Contributing writers: Brooke Barnett, Julie Dill, Mari Farthing
National Movement for America’s Children
According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, 97,942 Oklahoma children were the alleged victims of child abuse or neglect this past year. From those reports, 7,248 were confirmed. Parent Promise, the Oklahoma Chapter for Prevent Child Abuse America, is partnering with more than a dozen agencies to become part of a national movement to keep all children safe and healthy. The Parent Promise mission is based on the basic principle that every child deserves a nurturing environment that supports healthy brain development so he is prepared to learn in school, grow into a productive adult and prosper in his community. According to Parent Promise, research shows that when this development does not occur, there is a greater potential for children to experience lifelong consequences such as health and mental health issues, substance abuse, poor academic performance and criminal behavior. Billie Brown, Executive Director of Parent Promise, believes, “Children should be able to grow, play and learn in a safe and secure environment. Children are our most valuable natural resource. We must protect that resource; for our future is in their hands. The only real solution to the epidemic of child abuse and neglect in our country is prevention. Oklahoma must be a leader in protecting our children.” The core of the movement’s activities is a grass-roots effort that offers every citizen an opportunity to participate in the development process. Through November 6, supporters are hosting town hall events and listening sessions along with an ongoing virtual debate and discussion at www.movementforchildren.org. You may also visit the site to sign a pledge of support and contribute. Brown states, “Reaching out to parents to provide education and support means that our future can be brighter. Parent Promise is trying to help.” Prevention strategies include home visitations that offer a trained family support worker that teaches parents effective parenting skills. Parent Promise is accredited by the National Exchange Club for the Prevention of Child Abuse. To learn more, call 405-232-2500 or visit www.parentpromise.org.
Question of the Month Do you assign chores to your child? What do you consider age-appropriate jobs for your children—or do you assign them chores at all? Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/fs-giveaway to answer this question and enter your name in our monthly prize package drawing, valued at over $500. Deadline to enter is Thursday, September 22. Your comments may also be used in a future issue of MetroFamily Magazine or on our website. The full contents of the prize package are listed with the entry form. A winner will be drawn at random and notified by phone or email. The winner agrees to pick up items from the MetroFamily office, 725 NW 11th, Suite 204, Oklahoma City.
Question of the Month: After School Activities
Many parents and educators agree that quality after-school activities can provide important benefits for students. Because they offer options that are not always available as part of the traditional school experience, extracurricular activities have been found to increase academic performance, decrease risky behaviors, support social development and increase skills, growth and learning. Our August Question of the Month asked you to share what types of after-school activities your children participate in during the school year. Sports were the most highly indicated category, with over 35 percent of respondents indicating that their children participate in an individual or group sport. Nearly ¼ of readers indicated that they don’t limit their kids to just one type of afterschool activity, while slightly less than that said their children do not participate in extracurricular activities. Here are some of the reasons that our readers shared for their opinions: Tiffanie C. of Mustang says she does not limit her son to just one type of activity. “I try to involve my child in as many activities as possible so he can figure out what he truly enjoys.” Heather L. of Moore reports that her kids are sports fanatics. “My boys have played soccer since they were six. They play for their high school and recreational teams! Plus, they took a course for refereeing soccer and they ref games in between playing. Keeps them very busy—and me since I have to drive them!” Dance has been a positive influence for Christi M. of Oklahoma City. “My daughter is obsessed with ballet, so I enrolled her in dance classes last year. It’s amazing how she went from shy and cautious to outgoing and confident with just one after-school activity.” Dian W. of Oklahoma City thinks exploring your options is important. “Experiential activities are helpful in learning, coping, relaxation and developing thinking. And they are fun!” Extracurricular activities are still on the horizon for Katie S. of Yukon. “No after school activities yet...we’re just getting started! My girls are only four and two!” For Natalie A. of Edmond, variety is key. “My daughter loves ballet, my oldest loves academic activities and the middle son loves the theater, dance and art.” Visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/august-reader-responses to read more about the activities that our readers’ children enjoy. Your Children's After-School Activities 117 total responses
Academics, 2.6% Art, 2.6% Dance, 7.7% Music, .8% Sports, 35% Other, 4.3% None, 22.2% Why choose just one? 24.8%
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www.metrofamilymagazine.com | September 2011