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529Stories About Education - Thanks to the birth of the 529 plans,saving for education has become much simpler and more tax efficient

A Safety Issue:Germs and Zoos -With warmer weather approaching,many parents prepare their children not only for fun, but also for safety.

Adoption Option - Myhusband and I strongly believe when adoptions happen it's because the childrenfind the parents, not the other way around. 

Child Care and Electrical Safety - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 3,900 injuries treated in emergency rooms each year are associated with electrical receptacle outlets.

Exercise:A Family Matter - We would like to offer some tips forincorporating a workout into your everyday routine without alienating the restof your family.

Start Horsing Around How would you like to teach your children responsibility, poise, grace, respect for themselves, respect for others, respect for life, balance, good sportsmanship, and give them an activity to keep them from getting into typical teenage trouble? 

WowThem With Walls!- Whendecorating your childs room, dont overlook the largest surface in the room the walls!

Timefor Work and Time for Play - Hereare a few tips to make managing your crazy schedule much more manageable so youcan enjoy your time with your family.

TragicLoss - This article was not intended to offend.  Itdeals with an unpleasant topic but nevertheless it is a reality. Many parents are dealing with the untimely death of their children.  This one is for them.

Inspirational Quotes 

529Stories About Education ByDavid Rathgeb

In this day and age it is hard to contestthe value of a post secondary degree. The amount of education you complete oftenaffects your future earnings. People who earn a bachelors degree will, onaverage, earn 44 percent more than a high school graduate and those who possessa masters degree will earn 56 percent more than a high school graduate.¹Over a lifetime, the gap in earnings potential between a high school diploma anda BA is more than $1 million.² The case is clear obtaining acollege or other post-secondary degree can be critically important to meetingyour lifes goals. Unfortunately, the cost of college is only rising achild born today can expect to pay approximately $245,000 to attend a privatecollege and $113,000, to receive a degree from a public university.¹Thanks to the birth of the 529 plans, saving for education has become muchsimpler and more tax efficient.

Introduced in 1996, 529 plans are collegesavings plans enabling anyone to open an account and invest in college expenses(contribution limits may vary from state to state). Investments in 529 plansgrow (federal income tax-deferred) until withdrawal. Additionally beginning in2002, for assets withdrawn on qualified higher education expenses, such astuition and qualified room and board expenses, these earnings are federal incometax-free.³

There are no income restrictions and anyonecan establish a 529 account, also once established anyone can contribute to theaccount (so tell grandma to cut down on the toys and put some money in theplan). As a 529-account owner, you determine how your investment is used (sorryson the money we saved for your college is not for beer). If you are theregistered account owner and your child does not attend college, you may changebeneficiaries⁵ or withdraw the assets you have accumulated. Pleasenote that non-qualified withdrawals are subject to taxation and penalties.⁶

Waddell & Reed has a long-standinghistory of working to meet your financial needs. And thanks to our InvestEd planwe now have another way to fund higher education for someone you love. To sum upthe benefits of a 529 plan it offers; No Income Restrictions; HighContribution Limits; Broad Eligibility; Plan holder Control; Tax Advantages.

David Rathgeb is a Financial Advisor withWaddell & Reed. He can be reached for questions or comments at 610-374-6249or e-mail:  drathgeb78688@wradvisors.com.

(References / Resource information providedwith this article can be obtained from the editor)

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A Safety Issue:Germs and ZoosBy Melinda Izzo

With warmer weather approaching, many parents prepare theirchildren not only for fun, but also for safety. We caution our children aboutwearing bicycle helmets, applying sunscreen, not talking to strangers, andstaying together. One thing we tend to overlook is teaching our children aboutsafety from germs and bacteria. Its bacteria like E.coli that has recentlycaused great concern among parents of young children.

Associated years ago with the consumption of undercooked meatand unpasteurized milk and juices, outbreaks of E.coli have been linked topetting zoos in Pennsylvania as well as in Washington, Wisconsin, Canada and inthe United Kingdom.

The bacterium, E.coli 0157:H7 can cause a severe complicationcalled hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms are usually manifested within24-72 hours and can include fever, abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, andoccasionally vomiting. t is crucial to contact your health care professionalimmediately if these symptoms occur after a visit to a petting zoo. Leftuntreated, E.coli can result in renal failure. Infection is diagnosed by a labtest that can detect the bacterium in the stool. There is no specific treatment,and certain antibiotics and antidiarrheal agents such as Imodium may actuallymake the illness worse.

Hundreds of strains of E.coli live harmlessly in theintestines of humans and other mammals, particularly cows, sheep and deer.Transmission of E.coli occurs when children put their hands in their mouthsafter handling animals that may have infected fecal matter on their coats.Knowing which animals are infected is impossible. However, with supervision,education and vigilance contamination can be avoided.

Phenelle Segal, a registered nurse, having specialized inpublic health and particularly in the field of the spread of communicablediseases for 17 years, has the following advice and precautions for parents:

1. Never allow a child to take their sippy cup or snack into a petting area with the animals.

2. Kisses should be reserved for mommy and daddy---not the lambs and goats

3. Immediately after handling the animals, children should wash their hands.

4. If hand washing facilities are not available, have your child use an antibacterial gel or wipe containing at least 62% alcohol. Apply the gel generously and rub it into their hands until completely dry.

5. Do not let your child eat or drink anything until thorough hand washing has occurred.

Additionally, if your childs preschool or daycare is planning a trip to a petting zoo, talk to your childs teacher. Suggest that parents receive a memo outlining the above precautions and requesting that they provide their child with antibacterial gel or wipes. Suggest that one or two parents volunteer to be responsible for applying hand gel to each child.

Adult supervision is critical to ensuring that transmission does not occur.

Some may feel that the best way to avoid E.coli would be torestrict their childs attendance to any petting zoos or farms. However, to doso would deprive children of the interest, fun and education that they derivefrom visiting farms and zoos. Those petting zoos that have installedhand-washing facilities both at the site where the petting occurs and also inany eating areas, have had no further reported cases of E.coli.

This summer take opportunities to enrich your childs lifewith the many exciting opportunities offered in your community whether they areparks, museums, or petting zoos. Add many memories to your scrapbook, have fun,be safe and wash your hands!

AdoptionOption ByCindi Ronan 

Myhusband and I learned shortly after we were married that we couldn't havechildren of our own.  I was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer, and ahysterectomy was our best choice for a full recovery.  I had my surgery on Halloween 12 years ago. Even at that time, we never thought we would be childless, but we had noidea where this tragedy would take us.

Aftermany years of marital bliss, we decided to do some research on fertility andadoption.  Since I still had myovaries and we were blessed with several willing participants, we weighed theoption of having someone special carry our child for us. At the time, however, insurance companies were not interested in coveringanything like this.  So, we delvedinto adoption.

Iread book after book on the process and options available to adoptive parentsand birthparents. I reported back to my husband (he does not read as furiouslyas I do).  We decided to select anagency and get started.

Welearned so much, and we grew more than we had through any other experience inour lives.  After many letters,biographies, pictures, phone calls, and broken hearts, we were finally rewardedwhen our daughter Annie joined us in November of 1996. Our family was overjoyed, and we received well wishes from friends,relatives and their friends and relatives! Again, in June of 1998, Cassie joined us. Annie and Cassie were sisters, and our family was complete.

Myhusband and I strongly believe when adoptions happen it's because the childrenfind the parents, not the other way around. Our girls both came to us through bizarre circumstances, not from carefulplanning, and not from the agency we chose. Our girls believe they picked us!  Iencourage anyone who wants a child to consider adoption and make themselvesavailable to be found.  Adoptedchildren are truly a gift, and if you are willing to receive this gift, it willfind its way to you.  And thefulfillment you will receive from making a difference in a child's life, coupledwith the enjoyment and love they bring to yours, reinforces why you were broughttogether. 

So, I am grateful every day for ourtragedy of cancer, the tragedy that created our beautiful family! It certainly was not the journey we planned to take the day we married,and for that we are thankful.  Myhusband and I would gladly do it all over again!      

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Child Care and Electrical Safety

Protecting the Children

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 3,900 injuries treated in emergency rooms each year are associated with electrical receptacle outlets.  Approximately 1/3 occur when young children insert metal objects into an outlet.  CPSC also estimates that electric receptacles are involved in 5,300 fires annually which claim 40 lives and injure 110 persons.  Childcare facilities are required to keep their electrical outlets covered when not in use.  However, one of the biggest dangers at the outlet occurs when a cord is plugged in.  Here are important safety devices as well as precautions and procedures to help keep your children safe.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, also known as GFCIs, are designed to minimize shock and reduce the chance of electrocution, especially when electrical circuits within appliances inadvertently come in contact with water.  GFCIs are often installed in areas where electricity and water are most likely to be used in close proximity.  Since they can be damaged or wear out, it is important to have them tested regularly.  It is also important to keep in mind that the electrical receptacle in a GFCI may continue to function, even if the GFCI circuit no longer works.  Most public facilities built since the early 1970s have one or more GFCI receptacles installed. 

Outlet Covers- One of the most common safety devices in childcare facilities are plastic covers for electrical outlets.  However, after repeated use these covers often break or become loose in the socket.  One new product, the No Tug Plug Safety Plate (www.NoTugPlug.com), has unique child resistant safety doors which completely hide outlets that are not in use, thus making them out of sight and out of mind to a curious child.  In addition, the No Tug Plug locks cords that are plugged into outlets to prevent them from being accidentally pulled out by a child.

The No Tug Plug is the only safety cover that locks cords into the outlet.  This prevents children from removing the power cords and exposing dangerous electrical outlets. 

Electrical Safety Checklist for Daycare Facilities -Here are some questions every childcare facility administrator should ask:

            Who is responsible for electrical safety at our facility?

      How is electrical safety dealt with in the facility?

      How are our employees trained?

      Are all of our electrical outlets adequately protected? 

      Have GFCIs been tested recently?  Are they tested on a regular basis?  If so, how often?

     Do you know how to respond to an electrical accident?

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Exercise:A Family Matter ByShane Olkus

Why don't you exercise as often as youshould?

We guarantee at least 90% of you would list"not enough time" and "lack of childcare" in your top 3reasons.  In our modern times, everything moves at light speed.  Quiteoften, the first thing to get dropped from our hectic schedules is our workout.

• Remember that 20 minutes a day is all you need to get started. A workout need not take 2-3 hours.

• Work out at home. An entire program can be done with a set of dumbbells and a jump rope. It may be easier to find 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there, which you can do between cooking dinner and bedtime, etc. as opposed to going to the gym for an hour or so. An added bonus of working out at home is that your children see you exercising and will more than likely adopt the same habits.

• The quality time you may set aside with a spouse, friend, child or parent can be spent working out together. This serves two purposes a.) exercising with a "buddy" is more fun and b.) you will motivate each other.

• Walk, run or bike to do errands instead of driving.

• Stretch often. Stretching requires no equipment and is necessary to maintain good range of motion in our joints. Children love to stretch with you because they are usually very flexible and this is one of the things that they can do better than Mommy and Daddy.

Startthe Fitness Habit Young

All parents want theirchildren to grow up eating right and exercising. Remember, our children, like itor not, pattern themselves after us. If they see us exercising regularly theywill more than likely adopt the same habits.

Your children love to spendtime with you. Take full advantage of this by having your children exerciseright along side you. For example, go out for a run or walk while your childrides a bike or roller-blades with you.

If your exercise programinvolves weight training, your children can work out with small hand weights (1-2lbs) just like Mom or Dad.

Instead of buying your childthe latest animated movie, buy her an exercise video instead. There are numerouschildrens exercise videos out there and when shes stuck inside on a rainyday she can still get her daily exercise.

Youth athletics are anexcellent way for your children to get plenty of regular exercise and they arelots of fun as well.

The playground is an oldstandard tag, hopscotch, swinging and climbing are all forms of exercise thatare fun; your kids can get a great total body workout in 30 minutes at theplayground.

Teach your children to have apositive attitude towards exercise. Educate your children about the benefits ofexercise and the dangers of not exercising. Allow them to make their owndecisions on the type of exercise, and give plenty of positive reinforcement toencourage them.

Try to keep exercise light andfun. Avoid pressuring them to perform. Limit TV, computer and video game time this will free up time for exercise. Finally, make exercise a part of yourfamilys value system! Just as you would not leave the house in the morningwithout brushing your teeth, you should not dream of missing your exercise time.

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Start Horsing Around by Beth Bokunewicz

How would you like to teach your children responsibility, poise, grace, respect for themselves, respect for others, respect for life, balance, good sportsmanship, and give them an activity to keep them from getting into typical teenage trouble? Believe it or not, Im referring to horseback riding!

For decades we have been reading that children involved in extra curricular activities are less likely to do drugs or get involved in self-destructive activities. Programs in organized sports, dance, gymnastics, music, art and science are readily available to children.   However, one activity typically overlooked is the art of equestrian riding. The nature of the sport lends itself to grace and poise in everything from riding the horse to learning acceptable behavior in and around the arena or stable.

Equestrians are trained to be very directed, ambitious, focused, balanced, and always show good sportsmanship. Children are responsible for the animals grooming, saddle and tack care, and even cleaning their stall. (If they can clean manure they can certainly clean their room!) There is a strong sense of community among the people who work and ride at most stables and children are strongly encouraged to always offer to help in the chores of the farm. A child can begin by taking weekly lessons to acquaint the horse and rider. They start with exercises in balance and control and advance to technique such as posting when in a trot and cantering (similar to a slow gallop). Good posture is imperative to keep balance. The sport also strengthens the muscles in the arms, legs, back and stomach.

Most critical to me are the values taught to children who become involved in this sport. My 7-year-old daughter and my 5-year-old autistic son ride. They have developed great self-esteem, great sportsmanship, a true sense of community, a love of life and nature, and especially in my sons case, good muscle tone and a connection with the world around him. The $25.00 per week was a small price to pay for all the benefits my daughter is receiving and the fun she is having.  I also can honestly say the teenagers at our farm will be more likely to succeed in school, achieve their goals in life, and be less likely to make poor choices. (Just tell them they might lose horse privileges and watch how quickly they walk the straight and narrow!) 

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TimeFor Work AND Time For Play ByBeth Bokunewicz, President

Thealarm rings in the bedroom signaling the start of the day. Youve been up for over an hour taking a peaceful shower, makingbreakfast, packing lunches, and preparing for your 9AM conference call. Thechildren, having been reminded at least three times are finally washeddressed and ready for breakfast. (Its always amazing how early theyre upand dressed on the weekend!) Your spouse plants a kiss on all foreheads, grabsthe morning travel coffee mug, and heads for the door mumbling something aboutit being another one of those days. As usual, nobody has noticed youvemanaged to keep the house clean, pick up the dry cleaning, get the laundrycompleted, and have everyones schedules and carpools organized before you getto work. The rest of your day is filled with conference calls, meetings,projection reports, and problem solving, not to mention preparations for dinner,homework assistance, little league, and dancing school. Its amazing yourbrain can hold this much information and not turn to mush! How is a busy, working parent supposed to be effective at their job andalso be an attentive parent? Here are a few tips to make managing your crazyschedule much more manageable so you can enjoy your time with your family.

Makea date:It may sound crazy, but you need to have a plan in order to manage your lifewithout feeling stressed or dropping the ball on important issues. If you applythe same skills to your home life that you do to your work life, you will findmore time for fun and less stress. Have a certain night during the week befamily night. This is the week- night where you PLANto have dinner together, maybe at a family-friendly restaurant. Rent a funfamily movie and settle down with a bowl of popcorn together or take a shortneighborhood bike ride. Whatever you do, this is the night for family timewithout thinking about work or planning an after school activity. No friendsallowed, no phones to answer, just time for you!

Outsource:Believeit or not, it is not your job to be SUPER parent and nobody will hold it againstyou if you cant do everything. Invite grandparents, neighbors or closefriends to help with certain tasks. Pay a few extra dollars occasionally to havethings delivered such as dry cleaning or groceries. Prepare meals and packlunches on Sundays and freeze them or prepackage them for the week. Have thekids help when possible. Try to join carpools with parents in the sameactivities with your children that only require your attention once a week orevery other week.

Letthem help: Givecertain chores to your children or spouse to take some work off of you. Kids canlearn to fold laundry or empty the dishwasher as early as age 4! Your spouse canlearn to do laundry or pick children up from activities for you. Dont beafraid to ask for help.

Prioritize:This is adifficult skill. When it comes to family vs. work there should be no contest.Your job pays the bills and fulfills your personal goals but you need to makequality time for your family. Decide what is critical in your day and organizeyour time accordingly. If the dry cleaning can wait until tomorrow, let it wait!Also, find something that helps you shut down your brain on the way homefrom work. No matter how hard you try, if you have something happening at work,you wont be able to give your children your undivided attention if your mindis on work. Work needs to stay at work as much as possible. Whatever works foryou will help you truly enjoy your family time.

Telecommute:Everyonce in a while, depending on your company and your position, it is possible toset up a telecommuting program to allow you the occasional flexibility to workfrom home. This will help you accomplish two things. You can still get therequired work accomplished and when you take your standard breaks you can tossin a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, or make a quick trip to the drycleaners. The time saved in travel can be spent wisely as well. Just be sure notto forget that working from home is still working and your daily tasks for yourjob are top priority. If you can improve your productivity and lessen yourstress level your boss may be inclined to offer this option more often.

Theseare just a few tips to help you manage your busy life. Remember, your job isimportant but your family comes first.

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WowThem With Walls!ByBecca Williams, creator of WallNutz Paint By Number Mural Kits (www.wallnutz.com)

Whendecorating your childs room, dont overlook the largest surface in the room the walls!   They are emptycanvases for your creativity.  Some time and a few dollars can turn those blank walls intoworks of art.

       Hang inexpensive wall art.  Find posters from childrens museums, video rental storesand bookstores and mount them on foam board. You can have this done by a frame shop, or purchase foam board and sprayadhesive at a craft supply store and do it yourself.

       Take pages from old childrens books or calendars and place them ininexpensive frames.

       Frame your childs artwork.  Shewill be proud to know that you think her art is good enough for a permanentdecoration.  If your child is tooyoung, use artwork that you and your spouse did as children.

       Hang a colorful quilt on a wall.  Attractivequilt clips are available through Pottery Barn Kids.

Paintis also an extremely cost effective way to change the look of a room. A bright solid color of paint can go a long way in converting a blahwhite room into a cheery environment.  Whenselecting paint types, semi-gloss is your best bet for easily wiping away littlehandprints.   The following aretechniques to get even more creative with paint.

       Naturally, I think murals add a special touch to a childs room. My company, WallNutz, provides paint-by-number mural kits for thoseartistically challenged parents.  Paintinga mural can be a weekend fun project for the family, since kids as young as sixcan help.  Most of the murals areinexpensive as well you can buy the kit, paints and brushes all for lessthan $50.

       Try sponge painting on your walls.  Itseasy to paint a base color, then dampen a sponge, dip into the second color ofpaint and dab lightly on the walls.  Andhey, if you dont like it, just paint over the top!

       Use chalkboard paint on one wall.  Tapea rectangular area that is 4 in length by 3 in height, with the bottomstarting 2 from the baseboards.  Fillin with green or black chalkboard paint from a craft store.

       Magnetic paint is also available (www.kling.com), although a moreexpensive option than most paints.  Follow the instructions above for the chalkboard,substituting magnetic paint, and youll have a fabulous place for displayingyour childs artwork.

Inaddition to painting, wood accents can add a nice touch to walls. For example, wainscoting or plate rails are easy to install.  Paint the wood white or match other trim in the room, thennail into place with carpenters nails.  Platerails are also functional; they make a wonderful display area for pictures or tostore childrens books.

Whetheryoure doing a complete room makeover or sprucing up older decor, its worthspending time and a little money to add some WOW! to your walls.

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