Dear Reader
I
t’s finally here, the start of the school year! And if you are beyond blissed out about that fact, don’t feel guilty. So says veteran mom Sharon Gowan Publisher/Editor Christina Katz in Sharon@family-life.us “Parents Rejoice!” (page 12). She’s leaping for joy right along with you. Perhaps your kids are not as happy about the first day of school as you are. That’s okay. You can’t change their attitude, but you can help them prepare for what’s ahead. For students just going into high school, in particular, there are big changes, including perhaps going to a whole new school. Read “The Really Big Kids” (page 18) for tips on how to help your teen adjust.
you ask your children to contribute to the process. Check out “The Happiest Kid in the Cafeteria” (page 14) for creative ways to spruce up your student’s brown bag. We know that you’re probably already making plans for vacation days. That’s why we’ve put all of them in one place—our School Calendars (page 16). Turn to them throughout the year, when you want to know when the kids will be at home. The start of classes can be as stressful as it is exciting. Turn to humorist (and former childhood educator) Jessica Guerrieri’s “When Will the Target Trips End?” (page 34) for a good laugh about it all. We hope the coming weeks go as well as possible. And remember we’ll be here for you all year long, offering the information you need to stay balanced and keep your family strong.
Sometimes a great lunch can be just the ticket for helping kids feel positive about their day. It doesn’t take much effort or time to pack a tasty, healthy meal, especially if
DID YOU KNOW? HELPS YOU
Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us
Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us
Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Contributing Writers America’s Test Kitchen Jessica Guerrieri Tanni Haas Christina Katz Luis Fernando Llosa North Coast Opportunities Kim John Payne Susie Spikol
Billing Jan Wasson-Smith
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205 1539
WE
will walk you through the entire process of becoming a child care provider in your home.
WE
have subsidies available to help with child care expenses for qualifying families.
WE
have ongoing training & referrals to help make your child care business the best it can be!
1-800-606-5550 x211 ncoinc.org 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife
August 2022
www.mendolakefamilylife.com