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The teenager years are getting closer and your child is asserting their independence and personality as they explore the world. Having social connections to kids their age is important and especially challenging as we navigate a COVID-19 impacted reality. As adults, we’re struggling with these changes and know our kids are, too. Check out KidsHealth for tips to talk to your child about this virus and its impact on the world.  You can check out our website for resources and tools to check on the value of your child’s My Alfond Grant or create a monthly MyPlan to DO. SAVE. LEARN for their future.

Whatever your current reality, we want parents to know we’re in this together. For many families right now, it is a difficult time to think about saving for their child’s future and that’s ok. There are lots of things you can do today to help your kiddo tomorrow that doesn’t involve money. Check out some of our tips below for inspiration.

 Financial Tips for Parents with Children 8 to 10 Years Old

• 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 Whether your child receives an allowance, earns a bit of money helping out, or gets some cash for a birthday, help them see the value of the money they have. Consider using ⅓ to spend, ⅓ to save, and ⅓ to give to charity.
• Set a Savings Goal When your child sets aside money, ask them what they want to save for. Help them find out how much it costs, and sneak in some math as they figure out how long it might take them to meet their goal.
• Talk About It! Parents are often reluctant to talk with their children about money – but talking about money gives your kid(s) a chance to learn and to feel comfortable with financial matters. Let them know the kinds of things you’re trying to juggle and how you decide what to spend on and how to save, you may even want to involve them in the household budgeting.

Health Tips for Parents with Children 8 to 10 Years Old

• Healthy Snacks Make Healthy Kids! Whether you make chicken kabobs with peanut sauce or baked sweet potato fries, there are plenty of healthy options that are quick, cheap, and easy to make. If their favorite snack is something less than healthy for them, work with them to create a healthier alternative.
• Play, Play, Play The school year was unusual, and who knows what’s up for the fall. While your kids aren’t as busy with school and activities, make sure your child has an opportunity to play like you did when you were a kid. Unstructured play is a great way to promote physical activity as well as creativity. Put away the screens and enjoy the outdoors.
• Dental Health This is when your child’s smile changes from one school picture to the next. Promoting good dental care is important as new adult teeth come in. Many kids, and adults, have anxiety with going to the dentist. Make sure you child knows what to expect when going to the dentist and that good care starts at home with their toothbrush and floss.

Literacy Tips for Parents with Children 8 to 10 Years Old

• From Chapter Books to Series A confident reader for their grade level sets a strong foundation for every child’s future. Many young readers, ages 8-10, begin to enjoy chapter books, and some find that a book series is a fun way to build literacy skills while following characters through numerous adventures. Many of your childhood favorites may still be in print, or updated to relate to today’s kids.
• Attendance Matters! Did you know that missing even a few days a month means your child is considered chronically absent? When school is back in session, remember that being present to learn and build social networks with peers is crucial to their development.
• Go Ahead And Ask! Young readers love to share – ask questions about the book your child is reading. Who are the characters? What are they doing? And why? Ask open-ended questions and then step back and enjoy the excitement your child is experiencing.

Science & Math Tips for Parents with Children 8 to 10 Years Old

• Ready, Set, Cook! Kids at this age can help in the kitchen and move beyond putting ingredients in a bowl and stirring. Let them help with actual measuring and the math that goes with it. How many teaspoons are in a tablespoon? If you double a recipe, have them figure out the new measurements.
• At the Store You can find lots of everyday opportunities to do math and to help your child become a smart consumer. If cherries are on sale for $2.99 a pound, that’s not the same thing as saying a bag of cherries is $2.99!
• The Always-Popular Volcano Many of us have done this ourselves: add vinegar to baking soda and watch the bubbles and foam. You can make this as simple or as elaborate as you like!

 Parent Resources have been developed for the Alfond Scholarship Foundation (ASF) by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and are provided to you by the ASF, which is solely responsible for the Parent Resources content.