The Allstate Blog » Kids

5 Ways to Make Your College Summer Break Productive

MovingInsider — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:02:43 +0000

After a full academic year of intense study, and one last push through final exams, most college students can’t wait for summer break. Thoughts of days that don’t require study, fun with family and friends, and perhaps, plans for travel fill the minds of those ready for a few months of relaxation. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a college student spending the summer months idle; however, it’s possible to make a college summer break an industrious time—full of productivity. Here are five great ways you can maximize the value of your summer break:

Land a solid internship that is worth its weight in gold.

With the economy continuing in "recovery" mode and persistently high unemployment rates, recent college graduates have encountered difficulties in getting hired due to a lack of experience. Landing an internship in a field related to your major or career aspiration may separate you from the pack. In some cases, after graduation, the company may even offer you a full-time position.

Donate your time to enhance the lives of others.

Charitable organizations are always looking for positive and energetic individuals to contribute their time and talents. Giving your time to a charity will likely be a part-time commitment where you can still make a noteworthy impact in the lives of others, and gain experience working with an organization. Further, it can be a place where you can develop useful contacts; most non-profit advisory boards are full of individuals who are well-connected in the business world.

Earn some extra cash while gaining work experience.

Search for seasonal job options that can provide a respectable source of income for the summer months. You will gain valuable work experience that may benefit you when it comes time for your post-graduation job search; plus, saving these earnings can provide you with cash reserves that could be used as a recreational fund for the next academic year.

Conduct research now to make your life better later.

Many college graduates will be responsible for paying back varying amounts of student loans. According to a report from the Institute for College Access & Success' Project on Student Debt, the average college senior will graduate with nearly $27,000 in debt. By reaching out to your school’s financial aid office and embarking on a thorough research quest, you might be able to lower the expected amount owed. Each year, new grants, programs and scholarship opportunities are being offered. It’s very possible that you could lower your student loan amounts with research and diligence.

Take on the project you’ve been putting off.

The school year likely keeps your schedule full, leaving you little time to focus on the activities, projects, and hobbies that enrich you as a person. The focus of your college experience is to grow academically, but also flourish personally. Use the break from full schedules and studying to put in some hours with your favorite activity or overdue task. Maybe this means spending the time on your bicycle checking out some new trails, or getting your dorm room organized (with a system in place to keep it that way). Make a list of all of the things you put off when school is in session and select a few that will improve your life. However you choose to spend your college summer break, make it something that is meaningful and beneficial to you. Once you move back to campus in the fall, you’ll be refreshed and ready for the semester. As you graduate and enter the job market, the chance that you will have such a significant span of time to focus may become slimmer. Take full advantage of your final years of college by seeking treasured experiences that you will never forget. What is your favorite productive way to spend college break? Have you done any of these activities over your summer break? Let us know below in the comments section. This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

Has Your Child’s Identity Been Stolen? Know the Warning Signs

Melissa — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:04 +0000

Many of us have heard the warnings about identity theft. But, did you know that your children can fall victim to identity theft too? Recent statistics show that it happens. Carnegie Mellon University's CyLab found that 10.2 percent of 40,000 children involved in a 2011 study were victims of identity theft. Childhood identity theft can have devastating long-term financial implications. It can affect a child’s ability to take out a student loan, receive a scholarship or get a credit card. Identity theft may even impact future job opportunities.

Child Identity Theft Warning Signs

How do you know if your child’s identity has been stolen? Be vigilant about protecting your child's identity, and watch for the following red flags:

Unsolicited credit card offers. Have you received one or more unsolicited credit card offers in your child’s name? Credit card offers are never intentionally sent to minors.
Social Security account statement. These statements track annual contributions and anticipated benefits. Unless your child has a part-time job, an earnings statement in your child’s name is a clear indicator of fraud.
A bill or a collection agency call for your child. Don’t dismiss this as a case of mistaken identity. A call from bill or collection agency can be a clear sign of identity fraud.
The Internal Revenue Service contacts you about your child. If the IRS informs you that your toddler hasn't paid his income taxes, this is a warning sign that someone may be masquerading as your son.

Tips for Preventing Child Identity Theft

Identity protection for your child starts with some privacy precautions. Here are some tips that may help reduce your child’s risk for identity theft:

Be proactive. Start by checking with the fraud divisions of all three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Credit reporting agencies typically do not keep a report on file for minors. If there is a report, then there’s a good chance that your child’s identity is compromised.} And consider purchasing identity restoration coverage, which can help protect you and your family against identity theft and help repair any damage to your identity. Talk to an Allstate agent for more information.
Be cautious when giving out your child’s Social Security number. If a school, youth sports team, or a medical office asks for your child’s Social Security number, know that it’s OK to question why they need it, what they will do with it and how they plan to keep it safe.
Shred anything with your child’s personal information. Shred forms, documents and mail before disposal.
Never carry your child’s Social Security card. To help reduce the risk for theft; leave you child’s card -- and the cards of all the members of your family -- in a safe place, like a safe at home or a safe deposit box.

What to Do If Your Child's Identity is Stolen

If you find out that someone has stolen your child's identity, there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage. If you discovered that a credit report (fraudulently) exists for your child, contact any one of the three major credit bureaus (that bureau is legally required to alert the other two) and ask them to put a "fraud alert" on the file. Report the identity theft to the FTC. Also, contact your local police department to file a report. By taking a few simple proactive steps, and staying alert to early warning signs, you can minimize your child's risk for identity theft or the impact it will have should it ever occur. What concerns you most about someone's stealing your child's identity? Share your thoughts below.

13 Family Safety Items for a Mom’s Purse

Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:01:21 +0000

I used to carry a massive satchel for a purse until, one day, I realized that I didn’t use 80 percent of the items inside, and that I was walking with one shoulder noticeably higher than the other. That’s when I decided to pack lighter and smarter. I still carry my cellphone, a small wallet and I try to always have cash with me. But here are a few family safety items you may not have thought of – unusual items you can carry in your purse.

Two or three small pieces of moleskin; just the right size to cover a sore spot on a foot before it becomes a blister. Make sure to buy moleskin that has adhesive on one side.
Individual packets of sun block, insect repellent and antibacterial gel wipes. There’s no need to carry entire bottles if you buy some of these packets.
A black Sharpie. This is handier than a pen or pencil if you need to leave an emergency note with your car, or write your cellphone number on your toddler’s arm (in case the two of you get separated in an emergency).
Peanut butter in a packet for a quick jolt of protein. Almond and other nut butters also come in these foil packets.
A tiny LED flashlight to light the way, find your keys or signal for help.
A small pair of tweezers. This is not just for plucking a stray eyebrow but for removing slivers, cactus spines or tiny shards of glass.
Super glue can be handy to keep a small wound closed. Don’t use it on the face or near the eyes or on a jagged, deep cut. Of course, super glue is also handy for mending a broken nail or other small repairs.
A tube of lip balm or chap stick, wrapped in several inches of duct tape. (This is a good way to store a small stash of tape).
An individual packet of a powdered sports drink mix, to provide a boost of energy and electrolytes.
A set of hand and/or foot warmers during the winter.
Jelly beans, or other hard candies. These can help alleviate a sore throat or cough, pacify cranky kids and provide a boost of sugar. If yours contain Vitamin C, that’s even better.
Several safety pins of different sizes. The uses for these will become self-evident.
A multi-tool. Even in the days of carrying The Big Purse, I was always looking for a way to cut through twine, price tags, etc.

Keep most or all of these family safety items in a quart-size zip-top bag, both to keep things organized but also to provide a plastic bag for trash in all sorts of emergencies. Lisa Bedford, author of Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst Case Scenarios, also blogs at www.thesurvivalmom.com. She believes there is power and peace in being prepared.

Prevent Halloween Accidents with These 7 Home Safety Tips

Melissa — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 11:00:12 +0000

Halloween is a night for costumes, spooky thrills, trick-or-treating, candy and, of course, fun. No one wants their happy Halloween to be marred by an accident. Everything from Jack O' Lantern candles to poorly lit walkways can pose a safety problem for trick-or-treaters and homeowners. But, not to worry -- there are several precautions you can take before those zombies and ballerinas start knocking on your door. Whether you are transforming your home into a haunted house or simply handing out candy to your neighborhood ghouls and goblins, a quick safety check will help ensure a happy night of haunting. Keep Halloween scary… in a good way! Follow these seven tips for Halloween safety. No. 1: Trick-or-treat safely. Halloween safety for kids starts at home. Remind trick-or-treaters to walk, not run, between houses and stick to well lit driveways and sidewalks. No. 2: Light up the night. Lit candles or luminaries may add a spooky glow to your home, but they also pose a serious fire hazard. Trick-or-treaters can easily knock over the lit candles lining your front walk, injuring themselves and potentially starting a fire. Instead of real candles, opt for LED tea lights or wind a string of orange lights around your front porch. If you have a long driveway or walkway, turn on your regular outdoor lights, as well. Any lights used outside should be grounded and rated "water-resistant/UL approved for outdoor use." No. 3: Clear a path. Illuminate a clear path from your driveway to the front door. Repair loose porch railings and uneven walkway stones that pose a safety threat to young trick-or-treaters. If you add spooky yard decorations like tombstones, fake cobwebs or mummies, be sure that these decorations do not obstruct any pathways. No. 4: Clean up your yard. Fueled by candy and adrenaline, young trick-or-treaters often race from house to house, cutting through yards and alleyways. Anticipate potential hazards: Rake leaves, remove dead branches, trim hedges and fill in large holes. Store bikes, potted plants, gardening tools and hoses out of the yard and a safe distance from any walkways. No. 5: Confine pets. The constant excitement of young children ringing the doorbell is simply too much for many pets. Scared cats can dart out the front door, knocking over carved pumpkins and candles. Dogs that mistake trick-or-treaters for intruders may inadvertently attack a young child. Avoid a Halloween pet mishap by keeping Fluffy and Fido away from the excitement. No. 6: Check your homeowner’s coverage. Opening your home up to visitors, even if they are just trick-or-treaters on the front porch, can expose you to potential insurance claims and lawsuits. Check with your insurance agent to make sure your house is adequately covered. No. 7: Practice indoor fire safety. Hosting a Halloween party for adults? Check your smoke alarms; a working smoke detector is the best way to reduce the risk of someone being injured in a fire. Keep decorations like crepe paper away from carved pumpkins and open flames. How do you prepare your home for Halloween? Recommended by the Editor:

6 Halloween Safety Rules for Homemade Halloween Costumes

P. Reyhan — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:00:04 +0000

Goblins, ghouls, and ghosts… oh my! Both store-bought and homemade Halloween costumes can be wickedly fun – and also unsafe. Long costumes, a lack of fire-retardant material, masks that obscure vision and sharp accessories pose a safety hazard for young trick-or-treaters on the go. This Halloween, whether you buy your children’s costumes at the store or make them at home, be sure to put safety first. Follow these six Halloween safety rules when outfitting your trick-or-treaters.

1) Shorter is safer.

Falls are a leading cause for Halloween injuries. In the excitement of ringing doorbells and collecting candy, it’s all too easy to trip on a long costume or slip on a rocky path. Be sure that long costumes and capes stop several inches from the ground when your child is standing. When in doubt, hem up costumes by an extra inch or two.

2) Use lighting.

A glow stick, a flashlight or reflective tape can help children be more visible to oncoming traffic. For extra visibility, add a strip of reflective tape to your children’s trick-or-treat bags and the backs of their shoes. If your children use a flashlight, put in fresh batteries at the beginning of the night.

3) Don’t feel the heat.

The bottom of a long costume can easily catch fire when swept over a Jack O' Lantern candle. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, since 1980 at least 16 trick-or-treaters have sustained burns while wearing their Halloween costumes. All costumes, capes, wigs, beards and accessories should be fire-resistant. Costumes with spray-on glitter have the greatest risk for flammability, since the glue that holds the glitter is not flame-retardant. For homemade Halloween costumes, opt for sewn-on sequins rather than sprayed-on glitter.

4) Leave the mask and high heels at home.

Masks limit eyesight, so opt for fun hats, wigs or non-toxic face paint to complete your child’s costume. To prevent potential skin or eye irritation, remove all face paint before children go to sleep. High heels can also be dangerous; your princess will look just as regal in some pretty ballet flats, and she'll be much safer walking between houses.

5) Skip the sharp accessories.

Does your pirate need a sword to complete his costume? Is your witch missing her magic wand? Make-believe accessories, like knives, swords and wands, should be constructed from soft plastic or foam with no sharp tips. Otherwise, a child could easily trip and hurt himself--or another trick-or-treater--with his own sword.

6) Walk, don’t run.

If you won’t be accompanying your kids while they trick-or-treat this year, remind them to walk, not run, between houses. Avoid neighborhood short cuts and stay on well-lit sidewalks. This is especially important for children wearing dark costumes, like witches or goblins. Even with reflective tape, it can be difficult for drivers to see kids darting between cars or crossing streets mid-block until it’s too late. What will your child be dressed up as this Halloween?

Bedtime Stories: Cinderella Needs Carriage Insurance [VIDEO]

Brendan — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:00:50 +0000

Classic fairy tales seem to resonate with every successive generation. The concepts, themes and lessons taught are timeless. But, children are always looking to change things a bit and create their own world with their unique imagination. This version of Cinderella illustrates that clearly, because as the father reads the story to his little girl at bedtime, she interrupts with no-so-subtle changes to the story...maybe even making it better. It seems the father gets caught up in the creativity, injecting his own tweaks to the story that address his fatherly concern for safety and preparedness.

Hoarders or Just Messy? Reclaim Your Kid’s Room with These Tips

Sue — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:00:07 +0000

Dead spiders. Cicada carcasses. colorful leaves and rocks. My 10-year old nephew’s bedroom is filled with these “treasures” he collects while exploring the woods behind his family’s country home. His closet is stuffed with Matchbox cars, Star Wars action figures, assorted Lego blocks and Harry Potter paraphernalia. Then, there’s his ever-growing collection of Xbox games that threaten to overtake the family media center. On a recent visit, my normally affable nephew had a full-on meltdown when his parents tried to throw away his old Happy Meal toys. Is my nephew a victim of our consumer culture – or should he be staring in his very own episode of “Hoarders: The Elementary School Years”? Children are notoriously messy, and in a culture that increasingly values object accumulation over quality time, it’s no surprise that my nephew’s room looks like a Toys “R” Us exploded. And while my nephew’s room may look like a disaster zone, psychology professor Randy O. Frost says this is not a cause for concern. “Collecting is very important for kids, starting at about age 2, when they learn the meaning of the word 'mine,' up until early teenage years,” says Frost, co-author of “Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things” and a professor at Smith College in Massachusetts. So, if it’s perfectly normal for a kid to have collections – even extensive ones like my nephew’s collection of bug carcasses – is it still possible to achieve order in the chaos? Absolutely, says Leo Babauta, author of the popular Zen Habits blog. According to Babauta, the key is regular de-cluttering, kid-friendly organization bins and constant containment. Follow these five home organization tips to reclaim your child’s room:

Start with a massive purge. Identify the important items and then donate or dispose of the rest. We started with my nephew’s closet, saving the toys he still plays with while thinning down his bug collection. Many older toys were in great condition for donation, while the Happy Meal freebies went straight to the garbage.
Create kid-friendly storage. Containment is vital for clutter management. Bins and cubbies make it easy for kids to toss their toys inside after playtime. Create a bin for sports gear, stuffed animals, Legos, etc. We also created an inbox for my nephew’s school papers.
Clean as you go. Kids are not perfect; they’re naturally messy and enjoy collecting objects. Teaching kids to clean up what they mess up can help control the clutter. If my nephew wants to play Xbox, he needs to first put away his bug collection.
Buy less, enjoy more. As a doting aunt, I bear part of the blame for contributing to my nephew’s toy chaos. Changing a child’s thinking about toys starts by changing our thinking: Focus on quality over quantity, experiences over objects. Rather than showing up with a new Xbox game whenever I visit, now I plan trips to the amusement park, an afternoon baseball game or a hike through the woods. We may come back with a few new bugs, but that’s part of the experience.
Develop clean house habits. Regular de-cluttering is essential to keeping the mess under control. After holidays and birthdays, ask children to identify toys to donate in order to make space for their new gifts. This same rule applies to the adults. Do you have stacks of old magazines sitting in your living room? Gently worn clothes at the back of your closet? Never-used appliances taking up space in the kitchen? Set an example by donating objects with your kids.

What are your home organization tips for children’s rooms? Do you keep a list of all the items in your home? Share your ideas below!

Stay Safe During Child Passenger Safety Week

Brendan — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:00:36 +0000

It’s a daunting task that all new parents must face: properly using and securing safety seats for their children. While built to be a safe as possible, automobiles of all types can be dangerous, especially for your passengers – a fact that can be exacerbated when young ones are not properly restrained. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 12 years old, according to usa.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids are coming together this week to kick off Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 16-22) and remind parents and caregivers to make sure that they are properly using and installing child safety seats. Safe Kids and NHTSA are encouraging everyone to take 15 minutes to conduct an at-home checkup using the following Safe Kids downloadable checklist:

Right Seat. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it's appropriate for your child's age, weight and height.
Right Place. Kids are VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13. Doing this, along with correctly using the appropriate child restraints, greatly reduces the risk of injury.
Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.
Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child's shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you're good to go.

Child Passenger Safety Week began September 16 and culminates September 22 with National Seat Check Saturday. Throughout the week, Safe Kids, with the support of the General Motors Foundation, will host hundreds of child seat inspections across the country as part of its Buckle Up Program, a national initiative established 15 years ago to keep children and families safe in and around cars. Car seat inspections offer drivers the chance to receive assistance and guidance from certified car seat technicians regarding proper installation of their child safety and booster seats. --NHTSA.gov

Purchasing the right seat is one thing, but proper installation can be tricky. A new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) survey shows that parents are making five significant mistakes when using car seats and booster seats. It also found that one in five parents do not read any instructions when installing seats. They are:

Wrong harness slot used: The harness straps used to hold the child in the car seat were positioned either too low or too high;
Chest clip in wrong position: Harness chest clip positioned over the abdomen rather than the chest or not used at all;
Loose car seat installation: The restraint system moved more than two inches side-to-side or front to back; anything more than one inch is too much.
Loose harness: More than two inches of total slack between the child and the harness strap; there should be no slack.
Seat belt placement was wrong: Lap belt resting over the stomach and/or shoulder belt on the child's neck or face.

The survey also revealed that 20 percent of all drivers of child passengers did not read any instructions on how to properly install their child restraints, yet 90 percent felt 'confident' or 'very confident' that their car seats and booster seats were installed correctly.

For more information and tips on child passenger safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS and www.safekids.org.

Steps to Help Prevent West Nile Virus

Sean — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:00:18 +0000

Earlier this month, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the United States is experiencing its largest surge in the West Nile virus since 2004, with more than 1,590 confirmed and probable cases in 47 states. So far this year, 66 people have died from the virus as of the time this article was written. It’s important to note that 80 percent of those infected with WNV will not show any symptoms and will recover without treatment. Up to 20 percent will experience flu-like symptoms, including head and body aches, nausea and vomiting, fever and occasionally swollen lymph glands and skin rashes. According to the CDC, one in 150 will become seriously ill, with symptoms including high fever, headache, disorientation, tremors, neck stiffness and muscle weakness. In the most severe cases, victims will experience convulsions, vision loss, stupor, numbness and paralysis. Among this group, the disease can be fatal. Although the virus can spread through transplants, transfusions, pregnancy and possibly breastfeeding, the vast majority of victims are infected by the bite of an infected mosquito. Simple, often overlooked health concerns like this can be a bit scary. And since September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, there's no time like the present to ensure that your affairs are in order should the unthinkable happen. So, what can you do to reduce your risk and that of your family? There are two key strategies to keep in mind: Avoid exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on your property.

How to Protect Yourself

Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn, dusk and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you are going to be outdoors at those times, or if you’re going to be spending time in an area known for mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Ensure that your children do the same.
Use mosquito repellent with DEET, and apply it to both your skin and clothing. Keep it off children’s hands, so they don’t inadvertently put it into their mouths or eyes, and never use on children under the age of 2. Remember: The higher the percentage of the active ingredient, the longer it will work.
If you are outdoors with an infant or very young toddler, use mosquito netting over the child’s stroller or playpen.
Make sure you have good screens on all windows and doors, and keep an eye on those coming and going so no one accidentally leaves a door standing open.
If you have a pet door, make sure it has a hardy flap in place, and check it frequently to ensure it remains in good condition. If it’s showing signs of wear or if the seal is no longer secure, replace the flap.

West Nile Prevention on Your Property

Although you won’t be able to keep mosquitoes off your property, you can eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed, to keep the population down:

Check and unclog your gutters often.
If you have birdbaths, change the water frequently — once per week at a minimum.
Empty outdoor pet dishes frequently. Don’t allow water to stand in a pet’s bowl for days on end.
Empty unused swimming pools; this includes popular baby and toddler wading pools. Store them on their sides or upside-down when not being used.
Do you have any containers or children’s playthings that can hold water? These also are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Eliminate them, or empty them out immediately after a rainfall. If your kids have a tire swing, drill a hole in the bottom so the water drains out. If they have a sand-and-water table or box, empty or change the water frequently.

Seek Help if You Experience Serious Symptoms

Although preventative measures can’t guarantee that you won’t become infected withWest Nile, these steps can help minimize your risk. If you or your loved ones are bitten, however, keep an eye on each other. If your partner or child begins complaining of more serious symptoms, or if you observe such symptoms, seek medical attention. To learn more about the West Nile virus, visit the CDC and Mayo Clinic websites. Have a house and a car? Consider combining insurance.

National Preparedness Month: Be Prepared [SLIDESHOW]

Melissa — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:00:22 +0000

Don’t wait for a natural disaster or other catastrophe before you think about what your family would do in an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month, and it gives you the perfect opportunity to get ready for whatever Mother Nature may have in store. Whether it's a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake, a wildfire or some other catastrophe, there are specific steps you can take to make sure you’re ready. [slideshow]