Dads Empower Kids To Take Chances

In the evenings after work, Mike King can often be found crouched down on all fours in the living room playing bucking bronco with his kids. Squealing with excitement, 5-year-old Wyatt and 3-year-old Ella will claw their way onto his back and hang on for as long as they can while King mimics the movements of a rodeo bull. Once the kids have been bucked off, the game generally dissolves into a raucous bout of wrestling and tickling.

It’s a lot of fun for King and his children. But the 37-year-old truck driver suspects that beyond the roughhousing, they’re also learning self-confidence and how to handle their young bodies as they wrestle, tumble and fall. It also helps them learn how to interact with others, to develop empathy and to rein in their aggression, says the Morgan Hill, Calif., dad.

“My son has learned he can’t play as rough with his little sister as he can be with me,” King says. “He’s learned how to calm himself down.”

As it turns out, King is right about dad-power. Over the past decade or so, researchers have begun to focus on the special role dads take in child-rearing. Their role extends far beyond rough-and-tumble play, experts say. Studies have shown that dads empower their kids, giving them the impetus to go out to explore the world, to meet new people and to take chances.

It’s not that moms never do that; it’s that dads do it more often, says Patrick Tolan, a professor at the Curry School at the University of Virginia and director of Youth-Nex: The University of Virginia Center to Promote Effective Youth Development. Moms tend to develop a more empathetic and emotional relationship with their children, Tolan says. They also tend to be more supportive in play, allowing the child to take the lead. Dads tend to direct playtime and encourage their kids to take risks.

“Mothers help children feel connected, anticipated and wanted,” Tolan says. “Fathers teach them how to interact with others and how to control themselves when they feel their needs aren’t being met.”

A study published earlier this year in Early Child Development and Care shows the impact of those two approaches. Researchers from the Universite de Montreal School of Psychoeducation observed as moms and dads interacted with their toddlers while the kids, aged 12 to 18 months, were exposed to “risky” situations. In one experiment, a stranger came close. In another, toys were placed at the top of a flight of stairs.

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The Best Family Cars of 2011

Kings of the Road While most guides emphasize style and speed, this one is all about substance. We’ve teamed up with Edmunds.com, the leading online car-buying resource, to identify the models that meet the needs of parents who have young kids, loads of gear to schlep, and a tight budget. Every vehicle on our list comes standard with a full set of front, side, and side-curtain air bags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. Our picks offer fuel efficiency, effortless handling, and family-friendly features; nine of the 15 have been named Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Before you hit the showroom, take a spin through our guide.

Sedans: Subaru Legacy No other sedan on our list comes with standard all-wheel drive, a huge bonus if you often contend with wintry conditions or unpaved roads. The Legacy has a spacious rear seat, eight cup holders, and a rear center armrest that puts distance between cranky siblings. And many extras are offered à la carte rather than bundled in costly packages, allowing you to add heated seats, satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling without busting your budget. Starts at $19,995 MPG: 19 city/27 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5 passenger capacity, 3 car-seat capacity

Sedans: Honda Accord A mainstay on our annual list, the Accord offers an unbeatable blend of space, value, and reliability. Its roomy second row makes snapping car seatsin and out a breeze. The sliding center armrest can be customized for your comfort. A storage console between the two front seats keeps your gear organized, while your kids get cup holders and large seat-back pockets for stashing their doodads. The hatchback version, known as the Crosstour (starting at around $30,000), offers four-wheel drive and backup camera options, makes loading gear a bit easier, and sits several inches higher for parents who prefer a more commanding view of the road. Starts at $21,180 MPG: 23 city/33 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, Backup sensors available, 5 passenger capacity, 3 car-seat capacity

Sedans: Honda Accord A mainstay on our annual list, the Accord offers an unbeatable blend of space, value, and reliability. Its roomy second row makes snapping car seatsin and out a breeze. The sliding center armrest can be customized for your comfort. A storage console between the two front seats keeps your gear organized, while your kids get cup holders and large seat-back pockets for stashing their doodads. The hatchback version, known as the Crosstour (starting at around $30,000), offers four-wheel drive and backup camera options, makes loading gear a bit easier, and sits several inches higher for parents who prefer a more commanding view of the road. Starts at $21,180 MPG: 23 city/33 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, Backup sensors available, 5 passenger capacity, 3 car-seat capacity

Budget: Ford Fiesta It’s so cute you almost want to hug it, yet the Fiesta can capably handle a family of four until the kids reach middle school. While the entry-level version is spartan except for the standard rear heat/air ducts, you can spiff it up with Ford’s voice-activated Sync system (which allows for hands-free audio control), a push-button start, and cool ambient lighting, features seldom available in an economy car, and still spend about $16,000. It’s stable on the highway and boasts the outstanding maneuverability you’d expect for a vehicle of this size. Plus, the mileage beats even that of some hybrids. Starts at $13,320 MPG: 29 city/40 highway Special features: IIHS Top Safety Pick, 5 passenger capacity, 2 car-seat capacity

Budget: Mazda 3 You might temporarily forget you’re a parent as you motor around in this affordable funmobile — and that’s the point. Still, the rear seat has plenty of nods to kids, including a bounty of storage nooks and cup holders as well as a rear armrest for car-seat graduates. But you may be sold more on its ability to take a corner (thanks to its precise handling) or zoom past a truck (the four-cylinder engine is built for speed). Though traditionalists will opt for the sedan, the hatchback adds extra cargo capacity and easier loading. Starts at $15,800 MPG: 20 city/33 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, 5 passenger capacity, 2 car-seat capacity

Budget: Honda Fit This hatchback is a small car that acts big. Your family will definitely get to know each other better in the cozy cabin. But with the myriad storage bins and seatback pockets for stashing books, toys, and sippy cups, at least you’ll prevent clutter. Honda somehow found room for ten cup holders. The rear seat splits in two and folds flat into the floor (while still accommodating a car seat on one side), a nifty feature found mostly in minivans. It’s also a treat to drive, with a perky engine and crisp handling that will put a smile on your face, whether you’re on the freeway or snagging a teeny parking spot. Starts at $15,100 MPG: 27 city/33 highway Special features: USB jack standard, 5 passenger capacity, 2 car-seat capacity

Eco-Friendly: Ford Fusion Hybrid If you want a more luxurious hybrid sedan, look no further. This model comes with power seats, dual climate control, and two standard power outlets to charge your phone and your kid’s gaming toy at the same time. Backup sensors are standard, along with a capless gas tank that keeps your hands clean during fill-ups. Although it costs about $3,000 more than a comparably equipped Fusion sedan, this version offers 50 percent better fuel efficiency and the same fluid feel that makes it a pleasure to take on long trips. One trade-off: There’s slightly less trunk room, since the battery pack takes up some of the space. Starts at $28,405 MPG: 41 city/36 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Backup camera available, Backup sensors available, USB jack standard, 5 passenger capacity, 3 car-seat capacity

Eco-Friendly: Volkswagen Golf TDI This redesigned hatchback’s turbocharged direct-injection engine decreases noxious emissions while producing greater fuel efficiency and lively pickup. The Golf is loaded with standard accoutrements, including rear heat and A/C vents for the kids’ comfort, a clever touch-screen audio system, and seats with built-in lumbar support — a godsend if you cart kiddie stuff around all day. If you want to spend less, a gas-powered version (with fewer standard features and MPG ratings of 23 city/33 highway) starts at $17,995. Starts at $23,885 MPG: 30 city/42 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Bluetooth capability standard, USB jack standard, 5 passenger capacity, 2 car-seat capacity

Eco-Friendly: Toyota Prius The world’s best-selling hybrid gets amazing mileage and offers nice conveniences, including a smart key that automatically unlocks the vehicle as you approach (so you don’t need to fumble around while carrying your baby and a diaper bag) and an adjustable sliding armrest. The hatchback design provides a flat cargo-loading area. True environmentalists may want to wait for the “plug-in” Prius coming next year, which will run up to 15 miles on a battery charged through a household outlet before reverting to regular hybrid mode. Starts at $23,050 MPG: 51 city/48 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, Backup camera available, Backup sensors available, 5 passenger capacity, 3 car-seat capacity

Crossovers: Mazda 5 With seating for six people in three rows, the 5 is ideal for smaller families who still want to run the car pool. The cushy second-row seats are sure to be a hit with your kids, as will the storage tray that pops up between them for managing snacks and sippy cups. The third row is tight for adults but fine for anyone under 12. It also folds into the floor, providing space for several suitcases. And unlike full-size minivans, this one has a nimble, sporty feel on the road. Starts at $19,195 MPG: 21 city/28 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, USB jack standard, 6 passenger capacity, 4 car-seat capacity

Crossovers: Kia Sorento This newly redesigned crossover does what many competitors do — for a lot less money. The wide rear seat will keep three kids comfy, and the cargo well can accommodate the goods from a huge Costco run. An optional third row boosts the total capacity to seven. The Sorento comes with five years of free roadside assistance, a comfort for any parent. Since the standard four-cylinder has ample power and better fuel efficiency, it’s not worth spending $2,400 extra for the Sorento’s V-6 option. You’re better off springing for a $1,500 package that includes easy-to-clean leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a rear backup camera.Starts at $21,195 MPG: 20 city/27 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, All- or four-wheel drive available, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Bluetooth capability standard, Backup camera available, Backup sensors available, USB jack standard, 7 passenger capacity, 5 car-seat capacity

Crossovers: Toyota RAV4 The RAV4 has made our list for five years running because of its terrific handling and optional third row (suitable for babies through tweeners), which boosts the capacity to seven. The second-row seats slide forward and back, so you can keep your child within easy reach of a replacement Binky. The spare tire is mounted on the back, which creates extra trunk space (including a concealed bin underneath). And the four-cylinder engine is potent enough that the optional V-6 seems like an unnecessary $2,000 extravagance. Starts at $22,025 MPG: 22 city/28 highway Special features: All- or four-wheel drive available, Backup camera available, USB jack standard, 7 passenger capacity, 4 car-seat capacity

Big Cars: Toyota Sienna The revamped Sienna minivan glides through curves and has a sturdy feel that will make drivers feel confident. All seven seats are generously sized, and an optional pop-in chair in the second row raises the capacity to eight. Standard rear A/C controls let your kids choose their own temperature setting. There’s storage galore, including two glove boxes, deep door pockets, and a center bin large enough for a diaper bag. Fold down the back two rows, and the Sienna morphs into a van that can transport furniture. Starts at $24,560 MPG: 19 city/24 highway Special features: All- or four-wheel drive available, Power lift gate available, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Backup camera available, 8 passenger capacity, 5 car-seat capacity

Big Cars: Ford Explorer Whereas the old Explorer was a rugged off-roader, this revamped SUV is intended for carpooling as much as camping trips. The cabin is modern and quiet, and the ride is crisp. You can upgrade the second row to bucket seats if your kids need more personal space. Standard features include four power outlets, overhead reading lights in all three rows, and the voice-activated Sync audio system. Ford also offers inflatable safety belts in the rear; these are designed to reduce crash injuries for adults and kids who no longer need a car seat. Starts at $28,190 MPG: 17 city/25 highway Special features: Steering-wheel audio controls standard, All- or four-wheel drive available, Power lift gate available, Backup camera available, IIHS Top Safety Pick, 7 passenger capacity, 5 car-seat capacity

Big Cars: Honda Odyssey The Odyssey minivan has long stood out for its size-defying maneuverability, and this redesigned version lives up to that reputation. The cabin is well-designed, with a flip-up ring for holding a trash bag and second-row seats that slide outward in case you want to put more distance between your kids. The middle seat shifts forward (to within easy reach of Mom or Dad) and transforms into a cup holder/armrest when it’s not being used. A single tug lets you stow the third row, leaving enough room for all of your luggage plus endless beach gear for your summer getaway. And the two top-end versions include a “cool box” that keeps up to six canned drinks chilled. Starts at $27,800 MPG: 18 city/27 highway Special features: Power lift gate available, Backup camera available, IIHS Top Safety Pick, 8 passenger capacity, 5 car-seat capacity

The Early Buzz on Electric Cars Plug-ins, battery-powered vehicles that can be recharged at home, have finally reached showrooms. The Chevrolet Volt (pictured, starting at $32,780 after a $7,500 federal tax credit), named the 2011 North American Car of the Year, seats four and runs 35 miles on battery power before a gas engine kicks in, boosting the driving range to 375 miles. The Nissan Leaf (starting at $25,280 after the tax break) is a small hatchback that can log up to 100 miles on a charge. But since it has no backup power, it’s impractical for longer road trips. Both can be charged from a standard outlet. The upside: Your fuel costs can drop by two thirds or more, based on current gas and energy prices.

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8 Mood-Lifting Tricks to Learn From Happy People

Are you a yes-man, gossip queen, or negative Nancy? Toxic tendencies can take a toll on your well-being — so resolve to give up these bad habits for good.

You gave up smoking years ago, rarely make high-calorie slipups, and only drink alcohol on occasion (we’ll cheers to that!). But are you taking care of your mental well-being? From holding grudges to people-pleasing, bad emotional habits can do a number on your stress levels — and even lead to depression.

The good news? Just as you’ve resolved to improve your physique and ward off disease, you can also enhance your emotional health by replacing bad habits with good ones. In fact, studies show that emotionally healthy people have better relationships, higher self-esteem, and a greater sense of well-being. That’s why we’re challenging you to take a look at our list of emotional-health “don’ts” — and drop them now.

Silence Gossiping

We’re all guilty of back-fence chitchat (and occasionally airing others’ dirty laundry), but if you actually enjoy talking about the misfortunes of others, this bad habit could backfire on you. “Gossip — not celebrity but the malicious kind — will isolate you from colleagues, friends, and family,” advises Debbie Mandel, MA, an emotional health expert and author of Addicted to Stress. “People will fear what you say about them and will not trust you, and consequently, you may begin to feel a bit ostracized.”

Your challenge: Swap your blabber-mouthing tendency for this one: Try spreading positive stories about the people in your life, Mandel says. You’ll keep more friends this way!

Nix Your Negativity

Are you a “glass-half-empty” kind of person? It’s time to drop this bad habit now. Why? Studies show that people who are optimistic not only have better emotional health than pessimists, they also live longer. In fact, an upbeat attitude can help lessen stress, chronic pain, and even reduce your chances of developing heart disease.

Your challenge: If you’re constantly expecting the worst, remember: You get to choose your own thoughts, so why not practice replacing negative ones with positive ones?

Just Say No to People-Pleasing

Pleasing others sounds like a good thing, but there’s a tipping point: If you find yourself constantly over-extended and worrying too much about other people’s problems instead of your own, you could be a “yes-man” (or woman).”Saying yes to everyone means that there is an unhealthy balance in your life,” Mandel says. “The key to health and happiness is the balance between giving and receiving. And saying no when you are depleted means you are saying yes to yourself.” Even more reason to say no? According to the American Medical Association, suppressing and silencing your own needs could damage your cardiovascular system.

Your challenge: Next time someone asks you to cover for him at work, watch her dog for the weekend, or for the last bite of your dessert, interject with this: “No way, José.”

Give Up Giving Up

We all have our down days, weeks — even years. But letting yourself get steamrolled by adversity is one bad habit you need to bag pronto. In fact, studies show that one of the most important aspects of emotional health is resilience. The opposite of giving up? Bouncing back. According to the American Psychological Association, people who are resilient learn how to balance their emotions, deal with their problems, and ask for help when they need it.

Your challenge: Instead of adopting a “woe-is-me” attitude the next time you have a bad day, think of something that you feel fortunate for in your life (your cat Fluffy, an upcoming vacation, or the delicious dinner you had last night) — and march forward.

Let Go of That Grudge (Once and for All)

Holding grudges is more than just a bad habit: It can seriously harm your emotional health. While anger and resentment can cause your stress levels to snowball, research shows that forgiveness leads to less stress, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk for depression. Remember: Begrudging hurts you more than the person you’re angry with.

Your challenge: Has someone been the butt of your grudge for too long? Find a way to forgive her — now.

Ditch the Self-Digs

Are you the object of your own ridicule? You may not realize it, but if you constantly put yourself down, over-apologize, or can’t seem to accept a compliment, you could be wrecking your self-esteem. “Many of us can’t accept a compliment so we use self-deprecating humor or counter the compliment with a negative trait,” Mandel says. “For example, ‘You look great today.’ ‘Who me? No, I gained five pounds.’ Your words actualize your thoughts.”

Your challenge: Next time someone pays you a compliment, say thanks! “Speak about yourself in the positive, and you will actualize your beliefs,” says Mandel. “There is great power in the placebo effect.”

Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously

Turns out, laughter may be one of the best protectors of your heart. According to a study presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association, people who laughed less were more likely to have heart disease than those who knew how to let out a good chuckle. Being able to find amusement in life’s strange twists and turns helps you put things in proper perspective.

Your challenge: Discover a joke that makes you LOL — and share it!

Quit Worrying About What Others Think

A study of 600 college students found that those who based their self-worth on external factors (such as their appearance or grades) were more likely to experience emotional health issues like anger, anxiety, and poor relationships. On the other hand, those who based their self-esteem on being a good person and helping others were healthier emotionally and enjoyed a stronger self-esteem.

Your challenge: Create a goal that is bigger than yourself — this may just be the best emotional health habit of all.

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Bowling Lessons for Beginners : How to Choose a Bowling Ball

Fall / Winter Leagues

Bowling Lessons for Beginners : How to Use Lane Arrows
in Bowling

Sunburn Recovery

Definition

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Description

Sunburn is caused by exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVB radiation causes most sunburn (about 85%). However, most UVB rays are absorbed by sunscreens, but only about half the UVA rays are absorbed.

Although sunburn itself is not a serious health problem in the short term, skin cancer from sun overexposure is in the early 2000s a growing problem in the United States. Both UVA and UVB radiation play a role in the development of a form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma accounts for only 4 percent of all skin cancer, but 79 percent of skin cancer deaths, or about 7,900 deaths annually in the United States. In addition, more than 1 million Americans develop nonmelanoma skin cancer each year, although deaths from this form of cancer are much more rare (about 1,000 per year).

Skin contains a protective pigment called melanin. The darker the skin tone, the more melanin is present. Fair-skinned people are most susceptible to sunburn, because their skin produces only small amounts of the melanin. However, even the darkest-skinned people can get sunburn and skin cancer.

Infants are most susceptible to sunburn and should be kept out of the sun at all times. Children are more susceptible than adults, and because of their outdoor activities get three times more sun exposure on average than adults. It is estimated that one-half to three-quarters of an individual’s total number of lifetime sunburns occur in childhood and adolescence.

Long-term effects of repeated sun overexposure and burning can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. Overexposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, especially a serious burn in childhood. Individuals at highest risk for developing melanoma are those who have intermittent severe (blistering) sunburns in youth or adolescence.

Occasionally an allergic response to a drug will cause a skin reaction resembling sunburn in the absence of sun exposure.

Demographics

Infants and children are more likely to get sunburned than adults. Individuals who live in areas where the climate is mostly sunny year round (Arizona, southern California) are at higher risk both for sunburn and skin cancer. Those living at high altitudes are also at higher risk. The chance of being sunburned increases about 4 percent or every 1,000 feet (300 meters) rise in altitude. Fair-skinned, pale, freckled individuals are more likely to get sunburned than individuals with darker skin. Sunburn is extremely common. One poll found that in the summer of 1997, 13 percent of children had developed a sunburn in the preceding week.

Causes and symptoms

The ultraviolet rays in sunlight destroy cells in the outer layer of the skin, damaging tiny blood vessels underneath. When the skin is burned, the blood vessels dilate and leak fluid. Cells stop making certain proteins because their DNA is damaged by the ultraviolet rays. Repeated DNA damage can lead to cancer.

When UV rays burn the skin, immune system defenses that identify the burned skin as foreign are triggered. At the same time, the UV rays transform a substance on the skin that interferes with this immune response. While this keeps the immune system from attacking a person’s own skin, it also means that any malignant (cancerous) cells in the skin will be able to grow freely.

Sunburn causes skin to turn red and blister. Symptoms appear from one to 24 hours after sun exposure and peak several days later, after which dead skin cells peel off. In severe cases, the burn may occur with sunstroke (vomiting, fever, and collapse). Severe cases of sunburn may require hospitalization.

When to call the doctor

The doctor should be called any time there are symptoms of heatstroke, dehydration, blurred vision (possible sun damage to the eyes), chills, fever, vomiting, or blistering associated with sun exposure.

Diagnosis

Sunburn is easily diagnosed by visual inspection of the skin. No laboratory tests are needed.

Treatment

In most cases, treatment involves making the sunburned person more comfortable. The individual should get out of the sun and protect tender skin against more sun exposure for at least one week. Pain can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Individuals with moderate sunburn over a large area should drink extra water to avoid dehydration. In addition, discomfort may be reduced by using the following:

   • calamine lotion

   • sunburn cream or spray

   • cool tap water compress

   • colloidal oatmeal baths

   • moisturizer creams to reduce skin peeling

People who are severely sunburned should see a doctor who may prescribe corticosteroid cream to speed healing. Extreme sunburns that blister may require treatment in a hospital burn unit and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Individuals who develop sunburn as the result of a drug reaction should see a doctor promptly.

Alternative treatment

Over-the-counter preparations containing aloe (Aloe barbadensis) are an effective treatment for sunburn, easing pain and inflammation while also relieving dryness of the skin. A variety of topical herbal remedies applied as lotions, poultices, or compresses may also help relieve the effects of sunburn. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most frequently recommended to reduce inflammation.

Prognosis

Short-term prognosis is excellent. Moderately burned skin should heal within a week. While the skin will heal after sunburn, the risk of skin cancer increases with exposure and subsequent burns. Even one bad burn in childhood carries an increased risk of skin cancer.

Prevention

Infants under the age of six months should be kept strictly out of the sun. Sunscreens have not been approved for use by infants. Everyone age six months and older should use a water-resistant sunscreen having a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 15, with an SPF of 30 or more strongly recommended for children. Sunscreen should be applied 15–30 minutes before going outside, as it takes that long to bond effectively with the skin and become effective. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours (more often after swimming).

In addition, people should take the following steps:

   • Limit sun exposure to 15 minutes the first day, even if the weather is hazy, slowly increasing exposure daily.

   • Reapply waterproof sunscreen after swimming for more than 80 minutes, after toweling off, or after perspiring heavily,
     or every two hours if not swimming.

   • Avoid the sun between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. when the sun is strongest and most direct.

   • Wear a hat or cap to protect the face.

   • Use sunscreen when participating in snow activities such as skiing where sunlight is reflected off the snow.

   • Wear an opaque shirt on water, because reflected rays are intensified.Parental concerns

   • Parents, concern about their child’s sun exposure is usually influenced by their own experience with tanning and sunburn.
     Until the early 2000s, a tan was considered healthy rather than an increased cancer risk. Many adolescents still desire a
     tanned look but should be discouraged from as much sun exposure as possible. Those who insist on tanning should be
     encouraged to tan gradually and avoid burns.

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Tips for Going Back to School

It’s school time again! You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over. Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while. Let’s find out more about going back to school.

The First Day

Most teachers kick off the school year by introducing themselves and talking about all the stuff you’ll be doing that year. Some teachers give students a chance to tell something about themselves to the rest of the class.

When teachers do the talking on the first day, they often go over classroom rules so you’ll know what’s allowed and what’s not. Pay close attention so you’ll know if you need to raise your hand to ask a question and what the rules are about visiting the restroom.

You might already know a lot of kids in your classes on the first day. But it’s a great day to make a new friend, so try to say hello to kids you know and new ones that you don’t. Make the first move and you’ll be glad you did and so will your new friend!

Moving to Middle School?

Sixth grade often signals a move to middle school or junior high, where you’ll find lockers and maybe a homeroom. This is just what it sounds like — a classroom you’ll go to each morning, kind of like your home in the school. In middle school, you might move from classroom to classroom for each subject. Your teachers know that this is a big change from elementary school and will help you adjust.

Most teachers let you pick your own seat on the first day, but by the second or third morning, they’ll have mapped out a seating plan. At first, it’s a good idea to write down where your seat is in your notebook so you don’t forget.

Feeling Good on Day One

Seeing friends you haven’t seen in a while can make the first day a good one. You also can make the day feel special by wearing an outfit you like. Maybe you got a great T-shirt on vacation, or your new sneakers put a spring in your step. If you wear a uniform, you might wear a favorite watch, a new hair band, or a piece of jewelry to show your personal style.

It can make you feel good to be prepared and have all the supplies you need. Some schools distribute supply lists before the year begins, so you can come stocked up on pencils, folders, and whatever else you’ll be needing. Once you’ve covered the basics, you might tuck an extra few dollars in your backpack for an emergency (like forgetting your lunch money). Or maybe you’d like to bring along a book or magazine to read while you’re on the bus.

Whatever you put in your backpack, make sure you pack it the night before. This prevents the morning panic when you can’t find your homework or lunch box. Speaking of lunch, that’s something else that can help you feel good at school — whether it’s the first day or the 100th day. Help your parents pack it the night before if you don’t like what’s on the menu at the cafeteria. Try to include a variety of foods in your packed lunch, especially fruits and vegetables.

Get Oriented

The first day of school is your first chance to find your way around a new school, or learn the pathways to new classes in your old school. It’s a lot to learn in one day, so don’t be surprised if you need a reminder or two.

It might help to write a few notes to yourself, so you’ll remember the important stuff, like your locker combination and that lunch starts at 11:43, not 12:10. Before you know it, your fingers will fly as you open your locker and you won’t have to check your notes to know what time lunch starts!

A Bad Start?

What if you hate school by the end of day one? Teachers recommend giving things some time to sort themselves out — once you know your way around the building and get adjusted to the new routine, you’ll probably feel better. If those feelings don’t fade, talk to your mom, dad, teacher, or school counselor.

Here are a few final tips for a fantastic school year:

   • Get enough sleep.

   • Eat a healthy breakfast.

   • Try your best.

   • Use good work habits, like writing down your assignments and turning in your homework on time.

   • Take your time with school work. If you don’t understand something, ask the teacher.

   • Keep a sense of humor. One teacher we know shows his new students a picture of himself graduating high school —
     a grinning ape in a red graduation cap and gown. This usually makes the kids laugh, and it’s a good way to remind them
     that school is fun!

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The History of Labor Day

Top 30 Summer Songs

The sun is shining, the beaches are crowded and the bodies are tanned, which can only mean one thing —
Summer 2011 is in full swing. To celebrate the return of our favorite season, we’ve scoured the Billboard chart archives and updated this definitive list of the most popular songs about summer ever recorded.

These 30 hot tunes with summer-specific themes are ranked based on each track’s performance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart from August 4, 1958 — the inception of the chart — through the chart dated May 28, 2011.

Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least.

Surfin’ Safari

Summertime

Wipeout

Cruel Summer

Summertime Blues

A Summer Song

Suddenly Last Summer

Surfer Girl

Summer Breeze

School’s Out

Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer

Summer Love

Saturday In The Park

Summer Girls

California Girls

Summer

Under The Boardwalk

Summer Of ’69

In The Summertime

The Boys Of Summer

Summer Nights

Surfin’ U.S.A.

Hot Fun In The Summertime

Summertime

Endless Summer Nights

Surf City

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini

Wipe Out

Summer In The City

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