Summer 2022- Write The Entire Season Off! Here’s How

Friday Four came and left. Sorry guys. I totally forgot. But I’m gonna make it up to you right now. Today, I’m giving you 4 (four) ways to write off a huge chunk of your summer. Yes, I said what I said—- Write a huge chunk of your summer off by identifying really smart tax saving strategies!

Without any delay, follow these tips right now!

1. Write off Camp. Each summer my four little guys go to the following four camps: Who Got Game, B.A.M., Ish Smith Development , and Impact Camp (at JCSU) Here’s how to use it- If your child is under 13. Hold onto your recipes. Use that time as childcare expenses while you work. Hmmmmm– Sleep away camp doesn’t count. -Sorry!
2. Hit The Road With Jack & the kids! Go on a family trip Rent the Car and pile them in! While you’re away – Talk About Your Business! Heck, take pictures of you sharing your business! The main purpose for the trip must be business! You’ll get not only the mileage deduction, but also a generous deduction on all of your business related cost. Hmmmmm. Hire your family for larger deductions .

3.

1. Hire Your Kids. Well, I kinda mentioned it earlier, I’ll go a bit more in depth here. If your kids are gonna be out of school for the summer. Hire them. Give them paid training, and actually put them to work. You can deduct their wages on your tax return! Why not get an employee that won’t complain about lunch. They either take it or leave it. Talk about parent perks! I had my sons help create content for my budding tax business . Hmmmmm. Shifting income to your child is genius! They tend to have a lower tax bracket!!! And if they are under 18 years old, pat yourself on the back and kiss those FICA taxes goodbye!
2. Cancel The Entire Summer! If you bought timeshare like did thinking that you’d be a beach bum this summer, let me hit the alarm for you! As tempting as it maybe; don’t do it! Become the ginger bread man and walk away as fast as you can! Now if you got purchased the timeshare, and realized that your children have a sports calendar that leaves no time for weekend getaways to your cozy spot, here’s what you should do with it…….rent it out! Get your coins for that time. Go off season and save BIG! Hmmmmm . Look, no one like a deal more than I do! Iam 100% open to share my time withyou, as well as other deals. Just follow me over on QC Supermom .

Okay, so – that’s four! Whatcha think? You love it? If so, share it. Tag it. Use it! Time to go now. See ya’ll Monday! – Kelle, QC Supermom

Friday Four-Homeschooling In N.C.; Startup 101

87,978 students are homeschooled in North Carolina! Yes, my friends. homeschooling in is on the rise. We don’t stop at the basic curriculum because the world is our classroom!

GENERAL FACTS, STATISTICS, AND TRENDS

• There are over 2.3 million homeschool students in the United States.  That is, there were an estimated 2.3 million in spring 2016, and this was up from one estimate of about 2 million home-educated children (in grades K to 12) during the spring of 2010 in the United States (Ray, 2011). It appears the homeschool population is continuing to grow (at an estimated 2% to 8% per annum over the past few years).
• Homeschooling – that is, parent-led home-based education; home education – is an age-old traditional educational practice that a decade ago appeared to be cutting-edge and “alternative” but is now bordering on “mainstream” in the United States. It may be the fastest-growing form of education in the United States. Home-based education has also been growing around the world in many other nations (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom).
• A demographically wide variety of people homeschool – these are atheists, Christians, and Mormons; conservatives, libertarians, and liberals; low-, middle-, and high-income families; black, Hispanic, and white; parents with Ph.D.s, GEDs, and no high-school diplomas. One study shows that 32 percent of homeschool students are Black, Asian, Hispanic, and others (i.e., not White/non-Hispanic) (Noel, Stark, & Redford, 2013).
• Families engaged in home-based education are not dependent on public, tax-funded resources for their children’s education. The finances associated with their homeschooling likely represent over $27 billion that American taxpayers do not have to spend, annually, since these children are not in public schools
• Taxpayers spend an average of $11,732 per pupil annually in public schools, plus capital expenditures. Taxpayers spend nothing on most homeschool students and homeschool families spend an average of $600 per student annually for their education.
• Homeschooling is quickly growing in popularity among minorities. About 15% of homeschool families are non-white/nonHispanic (i.e., not white/Anglo).
• An estimated 3.4 million or more U.S. adults have been homeschooled for at least one year of their K-12 years, and they were homeschooled an average of 6 to 8 years. If one adds to this number the 2.3 million being homeschooled today, an estimated 5.7 million Americans have experienced being homeschooled. [note 1]

Now my question to you is this? Are you prepared to dedicate 75% of your day to teaching?

• group field trips,park days and/or p.e. days – ( join QCSAHM; we might change the name if you join!)
• organized clubs such as geography club, 4H, chess, robotics, etc.
• book and curriculum exchanges- You will save SO much money by sharing resources!!! Here is video from homeschool graduation last year. Click Here! Many of the parents in this group share resources and community goodies.

Places like Home Depot Kids Workshops offers free instructions and play on building motor skills and creative engineering. And it’s free 1st Saturdays of the month!

• dedicated email loops or Facebook groups for sharing information (join my newsletter – HERE! in the subject line type Charlotte Homeschool News)
• organized athletic opportunities. (the YMCA is great for this)
• the opportunity to make new friends!! (Join my Facebook page. We gotta stick together- QCSupermom )

Contact the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE)

The key requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina include:

• Parents must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Families must file a notice of intent to homeschool with the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE) between July 1st and August 15th
• Families should keep attendance and immunization records on file for each homeschool student.
• Homeschooled students should take a nationally standardized test each year and keep the results on record for one year.
• The homeschool should operate on a regular schedule for at least nine months of the school year. (Don’t worry, it’s easier to do than you think!)
• Families should notify the NCDNPE when closing their homeschool

For a full explanation of each of these regulations, including forms that will be helpful in staying compliant, visit the NC Home School Information Portal.

Homeschool Record keeping in North Carolina

The records that homeschoolers are required to keep in North Carolina do not have to be submitted to the NCDNPE unless specifically requested. However, it is a good idea to keep a detailed, accurate, and professional homeschool portfolio of items for each student. Information that you might want to include in your homeschooler’s portfolio could be:

• Subjects covered each school year
• Parent-administered or online school report cards or assessments
• Yearly standardized test scores
• High school transcript for any student in grades 9-12

Let Me Just Say This: Well Homeschool Children are SMARTER – Just kidding a bit here, but most tend to have more time to focus and recite things like this from Collin K.

We have been homeschooling since 2005. Here’s 4 Ways It Works For Us:

1. Flexibility – I don’t like getting up early on cold mornings, and sometimes, I like to go to the zoo in the middle of the week. To do that, I need my kids to go with me. lol. Seriously, the flexibility is a blessing! If my dad needs us to come to SC for his care, we can just jump up and go. And yes, spontaneous field trips are pretty cool too!
2. Protection– I know that anything may happen anywhere at anytime. But I’m sorry, some public schools are like Sodom & Gomorrah. The schools in our area are very rough. Having them with me in controlled, safer environments makes me stress less. At least I don’t have to worry about any teachers or other kids pinning them up for rape, bullying or anything else deemed ill favored. (Even the food at basic schools suck) And we can’t afford private school for 4 boys right now.
3. Diversity– I want my children to really be prepared for their future. There are so many topics not covered in public school that children need. For example, basic finance, urban horticulture, Real World cultures, home economics, Africa:pre slavery, and mechanics -just to name a few.
    So in short, our more tailored social interactions, support our values.
4. Empowering – I trust myself to do this. I honestly feel that they are thriving better with me as a teacher. And because I have my husband to help financially support us. I want to continue putting them first so that when we are older, they will be more inclined to take care of us, if needed.

Here’s a tiny clip from a trip to Discovery Place. (I can show you how to save a lot of money on local admissions through my coaching sessions)   

 

Disclosure: I am resourceful. Not the smartest. My husband, older children, wise friends, and technology helps educate our four young ones. When/if the time comes and proves our system no longer serves our best interest, they’ll go to public school with the quickness.

As a homeschool coach, I can hold your hand as you get started. It is time consuming. It requires organization skills. It requires patience. It also requires research. I’ve done a lot of that so you don’t have too. Hire me to help get you started and to be available for coaching sessions. Inbox me at
QCSupermomInfo@Gmail.com for more details.
Please use in subject line (The HomeSchool Coach ). I’d love to help navigate you through this new chapter of life.

To all my friends and family that refers people to me for home school coaching, thank you. I really appreciate that!

Get more statistics here on homeschooling.

In home music class snippet- here!                                                       

Play time with Chubby!

Showing manners with Rachel the Raccoon

Disney On Ice,”Follow Your Heart” LIVE review (Zianna O., loved the show)

The last time 9 yr old Zianna was downtown, she was speaking to a room full of people.  She  didn’t intend to make them all cry, but sometimes the truth hurts, but must be spoken. So she did it. Her words transcended through their hearts . Her message was shared internationally. Yes, this little girl had adults checking themselves for racial injustice.

First thing came to my mind is, “Who are her parents? ” I wanted to hug them. (Really tight.)  Everyone doesn’t take parenting seriously. It was clear that her parents did. I knew that as a mom,  when your child hurts, you hurt. The last thing you want is to have an emotionally scarred child for life.  As adults, we know that every high and low molds us into who we are, for better or for worse. This is most true of when we are young and our brain is rapidly developing. The power of everything from an unheard cry to an unmarked facial expression can have a heavy impact on a child’s evolving psyche.

Charlotte has a long way to go, but Zianna’s childhood must be protected and thank goodness, over half of Charlotte agrees with that! Including the numerous news stations that have interviewed her and  especially the amazing staff of Time Warner Cable Arena.

So guess what, for 90 minutes, Zianna her brother, mom, and stepdad attended the Disney On Ice, “Follow Your Heart” Live show. Little Zianna was laughing, dancing, moderating the story lines and just being a child. It was indeed what she and her family needed.  Big thanks to Feld Entertainment, Time Warner Cable and her parents for making this happen.

 

To my girl,

I will let you be children. For as long as I can, I will let you be children. I will protect your childhood fiercely. I won’t pressure you to do things you are not ready for. I will let you play, for hours I will let you play. I will let you discover yourselves. I will let you really know yourselves before you are pushed out into the big wide world on your own. I will let you imagine, and dream, and laugh, whenever you want to. I won’t ever wish this magical time away. All too soon you will be all grown up. You will worry about grown up things. But not now. For now you are a child, your job is to play, and that is important to me.

I will protect your childhood.

The show will be here until the 2nd of October. Regardless of what you feel about the police and Black Lives Movement, remember to protect your child.  Go see Disney On Ice Live “Follow Your Heart” before they leave town. It is absolutely the best thing you can do for your child (ren)

(Buy Your Tickets Here!)

How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services

Continuing from my last post on

Wednesday Wow: Paying Your Doula .

Here’s how to file your paper work to get your doula fees paid.

The fact that their insurance company might reimburse at least some portion of the fee for your services might make you attractive to a group of potential clients who might not have been interested before. Getting reimbursement for doula services requires patience and persistence, but it can be done. If you are going to offer this as a possibility for your clients, you will also need to be willing to offer some guidance and, most likely, a fair amount of support, as they attempt to get reimbursed.

 

How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services

___     Pay your doula in full.

___     Get an invoice from her which includes the following information:

1. The doula’s name and address
2. Her social security number/taxpayer ID number or NPI number
3. The date and location services were provided
4. The CPT code for the services provided
5. A diagnosis code
6. The doula’s signature

___     Submit the invoice with a claim form to your insurance company.

___     Within four weeks, expect a letter telling you either that

1. They need more information before they can process your claim.
2. This is not a covered expense.

___     Ask your Doula to send you the following:

1. A copy of her certification (if she is certified)
2. Other credentials or relevant training
3. A letter detailing her training and experience and what she did for you

___     If possible, ask your obstetrician or midwife for a letter explaining why a doula helped you, was necessary, or saved the insurance company money. (Did you have a high-risk pregnancy? Did the doula’s suggestions appear to prevent complications or help your labor to progress more quickly? Did the doula’s presence decrease your need for expensive pain medications?)

___     Write a letter explaining why you felt the need for a doula and how you believe the doula was beneficial to your health.

___     Submit to your insurance company: the doula’s letter and credentials the letter from the doctor your cover letter

___     If they refuse it, write a letter to Health Services requesting that they review the claim, as you feel it was a cost-cutting measure and they should cover the cost.

___     Follow up by telephone if necessary.

___      If they refuse, write a letter to the CEO explaining why you feel that doula care should be a covered expense. They may not pay your claim, but they will consider it for the future. (Kelli Way, ICCE, CD(DONA) 1998.

 

Notes:
If you are a doula, I suggest you click over and read the guide to getting a National Provider Number and helping your clients get reimbursed.

Also, here is a pdf from DONA with several FAQ’s on insurance reimbursement

And here’s how to contact me for my birthing services:

The Pink GrassHopper Birth

On Twitter- Doula In Charlotte

FaceBook – Doula In Charlotte

 

Lock It Down Tips & Tricks for a Dreadhead

Call me lazy, cultural or creating mini versions of my husband. We love our locks. To be more specific DREADLOCKS. This love of culture start way before I was here. As I learned dreads are dated from  1887 They have been worn for various reasons in each culture: as an expression of deep religious or spiritual convictions, ethnic pride, and as a political statement.

Today, I’m just share more information on how to grow and care for them. Note: I am NOT an expert. Just a mom that tries to save money and do as much as possible in house. I.E. to save money. Since there’s not too much free information on this topic and we are asked how we do our boys hair on the regular,, I figured I would share what I know.

No matter how you start locking many experts say you must avoid getting the hair wet from 4-6 weeks. Otherwise it will breakdown…and trust me, you don’t want that.

Traditionally, it was believed that in order to create dreadlocks, an individual had to refrain from brushing, combing or cutting. This method created dreadlocks that varied greatly in size, width, shape, length, and texture. Freeform locks are patterned to a degree, as the hair is separated in “chunks” (not parted as with a comb) into fairly determinate sections after washing.

A variety of other starter methods have been developed to offer greater control over the general appearance of dreadlocks. Together, these alternative techniques are more commonly referred to as “salon” or “manicured” dreadlocks.^[20]

Using beeswax to make dreads can cause problems because it does not wash out, due to the high melting point of natural wax. Because wax is a hydrocarbon, water alone, no matter how hot, will not be able to remove wax.^[21]

 

My sons range from 4 to 24. Just 4 of them have locs.

 

As with the organic and freeform method, the salon methods rely on hair naturally matting over a period of months to gradually form dreadlocks. The difference is in the initial technique by which loose hair is encouraged to form a rope-like shape. Whereas freeform dreadlocks can be created by simply refraining from combing or brushing hair and occasionally separating matted sections, salon dreadlocks use tool techniques to form the basis of the starter, immature set of dreadlocks.

For African hair types, salon dreadlocks can be formed by evenly sectioning and styling the loose hair into braids, coils, twists, or using a procedure called dread perming specifically used for straight hair. For European, Hispanic, Asian, and Indian hair types, Backcombing and Twist and Rip are some of the more popular methods of achieving starter dreadlocks.

 

Regardless of hair type or texture and starter method used, dreadlocks require time before they are fully matured. So use light weight oils to condition your scalp and a little gloss if you choose for shine.  Do not use heavy greases, waxes and pomades while the process hair goes through as it develops into matured dreadlocks is continuous.

During this time, don’t let your lock become a magnet for lint. Wear a silk scarf or use a satin pillow case.

There is also the ability to adopt different types of fake dreadlocks that may make the hair look as real as possible. This process is called synthetic dreadlocks. There are two different types of synthetic dreadlocks. The first is dread extensions, in which other hair can be infused with the wearer’s own hair. The second is dreadfalls, in which one dread is tied into another with either elastic or lace. Both of these methods are used to make dreads look better and more appealing.

Need more? Click here!

Okay now, go get loc’d up!

 

Wednesday Wow: I Do’ Too! Solemization

It’s Summer and officially wedding season! If you’re in North or South Carolina, I’m ya girl!

Okay, so what began as a way to bring more money into the home, has grown to something so much more. Yes, I’m creating marriages, but I’m also creating more  ways to be a part of my children life. That really excites me!

It cost me less than $200 and I can use this new asset in all 50 states for the rest of my life. To all my mama friends, readers- you gotta do it!

I’m still getting used to being called Minister Kelle, because I am a southerner, and grew up thinking of ministers sorta differently. But then I thought about it and said to myself, “Girl, you’re more real than a lot of them out there. -Girl You Good!”

So with my ordination, I can do many things.besides solemnize a wedding  I could also:

1. Perform A Baptism/ Welcome To The World Ceremony

2.  Preside Over A Funeral

3. Be A Chaplain

   We can touch the lives of others in a prison or hospital. Sick and dying patients in hospitals around the country have been comforted by our church’s members, and prison officials actively encourage those who are eager to bring religion to others to come to their institutions and rehabilitate their inmates.

4. Start A Church ( I know right? Wow!)

5.  Ordain others

   The perfect couple for me would be laid back, spiritual but not too religious, fun loving , don’t have a church home and most times open minded.

For me, it’s important to know the couple and meet them way before they get to the altar.I want to know if couple has any religious or cultural rituals that they want to include. Do they want to break a glass? Jump a broom? Do they want to include any Buddhist poetry? Will there be any readings or songs in the ceremony? Of course I offer counseling, but it’s not required. But I will pray with the couple before the wedding and commit to pray for them all the way to the wedding day.

 And I was thinking, for now, I’ll offer my services to the moms of Queen City Stay At Home Moms at a discount as a member perk. Everyone else $220 for a basic service and rehearsal rate. I really don’t think   I would marry anyone out of the Carolina’s.

Which works out fine based on the research I’ve done already. It is said, that in

North Carolina:   Marriage Officiants:/ordained minister of any faith who is authorized to perform marriages by his church may do so.

In North Carolina, I must return the license in SC….. the couple can once completed,return the license to its office of issuance (usually by mail) within 30 days of the wedding. The license is then recorded by the state and the marriage becomes a legal binding contract.

Marriage in South Carolina is governed by Chapter 1 of Title 20 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws.

SECTION 20-1-20. Persons who may perform marriage ceremony.

Only ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths in this State, and the chief or spiritual leader of a Native American Indian entity recognized by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs pursuant to Section 1-31-40 are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in this State

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HERE! Cute wedding Script- < HERE> Beautiful Wedding script.   More Wedding Info —-here

Need wedding ceremony scripts? Click here.  Here’s some fair trade companies…..
What to Ask Your Wedding Officiant Here & Here !  My last reading on the industry-here

 

2016-17 Graduation- Family Milestone

I am floating on cloud nine right about now!  By many accounts, I should not be where I am. I should not be married. I shouldn’t have smart children, nor should they be graduating, especially from college! BUT GOD!

This year, I have been honored to have not one, but 4 graduates to celebrate. My husband, my oldest son, and two of my daughters. It was not planned or budgeted. But think goodness for the life style we have. Because of that reason alone we are gonna celebrate in the most grand way possible. After all, how often do you get 4 graduates in one year?

 

My graduates- Raj- Husband- Army Veteran, Central Piedmont Community College/CPCC –  Elementary Education major

My oldest son- Jervon                  Basketball MVP, Hampton University, Hampton VA.  B.S. Liberal Arts

Below is a clip from one of his recent games at Hampton University. Watch here!

 

My 2nd oldest daughter- JC        Working Teen, Hemingway High, College bound- She hasn’t decided what she wants to do as of yet. 

My 3rd oldest daughter- DeeDua , teenpernuer,  Providence High School Trade School Paralegal Studies 

 

I’m so proud of each of them. Each of them were born with obstacles to overcome. From being the child of a single mom to starting life on this side some 4 months early. As they say the tassel was worth the hassle. They made it! Who else is celebrating a graduate? The video below is of a Momsrising friend of mine. She was sharing some motivational tips for my daughter DeeDua. Listen in!

I am so proud of each of my scholars. I know they are prepared for whatever life throws at them. My hope is that the younger one will follow their path and not mine as it relates to student loans. Going to college for free is a blessing. My husband education was sponsored by the Veteran administration. My son attended all four years under a athletic scholarship. My daughters had to search and apply for hundreds of grants and scholarships. The money is out there. You can get some too!

Get FREE Money for college! Click the  image below to see he most current collection.   

Friday Four: What NOT To Do To A Teen Mom

The memories! The moment I learned that I was pregnant, I wanted to find the largest container of orange juice and just die under a rock. From the time my little guy was born, I always felt that I had something to prove to him, our supporters,our small town, other teen moms, and myself.

100 Things You Should Never Say to a Teen Mom

Just In Case you cross this bridge, here’s 4 Things You Should Really NOT Do To a Teen Mom:

1. Shame or Degrade her- This is number one for a reason. OMG! You have no clue how much damage this causes. When your own flesh and blood teases you, make you the family calamity, and under dog. Even worse when the fathers family and her community dishonors her. You are asking for a mess. A broken, lonely, lost mess. It’s like saying “You’ve passed the point of no return.” She may believe it. Speak blessings into her life.
2. Discourage her- This birth has effected her life as well. Work with her. If you discover an opportunity for her, tell her about it. Babysit while she goes to school, work or appointments. Offer to do the child’s hair, help with a birthday party. Mentor and support her into a mom the baby can be proud of.
3. Disown the unborn- Most times it’s the fathers family that snarls at a unplanned teenage pregnancy. For some reason, his family thinks the girl wants the family treasures. Well, guess what, sometimes it’s true. At this point. So what? You have the opportunity to  groom another family member to be a part of your family goals. That baby maybe the missing piece of your family vision toward greatness. Don’t kill your blessing. That’s what DNA testing is for.
4. Expect her to forgive you after you’ve done ALL of the above.-  Something can’t be healed once destroyed. Words do hurt. Somethings you should just keep to yourself if it’s not going to help the situation. That mom may not bring it up, but she will remember. You can not get out what you don’t put in. This includes love, respect, and acknowledgement.

 

 

“Teen parents want to be acknowledged as contributing members of society, not as society’s ailment. Not only are we leaders, activists, business owners, educators and so much more, but we are also raising intelligent and curious children who go on to do great things!”
– Mariely Moronta-Santos, 27, a mom of three who lives in Brooklyn, New York, and became a mother at 16

“I wish society would look at us as mothers.”
– Caitlin Shay, 26, mother of two who lives in Apopka, Florida, and became a mother at 17

I have five more to go before I can claim a total win,but so far so good. It has not been easy. But Oh My, it’s been worth every one of the obstacles and setbacks.

Success IS Indeed the greatest revenge. It is true. I would put my neck on a chopping block to swear by it. As I sit back and think of the upcoming month, I can’t help but smile and try to contain my extreme excitement.  I know it’s nothing but grace and mercy, but My God, the favor that is upon me right now is what I’ve been waiting on. I have FOUR graduates busting caps and gowns this year!  Two of my daughters, my oldest son and my husband.  Can you believe that?

This teen mom, single mom, mother of nine, once displaced*, gal from South Carolina, has 8 remaining- healthy children and every last one of them are thriving! Being a teen mom is not the worst thing to happen. When it happens encourage her to accept the call of motherhood and be the best she can possibly be. That way everyone wins.

I’m so grateful for my parents. I KNOW that I disappointed them. I KNOW that they too were catching slack because of their baby girl getting pregnant as a teen. I know my sisters were tried after the town knew that I was giving up ‘my cookies’. I am sorry everyone. I hope my recent accomplishments say thank, I’m proud of. You’ve done a great job by the children, So glad you didn’t let us down. Because of you I am a doula, wedding officiant, homeschooler, brander ambassador, mom coach, Queen City Stay At Home Moms organizer, social activist, and wife.

Happy Friday,

Kelle

Benefits for Teen Mothers

The best way to help teen moms: treating pregnancy as more than a medical event

Friday Four: Baby Sitter Money Tips

 

One of my  daughters is a private baby sitter.  She is CPR certified and has taken many continued education classes so she may remain in high demand. She’s a natural! As a big sister to five younger siblings, she’s able to baby sit for moms groups, business meetings, private parties, and now she now assistant other doulas while at the hospital serving laboring mothers.

Having a quality, trusted, babysitter is very rare. The process of finding one is a headache alone. But when you find one, many wonder, how will they pay for her.

And guess what? It’s only getting higher! While I don’t agree with that, I do believe that a great baby sitter is worth a good penny.

It costs to learn new skills,training, certifications, transportation to and from service locations and it’s also a symbol of  proper expectation.

My daughter charges up to  $12.00.per hour.  Her clients LOVE her. She brings toys, books, loads of energy , experience in autistic, multiples, and newborns. She also hires other teens like her to help as needed. Most people like her prices, everyone don’t. It’s usually the ones that want her, but can’t afford the rate. The comfort and well being of your child will always be your number one priority, but quality childcare doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Follow these tips and find an option that works for your family.

1. Share Your Sitter- If you are planing on hanging out with your friends, why not share the baby sitting cost. It does a couple of things. It gives the kids an instant play date, and saves each parent money.
2. Barter- My daughter loves getting her nails done, nice shoes, and great food. If you have any of these things, ask to trade instead of using money. Teens like my daughter will accept. Just ask  first to verify it’s acceptable. With both the teen sitter  and her parents.

According to UrbanSitter’s 2014 Childcare Rate Survey of nine large metro areas, the average babysitter wage paid in New York City is$15.34 per hour while in Denver it’s $10.84 per hour

3. Join a progressive mom group. – Queen City Stay At Home Moms offers discount child

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care rates to their premium members.

4.Take The Credit.     If you use registered child care or pay a babysitter to care for your children, you can deduct at least a portion of your expenses for income tax purposes.

1. • Expenses are deductible for the care of dependent children, under the age of 16.
   • Babysitters may be related to you (but not a parent to your child) and must be over 17 years of age.
   • The child care deduction is limited to two-thirds of earned income, or $4,000 a year per child aged seven to 16; $7,000 a year per child under seven years; and up to $10,000 a year for each disabled child.
   • For details of child care options in your area, contact your province’s child care licensing agency.

Bonus- Sign up for a Flexible Spending Account
If your employer offers this option, use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to set aside money for child care. You can include up to $5,000 before taxes

In closing , be strategic! At The Big Sister, most families look for care during the summer. The more affordable and experienced caregivers get grabbed early and day care slots fill up quickly. Start your search soon and don’t wait until the last minute.Well, there you have it! You have no reason to avoid date night away from the house, a business meeting at home ,or a fun Moms Night Out! You can afford it!

PLEASE READ- From Care.Com- Great Area- Fee based Information! 

Friday Four: Lessons From a Student Athlete’s Mom

I think everyone has a story, but If I may, let me tell you why I am sitting here smiling from ear to ear.  It’s a classic story. Teen girl from a small town get pregnant and quits school to raise her child and never leaves the small town.BUT this isn’t my story!

I had a son at 16 years old. I finished college. Got married. Now I work from home . Today, that child graduates from college  with a college degree in May!

Be Happy For Where You Are.

  Be the Best At What You Are.

But Never Stay Where You Are- KLP

I will never claim to know everything. But these are four tips I want to share with you to help get through those college years with your student athlete!

1. Provide Birth Control– Since my son was not a virgin upon entering college, stopping at the big box store to purchase supplies including a large box of condoms was on list of “Must Do!” I didn’t want to play stupid. My son is a 6’8  basketball player. Grown women ,non African american women, and everything in between was hitting on him before he left for school and I knew that attending college and left to his own desires……. it would not end. So as always, it’s better safe than sorry parents.
2. Stay Connected like AT&T– Now there’s FaceTime, Texting, Instagram, SnapChat,  and even cheap gas (yes, I said it) While there is nothing like a care package or phone call, don’t limit yourself to those two things. Be your child’s biggest fan! You should always be his/her biggest support system. College is stressful and can be over whelming.Continue to guide your child.                          
3. Be supportive like banker– Give them money but be very discriminate. If you were giving them allowance when they were home, continue sending them money. Unless they are at a D1 school*, where money is slipped to them (athletes) here and there, your child is gonna need money for his/ her basic needs. Yet, be smart about it. There’s nothing more regretful than paying for your child to party their way out of school. Now some kids will get little jobs while taking classes. That’s a great thing.You may still have to help with upkeep of the car and other misc things.
4. Accept help with a crystal ball.- When my son first started playing basketball, everyone wanted to “help.” Then when he felt like being a goof ball and messing up, they fled. Nothing hurts more than that, for him or myself. From that experience, I’ve learned to evaluate everyone on a individual basis. I know that everyone that smiles in our face isn’t always the best one to trust with your child. It’s true,Not everyone wants something. Finding sincerely good people can be hard at times. But when you do find someone to look out for your son – you keep them. And you make sure they know that they are appreciated. I sleep so good at night knowing that almost every game my son has ever went to, there were warm hugs and familiar smiles waiting for him in that city. Even on campus, he has a circle of people that love him for who he his. That’s a blessing!                                                             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiGoh1BUJk4

This post was sponsored by Charlotte’s Youth Broadcasting Camp

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