Are you aware of that kids can lose an upward of three month's worth of reading progress during this summer break? The famous "summer reading slide" is well documented and shows that learning declines in all kids during these lazy, crazy days, but especially in reading. Kent State education professor, Timothy Rasinski , points out that this can mean a loss of one-and-a-half years of reading achievement through the sixth grade!

But don't despair. The reverse is also possible. Reading just a few books before school starts can save kids from the summer reading loss. Studies also show that parents play a crucial role particularly on their older kids' reading attitudes and behaviors, as well as helping to find the right book to capture their interest.

Watch the segment from TODAY

Here are nine parenting solutions to get kids reading, beat that dreaded summer reading slump, and hopefully even rekindle that great love of the printed page.

1. Let them pick. A study by Scholastic found that 89% of kids say their favorite books are the ones they pick. Kids also say a big reason they don't read is that they don't like what we selected for them. So get your child involved in the selection. If he has difficulties finding the right book, talk to a children's librarian, check into a resource on great books kids like to read, or ask other kids for ideas. Or check out iVillage's best series reads for tweens.

2. Find the right level. The big trick is finding reading material appropriate to your child's reading level--not too high or not too low. Check your child's last report card or reading achievement scores, which may give you a clue as to what is appropriate for your kid.

3. Think outside the book. Don't be too picky as to what your kid reads: Cereal boxes, cartoons, the sports page, baseball cards, those new graphic comic book novels are fine. Find what piques your kid's interest. What are his hobbies? What are other kids reading? Remember, the literary merit is trivial--getting your kid to feel comfortable with reading is what matters.

4. Set aside time to read. Kids say the biggest reason they don't read for fun is there isn't just enough time, so carve out a few minutes a day. Hint: Eliminating just one TV show or activity will free up 30 minutes a week to read. Set aside a time where everyone reads and make it a family routine. Encourage your older kid to read to a younger sibling.

After all the test-taking, application filling, essay editing, campus touring and acceptance-waiting, the big event is almost here.  Your child will soon be leaving for college.  But is your teen really ready to handle life away from home sweet home?

If you've suddenly realized that your same high school grad who passed those SATs with flying colors can't change a light bulb or balance a checkbook, believe me you're not alone. Many parents are dealing with those same anxiety pangs. The good news is there are still a few weeks left before those final goodbyes.

Here are four steps you can use to help your college bound teen really be ready to handle life solo style. Just keep in mind that the move in date is quickly approaching so best to start this one ASAP.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY "AWAY FROM HOME" NEEDS
Over the next days/weeks tune into your teen and determine which life skills he can and can't do without your help. Then create a list of what your teen needs to learn like changing a tire, making a doctor's appointment, using a microwave, paying a bill, using a fire extinguisher, writing down appointments, balancing a savings account or doing laundry. Keep adding to that list of what life skills you think your teen needs for the environment he'll be living in.

STEP 2: MAKE A REALISTIC PLAN
Look over that list and prioritize what your teen really needs to learn and what is realistic to teach in the time you have left. Get your teen involved by asking what she feels she lacks in the "handling life" department. Then use a calendar to create your teaching plan. Write a different life lesson you plan to review before your teen leaves home for each week.

STEP 3: TEACH SKILLS FOR INDEPENDENCE
Zero in on one area each week before those college doors open. The goal is to ensure mastery so your teen can do the task without you. First teach by going through the task together and explaining each step so that she knows what to do. Only use real life examples. For instance, if you're teaching her to write a check, go to the bank and set up a real checking account, then require her to use that checkbook from now until school starts. Finally supervise to ensure that she can handle the job solo.

STEP 4: START BACKING OFF
Once your teen knows how to do the task alone, then back off. No more rescuing. Instead, begin to teach another skills. Your new parenting mantra to follow is: Never do for your child what he can do for himself. This is also the time to slowly start expanding that curfew and his responsibilities.

Of course, the real secret is not waiting until that move out day to teach these critical life lessons. So roll up your sleeves and start in. There's a wonderful Navaho proverb that says, "We raise our kids to leave us." Turn these next weeks in parenting to achieve that goal.

So what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking and the big count down is on. GO!


Dr. Michele Borba is the author of over 22 books including the upcoming Big Book of Parenting Solutions.

That old term "perfectionism" has popped up in the news lately. Here are just a brief review of the troubling headlines every parent should know and why we should be concerned...

In a study of 1,300 women, 50 percent of those with eating disorders described themselves as having been "obsessive perfectionists" as early as age eight." (Inskeep & Neighmond, 2004).

A recent Harvard Mental Health letter warned that perfectionism is linked with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

A recent survey cited that girls as young as five years old aspired to be thinner (Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters, 2007)

Well, FINALLY a children's book that tackles head-on the growing problem of perfectionism in kids who feel that their best is never good enough. It's called, Too Perfect and it's written by one of my favorite children's author, Trudy Ludwig. She also wrote My Secret Bully, Just Kidding, Sorry!, and Trouble Talk®. Too Perfect shows girls that perfectionism has its price and tackles head-on the growing problem in kids who feel that their best is never good enough.

Trudy sheds light on the unhealthy pressure kids (and grownups!) put on themselves to look and act perfect. Best yet, she offers practical solutions to help young readers be more accepting of themselves and others. I can't recommend it enough!

I hope you have a chance to pass this wonderful book along to your daughter. What a tremendous relief it will be when our kids finally realize they don't have to be their best; they just have to try their best.

Too Perfect has just the right message to help you have those important talks with your child. It's a message today's girls can't hear enough!


Dr. Michele Borba is the author of over 22 books including the upcoming Big Book of Parenting Solutions.

Earlier, I wrote about the troubling epidemic of stressed-out kids and urged us all to look closer at our children. Since each child displays stress a bit differently, the secret is to look for change in your child's normal coping pattern and watch your child carefully to identify his unique stress signs. Here are a few places to start:

...or What Parents Can Do During the Holiday Break To Tune in to Their Teen’s Emotional Needs and Prevent a Tragedy

Your teen spent months studying for those SATs, filling out college applications and agonizing. Then came the acceptance letter! So he moves into the dorm, you hug goodbye and drive away assuming that the stress is over and his new life has begun. Right?

(More students are leaving during the second semester of their first year. Parenting expert Michele Borba tells parents how they can help. Watch the video.)

Not according to the latest statistics from university counseling centers. Stress and pressure in teens has reached epidemic levels. In fact, the freshman year dropout rate has reached an all-time high at more than 26 percent (that’s one out of every four students). Plus, four out of ten students report feeling depressed to the point that it was difficult to function.

Depression, stress, and drop-outs peak during the second half of the first year. College counselors are aware of these troubling stats and are making changes on campuses to try to better meet kids’ emotional needs. Meanwhile, thousands of college students are home for the holidays, back to family and friends. And it’s over this holiday break when parents play a critical role in making sure that second semester goes smoother and safer.

Here are seven things you can do:

There's no doubt about it -- tutoring has turned into a billion-dollar business. Tutor prices can vary from $10 to $250 an hour. It's really little wonder with all the emphasis on test scores and the push to try to get kids into the best colleges. But do you really need to hire someone from that pricey tutoring site or can you just use the kid next door?

Remember the best tutor isn't necessarily the one everyone in town is using -- or the one who charges the most. The key is to “Know thy child” and find the person who matches your child's learning needs.

Here are five tips to help you hire the best tutor for your child.

1. Figure out the need. Why do you think your child needs a tutor? Is he struggling in a subject? Has homework turned into World War III? Is your relationship with him suffering? Does your child have a learning disability? Does he need specific help the teacher can't provide? Is he behind because of illness or a move? Is a major exam coming up -- and that test score is critical? Are grades plummeting? Be very clear about your objective, and then find a tutor who can best match it.

2. Seek out your child's teacher. Your goal is to give your child's learning a boost, so connect with his teacher and get her take. You might ask: Do you think my child needs a tutor? What specific skills or subjects does he need help in? Is there a test schedule so the tutor can review the material? Does he need a tutor with teaching experience? Do you have any tutor recommendations? What tutoring schedule would best fit my child's attention span and learning capabilities?

3. Tailor the tutoring to fit your child's learning style. Here are three more areas to consider when choosing the best tutor for your child:

• Schedule: What would be the best tutoring schedule for your child? Is it once or twice a week; thirty minute, one- or two-hour sessions; individual or group sessions? How long can he attend to his homework without being distracted?

• Personality: What type of personality would your child be receptive to? The tutor should be someone your child feels comfortable with. So match the tutor's personality to your child.

• Learning style: What kind of learner is my kid? Is your child a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner? (If you don't know, ask the teacher). If your child is struggling, then teaching the concept the same way may not be advisable. Your child may need a more creative tutor who customizes his sessions to your child's learning needs.

There are alternatives to that $250 an hour tutoring center: a retired teacher, a high school student who is a Spanish whiz, the 12-year-old next door your kid adores who helps him with those math flash cards. Ask for recommendations. Interview the people. Then hire the person who would be best for your kid's personality and learning style, and is experienced in the subject matter.

4. Create a tutoring plan. Once you hire the tutor, sit down and create a plan together. Ideally your child should be in on that plan. She needs to be comfortable with this person. A few things to discuss with the tutor include: What specific steps does the tutor plan to take to help your child? How will progress be assessed? How will school assignments and tests be covered in the sessions? What feedback will you get? Be clear from the start about the tutoring schedule and payment plan. Also, find out if the tutor has expectations of you? (Are you supposed to be reviewing lessons as well?) And then check in briefly at least every other week to see how things are going.

5. Prioritize tutoring. Your child needs to know that tutoring is just as important as soccer practice or violin lessons or scouting. In fact, something may have to give so your child isn't overscheduled. If you want the tutoring to help your child's learning, then you must prioritize it. Also arrange the tutoring at a time when he can concentrate on the sessions.

Keep your expectations realistic! No tutor is a miracle worker so it may take time to see progress. And do keep encouraging your child's efforts: “I know this is tough, but here's where you were seven days ago. Look how much you've learned in a week!”

All the best!

Michele Borba

Dr. Michele Borba is the author of Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me: The Top 25 Friendship Problems and How to Solve Them.

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