Birmingham Parent Magazine May-June 2020

T H E P R E M I E R PA R E N T I N G M AG A Z I N E F O R C E N T R A L A L A B A M A

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5 GREAT MOM 5 GREAT APPS TO MAKE MOM

APPS LIFE EASIER TO MAKE LIFE EASIER 4 GREAT WAYS 4DADS WAYS AREDADS DIFFERENT ARE DIFFERENT THE LONG-LASTING BENEFITS OF CAMP

MAY / JUNE JUNE 2020 2020

7 TIPS FOR 7 TIPS FOR COLLEGE COLLEGE FINANCIAL FINANCIAL AID AID COLLEGE TESTING

UPDATE

SURVIVING KIDS LEAVING FOR COLLEGE

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ARMCHAIR TRAVEL See Page 17

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Children’s of Alabama is dedicated to helping kids live the most fulfilling life possible.

We put in a lot of time and training to make that happen.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

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ed note

Welcome to our First-Ever,

All-Digital Edition of Birmingham Parent

Our first-ever, all-digital May/June issue is here! We look a bit different this month.

We’re a bit leaner, and we want to refer you to our website for calendar listings rather than listing in the magazine, since everything is in flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are unusual times. For many, our world has been temporarily turned upside down. We’re spending more time at home, and kids aren’t going to school or daycare.

Moms and Dads and other caregivers may be working at home – and schooling their children there, as well. We’re not able to get out much, going out to eat has even changed!

But we hope the digital edition of Birmingham Parent will offer some valuable information and add a little bit of normalcy. Like you, we’re still here! Let’s hang on together. We continue to be active on Facebook and other social media with our Friday giveaways, so stay tuned in for opportunities to win great prizes from our great advertisers, along with some good information, too.

Feel free to spread the word about our digital-only May/June 2020 issue by sharing this link with a friend. And be sure to sign up for our newest weekly email, The Buzz from Birmingham Parent – Home edition. You will receive it free weekly, and it’s got a great giveaway each week! Sign up for it at https://birminghamparent.com/directory/subscribe-to-birminghamparent-com/.

Happy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day!

Carol Muse Evans Publisher/Editor carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster.

She is a member of Alabama Press Association and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA).

Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School.

She is married with two children.

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P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Sarah Lyons Becky Beall Kimberly Blaker Kevin McMullin American Camp Association Elena Epstein Cheryl Maguire International College Counselors UAB Children’s of Alabama

sales

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tom Gonzales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Stacey Spence

art & production ART DIRECTOR Keith Dunn DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN200694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www.birminghamparent.com or editor@birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2019 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2019/2020

by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

Where all the dental needs of your child can be met under one roof!

Dr. Olga Sanchez Hernandez is dual trained and board certified as a pediatric dentist and orthodontist.

4814 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, AL 35022 • 205-477-8004 mccallasmiles.com like us on facebook

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Instagram @mopdsmiles

WE FILE ALL INSURANCE AS A COURTESY. WE ARE PROVIDERS FOR MOST INSURANCE COMPANIES.

find out why our student-families love us!

Growing our children in knowledge and faith... Experience the Difference!

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School

olsschool.com | (205) 879-3237 | 1720 Oxmoor Road | Homewood, Alabama

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KIDS HEADED OFF TO COLLEGE? HOW TO SURVIVE & EMBRACE IT

21

Many parents lose their sense of self while raising a family. In fact, being a parent can become one's identity.

As a result, parents may feel an even more significant loss when their kid heads away to college.

So how do you survive this transition? Learn to embrace it!

our focus 5 GREAT MOM APPS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE BIT EASIER...................................................10 4 WAYS DADS ARE DIFFERENT ............................. 12

our features

19 9

our regulars EDITOR’S NOTE: WELCOME TO OUR FIRST EVER, ALL-DIGITAL EDITION................................................4 PRODUCTS WE LOVE: GREAT NAPPA-WINNING ITEMS FOR SUMMER..............................................7 SHORT STUFF.................................. 8

THE LONG-LASTING BENEFITS OF CAMP.......................... 13

MAY/JUNE CALENDAR OF EVENTS ........................................... 22

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ARMCHAIR TRAVEL.......................... 16

THE LATEST ON AP, SAT AND ACT TESTING................................................. 19

16

7 TIPS FOR COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID..................................20 KIDS HEADED OFF TO COLLEGE? HOW TO SURVIVE & EMBRACE IT!........................................ 21 WHY I CHOSE A LESS SCHEDULED SUMMER............................................... 25

ON THE COVER: Hunter, age 2, of West Blocton, is enjoying summer fun on the trampoline.

Photo by Christy Pierce Photography, www.christypiercephtographyllc.com, 205-902-0385.

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PROD U CTS WE LOV E

Great NAPPA-Winning Items for Summer

By Elena Epstein, Director of NAPPA Awards

KeckSTAR Hoodie by Treehouse Kidswear

Ultra-soft and super cozy hoodies that are uniquely designed by kids, but made by grown-ups in Los Angeles. Each hoodie in the collection uses children’s art for its design and comes with a graffiti tag and fabric pen for kids to make it their own. $88, ages 2-12, treehousekidswear.com.

Lily to the Rescue

An irresistible chapter book series from the bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose, featuring Lily, a rescue dog who rescues other animals. $5.99, ages 7-10, us.macmillian.com.

Whirling Waterfall by Sassybaby

A unique bath toy, powered by water. Stick it to the bottom or side of the tub and pour water over the cups to see the wheel spin. Simply spin the wheel to watch the rainbow of colored cups come to life. $9.99, ages 6-plus months, sassybaby.com.

Snap N Strain by Kitchen Gizmo

Universal design will take the strain out of straining. Heatresistant, silicone colander that fits onto nearly all pots, pans and bowls. $17.99, kitchengizmousa.com.

Star Right Multi Math Flashcards Pack

Includes 208 flashcards. Each card is hole-punched, with rings provided, for on-the-go learning and to separate the examples that need practice from those that don’t. $17.99, ages 4-8, starbrightcards.com.

W4 Multifunctional Stroller Wagon

This stylish stroller wagon can hold up to four passengers.

Features one-step brake system, slidable/removable canopy, removable seats with five-point harness, removable fabric for easy cleaning and extra pockets. $549, ages 6-plus months, wonderfoldwagon.com.

Kori 2-in-1 Rocker by Maxi-Cosi

Features a modern, sleek design, lightweight and supportive, easy to adjust from stationary to rocking and machinewashable fabric. Folds flat for easy storage. $119, up to 20 pounds, maxicosi.com.

For more product reviews, please visit nappaawards.com

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S H O RT STU FF

Children's of Alabama Launches New and Improved App to Identify Dangerous Animals, Insects, Plants and Household Poisons

Children’s of Alabama has launched a new mobile app designed to identify toxic plants and venomous and poisonous animals, offering Alabamians a simple resource to identify potentially dangerous plants, insects, snakes and common household items from a mobile device.

The app, called Poison Perils of Alabama, is free and can be downloaded for both iOS and Android devices. The resource is designed to make parents, grandparents, teachers and other caregivers aware of the plants, snakes, insects and household items that the Alabama Poison Information Center (APIC) at Children’s receives calls about each year. This poison hotline (800-222-1222) is one of the few services at Children's that treats adults as well as children.

The app purposely does not provide treatment recommendations, because each exposure is unique and needs to be assessed by calling a specialist in poison information (nurses and pharmacists) at 800-222-1222. Treatment recommendations are not one-size-fits-all and fortunately the majority of poisoning can be observed at home after evaluation.

Alabama has six types of venomous snakes, more than double that number of poisonous insects and scores of toxic plants. Additionally, poisonings from household items also result in frequent calls to the APIC. Last year, in fact, the APIC handled more than 50,000 calls and provided more than 60,000 follow-up calls to assure appropriate treatment and outcomes.

The app also serves as a hotline to dial the APIC in an emergency – every screen has a one-touch shortcut to call the APIC rather than dial the center's 10-digit telephone number. The app was developed

by MotionMobs, a custom software consulting and development firm in Birmingham specializing in iOS, Android, and web development. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and UAB helped make this resource possible.

Five Signs Your Child is Ready for the Water Sans Flotation Device They’re hot! These hurt! I’m not a baby! I don’t need them!

Many parents hear these words while securing swimming flotation devices on their children, but how is one supposed to know when a child is ready to swim without safety equipment? The University of Alabama at Birmingham University Recreation aquatics team provides five signs to help parents know when the time is right to dive into the next phase of the swim journey.

• They can float on their own. One of the ways to know if children are ready to swim independently is if they can float on their back with no assistance for 10-20 seconds. To test this, flotation devices will need to be taken off, so have an adult in the water to supervise for safety. “Once they are comfortable, slowly let go and make sure their hips stay close to the surface of the water,” says Olivia Debboli, program assistant of aquatics at University Recreation.

• They are comfortable with having their face submerged without eye protection. Knowing how to swim without goggles can limit a panicked reaction if a child accidentally falls into a body of water. For children timid of water on their face, parents can slowly start introducing the idea in their everyday routine. “When the child is in the bathtub, have them practice putting their head under water at different levels,” Debboli says. “For example, start by having them put their mouth in, next nose and then eyes.

Soon you’ll have them comfortable with their whole face being submerged.”

• They can coordinate arm and leg movements. Coordinating arm and leg movements is important to successfully moving across bodies of water.

Whether they are doing the back stroke or swimming like a dog, a child needs to be able to show this coordination before swimming independently.

• They can recover to a vertical position from floating. This technique will need to be tested without flotation assistance, so an adult should be in the water before beginning. “Start in a shallow area of water and have them float on their front or back,” Debboli says. “After 10-20 seconds, see if they can stand up, touching the bottom of the pool, without assistance.”

• They can enter and exit the pool with no assistance. “If a child is unable to enter and exit a water source without assistance, they shouldn’t swim independent of flotation devices,” Debboli adds. “It is important they know how to exit a pool, so in the event that they fall in, the child knows how to get out by themselves.” In addition to teaching your children how to exit a pool, it is important to teach your child to ask permission before entering a pool.

UAB offers swim lessons with an American Red Cross-based curriculum designed for participants ranging from six months to adult. For more information, go to www.uab.edu/students/universityrecreation/programs/aquatics/rec-swim-school.

Courtesy of UAB

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Birmingham Biker Attempts Cross County Ride To help PHFC Don Hagan, age 72, has found a way to combine his two passions: bikes and kids. A retired Southern Company nuclear engineer, he was riding his bike about 3,000 miles from San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL, asking people to pledge a penny a mile, or $30 total – to support the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, now in its 152nd year of caring for children and families from throughout Alabama. And he took the trip itself at his own expense.

While the coronavirus caused him to have to cut this trip short, he still made it to El Paso, Texas, traveling some 743 miles. Hagan says he will still ride around Alabama and make up the miles this year!

Hagan has been riding regularly since 2004, but he said he needed “something I could believe in” to get over the anxiety of being away from home and family for 52 days and riding an average of 65 miles a day. “And there’s nothing more important than children.”

Doug Marshall, president of the home, says, “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for donors like Don who help us provide a path of hope and a place of healing for the children and families entrusted to us. There was so much excitement around Don’s Coast 2 Coast Challenge."

Presbyterian Home for Children is one of few organizations in the state caring for Alabama’s homeless boys and girls, along with their female caregivers in its Secure Dwellings Program. PHFC serves approximately 225 unduplicated individuals each year from across Alabama, including teenage girls who have been subject to extreme trauma and neglect, homeless young female adults and families in crisis through in-home intensive services.

“You may wonder how I feel about not making the full crossing of America. Well, while I’m disappointed - I’m still very proud of what God has led me to do. I never would have experienced getting to know the kids at the Home had I not done this. I believe every penny donated was for them more than some crazy old man riding a bicycle. Even though I won’t have finished crossing America on a bike, I promise I’ll make up those miles while riding around Alabama this year,” Hagan says.

To give, go to https://www.phfc.org, go to DONATE on right and pull down the menu for Coast 2 Coast Cycling Challenge.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PHC

Birthdays in Birmingham Your local birthday party resource Loved by Parents since 1997

birthdaysinbirmingham.com thefacepaintingfairy@yahoo.com facebook.com/Thefacepaintingfairy

205-527-2134

Places to Go  Entertainment Party Supplies & Rentals  Facilities  Coupons

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5 GREAT

MOM APPS

THAT CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE BIT EASIER

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

Mother’s Day is on May 10, the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and other moms you know. There are a lot of apps out there dedicated to making a mom’s life a little bit easier, whether you’re looking for ideas on what to serve for dinner or kid-friendly travel advice. Here’s a list of some of the very best mom apps. They’re all free!

All Recipes Dinner Spinner Available at: Amazon Apps, Apple Appstore, Google Play

It’s dinnertime, and all you can think of to serve is things you always make. How about trying Allrecipes Dinner Spinner, the world’s largest and most popular social app for food? You can find usergenerated and reviewed recipes from 30 million other home cooks like yourself. You can search by keyword, key ingredients that you want to include or exclude, special dietary needs, and cooking time.

You can also see which ingredients are on sale in local stores, and watch more than 1,000 step-by-step cooking videos with easy-tofollow instructions.

Best of Parenting Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play

Even the most experienced of parents find themselves in situations where they can’t decide on the best course of action. When that happens, try this app. Created by Carole and Nadim Saad, well-known parenting coaches with three kids, this app offers straightforward, step-by-step advice on how to address more than 100 common parenting challenges. Their advice is based on the latest scientific research on the most effective parenting methods worldwide. You can also access how-to guides to develop your strengths as a parent, and read about how to raise happy and confident kids.

Cozi Family Organizer Available at: Amazon Appstore, Apple Appstore, Google Play

This organizing app has a shared calendar where you can track everyone’s schedules both individually and as a group, and a sharedshopping list where you can see when items are added to the list or purchased by other family members in real time. You can also use the app to send automated daily or weekly agenda emails 10 | birminghamparent | may / june 2020 10 | birminghamparent | may / june 2020

to other family members, create specialized to-do lists, such as emergency supplies or vacation packaging, and organize receipts in one place that’s accessible to everybody.

Scholly Available at: Amazon App, Apple Appstore, Google Play The time may be around the corner or far off into the future but when it does arrive, we’re all going to need it: money for college.

Wouldn’t it be nice if at least some of that money is scholarships that you won’t have to pay back? Developed by Christopher Gray, a former Drexel University student who amassed $1.3 million in scholarship funds, Scholly is a database with more than 20,000 scholarship opportunities across the U.S that is continuously expanded and updated. You can look at each scholarship to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, important deadlines, and the amount of money offered.

Trekaroo Family Travel Available at: Apple Appstore

Known informally as the TripAdvisor for kid-friendly travel, this app includes user-generated reviews of activities, hotels, and restaurants that kids will enjoy throughout the U.S. and Canada. The app includes a price slider that makes it easy to find things to do that are either low-cost or free, and offers suggestions for kid-friendly day trips.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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4 WAYS DADS ARE DIFFERENT

By Sarah Lyons

There’s no denying that there are differences between how moms and dads parent their kids. Just because dads may do things differently than moms doesn’t mean their parenting style is less beneficial to kids. A different perspective on how to handle challenges, how to have fun, and how to show affection is great for kids.

Here are some great ways dads are different.

1 Dads play differently. When I watch my husband interact with our kids, I notice one major difference, how they play together. My husband will often hide and when the kids start looking for him, he will jump out and scare them. He fills water balloons for an hour to have a water fight that lasts five minutes. He spends time building Legos and helping the kids learn how to follow the instructions. He wrestles with, laughs with, and good-naturedly teases the kids.

They love it. Most of these things I would rarely do, some I would avoid if possible. Dads have a way of bringing silliness and fun into our kids’ lives, usually in the form of a game. The kids love it, the dads love it, and it strengthens the bond between them.

2 Dads are more flexible. This may not apply to all dads but many are a little more flexible than moms. When I was a little girl, my mom had a weekly night out with her friends and my dad was in charge. This usually meant fried egg and ketchup sandwiches and staying up late watching TV. I remember one day dad let us have ice cream for dinner. We walked to the ice cream shop and my brother and I ordered

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bubble gum ice cream cones. By the time we had walked home, we were covered in a sticky mess. Instead of a bath dad sprayed us down with a hose, took us inside and changed us right into our pajamas and called it a night. We all laughed the whole time, including my dad, and I remember thinking how mom would never have allowed that. The next night we went back to our normal routine but those little moments of silliness and flexibility taught me that sometimes it’s okay to set aside the rules and routine and have fun.

3 Dads show affection differently. Kids enjoy snuggling up with both mom and dad, but in addition to sitting together reading a book or watching a movie, dads have a way of showing affection that is different from mom. They wrestle, tickle, and roughhouse. They lift kids up on their shoulders and carry them around and often spend time roughhousing and showing affection in a totally different way than women typically do. They carry kids to their beds and throw them onto a pile of pillows, which is usually rewarded with giggles and a shout of “Do it again!” Dads have a knack for showing affection and having fun at the same time.

4 Dads encourage kids to try new things.

I love how my husband encourages the kids to try new things. It is usually easier for me to just order food for the kids when we are at a restaurant but my husband lets them speak to the waitress themselves and order their own food. This teaches them independence and how to be comfortable speaking to other adults. If they are too shy to do so, he pushes them out of their comfort zone and tells them they can do it, gently encouraging them to try something new.

There are so many situations like this. Dads often will push kids to try new things, learn to do things themselves, or tell them to follow the directions on their own.

There may be differences between how moms and dads parent their kids, but neither is right or wrong. Each parent has something unique to teach their kids and different ways of showing love.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer.

THE LONG-LASTING BENEFITS OF CAMP Camp has been providing special memories of hiking, swimming, friendships, and adventure for generations. When children go to camp, they’ll likely come home gushing about the lifelong friends they’ve made and the exciting adventures they had. What they probably won’t tell you about are the life lessons camp has given them – those skills that will translate into a lasting self-confidence, an awareness of the importance of kindness, and a greater comfort in voicing their opinions.

For more than 150 years, camp has been changing lives. Camp is full of fun and excitement, but it is so much more – camp provides children with the skills needed for a successful future such as independence, empathy, the ability to work as part of a team, and a broader world view.

The American Camp Association’s largescale national study talked to 18- to 25-year-olds who attended camp as kids.

We asked them what they experienced at camp that broadened their perspective and helped them in school and in their early careers.

Camp is a safe and nurturing environment that enhances independence. Camp gives children the guidance and freedom to explore activities, make new friends, and learn by doing. Camp encourages effort and perseverance. Inspiring success is fundamental to camp and former campers attest that camp helped them become

self-reliant and confident. Camp is a community that celebrates self-esteem, resilience, and dependability.

Camp teaches kids to live in the moment.

Seizing each moment – each experience – is the heart of camp. Former campers confirm that their time at camp was spontaneous, unrehearsed, and relaxed. They didn’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. This ability to live in the moment has helped them in their education, careers, and lives.

Camp is a community that celebrates diversity. Diversity is the essence of the camp. Campers meet new people and learn to appreciate differences – to respect and value everyone’s uniqueness. Former campers confirm that their lives have been expanded by those of different cultures, ethnicity, faiths, and ideas.

Camp provided a broader perspective for their adult lives.

Camp builds and develops relationships. At camp they learned how to meet new people, work together, and carry on important and sometimes difficult conversations. They learned to make valuable connections with others.

Former campers attest to the importance of these relationship skills in their success in higher education, the workplace, and life.

As families search for the perfect camp for their children, be sure the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). “ACA accreditation is voluntary, and it assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children.

Camps and ACA form a partnership through accreditation that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety,” explains ACA President/CEO Tom Rosenberg. ACA accreditation is a thorough peer review of a camp’s operation – from staff qualifications and training to emergency management.

Rosenberg adds, “Our research shows that campers have the opportunity to gain new experiences and learn new, life-long skills. The impact of camp lasts forever.”

Families can find the accreditation status of any camp at any time by visiting ACAcamps.org or by calling 1-800-428-2267. If your child’s camp is not accredited, ask why not.

Courtesy of American Camp Association

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BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S

VIRTUAL

B I R M I N G H A M PA R E N T ’ S

VIRTUAL

2020 View our Camp Expo camps online, see photos & videos and visit their sites!

24/7 HOURS A DAY & 365 DAYS A YEAR BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM/SPECIAL-NEEDS-EXPO 14 | birminghamparent | may / june 2020

www.birminghamparent.com/camp

No camp the week of July 4th.

ENTERING 4K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Check out our CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Program Contact Gabe McCool at gmccool@highlandsschool.org or (205) 956-9731 ext 117 Located on Old Leeds Rd. (I-459 exit at Grants Mill Rd)

cheerleading • ropes course • ARTS & CRAFTS • soccer • sports • nature • drama

JUNE 1 - JULY 31

Recognized as one of the South’s favorite Christian summer camps for girls!

Welcome to an award winning camp experience…

RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS.

Just off DeSoto Parkway on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Alabama…nestled in a bend of Little River.

Adventure, inspiration, character & confidence-building are just a few of the benefits that go hand-in-hand with the activity choices. Riverview’s Christian emphasis & exciting programs are appreciated by both parents & campers!

Call 800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com for a FREE DVD & Information packet

Only 2 short hours from Birmingham 1 & 2 week sessions!

Mother-Daughter Weekends also Available

Dr. Larry and Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director Accredited by American Camping Association Members of Christian Camping Conference Asso.

Check us out online at www.riverviewcamp.com

swimming • beach volleyball • archery • riding • basketball • golf • much more!

chorus • gymnastics • Dance • canoeing • tennis • GOLF

Exciting Traditional Camp for girls ages 6 to 16!

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

By Becky J. Beall

No No other other time time in in history history has has restricted restricted U.S. U.S. citizens citizens more more than than current-day current-day affairs, affairs, from from non-essential non-essential employees employees being being sent sent home home on on furlough furlough to to small small businesses businesses losing losing their their livelihoods livelihoods to to travel travel restrictions. restrictions.

And And while while longing longing for for normalcy normalcy in in our our days days and and in in our our routines, routines, we we can can do do little little except except wait wait and and daydream. daydream.

Enter Enter armchair armchair travel! travel!

Armchair Armchair travel travel is is also also referred referred to to as as virtual virtual travel, travel, and and many many fun fun destinations destinations and and attractions attractions have have jumped jumped onboard onboard with with beautiful, beautiful, informational informational links links and and sites sites set set up up to to offer offer travelers travelers aa first-hand first-hand look look at at what what they they are are all all about. about.

Some Some have have beach beach cams cams with with soothing soothing waves waves washing washing upon upon the the shores shores while while others others have have video video walks, walks, talks talks and and even even story story time. time.

This This list list is is far far from from conclusive, conclusive, but but is is aa fantastic fantastic beginning beginning for for armchair armchair travelers travelers within within the the comfort comfort of of your your home. home.

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Virtual Virtual Travel Travel at at aa Glance Glance Atlanta Atlanta Botanical Botanical Garden Garden has has aa great great Facebook Facebook page page promoting promoting #LifeBloomsOn #LifeBloomsOn and and itit isis complete complete with with photos, photos, videos videos and and virtual virtual story story time time for for kids kids each each Wednesday.

Wednesday.

They They are are enjoying enjoying bringing bringing their their blooming blooming goodness goodness right right to to your your sofa. sofa.

Morgan Morgan County, County, AL AL has has introduced introduced Armchair Armchair MoCo, MoCo, aa collection collection of of things things to to do do within within the the county county that that practice practice social social distancing. distancing. Get Get connected connected to to livestreams, livestreams, virtual virtual events events and and other other fun fun activities activities –– you you can can even even go go on on aa scavenger scavenger hunt! hunt!

Ever Ever wanted wanted to to build build your your own own castle? castle?

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THE LATEST ON AP, SAT & ACT TESTING

Each new day of the COVID-19 crisis brings changes. Among those changes are the world of college testing. Listed here are the most recent updates from the International College Counselors.

SAT: The College Board cancelled the June 6 SAT test worldwide. This is in addition to the May tests that were cancelled earlier.

They also announced that they would offer digital at-home testing in the fall if in-person testing is not possible.

As of now, the organization says they will provide weekend SAT administrations every month through the end of the calendar year, beginning in August. This includes tests on August 29, September 26, October 3, November 7, and December 5. According to the College Board website, students can register for these administrations starting in May. Students with postponed tests will be contacted directly during the week of

May 26 with an exact date. Eligible students can register with a fee waiver.

Students can get early access to register for August, September, and October if they're: - Already registered for June - In the high school class of 2021 and don't have SAT scores

SAT SUBJECT TESTS: The June 6 SAT Subject Tests were cancelled by College Board worldwide. The August 29, October 3, November 7 and December 8 dates are still scheduled as planned.

ACT: As of now, ACT test administrations will be offered on the June and July test dates as scheduled. The ACT is also providing additional makeup test dates.

The April 4 test date was rescheduled to June 13. All students registered for the April 4 test should have received an email from ACT informing them of the postponement and providing them with instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future test date.

The makeup test date for the June 13 national test date is June 20, and the makeup test date for the July 18 test date is July 25.

Students may make free test date changes from the June to the July test date.

In addition to the three previously planned fall test dates on September 12, October 24, and December 12, ACT will also offer a remote proctoring option for the test in late fall 2020/early winter 2021, allowing students to take the test from home.

TEST OPTIONAL POLICIES: U.S. colleges and universities continue to announce SAT and ACT test-optional policies for students applying for fall 2021.

Note that test optional does not mean that the school will not accept a standardized test score; it means the student has the option to decide whether to report their score. If a student receives a great score, we recommend that the student send their score, as the college will factor the score into their admissions decision. We also recommend that all students continue to study for standardized tests and aim to take

a standardized test in the summer or fall. For real-time updates, visit www.fairtest.org.

AP TESTS: AP tests will be administered online this year. Students can use a computer, tablet or smartphone. Students also have the option of hand-writing their responses and submitting a photo of that writing. Here are the primary exam dates. All students worldwide must take the test at the same time for security purposes, so look for your time zone in the table. On this page, students can also find links for Makeup Exam Dates and Course-Specific Exam Information.

More than 100 schools have publicly announced that they will accept 2020 AP credits, including Boston University, MIT, NYU, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tulane, the University of California System, the University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt, and Yale.

RESOURCES: College Board and Khan Academy continue to provide free resources online, including full-length practice tests for the SAT and personalized learning tools. The ACT also offers free practice test questions for each section of the ACT. If possible, we recommend that students work with a tutor so they can develop personalized strategies. Looking for this kind of personalized test preparation? Contact us for the name of a tutoring company that we recommend and trust.

For help with any or all parts of the college admissions process or decision making, visit www.internationalcollegecounselors. com or call 1-954-414-9986. PLEASE NOTE ALL DATES AND SCHEDULED TESTS ARE GIVEN AS OF PUBLICATION. THESE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND SHOULD BE DOUBLE CHECKED. Courtesy of International College Counselors

birminghamparent.com | 19

7 TIPS FOR COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID

By Kevin McMullin

When learning about financial aid and its associated lingo – the FAFSA, 529 plans and more – it can feel like you’re drowning in alphabet soup. Here are seven tips that will keep you on the financial fast track and ensure that your bank account isn’t empty when you cross the stage at college graduation: 1. Know where financial aid comes from.

The federal government is the biggest source of financial aid for all students. When you fill out the FAFSA, you’re applying for need-based aid from Uncle Sam (although all students who file a FAFSA are eligible for federal unsubsidized student loans, so it’s a good idea to file regardless of whether you feel you’ll qualify for need-based aid).

Who provides the second most financial aid? Colleges. Apply to a balanced list of colleges, including schools that are safe bets for you academically (and thus more likely to give you merit-based aid) and ones that have generous need-based aid programs.

If you’re still scratching your head when you come across terms like “FAFSA” and “federal unsubsidized student loans,” learn the basics now so that you’re not struggling as you head into senior year.

2. Assess where you stand in relation to the rest of the applicant pool.

Colleges that offer merit aid are discounting

tuition to encourage high-achieving students to choose them over other universities. If you want merit aid, apply to at least four “likely” colleges that, based on your grades and standardized test scores, you have a very high chance of being admitted. Those are the colleges that most likely to entice you to attend with an attractive scholarship offer.

How should you find these schools? Starting junior year, develop a sense of where you fall academically within the applicant pool at your colleges of choice. Look up and record the average score ranges and GPAs of the incoming class at all of the colleges you’re interested in. Every college in the county has a profile on the College Board’s website that includes average score ranges and GPAs. 3. Use net price calculators.

Net price calculators are a useful tool for forecasting what your aid package might look like at a specific college. Federal law requires every college to have a net price calculator on their website. Enter information about your income, taxes, and sometimes about the value of your other assets – like your home and investments – and the calculator gives you a general idea of what level of aid you might qualify for and what you’ll end up paying out of pocket.

4. Look locally for outside scholarships.

There’s a lot of buzz about all of the unclaimed scholarship money out there, and there are national and international websites where you can dizzy yourself writing 500-word essays in hopes of earning a small scholarship. Somebody probably wins those contests, but there are so many thousands of applicants that you aren’t likely to get the best return on your efforts. Instead, focus on small, local scholarships. Because they tend to have fewer applicants, your chances of winning are greater. Most high school guidance offices have a good sense of what local scholarships might be available.

5. Consider universities that offer automatic scholarships.

Some universities, typically larger public intuitions like Michigan State University and the University of Alabama, publish their merit-based aid criteria on their websites so applicants know what they

20 | birminghamparent | may / june 2020

qualify for in advance. These are often places that are actively trying to recruit more out-of-state students and will discount tuition to reach that goal. I don’t advise applying to a college just because it offers automatic scholarships, but I do like the transparency, and if one of the universities that offers these awards happens to be a good fit for you, go for it!

6. Know what’s required and stay on top of deadlines.

A lot of seniors are so stressed out by application deadlines that they aren’t thinking about financial aid deadlines. As you are building your college list, keep track of which forms are required and their filing deadlines. Complete the financial aid forms soon after they become available, and that means submitting the FAFSA during October of your senior year. Submitting your financial aid documents as soon as possible allows colleges to process them earlier, so there’s a better chance of hearing about your award sooner if you tackle these forms early.

7. If all else fails, appeal politely.

Are colleges willing to negotiate financial aid offers? There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. Even so, it is possible to discuss with colleges about your financial aid award. Here are some pointers: • Compare apples to apples. Instead of asking the college to match the amount that another college has awarded you, work backward from the total cost of attendance and subtract the award amount. Then, you can politely ask the college to match the out-of-pocket cost, even if it means you’ll receive a smaller award.

• Colleges are more likely to match the offer of a school that competes for the same applicants. No matter how convincing your argument, Princeton University won’t match the award you received from a college with a 90 percent acceptance rate.

• Your appeal will be more effective if you are able to say some version of the following (and actually mean it): “I’m very interested in your institution and would love to attend if we are able to make it work for our family financially.”

• Keep in mind that it’s much more difficult to make the case that a college is not affordable for your family if you have failed to file necessary financial aid forms.

Kevin McMullin is Collegewise Founder and Managing Partner. For more helpful tips, check out collegewise.com.

KIDS HEADED OFF TO COLLEGE?

HOW TO SURVIVE & EMBRACE IT

By Kimberly Blaker

As you prepare to see your adolescent off to college, you flashback to all your child’s milestones, special moments, and fun times you’ve shared together. It feels like only yesterday your toddler said his or her first word. Soon after, you dropped your child off for the first day of kindergarten, prepared your preteen for puberty, and took your teen shopping for the high school prom.

But now, in an instant, your adolescent is headed out into the world, more or less on their own. This is a turning point at which you no longer have much oversight or say in your child's life. It can be both scary and exhilarating for parents and kids alike. Of course, you'll worry about your teen’s safety and well-being. But you'll also revel in your young adult's enthusiasm, excitement, and dreams for the future.

Parents’ feelings about their own life without their child's daily presence and parenting responsibilities are often met with a mix of emotions as well. Many parents look forward to this point in their lives and the freedom they haven't enjoyed in nearly two decades. Some parents may even feel conflicted or guilty for looking forward to “me” time.

At the same time, many parents (even those same parents) feel a sense of loss. After all, they’ve devoted 18 years to caregiving and raising their child. Many parents lose their sense of self while raising a family. In

fact, being a parent can become one's identity.

As a result, parents may feel an even more significant loss when their kid heads away to college.

So how do you survive this transition?

Learn to embrace it. Here are a few tips: 1. A heart-to-heart. Write a letter or talk to your teen when you see him or her off to college. A letter is best because your kid can save it and reread it to absorb and ponder what you have to say. You’ve already taught your child the importance of manners and doing their schoolwork. Skip that.

Instead, offer wisdom about life and your appreciation for your adolescent’s admirable characteristics. Also, avoid dumping on your teen. It's okay to say you’re going to miss your kid. But don’t overdo it and leave your child feeling guilty or responsible for your pain or loss.

2. Connection and space. Decide how to maintain communication with your college student. Phone calls, texting, email, video chat, and getting together in person offer ample opportunities to preserve your relationship. But don’t overdo it. Your young adult needs time and space to experience their newfound independence and blossom.

3. Explore. You now have more free time.

Don’t let that downtime become an avenue to needlessly worry or mope. Instead, be

proactive and set out on a mission of selfdiscovery. Have you thought about going back to school, work, or changing your career? Now’s a good time to explore your options. How about a new hobby, volunteer work, or focusing on your fitness and health?

You can also broaden your horizons. Try out different music genres, visit art and history museums, go to plays and sporting events, or explore cultural restaurants or cooking.

Travel. Plan something exciting. Consider a trip to someplace you've always dreamed of going. Or perhaps plan a long road trip or multiple weekend road trips throughout the year. Whatever you choose will help busy your time with the planning, give you something to look forward to, and remind you of the upside of an empty nest or one less child to raise.

4. It gets easier. Remember, whatever grief, loneliness, worries, or self-doubts you experience, they're a natural part of this transition. With each week and month that passes, it'll get easier. One day, you’ll wake up and discover you've fully embraced your new life – and feel real joy for your child's newfound independence.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting writer. She's also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com. birminghamparent.com | 21

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS MAY/JUNE 2020 With many public events stil affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, we are not listing events in this issue because they are in flux at this time.

Check out our online calendar at birminghamparent.com/directory/ events/ for the latest, and be sure to call ahead if you are uncertain!

Aldridge Botanical Gardens 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover 205-682-8019, www.aldridgegardens.com

Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclcorg McWane Science Center 200 19th St. N., Birmingham.

205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/ 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham.

205-414-3900, www.bbgardens.org Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us

Alabama Wildlife Center 100 Terrace Drive, Pelham.

205-663-7930. www.awrc.org

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org

Birmingham Zoo 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham.

205-879-0409, www.birminghamzoo.com

22 | birminghamparent | may / june 2020

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org.

Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.shelbycounty-al.org

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org

Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org

American Village Highway 119, Montevallo.

205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org

Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham 205-620-2520, www.alapark.com.

Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham 205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org

Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame 1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 2150 Richard Arrington Blvd. N., Birmingham.

323-6665, www.ashof.org

Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover.

205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum 1919 Ninth St., Calera. 205-668-3435, www.hodrrm.org

Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

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24 | birminghamparent | may / june 2020

A Less Scheduled Summer WHY I CHOSE

By Cheryl Maguire

When I was in high school, I was involved in more activities then my kids are now.

I participated in all different types of extracurriculars like piano lessons, the debate club and the tennis team. My summers were just as busy because I worked twelve-hour shifts as a lifeguard. I admit it – I liked being so active.

My kids have inherited my enthusiasm for being busy. I have an 11-year-old and 14-year-old twins, and their activity schedule keeps them, and me, busy.

There are days when I spend hours either driving them around, waiting in the car, or watching them at their latest sporting event.

I’ve never pressured my kids into signing up for their activities. They choose to participate in so many extracurriculars because they also like being active.

Sometimes it’s too much. My youngest daughter was involved in so many different interests, I told her she needed to cut some things from her schedule because she was exhausted and stressed out.

Summer is on the horizon. I recently read an article about the value of a selfdirected summer that reinforced what I had already learned: less scheduling and more freedom to choose their day-to-day activities leads to kids who are less stressed.

In previous summers, my kids participated in a few different day camps that mimicked their school day routine without the after-school activities. They stayed busy, but not quite as busy as when school was in session. Things changed last summer. My twins had aged out of most of the youth camps they had previously attended and their younger sister wasn’t interested in going to camp without them.

I panicked a little bit, wondering how I was going to keep them occupied for two months when we were all used to living a very scheduled lifestyle. While I did sign them up for a three-week camp, it only lasted four hours a day and was a big change from their usual highly scheduled routine. For the first time since my kids started attending summer camp as preschoolers, we didn’t have anything scheduled for most of the summer. I was certain they would drive me crazy telling me how bored they were.

But they didn’t. And I can honestly say it was one of the most relaxing summers I can remember since my kids were born.

No, my kids didn’t spend their days glued to their electronic devices. In fact, their screen usage was minimal and they rarely said, “I’m bored.” Even better, I didn’t spend hours in my car, like an unpaid Uber

driver, carting my kids around to their latest endeavors.

So what did they do? My teenage daughter planted a garden for the first time and grew strawberries, raspberries and watermelons. She encountered some setbacks, like birds eating the fruit and plants dying from not enough water, but she spent time learning how to improve her garden.

We also spent a lot of time going to the beach, hiking in a nearby national park, and playing tennis. Not only was I less stressed, I saved money by not paying for camps and other expensive activities. And I feel like I got to know my kids better by spending quality time with them instead of being their chauffeur or sideline fan.

When my kids returned to school last fall, they picked right back up where they’d left off with all of their activities.

Cheryl Maguire holds a master of counseling psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Your Teen Magazine and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

birminghamparent.com | 25

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