Founder of RNG International Educational Consultants, Rebecca Grappo, M.Ed, C.E.P, discussed with Allen Cardoza and Dr. Melody Foxx why international students who study in the United States usually go back to their homelands changed forever in positive ways.

The programs are so successful that often these children grow up to become leaders in their professional fields, their communities, and their countries.

With several hundred boarding schools, programs and over 4,000 universities to choose from, Rebecca helps parents narrow their search. An expert in matching the best options to the student, they can find the right fit for their own individual learning styles and interests.

International students enjoy a unique and rewarding American boarding school or university experience because RNG International Educational consultants combine both cultural sensitivity and professional expertise.

During the interview, Grappo talked about how passionately she cares about kids. As an educational consultant, she knows that her work can make a real difference in the life of a child and his or her family.

Nothing is more important to parents than to know that their children are getting a quality education and are preparing for their future. However, finding the right educational setting where their child will thrive is a challenge many families face. As an educational consultant, Grappo provides encouragement and support to help families and children through the process.

Grappo helps families in many ways. She helps parents who worry about whether or not the next international school will be able to meet their child’s needs, as well as parents who have noticed changes in behavior that concerned their child. And she helps children who seem to be struggling with learning issues or fitting in, as well as children who are confused and overwhelmed by the college admissions process and options.

Whether it is identifying your child’s special needs, finding the best learning strategy, or finding the right boarding school or college, RNG International Educational helps make a real difference.

Visit www.Answers4thefamilyblog.com to find out more about RNG International Educational Consultants.

Technorati Tags: Allen Cardoza, Education, families, international students, parenting, Parenting Teenagers, Rebecca Grapo, RNG International Educational Consultants

by K. Kendall

A question from Chrissy: Why do parents put bad behaviour from teenagers down to hormones?
It is just not true. I see teenagers everyday who come from extreme hardship, whether it be someone in Africa who is having to look after a child in poverty, or teenagers here who have to look after disabled parents etc. I went to India and saw kids doing their h/w under streetlamps, just so grateful to even have an education.
Teenagers who behave badly are just extremely spoiled and ungrateful. It has nothing to do with hormones. Do you agree?

Selected answer:

Answer by arial39
some of them dont want to admit their parenting ways have failed…..others actually believe it.

Agree or disagree? Leave your own thoughts below.

Technorati Tags: behaviour, down, from, Hormones, Parents, Teenagers

[youtube:RoF47hsphXM?fs=1;[link: Find A Summer Camp];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoF47hsphXM?fs=1&feature=related] Here are some things to consider when visiting a camp, watching a video or flipping through the brochure. Please note many of these areas may affect your child’s stay at summer camp. Be sure to ask the Summer Camp Director if you can not find information that you feel is a top priority for your child.

Facilities Take careful note of the condition of the facilities. Are the buildings well maintained, or do they show clear signs of a lack of maintenance. Though well worn and rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you’ll want to look for and ask about include:

Bunks: * Are they in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many beds are in each bunk? * Are the beds individual cots or bunk beds? * Do the campers choose which beds they want? What if they don’t want a top bunk? * Where do the campers store their belongings? * Are the bunks crowded? Is there enough storage space? Does it look like the camp has overbooked and crowded extra campers in? * How clean are the bunks? Beds should be made by the campers and belongings should be in cubbies. * Where do the counselors sleep? How many counselors sleep in each bunk?

Bathrooms: * Where are the toilets? Does each bunk have it’s own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? * If there is a common bathhouse, do children have to walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Are there showers in each bunk? * Do campers have to walk in their bathrobes/pajamas to the showers? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower facilities? * Who cleans the facilities, and how often?

Waterfront or Swimming Pool: * Is the pool large enough to accommodate all swimmers? * Are the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What kind of waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the level of waterfront supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets always worn during water sports? * Are swimming areas clearly marked? * How do they account for swimmers? Buddy board?

The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?

Dinning Hall:This is one of the most important areas in camp. Your child will spend 2-3 hours a day in the Dinning Hall. So make sure the Camp Directors understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience Their are an increasing amount of dietary option and allergy that camps are dealing with. If you have special dietary needs don’t be forget to make sure they can accommodate you Kids Summer Camp * Is there enough space for the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together? After all, this is your child’s best friends. * Are meals buffet style or are campers served? If they are served, who serves the food? * What if the camper doesn’t like the main selection? Are there alternatives? Is there a salad bar? * Are snacks served? Is there a canteen/camp store? * What is a typical menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? * Who is the kitchen director and what are his or her credentials? * What are the safety and cleanliness standards? Is the kitchen inspected by local authorities?

Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select ACA Accredited camps

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful Teen Summer Camp by visiting SummerCampAdvice.com

Swift Camp a non-competitive, traditional Overnight Summer Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. We promote Nature & Science along with traditional camp activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as a Teen Adventure Camp.

Technorati Tags: Advice, environmental camp, family, kids, minnesota camp, Nature, outdoors, parenting, Parenting Teenagers, recreation, summer camp, Teens, travel

A question from Maddy: Is this a form of abuse or neglect? There is a family here in my town there are 2 teenage boys?
the parents are known drug users. I am not the only one in town who sees what is going on.. the Teens have no adult supervision and i believe they are probably doing drugs with the parents! The parents have a bad reputation here and these boys need a better life. I dont want to report this to anyone unless i know for sure this is a form of abuse or neglect. I believe if the parents had a reality check they would realize that the boys are following in mom and pops footsteps

Top answer:

Answer by kerryFirst Name
Call child protective services and tell them of your concerns. Better safe than sorry.

How about adding your own answer to the comments below!

Technorati Tags: abuse, boys, family, form, here, neglect, teenage, there, This, town

by JessicaAG

Question posed by growing4inhim@sbcglobal.net: Looking “how to find”sponsors to help teenage boys in “Horse Therapy” ,this is a cool tool
There is a boys home(been around at least 30 years) in the city I live in that is running in the “red financially” and has lost it’s funding for 10 boys who have been getting “horse therapy” for their emotional(ANGER,OUTBURST ETC.) needs. This has really been helping them. The company that does this, I’ve know for a long time and I am looking to help them find sponsor ships for the young boys. this is my first time doing something like this on the web or any where. I would like to help this ministry. But I especially would like to help children {with out permanent homes or parents} in need.

The best answer:

Answer by life_with_maddock
check your local car dealerships, the owners ( depending on who they are and where they are located ) can sometimes help. we have a few dealerships here that have been around for a long time that have local owners. they like to support local charities and programs since it gives them good publicity. ( it helps if the owners are big outdoors people.

I m glad to hear you want to help out this group. Isnt hippotherapy great!

What do you think? Leave you answer below!

Technorati Tags: boys, cool, findsponsors, help, Horse, looking, teenage, Therapy, This, tool

by Nina Matthews Photography

A question from larupa g: Are teenage girls more likely to get in an argument with their parents than boys are?
this is for my english paper please help me

Most detailed answer:

Answer by birdie
Yes.

What do you think? Leave you answer below!

Technorati Tags: argument, boys, Girls, likely, more, Parents, teenage, than, their

School is over and your child has just wanted to have a party. This is only the beginning of a long summer vacation. Be prepared.

Before the kids turn to pulling pranks on their siblings – or worse, you – you need to get them busy with activities. This is also a great opportunity to remind yourself why being a dad rocks and get out there with your kids. Maybe its time to think about Summer Camps

Here are 4 things to do with your kids to make this a great summer!

Go Hiking Just in case the walking around the zoo is not enough activity for you, take the kids hiking. Many of your local forest preserves likely have walking trails that can test your level of fitness on and have hte opportunity to enjoy nature. To this day, one of our family’s favorite vacations was visiting the Smoky Mountains where we spent almost the entire trip hiking the trails within the park. We got great exercise and had fun exploring the unknown.

Gather Your Kids And Their Friends And Play A Game. Tell your kids to gather up a group of their friends and play a game with them. Play basketball. Play dodgeball. Play tag. You against all of the kids. Your kids’ friends will think you are the coolest dad ever and your kids will likely be feeling the same way. As the kids get older, you can get more competitive and try harder – until the day that you are trying your hardest and they are whooping your butt!

Have A Treasure Hunt Whether you break out the metal detector to look for buried treasure or just make up a treasure list like when you were a kid at a sleep over, you will have fun exploring. Part of the excitement with a treasure hunt is just imagining the possibilities. Maybe you will find some long-lost artifact that would make Indiana Jones proud – or maybe you will just find a dime that has been buried for years. Most kids will be just as happy either way.

Parents often do not have the time or energy to keep up with your kid so consider an Summer Youth Camp this summer for your child. [youtube:pTbm0BuWg84;[link: Summer Camp] ;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTbm0BuWg84&feature=related]

Swift Nature Camp is a Summer Camp for boys and girls 6-15. We blend a traditional camp with that of an Nature Summer Camp

Technorati Tags: Advice, children, Childrens summer camp, Education, family, kids, parenting, Parenting Teenagers, summer camp, Teens, travel, vacation

by wenno

A question asked by NONAME: Some parents encourage their young teenagers to smoke a pack of cigarettes all at once in order to make them?
ill and deter future smoking. Do you agree with this parenting technique?

The No 1 answer:

Answer by Guava
That’s crazy.

What do you think? Leave you answer below!

Technorati Tags: Cigarettes, encourage, once, order, pack, Parents, smoke, some, Teenagers, their, them, young

You may have watched the television show the Brady Bunch at one time or another and thought about what fun it may be to have a blended family. Blended families are becoming increasingly popular in society, and if you are thinking of creating one there are a few parenting tips that can help things go as smoothly as possible during the transition.

It is very important to take some time to talk to your children about what a blended family is before you remarry. Your child or children may not understand the concept at first. If they have any questions about what it will be like having a step parent or step siblings, try to be open and honest with the child. It is a hard thing for a child to get used to the thought of having new family members, so try to be patient with them during the process.

Once a parent has remarried, children are going to need some time to adjust to the new household. Let the relationships between family members form naturally, if you try to force things this can end up backfiring and cause more harm than good.

A great way to create a bond between all of the members of the new family unit is to create unique traditions that everyone can enjoy. It is common for the children to long for the certainty of their past family traditions and previous family members. By creating new traditions for them to participate in, you are allowing the children to create new memories with everyone in the new blended family involved.

When the blended is first created, it can be extremely difficult for a child to get used to giving the step parent the title of Mom or Dad. If this does not come naturally, never force a child to use these titles. The child may feel like they are being forced to betray their birth parent by using a title that should be reserved only for them.

Set aside some time each month for a family meeting. Be sure that everyone attends and give each person a chance to talk about anything that may be bothering them. This can help get things out in the open and release tension.

Although at first it can be difficult to parent a blended family, rest assured that with time and dedication things will get easier. The most important thing is to treat each family member with respect and patience. In time, things will all fall into place!

Jayde Johannsen has learned lots of lessons about parenting over the years. When it comes to looking for baby high chairs, she will always choose wooden high chairs for babies.. Free reprint available from: Learning To Parent Blended Families.

Technorati Tags: children, family, Fatherhood, home, Home and Family, motherhood, parenting, Parenting Teenagers, Teenagers

by ursusdave

Question by timetogo: What would you think if you saw teenage boys riding up and down the street in just their underwear?
I looked out my window the other day and saw 3 teenageboys-I would say around 14-15 riding up and down the street in their underwear. I thought this was inappropriate behavior for any child but especially of that age, however I was told by one of the boys parents it was no big deal.
in response to 14 year olds just want to have fun. I like to have fun to but there is acceptable and unacceptable behavior and to me this isn’s acceptable.

so anyone that thinks it’s fun to run around in the street in their underwear should just do it?

The No 1 answer:

Answer by ChaosBubbles
Call the police. I don’t care if the parents think it’s fine, it’s public indecency.

What do you think? Leave you answer below!

Technorati Tags: boys, down, just, riding, street, teenage, their, think, underwear, would