The Money Issue April 2012 (Kids VT)
Talking to Kids About Saving and Spending; Dads Describe Their First Jobs; Camps for the Whole Family; Chocolate Muffins: Good and Good for You
Jump Roping for Joy
Somewhere deep in a dusty corner of my brain is a memory of jumping rope in an Ontario school yard at age 11, double Dutching, “Miss Mary Mack” and all. But as an adult who’s tried just about every sport, for some reason I just never picked it up again. Nor have my kids, ages…
What lessons did you learn from your first job? How will your kids’ experience likely be different?
Dave Meek, personal trainer at the Edge Children: sons Alexander, 8, and Thomas, 4 My first job was a “paper round.” It was an evening paper in England, where I grew up, so I’d finish school, go home and head to the news agent’s at, like, 3:30 and pick up my bag full of papers.…
Dollars and Sense
There are too many financial-literacy lessons to count in this month’s issue of Kids VT. Some kids have already “gotten it”; the “Biz Kids” featured in this story could teach many of us parents a thing or two. Money’s a tricky topic. There’s a lot of emotion attached: pride in providing for our families, fear…
Book Review: A Chair for My Mother
Librarian: Mary Graf, youth services librarian, Brownell Library, Essex Junction Book: A Chair for my Mother, written by Vera B. Williams Age range: 3 to 7 Graf’s summary: This Caldecott Honor Book offers lessons in saving and working together as a family. Readers see the story from a young girl’s point of view — a girl…
Skating 101
My two oldest daughters, Lily and Nola, were recently invited to an ice-skating party. This prompted some family discussion, because we are skiers, not skaters. In fact, none of us had ever donned skates before this invitation. Both girls attended the party and, despite a few bruises, had a wonderful experience, all captured on video.…
The Muffin Man
The muffin has been through a lot. It’s been diminished in size and blown up to unreasonable proportions, thanks to mini- and jumbo-muffin tins. As a breakfast food, it’s been thrown over for “healthier” options. But muffins are good — and they can be good for you. And chocolaty. These muffins make a perfect breakfast…
The Because Project: Kim Jordan
“I developed a passion for acting because of my first theater teacher, Joan Wing.”
The Art Of… Music Composition
On stage at Colchester’s Elley-Long Music Center, four professional musicians with shiny brass instruments face eighth grader Ben Hunt and his Edmunds Middle School music teacher, Betsy Nolan. Ben is about to hear his composition “Fanfare of the Zombies” performed for the first time. The tuba starts, soft and low, then the music grows in…
How do you pick a pediatrician?
One of the most important decisions facing new parents might be one they overlook: how to choose a health care provider for their baby. Pediatric health care involves more than just routine checkups and vaccines. These days, a child needs coordinated care from a “medical home” that takes a comprehensive approach to his or her…
Bird Banks
I was one of those kids who saved her money, in bear-shaped piggy bank that my grandfather painted pink. I loved collecting coins that were “different,” such as silver dollars and 50-cent pieces. Try out this friendly, feathered coin bank to get kids excited about saving. Use a clear plastic bottle and they can watch…
