We were able to see our ACT test results today. Without posting the scores, he did better in some areas than I expected, worse in others. So while congratulating him on doing well, I am wondering what I can do to help in the areas I think we are slacking in. Specifically English/Language Arts. For 7th grade range, gifted kid. What would be a good grammar program, and perhaps reading comprehension/literary analysis type option? Suggestions, ideas? I wouldn't push but I do think he is underachieving in this area. He hates the physical act of writing so he avoids it even when I say he can type.

I suggest soaking it overnight, extremely hot water and dish soap. I've "cooked" out burnt messes as well on the stove top. Similar to deglazing while cooking, heat up the pan like cooking and use water or vinegar to deglaze and scrape out the pan.

Our U Haul boxes are still in use as storage. We moved six years ago, and we shuffle stored items around periodically and the boxes are still intact.

We do not match, but we are buying the same basic color as we have to replace them over time. We chose black.

We have close to 3000 sq/ft. I wish it was smaller. More space just accumulates more junk, and is more to clean. Blech. We bought the house because it came with a large yard.

NP's will consult the doctor in the office if needed and can schedule any tests and follow up. I'd be inclined to get in asap just in case, especially since he thinks is getting larger.

This one is really common. We've dealt with it in our house. It is easy to treat but takes some time to go away.

I think it is fine for a 12 year old. The free version allows quite a bit of play. She should still be able to play with friends/cousins with the free version. My boys play sometimes at ages 10 and 13, they tend to lose interest after a bit and go back to other games. You can set a language filter and turn off various chat channels within the game if it makes you more comfortable. I played, I had most chat channels turned off simply because they were annoying.

I would have him checked for vitamin deficiency, vit D comes to mind but could be another vitamin.

I see kids as old as 13 carrying dolls etc around. As long as the child is comfortable, and responsible for their item I don't think there is a "too old" age.

We had a travel wallet that hung around his neck, slipped under his shirt when my younger son was that age. A traditional child size wallet finally fits in his pocket now at age 10.

The Roku pairs nicely with Amazon and Kindle Fire, Apple TV pairs nicely with a Mac, or an iPad. Apple TV gets Youtube, the Roku does not. However AppleTV is not compatible with AmazonPrime...and isn't likely to be since Apple and Amazon are in competition with each other.

I am on a once a week 50,000 iu dose. It can take several months to build back up to healthy levels.

Yes it is like a roku.

My boys hated cutting anything at 5 as well, at 10 and 13 they do it willingly now. They still don't "like" it.

I am learning the hard way how important it is too. I just found out I am extremely low. I've caught so many colds, the flu, and other illnesses this winter along with extreme fatigue and frequent pain. After many tests they finally decided to check for Vit. D. It has been a week since I found out and I've been reading up ever since. Amazing all the symptoms Vit D deficiency can cause. Thank you for sharing this.

I really like our Kindle Paperwhite, it has the built in light if needed but isn't back lit like a computer screen. My eyes get really tired looking at traditional screens. The font size is adjustable to very large font if desired.

My two boys don't often ask for stuff. Usually it is for a new book, or to go somewhere. They buy most other things with their own money if they really want them. We don't have cable so they don't know about everything out there.

I agree with moving forward and finding another math program. There are many options including finding a fun supplement to work on for a while.

We have a solid wood twin over full bunk bed. If your upper bunk is sagging you can get a bunky board to put under the mattress on top of the slats. It should hold it up fine.

Hooray for the kids stepping up!

Try to find a loose leaf English Breakfast tea. It should match what you are expecting.

The Child's Bill of Rights is in line with how we parent, this isn't a child free for all. My children are learning how all things we want to do have a time and a place. They learn that their interests are valued, as are their siblings', and their parents' interests. They learn how to pursue their interests while respecting the interests of those around them. Their feelings and opinions matter, and we are teaching them how to express them appropriately. I've never understood tyrannical or dictatorial parenting, and respecting children as individuals in their own right is no laughing matter. Of course my kids push the boundaries of this, and they learn the natural consequences of it.

We are using it with History Odyssey and enjoy it. If you enjoy hands on activities you will likely enjoy this.

Mine craft can be played alone at home, with friends at home via LAN (local area network), or with others via the internet on a public (or private) server. You can can set up what kind of world is created, with our without creepers (monsters to fight). You can choose whether you are just creating things, or battling others as well. There is infinite variety in this game. If you google educational uses for Minecraft you can find many, many ideas for how Minecraft can be incorporated into a classroom. The graphics are very simple and basic which seems to be a turn off for many. My boys play it in a variety of ways, utilizing most of the options available at some point or another.