Tutoring Center or Private Tutor: What's Best for Your Child?

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Find the right tutor for your child.

With so many choices for tutors available, how do you pick the right one? Follow these strategies to determine which tutoring option is best for your child.

Your friend recommends the private tutor she’s hired for her son, while your neighbor swears by the tutoring center in town. How do you choose? The answer lies in determining the individual needs of your child. After all, every student is different so there is no “one size fits all” solution.

Establish Goals

Parents hire tutors for many reasons. Perhaps you work crazy hours and don’t have time to assist your child with homework. Or even if you do have time, your child may not want to listen to mom. Maybe the homework is just too difficult to help with, often the case once children enter high school (who remembers chemistry?). 

Whatever the reason, the first step is to establish why your child needs a tutor. Is your child looking to catch up…or get ahead? Are you searching for summer learning enrichment so your kid can maintain lessons learned over the school year? Is your child looking to prep for a standardized test?

Figuring out the goals first sets the direction for the entire tutoring search.

Assess Personality

Different children thrive in different environments. Look at your child’s personality, and determine if he is self-motivated or tends to need more guidance every step of the way. Assess your child’s focus – would he flourish in a group session or become too distracted? Would a one-on-tutor proved stimulating or stifling?

Setting also plays a big factor into the results. Take into consideration if your kid is going through a phase of parental resistance. “If parents think their child would perform better away from home or from parents, then a center might be a better choice,” says Katie Koster, a tutor at Jumpstart Tutoring in Eastchester, New York.

Koster continues, “Going to a tutoring center offers them a chance to run into fellow students being tutored, which could be a pro or a con. Pro: if they see they are not alone in having a tutor, they might be more excited to go to their sessions if hopes of running into friends. Con: they might not want other kids to know they are getting tutored, and it could be briefly distracting.”

Another factor is determining the type of teaching style your child best responds to. If he dislikes his tutor, he will put up walls and not listen. Christina Ha works at a private tutoring company in Palo Alto, California and says, “My personal teaching style is on the more serious side, although I do joke here and there to connect with the student. I try to draw connections between what they're learning in school and how it relates to real life. This works great with driven, ambitious students who want extra help to excel as well as maybe some students who have attention-span issues since I try to gently >corral them back onto the subject at hand.”

Ha points out, “But there can be some students who respond better to a tutor who has more of a ‘friend’ vibe or maybe a ‘crazy professor’ type. A good private tutoring company will be able to make a really educated guess at what type of tutor will work best for your child.”

Once you’ve assessed your child’s personality and what he best would respond to, the next step is to find a tutor.

Start with Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth comes up time after time when parents and tutors discuss the best ways to find a tutor. “People start with referrals, so ask around,” recommends Heather Gebhardt, a former New York high school teacher with both tutoring center and private tutoring experience.

Gebhardt also suggests asking your child’s school for recommendations: “Many tutors are former teachers, and this means they’ve been exposed to many types of students. This can be helpful as they may intuitively know what a kid needs. Some need structure and rules while others need a customized hook such as having the tutor weave into lessons something the child is interested in (e.g. child likes baseball so use baseball analogies to get lessons across).”

If Word of Mouth proves unfruitful, try searching local community boards and the internet. Search online for reviews of any options you find.

Now that you’ve collected recommendations, research each one thoroughly.

Ask Questions

Conducting a face-to-face interview with a tutor or owner/director of a tutoring company can provide essential information.

"You are your child's advocate so it pays to ask many questions,” states Teresa Kuo from Ann Arbor, Michigan. The mother of two has used both tutoring centers and private tutors for her children.

Kuo notes, “There are no wrong or dumb questions - only the ones you're afraid to ask as this is your child's future. If your child doesn't get the right foundation in subjects he’s not strong in, it’s going to be difficult to build upon it, move ahead, and be successful."

Questions to Ask Tutoring Centers or Private Tutors:

• How do you assess my child?
• How will I know my child will get the attention he needs?
• Will the lesson plans be customized to my child or will the tutor just assist with homework?
  Does the teaching methodology focus on memorization drills or will the learning be more of a hands-on experience?
• How will you track my child’s progress?
• Do you allow parents to observe a portion of the tutoring session?
• Can you work around my child’s schedule?
• Does the Center share a tutor, and if so, what is the teacher to child ratio? (For tutoring centers)
• Does the Center offer a trial plan to assess how the tutor is working out? If the tutor and my child are not a good match, can my child switch tutors? (For tutoring centers)
• Are you equipped to handle students with disabilities such as dyslexia or mild developmental disorders? (For children with special needs)

Research Costs

Price doesn't mean quality, and one option is not necessarily less expensive than the other. Many variables go into determining costs, so make sure to ask about all fees and requirements.

A tutoring center offering group lessons may appear more budget-friendly than a private tutor, but many charge a-la-carte fees per test in order to assess your child. On the other hand, a private tutor may charge an hourly rate, but then require a two hour session minimum to make her time worthwhile.

Tutoring centers usually charge set fees for their services whereas with private tutors you’ll negotiate rates. The pay for a private tutor depends on factors such as qualifications, experience, travel time, and hours needed.

Costs also factor in geographic location. Tutoring centers and private tutors in large cities will likely charge more than say, the Midwest, where the cost of living is much lower.

Just like your child, every place is different. There is no one set cost that applies to every scenario.

Parting Tips for Parents

Get your child involved from the beginning so he won’t be shocked at the first tutoring session. Allow him to have a say in the matter because if he isn’t happy then he’s not going to be cooperative.

Be proactive and maintain communication with the tutor online - don't discuss your child’s issues in front of him as that may embarrass him or put the tutor on the spot. Parents need an ongoing dialogue with the tutor and should monitor progress.

If after several sessions your child voices he is not clicking with the tutor ("too dry", "not energetic"), then make a change. Your child will know you are listening to him and will likely be more open to the next tutor who will better suit his needs.

No matter what option you choose for your child – tutoring center or private tutor – the quality of the experience ultimately depends on the tutor. Keep this in mind when utilizing the strategies above. 

Photo: www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Assumptions Based on Last Names

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People often make assumptions about how a person should look based on a last name. Bernstein? Must be Jewish. Chang? Has to be Chinese. But what if a person doesn't "match" her last name? Or worse, what if she does "fit" her last name but can't be distinguished from others of the same ethnicity?

Sometimes wrong assumptions are just mildly annoying or amusing. Other times they can be life threatening errors. Two personal stories show what's in a name.

The Non-Ethnic Last Name
My married last name is Adcock which originates from England. All the Adcock family members have light colored hair, eyes, and skin. With my Chinese heritage, my dark features set me apart.

I understand that I don't look like a typical Adcock. I find it amusing when people are surprised by my last name. It only becomes annoying when they don't believe it.

One day I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room along with a few other patients. A nurse opens the office door and calls out, "Maria Adcock?" I stand up and walk towards her. She is still glancing around the waiting room in search of someone she perceives would look like an Adcock.

Now directly in front of her, I say, "Hello."

"Yes?" the nurse replies.

"I'm Maria."

She looks at me, glances at her clipboard, looks back at me, then says, "I'm looking for Maria Adcock."

"Yes, that's me."

"Adcock?" she asks again.

"Yes, I am Maria Adcock."

She finally lets me through the door.

In a society filled with an increasing number of bicultural families like mine, last names don't always tell the whole story.

The Ethnic Last Name
In another doctor waiting room incident, a female relative of mine experienced a mix up that could have proved harmful.

Several Asian women were seated in the waiting room. The nurse came out and called my relative's name. She stood up, but then saw the nurse ushering in another Asian woman, so my relative thought she must have misheard the name called.

About 10 minutes later, the nurse came out and called my relative's name again. The nurse brought her to a room to take vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. She also asked my relative health and lifestyle questions, all which were carefully recorded into the medical chart.

The nurse then read over a list of medications my relative was suppose to be taking. My relative answered no to each one. The nurse reprimanded, "Why aren't you taking any of your medicine?" My relative replied, "I'm only suppose to take one."

At this point, my relative sensed something was wrong and glanced at the name on the medical chart. To her surprise, it was not her name -- it was someone else's,  with a Chinese last name. My relative pointed out this error, and the nurse scurried out of the room, returning later with the correct chart.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) was implemented in 1996, and one aspect states that all patients' health care related data is private and federally protected. Each medical center must have mechanisms to verify and ensure the confidentiality of their patients' health care data. Obviously, the center my relative visited did not take these steps to ensure they were talking to the correct patient and therefore, erroneously shared someone else's medical information.


Have people ever made wrong impressions of you based on your last name?

1st Annual $1000 Mom Blogger Scholarship for Aspiring and Existing Bloggers

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Mom bloggers create their blogs for many reasons. Some may use it as an outlet to voice opinions while others utilize it as a work-from-home business. No matter the reason, if you’re considering launching your own mom blog or want to grow you current one, a new scholarship exists that can help.

Influenced Media, LLC is announcing the launch of its first annual $1,000 Mommy Blogger Scholarship Program on July 1, 2012.

The scholarship, awarded by globally-acclaimed online parenting website, AssistanceForSingleMothers.com, will provide one mom with $1000 along with one-on-one coaching by a blogging expert to assist them with the growth and development of their own mommy-centric blog.

There are many costs associated with blogging such as domain name fees/site hosting, programming, web design, web maintenance and more. Serious bloggers know that investing in a blog with advance functionality and a professional design can increase engagement, pageviews, and advertising.

Donny Gamble Jr., Founder of Influenced Media, LLC, explains the reason behind creating the scholarship program.

“Our scholarship program is important to us because we want to give back the knowledge we have obtained throughout the years from all of our experiences and to help struggling moms create a voice or more income for their families. We understand the needs of the Mommy Blogging community and that is why we have developed our scholarship program” Gamble says.

He continues, “We understand the challenges of becoming a mommy blogger and being able to earn an income from your blogging efforts and want to help out moms whom are struggling and want to start or further grow their blog.”

The scholarship is open to any mom with an existing blog, as well as those who plan to start a blog within thirty days following the commencement of the application deadline.

Funding is provided by Influenced Media, LLC, who own and are operating the program.

“We believe that our first annual scholarship program will provide vitally essential funds and support to one lucky Mom. We plan to run this program on an annual basis, as well as roll out a blog training guide very soon” Gamble adds.

Applications for the program open on July 1^st and close on September 29^th, with a winner chosen on October 1^st.

To apply for the scholarship, please visit the scholarship entry page: http://assistanceforsinglemothers.com/scholarship.html

About AssistanceForSingleMothers.com

AssistanceForSingleMothers.com was created to be used as a comprehensive resource for single moms. It provides current information and articles on careers, education, grants, scholarships, housing, parenting tips, relationships, heath, fitness and finances.

Protect Skin Naturally with the JĀSÖN Summer Collection

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Summer is here and this means it's time to enjoy the outdoors. Families will be slathering their skin with products to protect them from the sun and bugs, so it’s important to use non-toxic ones that are safe for everyone’s health.

JĀSÖN, a natural pioneer since 1959, has a summer collection of safe-for-you sunscreens, therapy gels, and bug spray. JĀSÖN, which means “healer” in Greek, adheres to a Code of Honor to:

• Select safe, wholesome, natural ingredients
• Rigorously test every formula to ensure safety and efficacy
• Never test on animals
• Constantly innovate and improve

 Highlights from the JĀSÖN line of summer-friendly products include the following:

Kid’s Natural Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF45
The sun can easily burn kids’ delicate skin, so make sure to cover them with sunscreen before heading outside. This sunscreen is specially formulated for children - it’s tear-free, water resistant, and SPF45. The creamy white lotion applies easily and smoothly onto skin – a plus with wiggly skids. The sunscreen contains natural chamomile and calendula extracts to soothe and protect sensitive skin.
4 oz. – Average Retail Price $11.20

Sport Natural Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF45
For family members active in sports, this water resistant formula is ideal for rugged activity. SPF45 protects skin from harmful rays, and the formula includes a natural antioxidant, acai (euterpe oleracea) extract, to protect skin from free radicals. The white, creamy formula rubs smoothly into the skin for easy application.
4 oz. - Average Retail Price $9.87

Cooling Minerals & Tea Tree Muscle Pain Therapy
With sports activity come achy muscles. Find relief with this natural cooling therapeutic balm. It’s non-greasy and easily applies to the skin. It soothes the pain and also contains tea tree oil, an anti-inflammatory ingredient. This medicated formula relieves minor arthritis, backache, muscle and joint pain. Moisturizing ingredients include essential oils of avocado, evening primrose, and hazelnut.
4 oz. - Average Retail Price $4.97

Aloe Vera 98% Gel (ISAC Certified)
Missed putting sunscreen on a spot and got sunburned? Aloe Vera can help relieve that and more. Derived from the aloe plant, this clear gel is concentrated and non-oily. In addition to providing sun damage relief, it’s also great to sooth newly-shaven skin or just as a daily moisturizing. The gel also contains allantoin and vitamin B5 to condition the skin.
16 oz. - Average Retail Price $11.49

Quit Bugging Me! Natural Insect Repellant Spray

Most big brand name bug repellants contain the chemical deet – something most parents prefer not to put on their children. Instead, use a natural insect repellant like Quit Bugging Me! Not only is the name cute, but it works to keep pesky biting insects away. It’s a non-greasy, light oil formula that uses the active ingredients glycine soja (soybean) oil and geranium oil.
4.5 oz. - Average Retail Price $8.19

For more information:

View the entire JĀSÖN product line at www.jason-natural.com. Use the store locator to find JĀSÖN products near you.

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did receive samples of products to assess for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author. All images are from jason-natural.com.

‘A Tiger in the Kitchen’ Memoir about Food, Family, and Culture by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan

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I always get excited when an Asian American author is published. Growing up it was rare to find books written by people with a similar background as mine, and even today they’re often hard to come by. That’s why I was thrilled to see a book published by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan.

I first met Cheryl in the early 2000’s when we both worked for a magazine publisher in New York City. While I worked on the marketing side, she wrote as one of the few Asians on the Edit side. Like many in the magazine industry, we both eventually left and found new opportunities by pursuing our passions.

For Cheryl, her passion included a love of food and family as captured in her memoir “A Tiger in the Kitchen.” Born in Singapore and living in the U.S. since age 18, she details her journey back to her Singaporean roots to learn the traditional recipes of her elders. During her year long odyssey, she not only learns about the time-honored dishes of her culture, but also about her family and herself.

Cheryl was born in the Chinese Year of the Tiger, thus the inspiration for her book’s title. The tiger also illustrates her ferocious approach to life, whether it’s reaching her ambitions in America or her zeal to preserve family traditions through food.

Cheryl chronicles her rookie efforts of feverishly scribbling notes as her elders prepared dishes. She would ask for specific ingredient amounts, but they didn’t know because as experienced cooks they created dishes through sight, taste, and smell.

Her experience rings true to many who are a generation removed from their home countries, including myself. I’ve tried to do the same with my mom, writing down her traditional recipes. I’d ask, “How long do you cook it?” and she’d reply, “When it starts to smell good, then you know it’s done.”

Food is especially important in Asian culture where so much of it symbolizes various aspects of life. Drink certain soups to increase fertility or eat long noodles to live longer – the list is endless. Throughout the book Cheryl touches upon the significance of food in her culture and generously shares several family recipes for her readers to try.

During Cheryl’s quest she discovers new things about herself and strengthens bonds between family members. “A Tiger in the Kitchen” is a delightful read that shows how food can nourish the soul.

About the Author
Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan is a New York-based writer who has written the memoir “A Tiger In The Kitchen” (Hyperion). Follow her international book tour here.
Prior to her memoir, she was a staff writer at the Wall Street Journal, In Style magazine and the Baltimore Sun. Her stories have appeared in noted publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Marie Claire, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Family Circle, Bloomberg Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, and more. She is also a regular contributor to The Atlantic Food Channel.
An active member of the Asian American Journalists Association, she served on its national board for seven years through 2010.

www.cheryllulientan.com

atigerinthekitchen.com/

Winner Announced for The Birthday Sock Giveaway

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One lucky reader has won a unique gift from The Birthday Sock Giveaway via Bicultural Mama and The Birthday Sock.

Congratulations to Patricia Egbert who won via her “Like” entry on The Birthday Sock’s Facebook page.

Winner was chosen via Random.org. I will contact the winner via email, and the winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered!

Education Delivered Monthly to Your Home with Wonder Box

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The first month's box themed "Once Upon a Time" includes a make-your-own
hand puppet, story cape that kids can decorate, story cards, crayons to color
the Stone Soup book and a recipe for the soup.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Children love receiving packages in the mail. Now imagine that is was filled with education-themed activities that arrived on your doorstep monthly. Pretty cool, right?

This is the concept for Wonder Box from Education.com, a new monthly subscription activity box that helps 3-5 year olds to develop the skills kindergarten teachers consider the most important.

With an emphasis on unplugged play, each Wonder Box includes learning activities such as letter recognition, number sense, and fine motor skills. Kids can delight in themed boxes such as Once Upon a Time and Mad Scientist. Parents will be please that all supplies and instructions needed are included.

“I like that there’s something new for the kids each month so that they won’t get bored. Plus I can trust that everything inside the box will be educational,” says Kristina K., mother of two from Long Island, New York.

Each Wonder Box contains hands-on projects and activities including the following:

• A FUNdamental Project - From creative craft projects to starting science experiments, these hands-on activities produce finished products kids can continue to enjoy long after the creation process is over. Examples include ‘What’s Your Story?’ Cape and Backyard PopRockets.
• Two Themed Sidekick Projects - These quick and imaginative activities help preschoolers deepen their discovery of the theme. Examples include Create-a-Kaleidoscope and Alphabet I Spy Bottle.
• A Themed Fun Pack – Includes printed games, coloring pages, sticker books and other activities that give kids a chance to explore the theme independently. Examples include Illustrate a Famous Fable and Science Sticker Mosaics.
• A Recipe to Tie it All Together – This is a way for children to incorporate ‘taste’ into their exploration of the month’s theme. Examples include Bubble Bread and Kick the Can Ice Cream.

Beyond the box, Wonder Box recipients gain access to an exclusive web page with ideas and inspiration to explore the month’s theme.

All of these high-quality educational activities and supplies are available through the Wonder Box subscriptions which start at $24.99 per month – there’s a variety of options available for those purchasing for their own children. These also make a great gift that gives all year long. Subscriptions are available at http://www.education.com/wonderbox.

For more information visit: http://www.education.com/WonderBox.

About Education.com

With over six million visitors a month, Education.com is the fastest growing web destination for parents. Education.com gives parents and educators the information they need to help their children reach their full potential and the ideas they want to make learning more fun. From kindergarten readiness through college prep, Education.com offers high quality content, educational activities, printables, and worksheets; engaging video content; a rich community experience; and a resource that provides qualitative and quantitative information about schools across the country. 

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author did receive the first Wonder Box “Once Upon A Time” to assess for this post. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Happy Father’s Day to New and Experienced Dads

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Whether you’re a new or experienced dad, Father’s Day provides an opportune time to reflect on past and present moments. There's a saying that time flies, and looking at these pictures over the years, I understand why.

A new father's pride (4 days old).
Photo: Maria Adcock

A poignant Daddy and Daughter moment (1 year old).
Photo: Maria Adcock

Daddy with his little toddler (2 years old).
Photo: Maria Adcock

Daddy with his big girl (3 years old).
Photo: Maria Adcock

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!

‘A Boy in Terezin’ - True Diary of a 12 Year Old Holocaust Boy

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My close friend Karen Weiner lives in New York City, and when I had lived there, too, her late father Pavel (Paul) would graciously invite me and her other friends out to dinner. He never mentioned his boyhood days spent in the Terezin Nazi camp during World War II, perhaps because he had moved on from those dark days.

Pavel came upon his diary in 1979, and as he saw his own mortality near and lost friends and fellow Holocaust survivors, he began to realize the importance of his childhood work. Over the years he translated his Terezin diary into English. It wasn’t until his passing that Karen took over and edited the diary. It was published shortly afterward.

The Façade of Terezin

Uprooted from a comfortable upbringing in Prague, the diary details 12 year old Pavel’s last year (one of three total) in Terezin from 1944-1945. Terezin, located north of Prague, was a “holding” or transit camp before deporting Jews to extermination camps. However, Terezin residents were not aware of this as outside news was controlled by the Nazis.

Photographs of Pavel Weiner as a child.
Photo: Maria Adcock

The Nazis created an image of Terezin as a “regular” town – there were sports practice, meals, and concerts. However under the facade of normalcy laid a warped reality of scarce resources, impoverished living conditions, imprisonment, and deportations.

Terezin was the only camp the Nazis allowed the outside world to visit, but only after going to great lengths to cover the real reason the town existed. The International Red Cross visited Terezin in 1944, and as part of the beautification process, the Nazis made a propaganda film "Hitler Gives the Jews a Town."

Pavel accidentally documented the sham through his diary. On June 16, 1944, he wrote, “Today the Red Cross Commission is expected. Everything is in tiptop shape. We are told to ride the carousel and go on the swings [play equipment erected for the beautification campaign].”

The Red Cross Commission left and returned a few days later led by Karl Rahm, a SS commandant in the Nazi Party. Pavel wrote, “The children must scream ‘Onkel Rahm, schon wieder sardinen? [Uncle Rahm, again sardines?]’ as he passes by.”* But there were no sardines -- a luxury during war time. The deception worked in terms of appeasing the international community into inaction, as the Red Cross Commission took everything at face value. 

Copied pages from Pavel Weiner's diary.
Photo: Maria Adcock

“A Boy in Terezin” stated that about 141,000 Jews were sent to Terezin; approximately 33,000 died from disease or the terrible conditions, and an estimated 88,000 were deported to concentration camps.

Pavel lost many family members who were sent to labor camps, including his father Ludwig, older brother Hanus, maternal grandparents (Hermine and Zikmund Stein), paternal aunt and uncle (Olga and Otto Susicky) and maternal aunt (Trude Stein). Many more distant relatives were also lost. 

Pavel Weiner with his brother Hanus and father Ludwig.
Handwritten notes by daughter Karen.
Photo: Maria Adcock

A 12 Year Old’s Day to Day Survival

Pavel lived in Room 7 in Building L417 which held 40 boys. It was a transient room because as boys were deported out, new boys came in. Only about 10 of them survived.

Like all children, Pavel and the boys in his room needed a regimen in order to create a sense of normalcy. The Jewish administration in the camp and the adults called madrichim, or counselors, went to great lengths to provide this life. Unbeknownst to the Nazis, they educated their young in makeshift schools hidden in attics and other concealed locations. They also provided the children with more and slightly better quality food in an effort to sustain their health as much as possible.

Pavel Weiner lived in Building L417
with many of the other boys in Terezin.
Photo: Maria Adcock

Pavel mentioned food a lot, perhaps because he knew meals were limited. Like any 12 year old boy, he fought with friends and family. He lashed out at his mother, and felt bad about it afterward. His frustration over his situation and normal childhood angst drove him to hurt those closest to him. But in the end, he knew he needed his mother, and he loved her deeply. 

Pavel’s diary documented the constant fear of transports to unknown destinations and the never-ending loss of family and friends moved out of the camp. The deportation of his father and older brother were especially devastating.

At the end of the diary, the transports started to come back with emaciated bodies of people who had been through atrocious experiences at other Nazi camps. He saw a relative who was in a deteriorated condition. It opened his and the other residents’ eyes to the truth.

Photos of Karen Weiner with her late father and mother.
Photo: Maria Adcock

“A Boy in Terezin” Today

Though Pavel was never able to see his diary in print, he left a legacy for his daughter, Karen and future generations. His diary is an imprint in history, and now resides in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. 

Pavel’s diary recorded a dark and painful time in history. It is such a human story, perhaps initially one of tragedy, but later one of triumph. Pavel persevered to lead a productive and happy life in America despite the hardships he suffered as a child, and this in itself is an incredible testament to the human spirit.

Karen Weiner reading passages from her father's
diary at the book launch celebration.
Photo: Maria Adcock

 

For More Information

Karen Weiner visited Duke University to discuss “A Boy in Terezin.” View the interview here: http://www.faithandleadership.com/qa/karen-weiner-testament-the-human-spirit

“A Boy in Terezin” was published by Northwestern University Press with an introduction by historian Deborah Dwork and edited by Pavel and Karen Weiner. Find it at major book retailers such as Amazon.

Karen Weiner is based in New York City and is a middle school social studies teacher.

Karen Weiner and I, celebrating the release of
'A Boy in Terezin' and the life of her father.
Photo: Maria Adcock

* A Terezin survivor younger than Pavel Weiner disputes that the sardine scenario took place. Whether or not it is a myth, it remains historically significant as it shows how much those interned in Terezin, even the children, knew the beautification process was a sham for the Red Cross.

Drivers Not Yielding on Left Turns – A Regional Trend?

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Turn left any darn time you please.
Photo: Flickr/johnmarchan

When I took Driver’s Ed at age 15, I learned that when making left turns at intersections, one must yield to oncoming traffic. Drivers in Michigan and the other Midwest states I had lived in seemed in general to follow this rule.

A few years ago I moved to Long Island, NY, and noticed that a lot of people ignored this right-of-way system. As soon as the traffic light turned green, drivers on the opposite side of the intersection would cut off oncoming traffic by making a left turn immediately. At first I thought this was an isolated incident, but I’ve been seeing this on a daily basis. 

Is this a regional trend?

I once read in AAA Magazine that these illegal lefts were called “Philadelphia Left Turns.” I have no idea why, and couldn’t find any information on the internet about it. If you know the origins, please feel free to elaborate in the comments.

I then looked at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles website to see if perhaps the rules had changed (maybe in just New York?). Nope, its manual looks pretty similar to what I saw back in my high school days:

If drivers approaching from opposite directions reach an intersection at about the same time, a driver turning left must yield to approaching traffic going straight or turning right.

Example: You want to turn left at an intersection ahead. A vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, going straight ahead. You must wait for approaching traffic to go through before you turn. You may enter the intersection, however, to prepare for your left turn if the light is green and no other vehicle ahead of you is preparing for a left turn. When approaching traffic clears or stops for a red light, complete your turn.

Perhaps this isn’t a regional trend, but more of a sign of the growing impatience of a society that is use to instant gratification. Or maybe there are just a lot of aggressive drivers out there. Either way, it’s annoying and dangerous.

I doubt anything will change in the near future, but one can vent, right?

What driving antics annoy you?

Pursuing My Goal to Write Children’s Books

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I’ve known since I was a kid that I wanted to write a book. I just never knew how to pursue it. So over the decades this idea remained a nebulous notion in the back of my head. A few years ago after the birth of my daughter, I quit my corporate day job to pursue freelance writing and wrote for websites and magazines. It felt so risky, but I knew in my heart this was my path.

The pivotal event that led me to doing something instead of just dreaming about writing a book took place in 2009. I brought my toddler to a reading at a local bookstore. Author Kat Yeh was reading her new book, The Magic Brush. I was thrilled to see an Asian children’s book author as I hadn’t known of any. It gave me hope.

After the reading, I introduced myself and through conversation mentioned I had always wanted to write a book. She encouraged me to attend the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference in New Jersey. I attended last year and learned so much from the workshops.

Making the most of SCBWI NJ: Ryan Sias, Joyce Wan,
Maria Adcock, and Kat Yeh
Photo: Maria Adcock

Fast forward to the 2012 SCBWI conference. I just came back last night from an inspiring weekend there. While last year I was unsure of myself and looked wistfully at the groups of writers who seemed to have known each other for years, this time was different. 

With much more confidence, I socialized with people and recognized many from last year. I made new friends like author/illustrator Ryan Sias and shared a hotel room with Kat Yeh and author/illustrator Joyce Wan who were the coolest roommates. The biggest difference, though, was that this year I was armed with a manuscript.

During the conference, an editor from a New York publishing house critiqued my picture book and offered invaluable advice to make it even stronger. I also gave heart-pounding 5 minute pitches to two agents. Both said they would like me to send them my manuscript.

I’m still a long way from getting published – need to revise, query agents, find one to sign me on, find a publishing house to buy it – the process can literally take years. The mind's logical side reminds me of my naivete by pointing out all the aspiring writers who never got published, but something deep inside me has faith. And if this naive faith is all I have to carry me to the end, then I’ll take it.

Winner of Bicultural Mama and Gillette Father’s Day Giveaway

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Dad's going to be happy this Sunday!
Photo: Gillette

One lucky reader will be able to give the dad in her life a cool gift for Father’s Day this Sunday.

Congratulations to Cari Schroeder who won the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler via her tweet about the giveaway.

Winner was chosen via Random.org. I will contact the winner via email, and the winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered and Happy Father’s Day!

Our Own Organic Garden Plot in a Community Garden

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Learning about organic gardening through a hands-on approach.
Photo: Maria Adcock

We finally have a chance to manage our own organic garden plot in a community garden owned by the town. It took a year to get off the waitlist, but it was well worth it. For only a donation of $25, we have a 5 ft x 20 ft. plot of land to grow anything we want.

Our little gardener loves to help!
Photo: Maria Adcock

The community garden offers tools, compost, dirt, mulch, and garden hoses for people to share. 

The garden is in an area that receives a lot of sunlight, so the chances of something growing well are pretty good (compared to in our shady yard at home).

I love that my daughter enjoys going to the garden and helping out. It’s a great lesson in understanding where our food comes from and becoming more connected with the earth. 

Once we can harvest the vegetables, I’m pretty sure she’ll be excited to eat them since she they’re from our own garden. The garden also gives us an opportunity to eat fresh organic produce at little cost.

Many towns offer community gardens such as this one, so call your town hall or do an internet search to find one near you!

A Unique Way to Encourage Gifts - The Birthday Sock Giveaway - CLOSED

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Stockings aren't just for Christmas anymore!
Image: TheBirthdaySock.com

Why wait for Christmas to hang up a stocking? The Birthday Sock gives you another reason to hang up a stocking during the year. It’s a fun way to charm your family and friends into helping you celebrate your birthday a bit more by encouraging presents.

Just hang it up a few days before your birthday and let everyone know that it’s your Birthday Sock. Presto! Most likely you’ll wake up on your birthday to a stocking full of presents. This can be a new annual birthday tradition.

The Birthday Sock measures 3” x 25” and generously stretches to 11” x 50” to accommodate goodies. It’s made out of 100% nylon so it’ll never lose its shape.

The Birthday Sock is available in 11 colors and retails for $12.99 through its website www.TheBirthdaySock.com. But you can win it for FREE through the Bicultural Mama Giveaway.

HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
One lucky Bicultural Mama reader will win a FREE Birthday Sock (color of your choice). To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

All entries will be verified. Giveaway ends 6/17/12. Please see terms and conditions in the Rafflecopter form for additional information.

Sisterly Love via a Dance Leotard Nine Years Later

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                                         This is not my child. This is my niece 9 years ago.

                                         This is my child. Does something look familiar?

Both were three years old when the pictures were taken. Both have "Say Cheese!" smiles. And both are wearing the same black dance leotard.

How is this possible? My sister, who is always thinking of others, graciously saved some of her daughter’s clothes for me back then in anticipation of me having my own daughter. She had kids early; I had mine late, so it just took awhile before this dance leotard could be used.

My daughter tried on the leotard today. It's still in great condition, and it fits my daughter perfectly.

Thanks sis, for always thinking of me! Love you!

Willa Skincare Natural Products for Girls Launched by Mom and Tween

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Christy Prunier had battled skincare issues her entire life, so when it came to keeping her 12 year old daughter, Willa, healthy, she knew the key was to start good habits young.

“Up to 80 percent of lasting sun damage happens before the age of 18,” states Prunier. “There aren’t natural and great products girls are excited to use – and their beautiful skin will only stay that way if they start taking care of it – actually take ownership of it – right now.

Prunier and her daughter decided to do something about this and consulted with a dermatologist and worked with chemists at leading laboratories for more than three years to develop 17 skincare products in the willa™skincare line.

Unlike many brands that include chemicals, petroleum residues, and dyes, all of the willa™skincare products are natural with these features:

• Paraben free
• Proplyene glycol free
• Sulfate free
• DEA free and phthalate free
• Not tested on animals
• Made in the USA

The fresh scents of these products were inspired by the ocean breeze off the coast of Maine that Prunier and Willa love so much, as well as the jasmine trees in Santa Monica where Willa was born.

Below are highlights from the 17-product willa™skincare line.

Start Fresh Foaming Face Wash
This light and fresh liquid-to-foam face cleanser is formulated with green tea extract to remove dirt and oil gently. It includes glycerin to hydrate, soften and smooth skin to promote a healthy glow.
5.1 fl. oz., SRP $11

Face Friendly Clear Face Moisturizer 

Girls don’t need all-purpose grownup moisturizers that are often too heavy and greasy. This clear gel-based face moisturizer absorbs quickly without the shine. It’s formulated with aloe for its healing properties, green tea and mango extract for a shot of anti-oxidant vitamin C, and eucalyptus for an all-around skin balancer. It won’t clog pores and will keep skin hydrated.
1 fl. oz., SRP $11.50

Be Brilliant Natural Body Lotion
This daily body moisturizer is lightweight yet hydrating. Ingredients include healing aloe and soothing chamomile. It’s an ultra sheer formula that absorbs fast to soothe dry skin.
1 fl. oz. $9.50

Smile Shimmer Lip Gloss
Girls can conveniently carry this cut lip gloss tube armed with a cool clip. This shiny and shimmering gloss contains a hint of color and uses natural ingredients like anti-oxidant vitamin E to revitalize and protect skin from environmental damage. They keep lips hydrated well and are available in Mandarin, Mint, and Watermelon.
.42 oz. $8.50

Sleep Over Travel Kit
Girls love sleep overs, and now they can make sure they keep their skin clean and healthy with this travel kit. It comes in a signature graffiti print pouch filled with mini travel Start Fresh Foaming Face Wash and Face Friendly Face Moisturizer.
Start Fresh Foaming Face Wash l.7 fl. oz. and Face Friendly Face Moisturizer .5 fl. oz, SRP $14

Willa takes an active role in the development of each product. She and her friends also test out each one. After all, willa™skincare is a product for girls, made by girls.

For more information: Find willa™skincare at select Target stores, J.Crew’s Crewcuts (in-store or online) and at willaskincare.com. Items are priced between $7.50 and $17.50.

Disclosure: Author was not compensated for this post. Author received samples of the items mentioned in this post to assess. Items were provided by the Attention public relations firm in New York, NY. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author. All images are from willaskincare.com.