usual after school care; they may discount a camp because the camp day is shorter than their work day. Many camps however, offer a pick-up and drop-off time which extends the length of the day and allows parents to get there without missing work. Just be sure that they children will be properly supervised at these times.

Does the camp have references? If the camp can give you at least a short list of references, it is ideal to call a couple of families that have also attended. Online blogs can prove to be useful for this as well.

Summer Camps should be fun and exciting for children and parents alike. Be sure to ask these questions and more to ensure fun is had by all and that your kids will come home safe, happy and healthy.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer, web publisher and mother of two. She is currently researching Edmonton after school care and summer camps.

Say “Happy Birthday” with the Best Gifts for Kids in 2011!

“What does he want for his birthday?” It ‘s the question du jour – it comes back with the R.S.V.P. Lt’s face it – trying to buy kids birthday presents is like playing roulette; sometimes you hit the jackpot, and sometimes your gift gets discarded while the “Thank-Yous” are being given out. Kids aren’t necessarily rude – they’re fickle, and when they get a dozen gifts to choose from, there’s room to be picky. So how do you guarantees that your gift doesn’t end up on the floor? Take a peek at the Top 5 Kids’ birthday gifts for 2011 and your gift just might be the hit of the party!

1.       Playmobil: This German toy company has combine educational toys with the best imaginative and realistic play sets that any kid could ask for. Playmobil sets start at only about three to four dollars and are appropriate for ages 1 and up. The sets say up to age 5, but there are a lot of seven and eight year olds that still can’t put them down. Children can play with knights and dragons, Pharaohs and Mummies or play house with a traditional family set. You name it, Playmobil has it… and if they don’t they will soon! These toys fit every interest and are such high quality that they can be passed down from generation to generation (if you can keep all of the pieces together!)

2.       Building Sets: Building sets come in all shapes and sizes and can always keep kids entertained. Whether they prefer the basic wooden blocks or traditional sets (Lincoln Logs are still extremely popular) or the slightly more advanced and more expensive LEGO versions, building sets allow kids to create their own worlds and build their own forts, and they’re appropriate for all ages.

3.       Arts and Crafts and Science Experiments: After about the age of 8 years, it’s hard to buy the right gift. Luckily, many toy stores stock unique and inexpensive arts and crafts selections or science experiments for older kids too. Get the birthday boy or girl a “How to Sew” or crocheting set; or how about a “Build and Paint your own Birdhouse”? Simply find out what kinds of interests the kids have and you’ll find a craft for it. Science experiments range from “make your own slime” to “make your own gum “– the fun could be endless! The best part is that most of the sets are under $30.

4.       Books: Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Books may not sound like an exciting gift, but books are not what they used to be. Try board books for little ones who still like to chew on everything, and chapter book sets for older kids who enjoy a longer read. And for those in between, there are many Explorer books, Knight Books and Princess type stores that offer insights into the real histories behind the fairy-tales. Kids are inquisitive and love to learn about their favourite subjects – don’t rule out educational gifts.

5.       Gift Cards: If you just don’t know what to get that kid, why not try a gift card? Gift Cards are often touted as impersonal or “lazy” gifts, but with all of the choices out there, they can be a truly wonderful and fun option. Give the birthday child a Gift Card to the local toy store or specialized boutique and let them have their own shopping adventure. Or how about a gift Card for music downloads or the nearest movie theatre? (Their parents will thank you too…)

Don’t despair when you get the birthday invitation; be imaginative and tailor the birthday child’s gift to his or her personality and do it inexpensively. Birthdays are supposed to be fun, for everyone – buying the gift is only the beginning.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a mom of two and is currently researching educational toys in Edmonton and toy stores in Canada.

Trying to Sell a House with an Ex: 7 Tips for a Speedy Sale

Divorce and separation is not an ideal situation for any couple or family, especially when there is a home involved. The best type of separation you can hope and strive for is an amicable one that does not involve too much legal input; a straight split down the middle is usually the outcome of a home sale in this case. And a quick sale is coveted but can be hard to achieve if a couple doesn’t follow some basic home sale tips when trying to sell a house with their ex.

Tip 1: Find the Right Realtor. Ask around for referral for a real estate agent that specializes in divorce home sales or selling houses fast. There are some realtors who specialize in this type of situation and can be wonderful assets to couples who need that extra bit of expertise. Trust in their home sale tips and your house will be sure sell faster.

Tip 2: Have All Your Ducks in a Row. Make sure that the belongings and assets have been separated and legal counsel has been consulted before the house is sold. These types of negotiations can become heated and are best handled before the final paperwork is signed. Also, sell the house before the divorce becomes finalized as that way regardless of any changes in heart, the money is guaranteed to be divided equally.

Tip 3: Focus on the Future. Even though letting go of your family home is an emotional time, try to look forward to the future and the positive outcome of the situation. Remove personal belongings and make the home as neutral as possible. New families or couples don’t walk into a dwelling stacked with reminders of an unhappy marriage.

Tip 4: Stay Cool, Calm and Collected. Don’t give into anger, pettiness and emotion when trying to sell property with your ex. Emotional reactions can cause rash decisions that you might regret at a later date. I think we all remember the War of the Roses – an extreme situation that hopefully most couples can remain distanced from.

Tip 5: Price to Sell: Houses should be priced comparably to neighbourhood houses, and if you’re hoping for  a quick sale (as most separated couples are) talk to your realtor about pricing to sell your house fast. Id time is of the essence, price can make all the difference.

Tip 6: Beware of the Lowball. Besides keeping your sanity, this is another great reason to keep emotions in check. There are certain people out there who will try to lowball sellers that are in emotional distress. Keeping your feelings out of the sale process may help you get a better price.

Tip 7: Shake Hands and Call it a Day. When the dust has cleared, the papers are signed and the money has been divided, make it easier on yourself your family and your ex but sticking to the original agreement and walking away with your head help high. The situation is hard enough without backtracking and backbiting.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. Lilly Gordon is a freelance author and web publisher. She is currently researching how to sell a house in Edmonton, and the Canadian Real Estate Market.

Help Me Sell My House!

Selling a home is always filled with trials and tribulations. Sometimes the stress is at the outset; divorce, death and separation can be a stressful time and often the decision to sell is mad for you. Sometimes people sell to due to expanding families, or cash flow. Whatever the reason, selling a home can be filled with anxiety … but it doesn’t have to be a perilous journey. There are 7 simple steps to take you from anxious to relieved, as quickly as possible.

1. Trust Your Realtor. Your real estate agent is there to help you sell as quickly and for the most money possible. Listen to what they have to say about pricing and comparable neighbourhood pricing – don’t let your ego do the talking on this one. Also, let him or her give the tours – don’t stick around for viewings or open houses. And be sure to take the agent’s advice when staging your furniture or making the best of your space – they are professionals after all and you don’t want hurt feelings to compromise the sale of your house.  Above all –be honest about problems your house has had in the past; this will allow the agent to answer questions quickly, truthfully and with the best attitude possible.
   
2. “Spring Clean”, even if it’s September! Before one prospective buyer walks through that door, clean like you’ve never cleaned before – inside AND out. All of the yard work you would typically do in the spring, do it now. Prune, mow, sweep and weed. If there’s snow on the ground, shovel. Hose down the windows and the walk – the outside of your home makes a huge impression as to whether people will come in and stay or duck their heads and keep on going.
   
   After clearing the outdoors, sanitize your space. Dust all of the areas you haven’t gotten to in a while, vacuum and scrub. Many buyers leave viewings simply because bathrooms look dirty or kitchens look less than appetizing. This is the time to make your house sparkle. A full cleaning should be done before every viewing, if possible.
   
3. Depersonalize and Detach. Start your journey before the “SOLD” sign is up – emotionally detach from your current house and remove personalized items. Family photos can be packed, as can the “Bless this Mess” sign hanging in the hall. Remember that you have probably had sufficient time to customize your home – now is the time to de-customize so visitors can envision their own style taking over.
   
4. Freshen Up. Every house could use a fresh coat of paint before newcomers venture in. Try to paint the walls a neutral colour and make things light and airy. If there are any little fixes that can be made (small holes in the wall, dripping faucets, stains in the carpet, etc.) try and do the best you can without spending too much dough. The new owners will probably change the things that need changing after the fact.
   
5. Store Your Clutter Off Site. Most people accumulate clutter at some point. Whether it’s in a closet, drawer (or three), or toy boxes, make sure to pack it up and ship it out before people start moseying through. De-cluttering will make your house look bigger and more streamlined.
   
6. Fur is Murder… For the Sale. Fido, Snowball and harry the Hamster may be members of your family – there’s no disputing that – but they are not good sales points for your realtor. Animals are stinky, they shed and, well, leave little “surprises” all over the yard and sometimes the house. While you may love their habits and quirks, it’s doubtful that anyone else will. Before any showings, remove any sign of your animal and de-scent the house. Litter boxes and pooper-scoopers can be can be hidden, the yard should be free of debris, and cages can be transported to a friend or relative’s house (or at least freshened and cleaned.) If your dog has to be in the home, make sure he or she is in his / her kennel as dogs can get nervous or overly excited when strangers come through.
   
7. Self-Promote! Your realtor may be a whiz, but with the market the way it is lately, it’s always a good idea to put the buzz out about your abode. Social Media sites like Facebook, Youtube and local listing sites like eBay and Kijiji are great places to post pictures, videos and details about your house. Most modern realtors will offer this service, but you can always use your friends and family to help you out as well. If you are taking your own photos, be sure to take them on a bright, sunny afternoon (after your big cleanup) so people can see the home in its best light.

Take a deep breath and get out the Mr. Clean… It’s time to sell a house – fast!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance author and web publisher. She is currently researching how to sell a house in Edmonton, and the Canadian Real Estate Market.

Small Space Solution: Container Vegetable Gardening

If you live in an apartment, condo or your backyard simply doesn’t have enough space, container vegetable gardening may be the solution for you. Everyone can have their own vegetable garden, even those of us with balconies instead of yards. Even those who do have the space turn to container gardening for many reasons.

Advantages of Container Gardening
Container gardening allows for a lesser instance of plant disease and root rot if done properly, as well as virtually eliminating weed infestation. It also gives you heightened control over moisture and sun exposure. Because you can move your container anywhere you choose, you can correct sun exposure on extremely hot and dry days by simply relocating your garden.

How to Start Your Container Garden
First, you’ll need to decide what you’ll be growing in your small space. If you’ve decided on herbs or vegetables, choose something that you like to eat frequently and that will work with the amount of space you have available.

After you’ve chosen your veggies, you can decide on the type of container that will best suit your gardening needs. There are many different types of containers: planter boxes, large plastic pots, hanging baskets, growbags, barrels, etc.  Here are some important factors to consider:

·         If you are growing root vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you will need a very deep container.

·         Wood containers may rot unless you use a more expensive wood like cedar. Do not use treated wood as the chemical will leech into your yummy veggies.

·         Plastic containers can break down pretty quickly due to the constant barrage of water, UV rays and fertilizer.

·         Clay pots tend to dry out very quickly as they are extremely porous and absorb water.

Whichever container you purchase from the green house should allow for drainage; if there are no holes, be sure to drill some that are about ½” across and then layer a bit of newspaper or landscaping cloth on the bottom before you start planting. This will keep soil in while allowing excess water to escape. Also, your container should have a nice wide opening – narrow openings are not conducicve to proper aeration or easy harvesting.

Care for Your Container Garden
Depending on which vegetables you have chosen, pick the location that’s best for proper sun exposure on a normal basis. As stated before, you can move your container if absolutely necessary but you won’t want to do that all the time. The soil you choose for planting must contain an even mixture of peat moss, soil, sand and compost. Before you fill your container, wash it with a biodegradable or natural cleaning agent, rinse, drain completely and then dry it. After the initial planting, be sure to water your new garden on a regular basis and fertilize each time you water. (Container gardens often need a bit more watering than an in-ground garden simply because of the efficient drainage system.) Be careful not to use chemical fertilizers, but rather natural means such as manure. It is usually readily available at your local greenhouse and will ensure excellent plant growth.

No matter how small the space you too can have your own delicious, convenient and weed-free vegetable garden.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Edmonton Greenhouses.