Cut Back on Extra Curricular Activities

For students who are college-bound, extracurriculars can be very important to getting into the “right” schools or qualifying for scholarships. However, when there is simply too much on their plates, those helpful and enriching activities are anything but. If your student is feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to take a serious look at their extracurricular schedule and see what needs pruning. Cut out some of their extras that they don’t love or that don’t serve a purpose, freeing up some extra time that they can use to catch up on their studies or simply to take some time for themselves. It’s also far more important that they show a deep interest in fewer, more focused activities than just being members of multiple clubs.

Make Time for Friends

Social time is absolutely important for high school aged students. They need that time to recharge, refresh, connect with their friends, and have a little fun. Though school work and grades are important, when a child isn’t getting the social interaction they need with their peers, burnout is inevitable and their mental health can suffer because of it. Help your child to organize their schedule so that they can make the time they need, then keep an eye to be sure that they’re following through.

Look For a Little Academic Help

Good study habits are a great way to prevent student burnout long before it starts. When students are well prepared and in the habit of staying on top of homework, studying, and other responsibilities, they will feel less stressed about their schoolwork. However, sometimes students are faced with challenging classes or are trying to cram to get ready for a big test like the SAT or ACT. Finding tutoring options and SAT/ACT prep classes will be a step in the right direction that they need to boost their confidence and help keep grades up to their potential.

Winward Academy’s online SAT and ACT preparation courses can help them to feel confident and prepared, rather than stressed and burned out. Additionally, they offer a Mathematics Mastery course that can give them the tools they need throughout the school year. Courses are designed by an adolescent learning expert, with a customized approach for each student to help identify their needs for maximum effectiveness.

While student burnout can be a serious issue, students and parents can work together to alleviate or even prevent the problem. It just takes a little careful schedule planning, a dedication to self-care, and having the right educational team in your corner.

The post Conquering Student Burnout appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Start Early

One of the most important things to remember when learning how to study for the SAT or ACT test is that you should start as early as possible. The week before you sit for the test is not the time to decide to start getting ready. For the best results, several months of gradual preparation is in your best interest.

Do Your Homework Before Doing Your Homework

In order to study properly for the SAT or ACT exam, the first step is to understand exactly what these tests are and what to expect. Take a look at a practice test, talk to students who have taken the test before you, and read up on any recent changes or updates to the test. Once you have a better idea of what to expect on testing day, you will be ready to take a practice test to see how you fare. This will help you to create your study plan and be better prepared when searching for tutoring or online test preparation.

Assess Your Strengths and Work on Your Weaknesses

Your practice test will help you break down just what subject areas you need to focus on and which need a little bit less review. Be honest with yourself as you look over your scores and plan your test preparation accordingly. Winward Academy, through its SAT and ACT prep courses, will help you to assess your results and determine the best plan for your academic needs, helping you to raise your score significantly from your practice test results.

Cater to Your Own Study Style

Some students work best when they study in a single, large block while others are better served by working in smaller time increments. Studying for an important test like the SAT or ACT is not an exact science with the same experience for every student. Using the methods that are the most comfortable for you will help you get the scores that you want. As Winward Academy is online, you can work at a pace that makes sense for you and stick with a study style that feels right.

Practice (Testing) Makes Perfect

Periodically throughout your weeks and months of studying, take another practice test to assess your progress. You’ll then be able to see what is and isn’t working, whether it’s time to shift your study focus, or if you’re just about ready to take the test and perform the way you’d like. If you’ve been preparing on your own, practice tests can also help you assess whether you need to connect with an online test preparation course or some other means of tutoring.

The post How to Study for the SAT or ACT Test appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Whether your loved ones are following a specific diet plan that requires that they avoid sugar and other processed foods, are just trying to cut back on their sugar intake, or simply love a delicious sweet treat now and then, Koochikoo Lollipops are the perfect addition to Valentine’s day. These yummy pops are low in calories, made from organic ingredients, and come in four delicious flavors for anyone to enjoy!

No Sugar Added Lollipops

It is surprising to many that a piece of candy can be sweet when it doesn’t contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Koochikoo has accomplished this in their lollipops by using organic Tapioca fiber. Derived from the cassava root, this fiber has a natural sweetness that is about 60% of that of sugar, but with far fewer calories! These lollipops have a sweetness similar to that of a soft honey and only 10 calories per pop. Anyone can enjoy a treat without worrying about blowing their diet or dealing with the detrimental effects of processed or artificial sweeteners.

Great Source of Dietary Fiber

It’s not often that you find a candy that provides an important benefit to your diet. With Koochikoo Organic No Sugar Added Lollipops, you get more than just a treat. The organic Tapoica fiber used to sweeten each lollipop also provides 5 grams of soluble fiber. This prebiotic fiber source can aid in the production of “good” bacteria in the gut and helps with digestion. Digestive system health is so important to our overall health and well-being, so these pops are a gift that keeps on giving!

Delicious Flavors to Enjoy

One of the best things about Koochikoo Organic No Sugar Added Lollipops is that there are four different Superfruit flavors that you can enjoy. No matter what your sweetheart loves best, they are sure to find a flavor they love. Choose from Fuji Apple, Blueberry Lemon, Pineapple Orange, or Pomegranate Blueberry. And what makes these lollipops an even better choice is that all of the flavorings and colors are natural!

Want to share some of these wonderful, organic candies with the people you love most this Valentine’s day? Check the shelves at Marshall’s, HomeGoods, or TJ Maxx to pick some up or simply visit the Koochikoo Amazon Store and have them shipped right to your home! Use the code “lollipower” at Amazon checkout and you’ll save 10% off your order of Koochikoo Organic No Sugar Added Lollipops! What a great way to say “I love you”!

The post Show Your Love This Valentine’s Day with Koochikoo Organic Lollipops appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Meet Founder

Jennifer Winward, Ph.D.

Founder & Lead Instructor

Dr. Jennifer Winward scored in the 99th percentile on her standardized tests and graduated in the top 1% of her University class at age 20. She was then the youngest student admitted to the #1 ranked neuroscience Ph.D. program, where she specialized in adolescent learning and brain development.

For the past 18 years, Dr. Winward has helped thousands of students achieve admission to their top choice schools. She developed Winward Academy to provide students from all backgrounds with the personal touch that comes with having a teacher in your corner.

Friday, February 22, 2019, from 9-10 p.m. ET

Sponsored by Winward Academy

Twitter party details:

When: Friday, February 22

Time: 9-10 p.m. EDT

Topic: Join us for a chat about college admissions testing and success, plus learn more about what Winward Academy has to offer. 

Hashtag: #HighSchool and #CollegePrep

Our Sponsors: Winward Academy 

Please follow Winward Academy On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Hosts and Co-Hosts Mom Blog Society | Mom Does Reviews | It’s Free At Last | 

Follow @winwardacademy

Follow @momblogsociety 

Follow @pamelamaynard

Follow Itsfreeatlast

USE TWEET DECK AND THE HASHTAG #CollegePrep 

Prizes: Plus a total of 8 Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Cards. Winners Choice.

• 1st: Game Changer for ACT & SAT ($499 value) plus $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash
• 2nd: SAT Crunch Time ($249 value) and $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash
• 3rd: ACT Crunch Time ($249 value) and $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal cash
• 4th: Game Changer for ACT & SAT ($499 value)
• 5th: Crunch Time for SAT ($249 value)
• 6th: Crunch Time for ACT ($249 value)
• Plus, we will be giving away 3 – $25 Amazon gift cards or Paypal cash, just for participating from the beginning to end of the party!

How To Enter, RSVP, Participate in this Twitter Party:

1. RSVP in the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win one of two $25 Amazon gift card, or Paypal cash just for RSVPing and attending! Must be present from beginning to the end of the Twitter party to win.
2. Participate with the hashtags  #HighSchool and #CollegePrep during the party to be eligible for party prizes. Winners will be chosen randomly and announced throughout the event.
3. Must be 18 or older and resident of the US or Canada to be eligible for prizes.

The post Winward Academy Twitter Party RSVP – Win Amazon Gift Cards & More appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Take Time to De-stress

In the hours leading up to the test, make sure to plan some relaxing and enjoyable activities. A quiet night at home with family or friends, watching a movie or playing some games is a great way to wind down and prepare for a lengthy test. 

Avoid Cramming

Though it can be a good idea to spend a little time reviewing notes on sections of the test that are of particular concern, trying to learn new concepts in the hours leading up to the test is a recipe for stress. Instead, begin to prepare early with SAT or ACT prep courses and online tutoring. Winward Academy offers several options for ACT/SAT preparation, high school math, and college application prep for college bound students. Resources like this will leave your student feeling prepared and confident as they walk into the room on test day.

Rest is Crucial

For many high schoolers, the habit of cruising along on just a few hours of sleep is a hard one to break. Help your student get into a routine of going to bed early enough to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep in the days leading up to their exam. This will help them to avoid tossing and turning on the night before the test, letting them get the rest that they need to bring their “A-game”.

Fuel Up Properly

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is doubly so on the day of a big test. It’s impossible to focus if you’re counting the hours to lunch. Make sure your student starts their day with a filling meal, that is packed with nutrients to fuel their brain. Be sure to take along healthy snacks for breaks and some water to stay hydrated.

Dress for Success

When they’re sitting at a desk or table for several hours, they don’t need to worry about the high fashion game. Comfortable is the keyword for the day! Leave home the skinny jeans that are just a little too skinny or the cute top that slides down the shoulder. Discomfort or fiddling with clothing that won’t stay in place can break their focus easily. A comfy outfit with a light sweatshirt or sweater to layer is a perfect test day uniform.

You can find more tips for SAT and ACT Success at Winward Academy. From their blog filled with practical advice to their online tutoring and SAT/ACT Prep Classes, parents will find the tools they need to help their students reach their potential when it comes to standardized exams. These amazing resources will give them the knowledge and the confidence that they need to make the most of their SAT and ACT experiences, opening doors to a more successful future.

The post Making Sure Your Student is Test Day Ready with Winward Academy appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

For many, reducing sugar intake goes hand in hand with both health and weight loss goals, making it even more important to stick to that no-sugar resolution. One simple Koochikoo lollipop will help you handle the cravings that can send your healthy eating plan off track.  How can a little piece of candy help you keep your resolutions? Here’s how:

Natural Sweetness to Fight Sugar Cravings

Rather than the refined sugar that you’ll find in traditional candies, Koochikoo Organic Lollipops are sweetened with Tapioca Fiber. With about 60% of the sweetness of sugar and a soft, honey flavor, the Tapioca fiber in these lollipops is just enough sweet to fight the cravings and stay on track. Plus, the natural, soluable, prebiotic fiber naturally stimulates the good bacteria in your gut. And gut health is a major contributor to overall health! With 5 grams of fiber in each lollipop, it’s a great source of fiber to add to your daily intake!

Low-Calorie Snack Option

Thanks to the great ingredients in Koochikoo lollipops, these delicious candies are only 10 calories per pop! That can go a long way toward your weight loss goals, as it allows you to have a sweet treat when you need one, without having to sacrifice your calorie allowance for the day.  Plus, it’s simple to just throw a couple in your bag, helping you to reduce temptation while you’re out and about. (And let’s not forget that having them on hand for the kids gives you a way to treat them that you’ll feel good about, as well!)

No Artificial Flavors or Colors

In addition to the organic, natural sweetener in Koochikoo Organic No Sugar Added Lollipops, they also contain only natural sweeteners and colors. You don’t have to worry about consuming processed, artificial products, which is often a concern with “sugar free” candies and treats. You’ll find only the best, natural ingredients on the label with colors coming from radishes, apples, blackcurrants, carrots, pumpkin, turmeric, red cabbage, and annatto. The natural flavors you can choose from in each bag or container of Koochikoo include: Pomegranate-Blueberry, Blueberry-Lemon, Fuji Apple, and Pineapple-Orange. Not only that, but the pops are also gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO, making them perfect for many different dietary needs. 

Put Koochikoo on your shopping list as you’re shopping at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Homegoods. Or you can order online at the Koochikoo Amazon Store. Be sure to use the code lollipower at checkout to get 10% off your order of these wonderful organic treats that will help you beat your sugar cravings!

The post Fight Sugar Cravings and Keep Your Resolutions with Koochikoo appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

The holidays are prime time for new electronics and many families are giving their children and teens the gift of their first cell phone. Every tween and teen wants one, plus they can be a huge help in keeping track of their activities and location, monitoring their relationships, and staying in touch when they’re out and about or while you are. However, a first phone isn’t gifted to give without careful planning and consideration. There are a few important questions you should ask before taking the plunge and purchasing a cell phone for your child.

Is Your Child Ready?

The biggest factor that plays into making the decision to get your child their first cell phone is their level of maturity. Are they responsible enough to take care of an expensive electronic device? Do they understand and follow rules that are set for them? Are you comfortable with having tough conversations about how to stay safe from online predators, how to handle cyberbullying, and other issues that go along with being connected? If the answer to any of these questions is no, you might want to allow your child a bit of training before their first phone.

With the GizmoWatch from Verizon, kids can stay connected through a smartwatch with very specific limitations. You can control who your child can contact via the watch with up to 10 allowed contacts, giving them the chance to learn how to responsibly use calling and text features. Parents can monitor their child’s activity, adjust the settings or turn off the watch completely, check their location via GPS, and more, through the GizmoHub, while letting their child get a taste of what it’s like to own their own cell phone. Learn more about this device and how it can help you get your child ready for their first phone at Verizon Family Tech Initiative.

What Size Plan Do They Need?

Once you have decided that they are ready for their first phone, you’ll need to make a decision about what kind of smartphone plan will provide them with what they need without paying for features that they won’t use. Verizon Family Tech Initiative has lots of great information to help you navigate Verizon’s Unlimited Plans, which allow you to mix and match different levels of coverage to give everyone in the family exactly the level of service that matches their personal use. Whether they need talk, text, and data without bells and whistles, a plan that offers a little more oomph for streaming, or an all-out plan with global access and high-level performance, each member of the family can have personalized plans within the same account.

What Ground Rules Should You Set?

Finally, before your child is allowed to freely use their new cell phone, it’s time for a very important chat about the ground rules for the privilege of using their phone. Coming up with a usage contract you’re your tweens and teens who are new to cell phones can be a great help in setting healthy boundaries. You can include limits like the hours they are allowed screen time per day, what apps are appropriate, rules about parents being able to view their text and call activities, and other safety and usage concerns. Verizon Family Tech’s homepage has a plethora of advice and information that can help you to decide what limits make sense for your family. Learn about monitoring apps, parental controls, and other important tools that can help you to set and enforce the cell phone ground rules that you have set for your child.

While the decision to give your child their first cell phone takes serious consideration, Verizon Family Tech Initiative can help with the best information, tools, devices, and plans that will keep your child safe and your whole family connected.

The post Make Sure Your Child is Ready for Their First Cell Phone with Verizon Family Tech Initiative appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Make Sure Your Child is Prepared

Even though the ball is in their court to decide their future, we can play an important role in making sure that they are well prepared for college prior to beginning the application process. Begin to research their top choice schools and majors to advise them on planning their high school course schedule. If there is a subject that they need additional help to master, consider online tutoring to give them the extra help and instruction required to set them up for college success.

Testing like the SAT and ACT can also be a major point of stress for college-bound students and their parents. Winward Academy offers SAT and ACT test prep courses and resources that can help your student reach their highest potential on these standardized tests. Their courses offer instructional lessons, practice tests, and support and feedback that will give your student the knowledge and confidence they need as they begin the testing process. 

Provide Support During the Application Period

There is a lot on your student’s mind as they begin submitting their college applications. Among the biggest concerns are college application essays and personal statements that are required by some schools. While you cannot do the work for them, offering them the tools they need and providing advice when they ask for it will be a great help. 

A college application prep course is a wonderful resource that can give them the understanding and confidence to put together powerful application and essay that will help them to stand out in a sea of applicants. Winward Academy offers online resources that can teach students how to complete their application, what makes a memorable essay, and how to ace an interview. Their self-paced course provides advice and information from an experienced industry expert who has successfully helped students just like yours get into their top-choice colleges. 

Most importantly, the key to helping your student through the college application process is providing a soft place to land. Give them the advice they ask for and the encouragement they need as they work through their applications. Lend an ear and a shoulder when there is stress and disappointment. Help them find resources, like those at Winward Academy, to boost their knowledge and confidence along the way. And finally, celebrate together when all of the hard work pays off and they receive a much-anticipated college acceptance letter. 

The post Navigating the College Application Process appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Simple Stocking Stuffers and More!

Hair products are a great gift idea for everyone and Beautopia Hair has something for every hair type and style! All of their products are made with high quality ingredients, plus are paraben, sulfate, and cruelty-free. Plus, you can save 30% off any regular-price purchase on Beautopia Hair with the code HOLIDAY30 through 12/31!

Check out Beautopia Hair travel products for the perfect stocking stuffers. Cloud 9, Supersilk, and Vibracolor Shampoo and Conditioner come in travel sizes that are affordable and simple to pop in a Christmas stocking.

For those who struggle to tame their curls and fight frizz, CurlKarma Curl Enhancing Cream will be a welcome gift for the holidays! Hair will stay bouncy, shiny, and frizz-free, all day long!

Let them shine for the holidays with Shimmer Glitter Spray for Hair and Body. Whether you’re heading out for a New Year’s night on the town, dressing up for the prom, or just want to add a little sparkle, this fun product will bring the glitz and glamour!

Great Holiday Hair Collections

Choose from six great holiday bundles that will fit any hair type or style at 50% off regular prices! Prices range from $36.25 to $63, making these an affordable gift for nearly any budget! Whether hair is dry and damaged, color-treated, frizzy, or you’re just looking for a fun styling bundle for short hair, there is a perfect bundle ready to put under the tree. Check out Beautopia Hair’s holiday bundles and give them perfect hair for the holidays and all throughout the year!

Vibrastrait Flat Irons

Finding styling tools under the tree will make anyone’s day, especially when those products keep hair looking great while reducing heat damage. Vibrastrait Vibrating Flat Irons shuffle hair while straightening, which keeps heat from being concentrated to one area. This reduces the damage that is often caused by many heat styling tools, allowing you to have the straight styles you want while keeping your hair healthy. Plus, they come with a free travel pouch for on-the-go styling!

The Vibrastrait PRO 1.75″ Vibrating Flat Iron or the Vibrastrait PRO 1″ Vibrating Flat Iron are on sale for the holidays for only $99!

Find the Vibrastrait ESSENTIAL 1” Vibrating Flat Iron and Vibrastrait ESSENTIAL 1.5” Vibrating Flat Iron specially priced for the holidays at $79.

Get these great deals or make your own with the 30% off regular priced items with the code HOLIDAY30 at Beautopia Hair!

Who on your list would you like surprise with these great products?

The post Last-Minute Gifts for a Beautiful Holiday appeared first on Mom Blog Society.

Whether you’re insuring something of value, like your home or car, or looking for life or health insurance, finding coverage can be overwhelming. There are so many types of insurance to consider. You’ll need to choose premiums you can afford, find the right deductible for your needs, learn what is and isn’t covered, and many other odds and ends along the way. Many end up overpaying for their insurance or being under-insured for their families specific needs and they aren’t even aware. You’ll want to have someone in your corner who can help you make sense of the market and find a rate that fits your budget and lifestyle. 

What is InsuranceQuotes?

When you’re in the market for insurance, curious about what other providers have to offer, or just want to learn a little more about various kinds of insurance and how they can benefit you, InsuranceQuotes is a hub of help and information. This is more than just a simple insurance website that will give you a single quote with no help or advice. This is a comprehensive resource that can help you get more for your insurance dollar. 

At InsuranceQuotes, you can easily shop for auto, home, health, life, and business insurances from a wide range of providers. And all you’ll have to do is provide basic information and you’ll be on your way to getting quotes from several of the top insurance companies in the country. This saves you plenty of time and money that is far better spent on quality time with the people you love. 

Do you want to learn more about the different kinds of insurance and get advice on shopping for insurance, what to do when you need to make a claim, or find great resources that will help you make an informed decision that benefits your family? InsuranceQuotes has information on everything from A to Z, when it comes to insurance. Watch videos, check out blog posts, take quizzes, and so much more. And if you can’t find the answers you need within their resources, you can submit your questions to an insurance expert. 

Ready to connect with the vast agent network that InsuranceQuotes has to offer? Simply visit their website and get started on your own quote today. Insure your home, car, or business or compare quotes on health and life insurance. You’ll be providing your family with the insurance they need for a stable future with the best price and benefits that suit your needs. 

The post Take the Stress Out of Shopping for Insurance appeared first on Mom Blog Society.