Youth Eastside Services Lifeline Online
January 2013 

Resolutions that Help Our Children   

Parenting education classes teach practical skills

  kids in group

Eat healthier, exercise more, lose weight. These are the typical resolutions we make at the start of a new year.

 

This year, consider adding "learn which discipline styles are most effective," "understand what motivates your teen's behavior" or "improve family harmony and reduce stress."

 

These are just some of the topics covered in parenting education classes offered at YES this winter. Coming off a difficult year that included growing incidents of child self-harm and violence involving youth, finding ways to better communicate with our children and help them make good choices will support their safety and success.

 

Of course, as with any resolution the skills and techniques in these classes will only be effective if put to use on a regular basis. Because they are offered as a series, each session allows parents to practice their learning for one week and ask follow-up questions the next. Also, each series is accompanied by a book that reinforces the topics covered and is a handy resource after the last class.

 

All classes require registration in advance. Go to winter classes for a printable schedule. For additional information or to register, call 425.747.4937 or email.

In the News 
Important information you want to know
  

Did you gift your child a smart phone over the holidays? Have you discussed appropriate behavior for talking, texting and searching? Read how one mother has empowered her son

with responsibility and restrictions regarding use of his new iPhone.

 

We've heard of negative effects resulting from kids playing violent video games. But did you know playing online games that promote eating fruit can also be harmful to their health? A recent study shows how "advergames" can lead to eating more junk food.

 

As you stock up on medicine for the flu season, take stock of your medicine cabinet. Some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be fatal if taken incorrectly. Check this list for 10 OTC drugs most abused by teens and put them in a safe place only you have access to.

Happy New Year

Thanks for a great 2012!

 

I love the start of a new year and all the promise it holds. On behalf of all of us at YES, I promise you we'll continue to do all we can to serve as a lifeline for Eastside children and their families.

 

And now our attention turns to our Invest in Youth Breakfast, which supports uncompensated care and underfunded programs. I invite you to learn more at breakfast and look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, March 19, at the Meydenbauer Center.

 

We finished 2012 with a flourish. Thanks to you, our Light a Spark campaign at the end of the year helped us to exceed our fundraising goals. And thanks to the generosity of our Adopt-a-Family sponsors, nearly 100 local families were able to enjoy the traditions of the holiday season. Individual families, neighborhood associations, schools, small business and large corporations alike gave generously to this program. While they participated with no expectation for recognition, I would like to mention the organizations that supported us. 

 

Accenture

Aksarben Engineering

Boston Private Bank

Bright Horizons

CBRE

Chestnut Hill Academy

City of Kirkland

Concur

Eastside Life Chiropractic

Effectiveness Institute

Everest Neighborhood Association

Hanson Baker

Interlake Psychiatric Associates

Logix

Microsoft

The Moyer Foundation

Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Premera Blue Cross

Routh Crabtree Olsen

Sterling Bank

Trilogy Partnership

Washington Trust Bank

Bluebills
Frances Parker, Maybelle Brickley

 

Finally, thank you to the Bellevue Collection for including us in its Holiday Wishes program and to the Boeing Bluebills for their help with organizing and wrapping gifts. Find more pictures on our Facebook page.

 

Cheers to the New Year, with wishes for success in all you resolve to do.

 

Sincerely,

  
Patti Skelton-McGougan 
Executive Director