Before you know it summer will be over and the landscape will be dotted with big yellow buses. Yes, it’s back-to-school time! School days can be an exciting new adventure or they may cause a lot of tension. Let’s nip those worries in the bud with these tips that are helpful for all ages:

1. Not knowing what to expect can cause anyone to have negative feelings. Visit the school’s website to gain as much information as you can. Attend any meet-the-teacher nights or call the school to arrange a tour. 
2. Probably the most important skill anyone of us can acquire is paying attention. Increase your ability to focus by getting plenty of sleep, removing distractions (phones!), and developing routines. Practice listening without adding your own input. Instead, listen in order to ask a pertinent question. 
3. Have a goal in mind. No matter a student’s age, they should get in the habit of choosing objectives. Younger children might want to tackle reading a longer “chapter book.” Older children might be interested in becoming a better artist or learning more about a certain period in history. 
4. Don’t forget the social aspect of school. Children and adults alike wonder if they’ll be liked or ridiculed for saying the wrong thing or wearing the wrong thing. Talking about these fears with a loved one can reassure us that we are worthy of respect and friendship. 

Don’t forget—a positive attitude goes a long way towards any endeavor. Education empowers us to be better people, so don’t let apprehension stop you or your child from getting the most out of it.

Are you ready to take on the great outdoors for your vacation? More importantly, is your wallet ready?

With over 400 sites in the US, covering more than 84 million acres, a national park vacation offers one the best bangs for your buck that you can find. 

While there are parks with free admission, most of them do have an entrance fee. However, they also have many free days throughout the year. When calculating your budget, consider buying an annual pass. Veterans are admitted free, so don’t forget to bring ID. There are also senior passes available at a discount for those over age 62.

Look for information on AARP’s website. If you’re a member, you can score some great discounts. Even if you aren’t, there are some great moneysaving suggestions as well as articles about the actual costs of things. 

What’s a vacation without food? Whether we’re road tripping, hiking, camping or just standing in line for an attraction, we all get hungry. Save some money by bringing your own food.

Don’t forget about camping! Not only is it cheaper to stay in a campsite versus a hotel, but if you don’t already own camping gear, you can usually find some good deals on used equipment.

Give yourself the opportunity to explore our country’s beautiful wilderness without breaking the bank. With a little forethought and planning, you can have the vacation of your dreams.

Did you know the Beach Boys’ song “Surfin’ USA” mentions over a dozen beaches, many of them on the West Coast? It’s no coincidence. With over a thousand miles of shore line, the ‘left coast’ has a beach for everyone. 

Westward Beach in Malibu is close to Point Dume Natural Preserve, and is known for sightings of dolphins, seals and other sea life. This picturesque beach has been used in the filming of movies and TV shows. Who knows? You may find a genie in a bottle just like Major Nelson did when they filmed the pilot of I Dream of Jeannie.

If a party beach town is what you’re looking for, Rosarito Beach is just what you’re after. Located on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the main beach is wide, long and a great place to relax while soaking up the sun. 

Cannon Beach, on the Oregon coast, offers something a little different. At low tide you can walk to the towering Haystack Rock, which was formed by ancient lava flow. Nature lovers will love this feature which boasts tide pools and nesting sites. 

The most visited beach in Northern California is Santa Cruz Beach. The classic seaside amusement park, Santa Cruz Boardwalk is located here. Take surfing lessons or visit a surfing museum inside a lighthouse. Farmers’ markets and wineries are plentiful, as well as other attractions to whet your adventuring appetite.

Pacific Beach State Park, a camping park in Washington, is ideal if you are interested in a fun-filled traditional beach vacation. Dig for clams. Work on your tan. Sing around the bonfire. Play Frisbee. Enjoy!

A West Coast beach destination affords you the chance to experience the Pacific Ocean, with its temperate weather and beautiful sunsets. Surf’s up!

Ask anyone up and down the Atlantic seaboard about beaches, and you’ll get a surprisingly wide variety of answers. Sure, they’ll all include the basics like sand, sun and surf, but after that people’s expectations vary widely. 

The perfect beach vacation is a fairly personal thing. If you’re traveling this year, and a ‘beach’ is what you have in mind, here are a few to consider. 

Delray Beach, Florida Called “Florida’s Village by the Sea”, Delray Beach is known for its pristine beach and proximity to a vibrant shopping district. With such diverse entertainment as an arcade museum and Japanese gardens, there’s something for everyone here.

Mohegan Bluffs: Block Island, Rhode Island Spectacular views will await you at Block Island, known for its 17 miles of beaches. Visitors will descend a newly repaired staircase with over 140 steps to dip their toes in the water, but it’s well worth it to experience this picturesque, almost tropical, spot.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina The 187-feet tall Myrtle BeachSkywheel is a most enjoyable way to view the area, and even offers a proposal package to anyone who wants to pop the question here. This South Carolina tourist area features golf courses, award-winning restaurants, and 5-star entertainment. 

Anna Maria Island, Florida  If your idea of a perfect beach vacation is looking for seashells and hoping to spot a dolphin or two, Anna Maria Island is for you. Known for its blindingly white sand and breathtaking blue waters, this charming area has that small-town look you crave.

Hammonasset Beach, Madison, Connecticut  Birdwatchers will be delighted by rare sightings at this beach. Outdoor enthusiasts will too, when their days are occupied with bicycling, hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. That is, when they’re not busy enjoying the ocean breeze and the sound of the crashing waves!

Not all beaches are created equal. Check out these locations to find the perfect one for you.

If you want to get in some healthy exercise, reduce your stress, and improve your mood, then maybe you need a beach vacation. Have you thought about Maine?

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in this New England state, famous for its lobster, whoopee pies and a certain horror fiction author. While there are a seemingly infinite number of beaches on Maine’s 228-mile coastline, here are 5 of the best:

Looking for a fun seaside resort feel? Old Orchard Beach is home to New England’s only beachfront amusement park: Palace Playland Park. Located in York County, this is a family-friendly spot that features a boardwalk with lots of food and shopping nearby.

Kennebunk Beach has three distinctly different sections, with each having its own flavor. Gooch’s Beach is the largest and most popular, with its soft and sandy shore. Mother’s Beach has rocky outcroppings and a playground. Middle Beach is the rockiest and very scenic. 

Hospitable Popham Beach, in Phippsburg, has bathhouses, showers, and a picnic area, so you may never want to leave. Sandbars and tidal pools at low tide make for wonderful exploration.

On Prouts Neck Point, Ferry Beach has a western exposure which makes for great sunsets. This beach is on the Scarborough River and features calmer waves.

Birch Point Beach is located on a little peninsula in Owls Head. It’s not easy to find which means you may have the place to yourself. If you get bored with beachcombing, explore nearby Rockland for its lighthouse museum or drop in at the Project Puffin Visitor Center.

Whether you decide to catch a wave or simply sit in the sand, a Maine beach vacation may be just what you need.

Summer is the time for pool parties and trips to the beach—lots of fun in the sun. But that fun can quickly turn to tragedy if something happens to your child. Not knowing the signs of drowning could cost your little one its life.

Television has taught us how “easy” it is to tell when someone’s drowning. The victim waves their arms wildly, inevitably screaming “Help! I’m drowning!” It would be great if it worked that way, but in real life it is very different. 

Read these myths about drowning and the signs that someone is actually in trouble in the water:

MYTH: “I would hear if my child were drowning.” 
FACT: When the body is just focused on trying to get the mouth above water so it can breathe, it isn’t able to yell for help. If your normally chatty kid is quiet, find out why.

MYTH: “They’ll wave their arms and thrash around. I’ll see it.”
FACT: A drowning person is only focused on trying to breathe. Their arms are usually pinned to their sides and they are not struggling. 

MYTH: “Nothing will happen in the few seconds I’m inside.”
FACT: Drowning is quick. 20 seconds is all it can take for a child to drown. Children should be consistently supervised around water. Never assume that “we’re all watching the kids” because that means no one is actually watching for signs of drowning. 

MYTH: “My kid is a teenager. He knows how to swim.”
FACT: 47% of children ages 10-17 who drowned in pools were able to swim. Even someone who is a good swimmer may panic if it’s been awhile since they swam or are in unfamiliar territory, like the ocean instead of a pool.

Keeping kids safe in and around water is a big responsibility, but being aware of the dangers and being prepared can be the difference between life and death. Know the risks and have a safe summer.