AngelinaPolk_Winter2008

Angelina/Polk Counties Winter 2008

BeSafe Child

TM

Since 1994

Lufkin Independent School District

Our Mission is to facilitate optimal learning for all students and to enable them to lead fulfilling and productive lives in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex society.

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We Are Thankful To All Our Sponsors

who have made the printing of this edition of BeSafe Child possible. We also remain grateful to all the Independent School Districts, private schools and child care centers that help distribute our publication to the parents. *************************************** Editor’s Note: Some articles have been repeated here from our first middle school edition this summer. We found that these articles also apply to the safety and health of preschool and elementary school children. ********************************************* We hope that the parents that receive BeSafe Child will find some information that will help keep their children safe and healthy.

Remember: CHILD SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT. BeSafe Publications 566 CR 4103, Jacksonville, TX 75766 903-586-3767 1-800-233-8568 Fax 903-586-0333 www.besafechild.com email: info@besafechild.com Publisher/Editor: Royce Ewing Office: Patricia Goar Spokesperson: Dr. Sharon Young Graphic Design/Layout: Claudette Wooddell ŠCopyright 2008 BeSafe Publications

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within these pages. We cannot, however, assume any liability for its validity or completeness or for additional or changed information subsequent to the date the information contained herein was submitted for publication. BeSafe Publications welcomes your suggestions and inquiries.

Articles from professionals in child safety are also encouraged. While we retain our copyright position, we do grant permission to responsible parties to duplicate our articles in the interest of child safety, health and good character.

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Inside BeSafe Child

Just for Mom & Dad: Top Five Stress Busters..................................................5 Protecting Kids From Cyber-bullies...................................................................6 Teaching Your Child To Master The See-saw Of Bullying...............................7 Child Care Center Guides..........................................................................8-9, 12 Protect Kids From Inappropiate TV Content..................................................10 Toy Safety Tips....................................................................................................11 More Calcium Needed........................................................................................13 Fighting The Flu................................................................................................14 Safe During Sever Weather................................................................................14 50 Ways to Show Kids You Care.......................................................................15

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Top-Five Stress Busters

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ife can be stressful, no doubt about it, but how we deal with that stress can make a huge difference in the quality of our lives and in our own health. Try these tips: 1. Breathe-When stress levels begin to rise, close your eyes and relax into a few deep breaths. Deep breathing suppresses and calms your sympathetic nervous system which, when activated, releases stress hormones that can be detrimental to our bodies.

2. Let Go-Many of us get stressed out over “the small stuff” in life. Instead, practice the art of “letting go.” Close your eyes and repeat several times: “let” as you inhale and “go” as you exhale. Focus on the things in your life that are the most important to you-your health, family, friends and loved ones, as well as all the blessings in your life.

3. Exercise-Exercise raises our production of endorphins-brain chemicals that make us feel good-and increases our sense of well-being. If you’re stressed out about starting an exercise routine-or want to improve your current onetry using equipment designed for your fitness level. For instance, Savasa makes jump ropes, weights, resistance bands and other items that are color-coded to your size, height and fitness level. Plus the products have smaller grips and handles modeled on women’s hands. They even come with a DVD featuring 15-minute workouts created by professional trainers.

4. Be Present-Stress often occurs when we relive painful memories over and over, or when we constantly worry over the unknown future. When you notice these thought pat-

by JoDene Stokes terns, tell yourself that you cannot go back in time, and since you have no control over the future and no amount of worrying will ever change that, you are then left with one optionbringing your mind into the present moment.

5. Eat Right-By eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and pasta, and by eliminating foods that are high in fat, white flour, white sugar and caffeine, we can build up our immune system’s ability to protect our bodies against the damaging effects of stress.

For more information, visit www.savasafit. com.

Ms. Stokes is a fitness expert and Savasa Personal Trainer(tm).

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Protecting Your Kids From Cyber-bullies

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hether it’s e-mail or schoolwork or just having fun, most kids nowadays spend time online almost every day.

The Internet is a great place for kids to find information, share ideas and meet new people. Parents should talk to their children about how to keep safe online. Kids who talk with their parents about Internet safety are six times less likely to meet an Internet stranger in person.

One threat that kids encounter is cyber-bullying. It may start out as harmless joking but can escalate into insults and rumors-ending in serious harassment.

Cyber-bullies use Web technology to insult, intimidate, extort and embarrass other Web users. One form of online embarrassment is posting someone’s private message to a public site, such as MySpace and Facebook.

Harassment can also take the form of physical threats. If your child receives threats to person or property, experts at the Internet Keep Safe Coalition say they should be reported to the police.

If the bullying involves an adult harassing a minor child, it may be an attempt by a predator to intimidate a child and should be reported both to the police and to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Cyber-Tipline at www.cybertipline.org.

If the bully is a student, you can contact the school about its policy for intervention, but all harassment should be reported to the service provider of the bully. A detailed tutorial at www.ikeep safe.org shows parents how to re-

port cyber-bullying.

Teach kids not to respond to insulting or defaming messages. A common tactic among bullies is to incite the victim, then post compromising responses, further abusing the victim by labeling him/her as violent and unstable.

Surprisingly, cyber-bullies tend to be smart kids from affluent families (with incomes greater than $75,000). In many cases, they are kids who have found a way to feel in control when they may not have a physical advantage in the real world.

Many children do not report cyber-bullying because they are afraid their Internet privileges will be taken away. If your child tells you about bullying or harassment, stay calm.

Thank him or her for telling you, then take action by reporting.

Learn how to report and get free tools for parents at www.ikeepsafe.org.

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Teaching Your Child to Master the See-Saw of Bullying

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Source: Tyler Independent School District

ince the first see-saw was put on the playground there has been a “school bully” running around. Unfortunately many of us have encountered such a person, whether it was when we were younger, in our teenage years or as an adult. Being able to teach our children how to identify what a bully is and what we as parents can do to help will hopefully provide our children with a vantage point over the playground bully.

What is school bullying?

Bullying is a form of violence that hurts others. School bullying happens at school or during school-sponsored activities when a student or group of students intentionally and repeatedly uses their power to hurt other individuals or groups. Bullies’ power can come from their physical strength, age, financial status, popularity, social status, technology skills, or by association (the people they know, who they hang out with, who their family is).

What do bullies do?

They can bully in direct ways, such as: • hitting, tripping, shoving, pinching, excessive tickling; • verbal threats, name calling, racial slurs, insults; • demanding money, property, service; and • stabbing, choking, burning and shooting.

They can also bully in indirect ways, such as: • rejecting, excluding, isolating; • ranking or rating, humiliating; • manipulating friends and relationships; • writing hurtful or threatening e-mails and postings on web sites; and • blackmailing, terrorizing, and proposing dangerous dares.

What can parents of young children do about school bullying?

Parents are their children’s first teachers. The words and actions children are taught or allowed to use at home often become the words and actions they use in other settings.

As families prepare their children to enter the world, lessons about respect and empathy become especially important. Being a positive role model means teaching your child by example.

There are many ways parents can promote the respectful and thoughtful behaviors they would like to impart to their children. These may include the following:

At home • Talk often with your child and listen carefully.

• Ask about your child’s school day, activities and friends.

• Ask if your child feels safe and comfortable at school.

• Talk about what bullying means.

• Teach that bullying is unacceptable and can be dangerous.

• Stop bullying when it happens at home.

• Be clear about your expectations and consistently discipline when hurtful teasing and bullying occurs among siblings and peers.

• Help your child understand the meaning and positive roles of friendship.

• Teach that people can be different in many ways.

• Teach and practice basic manners.

• Help your child find and develop his/her personal talents.

• Help your child choose positive and respectful friends.

• Help your child choose TV, music and video programs that promote respect, kindness and understanding.

• Talk with your child about their school experiences and peers.

• Encourage your child to tell you when bullying happens at school.

At school • Learn the school’s rules and sanctions regarding bullying.

• Participate in training the school may offer regarding bullying.

• Stay in touch with your child’s teacher.

• As soon as you are aware of a bullying problem, report it to the school.

• Accept help from the school with regard to bullying problems whether your child is the target, the bully or a bystander.

Be a positive role model in any setting.

Caring and responsible parents can use their choices, words and actions to model respectful behaviors and peaceful problem solving.

For more information visit the National School Safety Center website at www.schoolsafety.us © 2006 National School Safety Center 7

Guide to Child Care Centers

This Directory was produced by the BeSafe Publications as a public service to assist parents in their search for a licensed child care facility. BeSafe Publications does not endorse or recommend any product, service or company; therefore, parents should not consider this Directory a recommendation of any child care center. Any portion of the listing is subject to change at any time.

BeSafe Publications suggest you visit and tour the facility before making a decision. Check the current status of the facility’s license with the Department of Protective & Regulatory Services. This license should be posted in a conspicuous place and reflect the correct address of the facility.

Here are some things to look for when choosing a child care service: Is the facility clean? Are the children clean? Is there a safe place to play both indoors and outdoors?

Does caregiver share your views on discipline and religion? Can they provide special care such as diet and medication? Is this facility open to you and welcome to visits anytime?

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Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)

Country Cottage No.3 1401 E. Denman Ave., Lufkin, 75901 First Christian Church Prep School 1300 S. First, Lufkin, 75901 Hackney Day Care 708 Lubbock, Lufkin, 75901 Jack N’ Jill 600 Raquet, Lufkin, 75901 Kiddie Land Day Care Center 2603 Paul Ave., Lufkin, 75901 Kids Konnection Preschool 3640 S. US. Hwy.69, Lufkin, 75901 Lots of Love Child Care Center 1306 N. Medford, Lufkin, 75901 Lufkin Head Start Center 2208 N. Timberland Dr., Lufkin, 75901 My Friends & I 408 Henderson St., Lufkin, 75901 My Growing Place 805 E. Denman, Lufkin, 75901

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Phone

Capacity

Hours & Days Open

Zip Code 75901 639-3400 68 634-9698 175 634-3324 70 639-3855 93 632-4453 29 637-4991 64 637-7764 51 639-4009 68 634-4589 92 639-6884 115

Drop After School Ins Care

Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-11:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30

Ju

ing

Bik

.

Walking

Yes Yes Infants-School Age No

Yes Infants-School Age

Yes Yes Toddlers-School Age No

Yes Infants-School Age

Yes Yes Infants-School Age Yes Yes Infants-School Age Yes No

Infants-School Age

No

Toddlers-PreK

No

Yes Yes Infants-School Age No

No

mp

ing

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Ages Accepted

Infants-School Age

Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)

Phone

Capacity

My Treehouse 805 E. Denman, Lufkin, 75901 Noah’s Ark Early Education Center 1500 W. Frank, Lufkin, 75901 Pine Tree Preschool 1407 Tulane, Lufkin, 75901 St. Cyprian’s Creative Care 1115 S. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, 75901 Tiny Town Day Care Center 94-W 2629 Ted Trout Dr., Lufkin, 75901 Tulane Kid’s Academy, Inc. 2102 Tulane Dr., Lufkin, 75901 Young World Day Care 2616 E. Lufkin Ave., Lufkin, 75901

Hours & Days Open

Zip Code 75901 639-3545 51 632-2249 131 632-6710 123 632-1720 100 632-8458 98 699-2102 101 639-4591 104

Drop After School Ins Care

Mon.-Fri. 3:00-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-5:30

Ages Accepted

Yes Yes School Age No

Yes Infants-School Age

Yes Yes Infants-School Age No

No

Toddlers-School age

No

Yes Infants-School Age

No

Yes Infants-School Age

No

Yes Infants-School Age

No

Yes Infants-School Age

Zip Code 75904 Buckner Child Development Center 1825 Savers Box 3401, Lufkin, 75904 Creekside Learning Center 1825 Sayers, Lufkin, 75904 Humpty Dumpty 806 Pershing, Lufkin, 75904 Just Another Kidz 3024 Ted Trout Dr., Lufkin, 75904

639-3395 95 637-3330 95 637-6963 48 875-2442 95

Mon.-Fri. 7:00-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-5:30 Mon.-Sat. 7:30-5;30 Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00

Yes Yes Yes Yes Infants-School Age Yes Yes

Child Care Continues on Page 12 Humpty Dumpty Day Care CCMS Vendor School Pick-up for convenience Curriculum Based Instruction for Early Education

Hours: 7:30am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday

806 Pershing Ave. Lufkin, TX 75904

(936) 637-6963

Baptist Church

Sundays 9:30AM - Worship

11:00AM - Bible Study for all Ages Wednesdays Childcare for 4 years and younger TeamKID A fun interactive discipleship program

Kindergarten - 5th Grade For more information check out www.cwbc.org 400 N. John Redditt Dr. - Lufkin - 936-632-6599

Coming January 2, 2009 New Website

BeSafeChild.com 9

Protecting Kids from Inappropriate TV Content

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Source: Suddenlink Communications

he explosion of cable TV channels over the last couple of decades has given consumers a dizzying and wonderful array of content choices. And broadband content delivered over cable wires has opened up a new multimedia world on the Internet. But these innovations have also created new challenges for parents concerned about what images and sounds reach their children’s eyes and ears.

While parents may differ on what they find acceptable, one thing is certain: They have never had so many control tools at their disposal. The blocking technologies available now are like nothing that has preceded them in terms of convenience, ease of use, and effectiveness.

Not only do television shows now operate under a detailed ratings system that distinguishes between violent, sexual, and other mature content, but the V-chip required in all new TV sets gives parents the power to block any show they find offensive. Most cable operators provide easy-to-use parental-control tools in their set-top boxes – and have committed to providing blocking technology free of charge to customers who don’t already have it.

No control technology is foolproof – some screen out the good with the bad, and none can educate as well as filter. But when combined with media-literacy awareness and skills – understanding the effects, sources, and intentions of any media content – controls offer parents a first line of defense against content that may be inappropriate for children.

TV Ratings and the V-Chip The most basic of controls include the television ratings system. Similar to the familiar movie ratings sys-

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tem that has been around for more than 30 years, these ratings offer even more guidance about the content and appropriateness of most TV programs (excluding news and sports). Here’s the breakdown: TV-Y: Appropriate for all children TV-Y7: Appropriate for all children age seven and above TV-Y7-FV: Appropriate for older children, but includes “fantasy violence” TV-G: General Audience. Most parents would find material appropriate for all ages.

TV-PG: Parental guidance suggested. Some material may be unsuitable for younger children.

TV-14: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be unsuitable for children under 14.

TV-MA: Mature audience only. Material may be unsuitable for children under 17.

Often these ratings are accompanied by additional letters to denote specific red flags, including violence (V), sexual content (S), or crude language (L). Fortunately, the technology in your TV or set-top box can do the work for you.

The ratings on their own are merely informational, but they become a powerful parental-control tool when combined with the V-chip, which is in every TV set 13 inches or larger manufactured after January 2000.

For more information visit these websites: www.ciconline.org www.ControlYourTV.org www.familysafemedia.com/weemote.html www.fcc.gov/vchip

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Toy Safety Tips

ith concerns about toy safety making headlines, giving a child a gift that makes their wishes come true may seem more daunting than delightful. The following tips on safe toy selection can help: Check the manufacturer’s recommended age. Age recommendations measure the safety of a toy—not your child’s IQ. They are based on four different aspects of the toy: • Potential choking hazards, which pose the greatest threat to kids under age 3; • A child’s physical ability to play with the toy; • A child’s ability to understand how to correctly play with the toy; • General developmental needs of a particular age group.

Use the age range as a starting point based on the information above. You are most familiar with your child’s developmental stage and ability level, so it’s up to you to decide if he or she is ready. A too-advanced toy could be misused and lead to an injury.

Ensure that younger siblings play only with their own toys. Keep a close eye on younger children who want to mimic older siblings by playing with the older child’s toys. Instruct older kids to put unused toys away, well out of reach of younger children.

Pick well-informed and reputable toy retailers. Online toy retailers like eToys.com provide information on the most up-todate toy recalls, and will notify you if a toy you ordered through their Web site is recalled later.

Take the time to teach kids how to use new toys. Accidents can happen when misuse occurs, so help keep your children safe by making sure they’re playing with toys correctly.

Remove toy package and wrapping immediately. Don’t store toys in their original packaging. Plastic wrap can cause suffocation, and staples or sharp plastic edges can cut.

Avoid hand-me-down or garage sale toys.

As economical as they may be, these types of toys may be too worn or contain parts that don’t meet current safety standards.

Never give small children plastic bags, wrapping or latex balloons. Choking is a major concern for young children and these items could obstruct a child’s airway completely.

Remember the importance of parental supervision. Keep an eye on your child during playtime to ensure safe activities. Even better, take a little time out of your busy day to bond with your child through play. For additional tips on toy safety and more ideas to ensure safe play, visit the eToys.com Safety Center (www.etoys.com/safety). Also, our sponsor, Adventures in Learning has the largest selection of safe and educational toys in East Texas. Their location is 4538 S. Broadway,

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Name, Address (Listed by Zip Code)

Phone

Capacity

Hours & Days Open

Drop After School Ins Care

Ages Accepted

Zip Code 75904 Kids Inc. Learning Center 2960 Hwy. 69, Lufkin, 75904 Kid Kountry Preschool 2505 W. Frank, Lufkin, 75904 Kid Kountry Too 2920 Ted Trout Dr., Lufkin, 75904 Kovenant Kidz Preschool 3811 Hwy 103 W., Lufkin, 75904 Mary Jo Gorden Child Dev. Center 3402 Daniel McCall Dr., Lufkin, 75904 Rainbow Forest Early Childhood Center 3024 Ted Trout Dr., Lufkin, 75904 The Learning Tree 4052 N. Hwy 69, Lufkin, 75904

699-4566 153 632-8228 88 875-2211 107 632-2695 63 634-3395 140 875-2442 99 634-5929 90

Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 6:00-6;00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00-6;00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00-5:30 Mon.-Fri. 6:30-6:00 Mon.-Fri. 7:00-5:30

No

Yes Infants-School Age

Yes Yes Infants-School Age Yes Yes Infants-School Age Yes Yes Infants-School Age No

Yes Infants-School Age

No

Yes Infants-School Age

No

Yes Todddlers-School age

Zip Code 75941 Katherine Sage Temple Child Care Cnt. 101 Maynard, Diboll, 75941 Pumpkin Patch Pre-school 211 Morris Rd., Diboll, 75941

829-5783 176 829-2933 97

Mon.-Fri. No 6:30-6:00 Mon.-Fri. No 6;30-6:00

Yes Infants-School Age Yes Infants-School Age

Zip Code 75949 Care-A-Lot day Care Center 113 Pecan St., Huntington, 75949 Little Britches Pre-school and After 216 E. Spruce, Huntington, 75949

876-4850 25 422-4046 109

Mon.-Fri. Yes Yes Toddlers-School age 7:00-5:30 Mon.-Fri. Yes Yes Infants-School Age 7:00-6;00

New BeSafe Child Website Coming Soon!

January 2, 2009

www.besafechild.com

Community Coordinator For BeSafe Publications Needed

Reach out to the community with our child safety & health magazine, and earn income too. Call Royce Ewing at 903-586-3767 or email resume to rle@besafechild.com 12

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More Calcium Needed

esearch suggests that children and adolescents today are more likely to break a bone than their parents were. Experts see low dairy intake, overweight and inactivity as compound risk factors for future fractures, and urge parents to make adequate calcium and physical activity a priority in children’s lives.

“We know children who avoid dairy products tend to have lower bone mass and more risk of fracture but we’re seeing other factors like weight come into play,” said Laura K. Bachrach, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics at Stanford Medical Center. “If we don’t focus our efforts on improving bone health and maintaining a healthy weight from an early age, our children are likely to miss out on a chance to build the strongest bones they can.”

Today, only 12 percent of girls and 32 percent of boys get enough calcium to build bone mass during critical years, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, putting them at risk for fractures now and later in life.

“The good news is that we can suggest ways to build stronger bones. The window for building strong bones lasts until early adulthood, but it’s never too late to make bone health a priority,” said Bachrach.

Bachrach recommends parents provide adequate calcium and vitamin D through nutrientrich foods whenever possible, rather than turn to supplements. Milk and dairy products provide 70 percent of the calcium in the American diet, as well as other important nutrients such as vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein.

Here are some simple steps to building a lifetime of strong bones: • Get active. Play soccer, go for a walk or jump rope. Weight-bearing exercise helps build strong bones. Exercise is also important for maintaining a healthy weight.

• Encourage milk as the beverage choice at lunch. Many schools offer low-fat or fatfree flavored milks that children love.

• Offer cheese and yogurt as bone-building meal components and snack foods.

• Include other calcium-rich foods in your diet such as beans, nuts, corn tortillas and dark-green leafy vegetables.

Go to mealsmatter.org to find recipes that include dairy and other nutrient-rich foods.

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Fighting The Flu

ealth care officials say the best way to fight the flu is to get a flu shot. Vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent the flu and high-risk individuals are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

The influenza activity report recently released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 92 percent of the pediatric deaths resulting from influenza were in children who weren’t vaccinated. Each year the influenza strains change but, fortunately, vaccinations against influenza are also updated each year to protect against the current strains.

A site, sponsored by Maxim Health Systems, can be a valuable flu resource. To learn more, call (866) 534-7330 or visit www.FindaFluShot.com/clinic.

Many American parents have discovered that keeping their children safe from the flu is both easier and more important than they realized.

Studies show that otherwise healthy but unvaccinated daycare and school-age children are prime targets for influenza.

Once infected, children shed more of the influenza viruses than do infected adults, and they do so for a longer time. That’s why they’re so often at the center of an outbreak in the family or the community.

These are some simple steps to take to keep as healthy as possible during flu season: • Get vaccinated.

• Frequent handwashing keeps lots of germs out, including influenza. Use a hand sanitizer.

• Use tissues to block a sneeze or cough.

Influenza is a largely preventable disease.

Vaccination protects children those most at risk not only for infection, but for the complications that can arise from infection.

You can learn more online at www.pkids.org.

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Safe During Severe Weather

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hile 58 percent of moms feel their families are prepared for a severe weather emergency, only 30 percent have created and discussed an emergency communication plan, according to a recent survey by the Home Safety Council (HSC).

When the weather turns severe, safety is no accident. That’s why many experts say a detailed communications plan plays a pivotal role in helping families and emergency contacts stay connected to each other during a natural disaster.

Wallet-sized emergency communication cards that include space to list important phone numbers and medical information can be downloaded at www.embarq.com/ severeweather.

The HSC strongly recommends having a

corded landline phone, which is a phone that has a handset connected to the base of the phone by a cord.

These phones should continue to operate if the power goes out at your home.

Additional Safety Tips • Compile a “ready-to-go kit” for when your family needs to leave your home and a “ready-to-stay kit” when your family needs to stay inside your home for extended periods of time. Kits should contain water, canned food, can opener, flashlight, batterypowered radio, extra batteries, change of clothes and first-aid supplies.

• Designate a safe meeting location outside your home and out of harm’s way.

• Designate a safe place to stay in your home (away from windows) in case of severe weather.

Always watch out for down power lines. Visit www.swepco.com

50 WAYS TO SHOW KIDS YOU CARE! Notice and respect them.

they act out.

Smile and hug them.

Delight in their discoveries.

Learn their names.

Share their excitement.

Ask them to help you. Support them.

Applaud their successes.

Remember their birthdays.

Deal with problems and conSend them a letter or postcard. flicts while they’re still small.

Ask them about themselves.

Follow them when they lead.

Look in their eyes when you talk to them.

Notice when they are absent.

Listen to them.

Hide suprises for them to find.

Play with them. Be silly together.

Tell them stories in which they are the hero.

Believe in them.

Nurture them with good food, good words, and good fun.

Delight in their uniqueness.

Read aloud together.

Let them make mistakes.

Be nice. Say “YES” a lot.

Notice when they grow.

Tell them their feelings are okay.

Wave and honk when you drive by them.

Set boundaries that keep them safe.

Give them immediate feedback.

Be honest. Be yourself.

Give them space when they Forget your worries sometimes need it.

Include them in conversations. and concentrate only on them.

Be excited when you see them. Join in their adventures.

Notice when they’re acting difTell them about yourself. ferently.

Visit their schools.

Present options when they seek Let them act their age. your counsel.

Praise more: criticize less.

Help them learn something new.

Suprise them.

Be understanding when they have a difficult day.

Stay with them when they’re afraid.

Marvel at what they can do.

Tell them how proud you are of Give them good choices. them.

Suggest better behaviors when

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Caring for the youth of our community Caring for the youth of our community

with a Circle of Care. with a Circle of Care.

Improving the health of our youth is a top priority at Memorial Health System of East Texas. That’s why our Improving the at health of our youth is aDiabetes top priority at Memorial Health System of East Texas. That’s why our team of experts the Horace C. Polk Center is team of experts at the Horace C. Polk Diabetes Center is focused on teaching students the importance of eating focused teachingregularly. students the importance of eating healthy and on exercising healthy and exercising regularly.

Our children are our future, and we are dedicated to Our children are our future, and we are dedicated to helping them maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. helping them maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.

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Lufkin

Lufkin

Livingston t San Augustine t Memorial Specialty Hospital t Memorial t Augustine Livingston t San Specialty Hospital 936-634-8111 Visit us online at memorialhealth.org

t t

936-634-8111

t

Visit us online at memorialhealth.org