The Parenting IDEA
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The Parenting IDEA
What Parents Need to Know - from Conception to College and Beyond!
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Steps you can take to best prepare your child to get their motorcycle license
Obtaining a driver's license signals a new road to independence for teenagers. Parents often worry about their kids when they get behind the wheel of a car. What about a motorcycle? Many teens also want to hop on a bike and take off. While you may be concerned, there are steps you can take to best prepare your child to get their motorcycle license.
Motorcycle Permits
Before anyone can become a licensed driver, they usually must practice with a permit. Requirements vary from state to state, but the consensus is that applicants must at least be between 14 to 17 years old and able to pass the specified tests. The main tests include a DDS knowledge exam, a road skills test, and a vision exam. Your state may also require you to sign on your child’s behalf.
While you may not always need a permit, there are some advantages to having one. For example, holding a learning permit gives your teenager the time they need to master the skills of driving a motorcycle. Always check with your state's DMV before letting your teen hop on a bike. Training and Safety Courses
Before your teen gets on a motorcycle, it's a great idea to enroll them in a training and safety class. It's critical that they learn everything they can before embarking on their journey. Courses vary from location to location, but they typically teach the same material. Students will have classes in things such as shifting gears, navigating, and braking while enrolled in their course. Motorcycle accidents are prevalent, so always practice defensive maneuvers. With roughly 88,000 motorcycle accidents in the U.S. in 2015, it's pretty clear that riding a motorcycle can be incredibly dangerous, something that can be at least somewhat mitigated by taking training and safety courses.
Obtaining a License
Once your teenager has spent the necessary time to learn the basics of driving a motorcycle, it's time to get that license. The typical requirements are about the same as getting a permit; they'll have to be able to pass the necessary tests to prove they're competent at driving. The applicant will also have to pay a fee for their license to be valid. Once approved, their license will show "M" class, proving that they're a registered motorcycle driver.
While your teenager is learning, stress the importance of being patient. As you know, your teen always needs to be cognizant of what's happening around them. You're a great parent to help your child get that license they want so badly, so enjoy the ride. Did your teen pass their driving test? We recommend reading this article before investing in a new or used vehicle.
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If you're buying a car for your teen, safety is probably your highest priority. After all, teenagers aren't exactly known for their driving prowess. However, other considerations, such as your budget and the vehicle's reliability, are important too. Before you turn over a set of car keys to your family's newest driver, take the following considerations into account.
It's Probably Going to Break Like it or not, the car you buy for your teen is probably going to break. If you're like many parents and buy your teen a low-cost car with a lot of miles on it, it'll simply be more likely to break down due to age. Furthermore, teenagers are usually harder on cars than more experienced drivers. They tend to brake harder, accelerate more quickly and disregard necessary maintenance tasks. Teaching your teen how to maintain their car will help extend the vehicle's life, but you should expect breakdowns and plan accordingly. There are some cars that are safer for teens, but you should still encourage safe driving. Consider the Upfront Expenses Knowing the upfront expenses of buying a car for your teenager will help you budget and prepare financially. First, decide whether to pay for the car upfront or to take out a loan. Then, consider having your teen pay for part of the cost of the vehicle. Not only will this take a little financial strain off you, but it'll build a sense of responsibility in your child. Finally, don't forget to budget for car insurance. Adding a teen driver to your insurance is likely to increase your premiums considerably. Find the Right Car The car you want for your teen is probably different than the one you want for yourself. To encourage safe driving, look for cars that don't emphasize horsepower, and keep in mind that larger cars are typically safer than compacts. Newer cars generally come with more safety features than older models, but they also come with heftier price tags. Handing over the car keys to a new driver is a big deal regardless of how prepared you feel or how responsible your teenager is. Adequately preparing yourself and your child for this milestone will give your entire family peace of mind. Know that the car you choose is likely to break down, establish a budget, and take your time finding the right vehicle for your new driver.
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 (BPT) - Headlines filled with news of opioid abuse, overdoses and reports that 90 percent of addictions start in the teen years could make any parent worry. Yet parents remain conflicted about opioids: While more than half express concern their child may be at risk for opioid addiction, nearly two-thirds believe opioids are more effective at managing their child’s pain after surgery or a broken bone than non-prescription medication or other alternatives, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “The survey results shed light on the country’s conflicted relationship with and understanding of opioids,” said ASA President Linda J. Mason, M.D., FASA. “Opioids may not always be the best option. It really depends on the type of surgery and how long they are required. It is important for parents to know that there are many alternatives available that are as — or more — safe and effective for pain management.” During Physician Anesthesiologists Week (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2), ASA wants parents to know that a physician anesthesiologist can create an individualized plan to best address patients’ pain based on the condition or type of surgery and decrease the risk of opioid misuse and addiction. Parents aren’t asking about effective alternatives While opioids can help with pain management for a few days after surgery or injury, there are effective alternatives that do not have the side effects and risks of opioids. But the survey results suggest parents often don’t ask about alternatives, or aren’t aware of the range of options. * 59 percent said they would talk to their physician about pain management options, but only 37 percent of those whose children were prescribed opioids actually did. * 88 percent recognized non-opioid, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and aspirin, are used to effectively help treat pain. However, few were aware the same applies to other non-opioid options, including steroids (23 percent), antidepressants (9 percent) and anti-seizure medications (7 percent). Beyond medications, a number of non-drug therapies can help with ongoing pain, including nerve blocks, physical therapy, biofeedback, meditation, virtual reality, massage and acupuncture. Parents are unaware that safe storage and proper disposal are key More than half of people who misuse prescribed opioids get them from a friend or relative. That’s why safe storage and proper disposal of the drugs are important to help curb the epidemic. * Only 50 percent said they stored or would store opioids in a safe and secure place. * 60 percent of those whose children took opioids said they needed fewer than were prescribed and had leftover medication. But only 39 percent of all parents disposed or would dispose of leftover opioids as recommended, including taking them to a local pharmacy or health clinic, flushing them down the toilet or mixing them with dirt, kitty litter or coffee grounds before throwing them away. * 61 percent correctly identified the ideal method of disposing leftover opioids, which involves taking them to a collection center at a local police station or drug disposal program at a pharmacy or health clinic. Parents understand importance of communication When a child is prescribed opioids, parents need to have an open and honest discussion about the potential side effects and risks — not only with the child taking the medication, but other family members as well. * 74 percent said they have talked to their child about the dangers of abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications and 20 percent said they intend to have the conversation. * 89 percent of those whose children have been prescribed opioids said they’ve had those discussions. * 91 percent said they are confident their children know that prescribed and over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs. Parents recognize naloxone saves lives Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving medication administered via nasal spray or injection that rapidly reverses the effects of an overdose. It’s important to know about naloxone because anyone who uses opioids may be at risk for an overdose. * 71 percent agreed that having naloxone on hand is the same as having other life-saving medication available for people who suffer from conditions such as allergies, asthma or diabetes. * 80 percent said they would be more comfortable having it at home if their child or another family member was taking opioids. * 92 percent thought all first responders should carry it. The 17-question Engine Caravan Omnibus Survey was conducted online Nov. 25 to Dec. 2, 2018, among 1,007 parents of children ages 13-24, one-third of whom had been prescribed opioids. Visit ASA’s website for information about all aspects of pain management and to access an opioid overdose resuscitation card that provides guidance on symptoms of an overdose and how to help. The American Society of Anesthesiologists Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 53,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology. ASA is committed to ensuring that physician anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of patients before, during and after surgery to provide the highest quality and safest care that every patient deserves. For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount. Like ASA on Facebook; follow ASALifeline on Twitter KEYWORDS
 Paving the way to college: 4 things parents need to know (BPT) - Senior year: It's a time to finish college applications, solidify friendships and look forward to the freedom and the responsibility that come once that final bell rings. A lot of feelings surface during that final year, especially for parents. While your son or daughter might be overjoyed to finally fly the coop and live independently, you'll probably be dealing with your own mix of emotions, and you'll want to be sure they're ready to begin college in the fall. For families with a child headed to college, senior year is best thought of as a transition year. Plan ahead to make sure your family stays on track. To help you and your child with a successful transition, here's the essential list of landmarks on the road that will take your child from a senior in high school to a freshman in college. 1. Apply yourself in the fall The journey to college begins early, and by the fall of senior year in high school, your child should be in full transition mode. They should be finishing campus visits and finalizing the list of colleges where they want to apply. Make sure they've spoken with admission counselors, thoroughly researched schools they're interested in and have everything they need to complete their college applications. Keep tabs on important deadlines and stay organized to avoid missing any critical due dates. For example, will they want to apply early decision or early action? If so, make sure you have weighed how this could impact your financial plan for college. 2. Focus on financial aid from the start For many parents, one of the biggest anxieties around college is the cost. Don't forget that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on Oct. 1, and some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure you submit the form as soon as it's available. Because everyone has different needs, figuring out how to finance your child's education requires some research. At College Ave Student Loans, you can find private loan options for parents and students. Even if you're not ready to take a loan out yet, parents and students can try out the fast and easy pre-qualification tools to find out if their credit pre-qualifies for a loan, and what interest rates they could expect, all without impacting their credit scores. Calculators are also available to help you explore your options and see how you can customize the loan payments to fit your budget. 3. Spring time is decision time Early in the spring, your child will start to receive their first acceptance letters. Once they've heard from all of the schools where they applied, they'll have a big decision to make. They need to do more than just decide which school to attend; they'll also need to send in a deposit, complete their housing form and accept financial aid packages. A crucial step in this process is comparing award letters from the colleges where your child has been accepted. In reading these letters, pay close attention to how schools list the total costs. For instance, some schools will subtract the awarded loan amount from the total cost of attendance, while others will not. This could make the net cost of some schools appear less than others when in reality they are not, so take your time reading the documents. 4. Tie up everything in the summer Before they head to campus, you and your children should create a budget to keep tabs on college bills. This will help you to stay on track financially and set the right expectations about how they need to manage their money. You can help your soon-to-be freshman by working with them to outline a monthly budget that will take into account expected and unexpected expenses. Take a look at their financial aid packages and any income they might be earning and block out the monthly mandatory expenses. Then decide how much money they can spend on things like entertainment. If you find that scholarships, grants and federal aid don't cover everything, private loans could be one solution for some college-bound students. For parents and students, senior year is an exciting period. Knowing what steps to take and staying ahead of financial matters with useful tools like the ones at College Ave Student Loans can help make the transition easier for everyone. 
Teenage girls at a high school
Rushing out the door for another busy day of hitting the books can mean important things get left behind. Keeping a ready supply of everyday essentials in a backpack or locker can help ease the stress of a forgotten item. Be prepared for whatever a busy school day may bring by stocking up on these necessities.
Ease School Day Stress
Must-haves for lockers and backpacks(Family Features) Rushing out the door for another busy day of hitting the books can mean important things get left behind. Keeping a ready supply of everyday essentials in a backpack or locker can help ease the stress of a forgotten item. Whether it’s rehearsing for the school play, gearing up for athletic practices or just spending time after class with friends, teens seem to always be on the go. In order for teens to focus on their fun extracurricular activities, rather than the stresses of remembering everything they need, it’s important to keep a few items on-hand. Be prepared for whatever a busy school day may bring by stocking up on these necessities: Backup school supplies. You may have a favorite pen that you use every day, but if it goes missing, be sure you’re still prepared for class with a ready stash of extras. Same goes for note-taking paper in case you leave a notebook at home. Take inventory of the things you use every day and add an extra just in case something goes missing or gets left behind. Personal care essentials. There are few things worse to realize you forgot than hygiene supplies. Keep a backup supply of items like deodorant available for days when you really need them. It’s also a good idea to keep a brush or comb handy. If you’re prone to oil, some dry shampoo can help, and for longer locks, don’t forget extra elastic ties. Spot treatment. Acne seems to make its appearance on its own time, and it’s never a good time. With solutions like the OXY On-The-Go Acne Stick, there’s no need to waste precious minutes on treatment. The stick is conveniently packaged in a slim, solid form, so it provides a portable, bathroom-free solution that can easily be placed in a small bag or backpack. Because it goes on clear via a handy mess-free applicator, you can spot-treat at any time. Learn more at oxyskincare.com. Organization apps. Whether you’re more of a write-it-down or key-it-in person, keeping track of the details in your life can help you be sure you stay on track with practice schedules, homework deadlines and other important information. You probably never leave your phone too far behind, but try and occasionally use it in a productive manner with an app you’ll easily remember to update. Spare change. A small stash of cash (say $5) is a good idea to keep on hand for any number of after-school activities. It could also certainly come in handy for a minor “emergency,” like forgotten lunch money or leaving your water bottle at home. Forgetting things on a busy morning is bound to happen, but if you prepare for the inevitable you can keep a simple mistake from ruining the day. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:OXY Skincare KEYWORDS
Spring is just around the corner, and that can mean only one thing – it’s time for high school students to get creative and start planning how they’ll ask that one all-important question: “Will you go to prom with me?” March 11 is National Promposal Day, a day where high school students across the country can celebrate their creativity by sharing their unique and often elaborate proposals to ask each other to prom.
Make Your Promposal Epic
(Family Features) Spring is just around the corner, and that can mean only one thing – it’s time for high school students to get creative and start planning how they’ll ask that one all-important question: “Will you go to prom with me?” The go-to destination for prom and formalwear expertise, Men’s Wearhouse, established March 11 as National Promposal Day, a day where high school students across the country can celebrate their creativity by sharing their unique and often elaborate proposals to ask each other to prom.
To spread the news, Men's Wearhouse teamed up with social media superstars Dylan Jordan, Summer McKeen and last year’s Prombassador, Brent Rivera. “Prom is such an exciting part of high school,” said Summer McKeen, a YouTube vlogger best known for her lifestyle, beauty and fashion content. “It’s really cool that Men’s Wearhouse is inspiring everyone to make the day as special as possible, beginning with the promposal.” Students who participate in National Promposal Day are encouraged to share their promposal experiences throughout social media by using the hashtag #NationalPromposalDay. You can also check out a special promposal video on YouTube starting March 11 in which Dylan Jordan and Summer McKeen, with help from Brent Rivera, showcase their own epic promposal. Once the question is asked and the planning is underway, prom-goers can find everything they need for the perfect prom night at menswearhouse.com/prom. SOURCE:Men’s Warehouse
 (BPT) - We were all teenagers once. We let health warnings from parents and others wash over us like waves, noticed but forgotten almost as soon as they'd passed, because we figured we'd deal with them when we were older. Unfortunately, the mistakes of youth can lead to long-term or permanent hearing damage much sooner than the average teen realizes. Typical behavior or signs of a problem Does the following scenario seem familiar? Sarah is making dinner when she hears her son, David, come home from high school. She calls, "Hi, honey. Hope you had a good day. Dinner will be ready in a half-hour, OK?" "Huh? Yeah, hi," he says, and then heads upstairs. Half an hour later, with the rest of the family seated at the dinner table, Sarah calls from the bottom of the staircase, "David! Dinner is on the table!" No response. After 10 more minutes, Sarah sends her husband, Brian, to summon their son. He climbs halfway up the stairs and shouts, "David! Your dinner is getting cold!" David sticks his head out of his room. "What?" "I said your dinner is getting cold." "Well, why didn't anyone tell me it was ready?" David gripes. "I'm in the middle of Skyping with Jennifer." "Tell her you'll call back," Brian replies. David grumbles and withdraws into his room. Brian returns to the table, where Sarah says, "So? What's the holdup?" "He says no one told him when dinner was going to be ready." Sarah heaves a sigh. "I told him when he came home. He never pays attention anymore. Teenagers!" Like Brian and Sarah, most parents would assume their teen was just ignoring them. But the actual problem might be hearing loss, which is affecting more kids today than ever before. One out of six teens has hearing loss "According to a 2014 survey, approximately one in six teens showed hearing loss symptoms often or all of the time, and nearly nine in 10 engaged in activities that could place them at risk," says Donna Grant, Signia Active Kids & Teens Program Manager. Yet parents whose children always passed every school hearing assessment rarely consider the possibility they've begun losing their hearing. After all, what's likelier - a teen being distracted by texting or moodiness, or one who has lost an appreciable amount of hearing? Dangerous behaviors put kids' hearing at risk More teens than ever regularly participate in behavior known to cause serious, and often permanent, hearing damage. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common culprit. Risk factors include: * Listening to music through headphones or earbuds well in excess of 85 decibels (dB) for longer than 8 hours (the threshold past which damage begins to occur). * Not using hearing protection - even cheap, over-the-counter foam earplugs - when attending loud events like rock concerts or fireworks. It's important they know how to wear the hearing protection correctly * Spending long hours at crowded parties surrounded by extremely loud music and shouted conversations. * Exposure to potentially ototoxic (ear poisoning) substances like "vape" mist, nicotine, over-the-counter and illegal drugs and alcohol. What parents need to understand - and help their kids grasp - is that once the delicate workings of the inner ear have been damaged they cannot be repaired. According to Dr. Grant, the fragile hair cells (stereocilia) of the inner ear are finite. Once some or all of them are lost, no currently-available treatment can regenerate them. "That means the teen blasting music through earbuds for hours at a time daily can expect to lose hearing now or in the near future ? and no matter how much they might come to regret their carelessness, there won't be any way to repair the damage done," Dr. Grant says. So, don't brush off possible red flags of hearing damage off as typical teen problems. If you suspect hearing damage, schedule an appointment with your child's doctor to have their hearing evaluated. If the physician agrees there is cause for concern, they will likely refer you to a hearing care professional to have their hearing formally tested and for possible fitting of hearing aids.
Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students of all races and classes. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and this year on Oct. 3, students, schools and adults will wear blue shirts in solidarity so everyone hears the message about bullying prevention.
Take a Stand and Unite Against Bullying(Family Features) Today's students are increasingly at risk of being bullied, and the effects of bullying can be devastating. Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students of all races and classes. One in four kids is bullied and 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online. According to data from STOMP Out Bullying, the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens, bullies are more likely to skip school, drop out of school, smoke, drink alcohol, get into fights and be arrested at some point in their lives. Many kids who have experienced bullying show decreases in academic achievement and school participation. Some kids are so tormented that suicide has become an alternative for them and some bullying targets resort to violent retaliation. On the first Monday of October, STOMP Out Bullying’s Blue Shirt Day World Day of Bullying Prevention raises awareness by giving kids a voice, making it the day that bullying prevention is heard around the world. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and this year on Oct. 3, students, schools and adults will wear blue shirts in solidarity so everyone hears the message about bullying prevention. Education is another important element of the campaign, which strives to promote awareness, encourage communication and ultimately prevent bullying by sharing tips such as these: Understand bullying behaviors. There are many different types of bullying. Bullying is defined as intentional, aggressive and repeated behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength. It can take several forms, including physical (hitting, punching, beating); verbal (teasing, name calling, threats); emotional (intimidation, social exclusion, threats); and cyberbullying (online harassment, hate messages, threats, impersonation and other digital abuse). Learn to recognize signs of bullying. Students who are victims of bullying may come home with torn or missing pieces of clothing, books or other belongings. They may have unexplained cuts, bruises and scratches. Bullying victims may appear sad, moody, teary or depressed and may seem anxious and suffer from low self-esteem. Bullying can manifest physical afflictions, too, such as headaches or stomachaches, trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams and a loss of appetite. Know what steps to take when bullying happens. If you suspect a child is being bullied at school, it is never a good idea to approach the bully’s parents. Rather, prepare documentation of what has been occurring, with as much detail as possible. Schedule a meeting with the principal and ask – don’t demand – for their help. Document the action steps agreed upon at this meeting and follow up to ensure changes are implemented and the bullying ceases. In some cases, if laws have been broken or there have been threats against a child, it may be appropriate to also involve local law enforcement. Get involved in the anti-bullying movement. Purchase your Blue Shirt, plus find more tips and resources to help prevent bullying, at stompoutbullying.org. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:
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