Summer 2008
Providing ding Services, Activities, and Informat Information t i o n to Parents and Children of Spokane
WHATEVER IT TAKES By Terrence Craven Being a parent gives us a responsibility that should be honored and respected. Our children depend on us to guide them as they grow. Children need to be taught right from wrong, behavioral skills, love and logic, and how to go through life on a positive note. It is not always an easy task and there might be struggles here and there, but patience, tolerance, and lots of love is a great recipe for parent and child relationships. There are many services to help and guide us as parents. Please never give up. Our children need us and they are worth whatever it takes. U
DIVORCE AND KIDS: What Children Need from Parents By Jean Tracy, MSS, “Granny Jean” Syndicated Writer for IdeaMarketers Is your divorce affecting your child? Does your child witness your anger and frustration with your ex? Would you like to decrease the friction your child feels and increase the peace? After my parents divorced my dad told me, “It’s just like a woman. When a man finally puts some money aside, his wife wants half and gets a divorce.” Dad blamed
Avoid fighting with your ex in front of your child because it: • Fuels your child’s anger. • Causes your child’s pain to deepen. • Increases your child’s insecurity and loneliness. To decrease your child’s pain from the divorce: • Hold your tongue in front of your child. • See things from your child’s viewpoint. • Share your pain with a counselor or a wise and trusted friend.
KEEP TRYING By Jeremiah Donier This is the first of many issues of this newsletter. The goal of this publication is to encourage parents to reach out to one another, to their children, to support services as needed, and to build a better community. Hopefully you will find in this newsletter the right resources to better your family’s life. It was put together by the men from the Dads Helping Dads Group. Whether you struggle with a toddler going through the terrible twos or a teenager going on twenty, you need to know that you’re not alone. You may need some major support, advice, or just someone to listen to your frustration. My family was involved with Child Protective Services for two years, so I know firsthand how hard it is to be a nurturing parent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whatever challenges you face, for your sake, and your children’s sake; I encourage you to keep trying to do better. U
IN THIS ISSUE: Being Firm, Not Angry ........................... 2 Special Needs Children......................... 5 How to Survive Shopping with Kids...... 6 Walk a Little Plainer ............................... 7 Child Abuse: Warning Signs ................. 9 Child Abuse: Causes ............................. 9 Child Abuse: Results ............................. 9 Single Parents Struggling For Life ......10 No Cost, Fun Summer Activities ........12 Squish, Climb, Splash .........................13 Free Summer Meals for Children .......14 Free Kid-Friendly Events.....................15 Emergency Numbers ..........................16
Remember to respect your child’s feelings about divorce my mother but not himself. He forgot I was female and he wanted me to take his side. He didn’t consider that I loved my mother too. Remember that half your child’s genes come from the other parent. This creates a special bond between your child and your ex. When you put down your ex, your child feels put down too. Avoid talking hatefully about your ex because it: • Encourages your child to support other parent. • Increases your child’s contempt for the things you say. • Promotes your child’s disrespect for you. Avoid trying to get your child to take your side because it: • Causes your child to fight your attempts. • Puts your child in the painful middle. • Encourages your child to take your ex’s side.
As a divorced parent, your child needs you to: • Speak respectfully about your ex or not at all. • Keep your child out of the middle. • Avoid fighting in front of your child. If you do, you’ll decrease the friction and increase the peace. You’ll earn your child’s respect. You’ll earn your child’s love. What’s more, by focusing on the emotional needs of your child, you’ll be building character in yourself. Would you like more parenting tips like the ones in this article? Check out our FREE PARENTING TIPS - 21 of the BEST at http:// www.KidsDiscuss.com Subscribe to Jean Tracy’s FREE PARENTING NEWSLETTER at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids. Treat yourself to our PARENTING SKILLS KIT and boost your skills as you raise your kids with character. Available exclusively at http://www. KidsDiscuss.com U
