From the Desk of the President
Jeff Kemp
Answer the Bell!
School is
starting! In addition to new teachers, new classes, home work, and reuniting
with friends, a return to school also means reengaging in competitive
activities such as band, drama, choir, debate team...and sports.
Before the
harried schedule overtakes us, I encourage parents to not let activities and
sports happen to us, but keep the big picture in mind and recognize the impact
such activities and school can have on our kids' character.
Read More...
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Featured Resources of the Month
 Back to School Resources!
Free Webinar: On this Tuesday, September 2, 2009 from 11am-1pm Mountain Time, the Love and Logic Institute is offering a free webinar: "I Hate School: Techniques for Helping Underachieving Kids Fall in Love with Learning. Click here to learn more...
Get organized: Does the new school year leave you feeling overwhelmed? Check out these great downloads to help you organize chores, homework, the budget and more! Click here to learn more.... |
Upcoming Prepare/Enrich Trainings
September 24, 2009Mercer Island Covenant Church 3200 78th Ave SE
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Upcoming Restored and Remarried Seminars
September 18-19, 2009Northwest Family Services 6200 SE King Road Portland, OR 97222 Friday: 7pm-9pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Register Online |
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 Research Shows that Parental Involvement Makes a Difference!
By Krista Fogelson
Back to school! Although many parents look forward to the break from
being with their kids all day, the beginning of the new school year can
be a hectic time as parents make sure to buy the require school
supplies, arrange afternoon child care, and plan a new schedule to
balance work, home, and their kids' school schedules and
extracurricular activities.
Right about the time their head stops
spining, many parents receive a letter from their school listing all
the ways they can help their child succeed by volunteering at the school and at home.
As their eyes scan the list: classroom aid, field trip chaperone,
playground supervisor, lunch buddy, booster club, helping your kids
with homework, etc...panic sets in. Life is busy enough! Is there time
to volunteer? Overwhelmed, one has to wonder if parent involvement
really helps kids succeed. If so, how much is necessary?
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 How to Minimize Homework Conflict
By Luke Nelson
Believe it or not, 'back to school" is upon us. Many parents will be happy
to see their children off to school for six hours during the day, but each day
when they return there is a potential challenge--homework. Too often battles
over homework drive a wedge between parents and their kids. Many times these
ongoing conflicts give our kids a distaste for learning and send parents to bed
at night wondering, "Is there a better way to handle homework?"
The following keys are designed to create happier
homes for kids where they are free to fall in love with learning and parents no
longer have to dread homework disputes.
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 Preparing for the Back to School Battles
By Rose Fuller (Guest Writer)
Soon the slower pace of summer with camping trips, festive BBQs,
and warm summer evenings will be replaced with "grab and go" meals as
school is just around the corner. While a new year brings excitement,
most of us dread the change to the faster pace. "I like everything
about the beginning of school, but I can't stand all the conflicts I
have with my daughter," explains Olga. "My pleasant 12 year-old
suddenly turns into a monster as she demands certain school supplies
and clothing -- many of which don't fit into our tight budget."
Her daughter is responding to peer pressure. Teens today are often
overbooked and can become stressed over trying to meet others'
expectations. One of the primary forms of pressure comes from peers:
classmates, teammates and friends. Peer influence can be positive, like
keeping grades up to stay on a sports team. But it can also be
negative, resulting in the adoption of unhealthy behaviors and
attitudes.
Read More...
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 Wired for War---Keeping Families Connected During Deployment
By Mike Schindler
"There were two hard things that stuck out the most when Will was gone:
eating dinner with two toddlers and my husband not sitting across the
table where he should be; and no one to hold me and tell me that
everything is going to be alright." - Tonia, spouse of deployed soldier
After eight years of our military being involved in overseas
conflicts, this story isn't so uncommon for our military families: one family,
two different missions in two very different worlds. But unlike wars and
deployments of the past, we live in an era of techno-savvy individuals and a
techno-friendly military which allows its families, especially children of
deployed parents, to stay connected.
Read More...
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 Upcoming Blog Giveaway!
This month, we're excited to announce our first ever giveaway on our Stronger Families blog. On Tuesday, September 8th, you'll have a chance to enter to win a free copy of Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster W. Cline and Jim Fay. Just in time for school, the book offers tips to help parents establish healthy control and "raise children who are self-confident, motivated, and ready for the real world..." To learn how you can enter, check our blog, subscribe by clicking on the RSS link to your left, or visit our site to sign up via e-mail! Instructions to win will be posted on the blog on September 8th!
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