| GROUPS |
Click here for a current list of groups in Minnesota. |
| CONTACT US |
Please send feedback and suggestions for
future issues to:
Circle of ParentsŪ Statewide Office
Priscilla Bennett
Communications Coordinator
709 University Avenue, Suite 234
Saint Paul, MN 55104
651-523-0099
pbennett@pcamn.org
Our Regional Coordinators:
Metro Office
Alice Lynch
Metro Program Coordinator
709 University Avenue, Suite 234
Saint Paul, MN 55104
651-523-0099
alynch@pcamn.org
Northeast Regional Office
Joan Johnson
Northeast Program Coordinator
9057 Sunset Strip
Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
218-821-6429
jjohnson@pcamn.org
Southeast Regional Office
Barb Sorum
Director of Family Support Services
606 East 5th Street
Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-377-7665
bsorum@pcamn.org
Southwest Regional Office
Susan Thomes Southwest Program Coordinator PO Box 202 Silver Lake, MN 55381 218-308-1311
Western Regional Office
Mary Weaver
Western Program Coordinator
32662 Birchwood Shore Drive
Underwood, MN 56586
218-770-1385
mweaver@pcamn.org |
|
|
| CIRCLE OF PARENTS SURVEY | |
If you haven't had a chance to complete our SHORT online survey about the impact of Circle of Parents in Minnesota, please do so now. It only takes ten minutes, and your input will help us enhance the strength of our network and help Minnesota's families and children.
|
| CHAPTER HIGHLIGHT | |
 Alice O. Lynch, Metro Program Coordinator
One of the unique aspects of our Circle of ParentsŪ Groups at Eastside Neighborhood Services in Minneapolis is that all of their facilitators are seniors. They are facilitating circles with High School Students, Grandparents, seniors living in facilities specifically for older adults, and for the general public who just want someplace to come and talk. An additional aspect of this group is that it is extremely culturally diverse. They have seniors from Somali, Liberia, Laos, Philippines. They also have Native Americans, African Americans, Scandinavian heritage, Germans, and French. Many of the facilitators practice Christian faith including Catholic, Baptist, and Episcopalian, but they also have facilitators who are Muslim and Buddhist. Lynette Roemer, the Coordinator for their Circles, recently held their end of the year gathering encouraging everyone to bring in items that represent how they acknowledge the holiday season. They were also encouraged to share stories about how they acknowledged the holiday season in their country of origin as well as some of their present practices. ( read more here) |
| FACILITATOR TIP | | |
Barb Sorum, Director of Family Support Services
Help Your Circle of Parents Families Beat Holiday Stress and the Blues
The holidays are looming, and while they are often a time of joy, they can also be a time of stress for some of our Circle of Parents families. Here are some tips to share with your group that will help us all stay calm, cool, and collected -- so we can enjoy the holiday season without stress and strain.
1. Keep outside decorations simple - like a wreath on the door - and save the effort for inside. After all, that's where our friends and family will be!
2. Avoid a financial crisis. If you go overboard on one gift, don't make that an excuse to go crazy with every gift! Keep things balanced. Financial health has a direct impact on mental health.
Rather than find the "perfect gift" for each person, stock up on unique items that can be given to multiple people. Gift cards for iTunes or Starbucks are great for younger relatives, coworkers, and casual acquaintances. You'll always have something handy if you're on the spot and forgot someone on your shopping list!
3. Be realistic in your expectations. Don't expect the "perfect family holiday" like you see on TV and in the movies. Real families generally aren't perfect. Accept your flaws and everyone else's flaws and you'll have a smoother celebration. Don't expect this to be the day to resolve every family dispute in history. Just enjoy the day for what it is - a time to be together, share a meal, and share affection. (read more here) |
| CHILDREN'S PROGRAM TIP | |
Sue Thomes, Southwest Program Coordinator
Parents' Rules? Grandma's Rules? Group Rules? Who's Rules Rule?
Well, that depends who you ask, where you are, and what the rule is. In general, parents are in charge of the rules at their house, grandparents are in charge of the rules at their house, and the group is in charge of the rules in their setting. But, oh, what to do when these worlds collide?
Inevitably, in any group setting involving children of multiple ages and different families, there will be times when behavior expectations at children's group are different than expectations children may be used to in other settings. At times, when the differing expectations clash, it may seem confusing (for children, and sometimes adults) as to which expectations to abide by. Keep in mind, your expectations in some areas may be more stringent than a parent's, while less stringent in other areas. It is often about picking your battles. Most importantly, children's group rules are always rooted in positive guidance and developmental appropriateness for the age of the child. Being able to explain the "whys" of expectations is often helpful in coming to agreement with a parent or grandparent. (read more here) |
| OUTREACH TIP OF THE MONTH | | |
Mary Weaver, Western MN Program Coordinator
Guide to Bring in the New Year with a splash!
As the winter chill sets in and the holiday season passes, January looms ahead like, well, a snow cloud. Want to liven up that dreary month? Have a beach party! What better way to look forward to 2011 - and get new families involved - than to dress up in bathing suits and summer clothes in the middle of winter. Bring sand in and build sand castles. If you don't have a community pool (indoors, please!), use small plastic pools to splash around. Serve fruits, play volleyball, and crank that beach music! School flyers and notices posted at day cares will definitely get the kids in the mood for some summer fun ... and with kids comes parents! Welcome in the New Year with a splash! |
| BOOK OF THE MONTH | |
Joan Johnson, Northeast Program Coordinator
Books Make Wonderful Gifts
In our efforts to give meaningful gifts at this time of the year, I can think of nothing better than a book that is selected especially for the people on our list. Judy Ford has published an assortment of books that would seem to be appropriate for anyone. She is a parent, MSW, Family Counselor, and human relations consultant. The focus of her writing is to challenge us to put our love into action in the way we relate to one another. (read more here) |
| WEB LINKS OF THE MONTH | | |
Barb Sorum, Director of Family Support Services
|
|
Our Mission The mission of Minnesota's Circle of Parents is to empower parents to create healthy and loving families through positive parenting and mutual self help. |
|
|
