Throughout this issue you will find tips on creating a healthy lifestyle for your family. Healthy Kids Are Happy Kids Parents are forever telling children to "eat their vegetables," but PTA parents know that raising healthy children requires more than a simple reminder at the dinner table. Considering the constant temptation of junk food and the popularity of sedentary activities like playing video games and surfing the Web, we need to make a special (and ongoing) effort to encourage good diets and regular exercise in our children. Improving children's health is a top priority during my presidency, and that includes everything from fighting the rise of childhood obesity to ensuring that recess remains in schools. Healthy children are happy children who are ready to learn, which is why PTA is promoting Healthy Lifestyles all November long. Over the course of the month, hundreds of PTAs across the country will be hosting health-related events, some of which are being funded by $500 Healthy Lifestyles Awards from the PTA national organization. You can visit www.pta.org for tips on planning your own events and a downloadable PTA Healthy Lifestyles parent's guide. We may not be able to monitor our kids' consumption of sugar and media every minute of the day, but what we can do is much more important. We can make a commitment to instilling in children the value of a healthy lifestyle — a gift that will reward them for a lifetime. Jan Harp Domene PTA National President Healthy Tip #1 There doesn’t have to be a trade-off between playing video games and getting physical exercise. Consider buying “exergames” for your child’s video game system, which require players to move around to advance in the game. Alternatively, institute a family rule that each player has to do five jumping jacks for each level he or she beats in a video game. Create a Healthier School Environment for Your Child Have you ever been frustrated by your child's options in the school cafeteria? Have you ever wished that your child had more opportunities for physical activity during the school day? Did you know that most school districts are required by federal law to have policies that address nutrition and physical activity? Read the full article here. Wondering what nutrition standards school districts should have in their wellness policies? Earlier this year, the Institute of Medicine released a report making recommendations about the availability, sale, content, and consumption of foods at school, with special attention on the "competitive" foods and beverages students obtain outside of the traditional school lunch. The report, Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth, concluded that opportunities for competitive foods should be limited, but if competitive foods are available, they should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat milk and dairy products, consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Read more about the Institute of Medicine report here.   Great Healthy Lifestyles Tips As part of Healthy Lifestyles month, PTA sponsored grants for local PTA units to promote their own activities!  Below are great examples of what other PTAs across the nation are doing! Healthy Tip #2 Reading and doing homework for long periods of time can be difficult. During finals and other stressful school periods, remind your kids to set aside time for a run or a friendly game of basketball. The time spent away from the books will pay off in the long run. Research shows that when kids get proper exercise, they are better able to learn and achieve. Home Fitness Calendar Create a monthly calendar with your kids to keep track of family physical activities and healthy eating. Activities should be at least 20 minutes long and might include walking, biking, rollerblading, playground fun, dance lessons or soccer practice, etc. Healthy meals and snacks can also be noted in order to create awareness of the food choices we make each day. A fun family "reward" could be offered at the end of the month! —Submitted by Cooleemee Elementary PTA, North Carolina Family Play Day Head to your child's school to share lunch and recess time with your child. This is a great break in your day and a time to celebrate positive food choices while encouraging physical activity. —Submitted by Goforth Elementary PTA, Texas Healthy Tip #3 Creating a healthy meal can seem overwhelming at times. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your kids—even the smallest ones! Cooking with your kids is a great way to talk about nutrition and the different choices that go into creating a balanced meal. Plant a Vegetable Garden Planting crops at your child's school would tie in all academic areas including history, social studies, math, and science. This activity would also give kids a sense of responsibility, as they take charge in determining the garden layout, which vegetables to grow and daily upkeep. Reward their hard work with a “Harvest Celebration” where everyone can feast off the yield. —Submitted by Washington Elementary PTA, California Healthy Tip #4 Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage in any child’s life. When it comes time for your child’s first bike, be sure to give them a proper helmet, pads, and tips for safe riding. Recess Walkers Program Help your child's school initiate an indoor walking program during the winter. Students can walk inside the school for 30 minutes, two days a week. Adding a pedometer to the mix can increase motivation and enthusiasm. Students can be rewarded after they reach a specific increment. —Submitted by James H. Johnson Elementary PTA, New Jersey For a list of the winners of the Healthy Lifestyles grants, visit our website.   Parents Can Help Eliminate Obesity in Schools Healthy Tip #5 Varsity and intramural sports are a great way for kids to be active. One way to ensure that students stick with sports is to be a supportive parent. Attend your child’s sporting events whenever possible, and don’t criticize his or her performance or the coach. Childhood obesity is one of our nation's leading health threats. Today, about 12 million kids are overweight, and another 12 million are at risk for becoming overweight. The obesity epidemic is clearly taking its toll, as more and more kids are developing conditions and diseases they typically might not see until adulthood—such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type-2 diabetes. Some experts believe that if childhood obesity rates continue to increase, the current generation could become the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents. Read the full article here. Healthy Tip #6 Children (especially younger ones) tend to eat what is given to them, so be sure to stock the snack cabinet with things that will nurture their growing bodies. PTA Briefs What Are You Thankful For? Healthy Tip #7 Ethnic restaurants can be a healthier alternative to traditional American fare—and an adventure for the whole family. When deciding where to eat out, think of places you might not have tried before, in neighborhoods you may not have been to. As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us get preoccupied with cooking the perfect turkey, welcomingout-of-town relatives, or reviewing early gift lists carefully prepared by our young ones. With all of the frantic holiday preparations going on, it's nice to take time out to reflect on the real meaning of this season PTA Parent would like to know what youand your family are thankful for. Whether your son or daughter is thankful for their latest report card featuring a hard-earned "A" in math, or you are thankful for just spending time with your family on a Sunday afternoon—let us know!  Please e-mail* the PTA Reader Panel at readerpanel@pta.org and let us know what you and your family are thankful for. We will feature your thoughts in the next issue of PTA Parent. In your e-mail, please send us the following by Tuesday, November 13: Name of the person submitting the response, Age (if a student), The name, town and state of your PTA (if applicable), What you are thankful for, and Your e-mail address. Healthy Tip #8 Don’t forget about breakfast. Eating breakfast can help students stay focused at school throughout the morning. Breakfast can help parents stay focused too, and help them stay away from non-nutritious snacks before lunchtime. Digital photos are MORE than welcomed!  Please submit a caption (description, names of individuals in photo) with your photo. *By sending an e-mail, you'll be granting PTA the right to publish your response (which may be edited for grammar, length, and/or clarity) and/or photo. Are Men Involved in Your School and PTA? What Roles Do They Play? Research shows that parent involvement is a vital component in helping children to reach their full potential. Fathers and other male family members are just as important as mothers and female family members in encouraging their children to succeed. Are men an active part of your school and PTA? If so, how do they contribute to the school and PTA? If not, why not? What might you do to encourage them to participate?  Healthy Tip #9 You might be surprised at the difference eliminating soda from your diet can make. Flavored waters, 100% juices, and tea can be great alternatives. If your response is selected for publication in the February-March 2008 issue of Our Children magazine, PTA will send you a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. (Concise responses are more likely to be published.) Deadline for submission: Monday, November 12, 2007. When submitting your response to forum@pta.org, please include Your name, The name and town of your PTA, Your position in your PTA, and Your home mailing address so we can send you a gift card if your submission is published. By sending an e-mail, you'll be granting PTA the right to publish your response, which may be edited for grammar, length, and/or clarity.   Healthy Tip #10 When cooking and baking, substitute low-fat or nonfat options whenever possible. Especially when the ingredient is one of many, or a minor part of the dish, your family may not even notice. Your Benefits as a National PTA Member You are entitled to PTA national member benefits because you are a member of a dynamic organization. Most often, you will be notified of these benefits by e-mail, the most efficient way to notify numerous members at one time. You may not be interested in every offering you receive so you can delete the e-mail when it arrives. However, selecting unsubscribe will prevent you from receiving future offers that are of interest to you. Healthy Lifestyles #11 Make sure everyone in your family gets enough sleep. You will all feel better and have more energy for exercise and other activities. PTA tries to present a variety of benefits throughout the year since we know all of our members do not have the same interests. We do ask you to unsubscribe for any of your family PTA members less than 18 years of age since it is not our intention to solicit to children. You may contact the national organization at info@pta.org with suggestions for member benefits or to tell us how you have enjoyed the current benefit offerings. Your comments may be used in a future Contributors Connection e-newsletter.   100 Ways to Help Your Child and School Succeed There are many ways that you can help your child succeed!  Here are a few that you can do this week: Learn about school and district policies and practices that affect children. (Conozca las políticas y prácticas de la escuela y el distrito inherentes a los niños. ) Help organize and/or participate in community health fairs. (Ayude a organizar y/o participe en ferias comunitarias en materia de salud. )   In the time it takes to watch a baseball game or organize a kid's birthday party, today's busy parents are helping their child succeed in school. How? Through a program called Three for Me—a simple promise from a parent to a child to dedicate three hours to them each school year at home, school, or in the community. Three for Me, an official PTA program, is revolutionizing the way parents and families play a part in their child's education. Whether parents help their child review a lesson at home, make photocopies for a teacher, have lunch with their child at school, or volunteer to work the concession stand at a school baseball game on a weekend, every parent can fulfill the promise. Families now have an easy, manageable way to support their child's education in just three hours each school year. Summer Vacation Safety Tips A driving vacation can be a lot of fun for families who play together, but don't leave safety and common sense behind. Before you hit the road this summer, get some information you need to ensure a safe, relaxing vacation. Road safety Have your car serviced before any long trip. Switch to a motor oil with higher viscosity, if you will be towing a trailer or boat, or driving in the desert. Pack an emergency kit that includes water, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, equipment to change a tire, and a first-aid kit. Make sure your child safety seats are installed properly. Require all occupants to buckle up, with children under 12 in the back seat. Take frequent breaks (at least every two hours) and avoid driving when tired. Avoid driving in the "no zone" around trucks. If you can't see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, the truck driver can't see you. Touring your destination Use a sunshade to help keep the car cool when parked. Cover seat belts and child safety seats with a towel or blanket while the car is parked to keep them from becoming hot to the touch. Be sure to pack your bike helmets if you plan to bicycle. Review safe pedestrian practices with children. Plan a place to meet in case your family gets separated. Sun and Surf: Have Fun and Stay Safe Swimming is a great way for families to have fun, cool off, and get some exercise. But swimming, particularly outdoors, carries the risk of drowning and sunburn. Remember, too, that there is no such thing as a safe tan. By observing some basic safety tips, your family can have a great summer in the outdoors and in the water. Pool safety Children, especially small children, should always be supervised when they are playing in or near any pool. Make sure your pool is inaccessible to children. Fences should be at least four feet high and have a gate that locks. Store pool toys and other play items out of sight so as not to attract children to the pool area. Ensure your child learns to swim. Never allow running or active play in the pool area where slips can occur. Keep glass objects away from the pool area. Beach safety Natural bodies of water can be unpredictable; therefore always supervise children at the beach, even if they are good swimmers. Use only beaches that have lifeguards on duty. To prevent head and spinal cord injuries, teach children never to dive into unfamiliar water. Sun safety Keep infants, who have very delicate skin, covered and out of the sun as much as possible. Burns happen on sunny and cloudy days. Ensure your children wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and/or light clothing that covers all of their skin. Products with a combination of PABA/benzophenone are the most effective. Use waterproof sunscreens and reapply after your child has been in the water for some time or when excessive sweating occurs. PTA Briefs Great ways to celebrate Father's Day Father's Day is June 17. For a unique gift of show of appreciation, consider the following: a miniature version of his favorite car, 30 minutes to himself when he comes in from work for one week, a week-long menu of his favorite foods, a DVD of his favorite television show or movie (and uninterrupted time to watch it), memorabilia from his most loved sports team, a spa treatment, and last but not least a membership in the PTA.   Be Safe this Summer The summer months mean a lot more outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Parents should remember to do three important things parents to help keep safe: provide proper supervision, know the environment, and teach responsible behavior. Adults should always supervise children who are playing outdoors. It only takes a moment for a child to run into the street or fall from a tree. Practice safety around swimming pools by making sure flotation devices are near the water. Walking areas around the pool should be free and clear of objects that may cause a fall such as toys and shoes. Consider becoming certified in CPR and first aid for added safety wherever you are. Parents also should know their children’s playing environment. The play areas children use should be cushioned to absorb falls and free of hazardous debris such as broken glass. Equipment should be age appropriate and well maintained. Parents should also ensure their children wear the appropriate gear for outdoor activities, such as helmets, knee and elbow pads, or protective eyewear. Parents can use outdoor play time to teach their children respect towards others and cooperation. Let them know pushing, fighting, and teasing are unacceptable, and praise their friendly interactions. Protect Yourself—Wear a Helmet What do bicycling, horseback riding, baseball, and in-line skating all have in common? Helmets! According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85 percent. Brain surgeons and doctors agree that wearing helmets saves lives. Both children and adults should wear the appropriate helmet when participating in any recreational activity where head injury is possible. Different sports require different types of helmets to help protect against head injuries common to the particular sport. Remember that all helmets are not created equal; buyers should look inside the helmet for information on safety standards the helmet meets. Bike helmets, for example, should carry a label that reads CPSC, Snell, ASTM, or ANSI. A loose helmet cannot protect the head as well as one that fits properly. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute suggests buying a brand and size that fits well prior to adjustments, and then using the adjustable straps and/or sizing pads to ensure a snug fit. Select a helmet that fits you or your child now, not a helmet to “grow into.” This article is adapted with permission from Liberty Mutual Group. Liberty Mutual insurance is available to PTA members through Group Savings Plus®. For more information or a no-obligation quote on your auto and home insurance, please call See the World by Bicycle Bicycle tours provide outstanding opportunities for youth to combine physical and mental challenges, hone social skills, learn about different regions of the world, and gain confidence and a sense of self-sufficiency through experiential learning. Such trips can explore natural wonders, historic trails, rural America, or just the nearby countryside. Middle school and high school kids are at the perfect age to undertake a bike trip. It takes organization and planning to take a group of kids on such an adventure, but resources are available to ease the burden. Youth groups with adult leadership provide an excellent framework for planning a bike trip. But several families can Keep Graduation Celebrations Alcohol-Free High school commencements will soon mark a time of pomp, pride … and underage drinking. Teens too often confuse celebration with intoxication. Alcohol use at a young age can lead to youth making poor choices, and decisions that impact their lives for years to come. Alcohol impairs judgment and causes young people to do things they wouldn't ordinarily do. Even though parents think teens can stay in control, there is always the danger the party will get out of hand. The best way to honor teens at graduation is to help them celebrate their achievement safely. Hosting alcohol-free parties, clearly communicating expectations for personal behavior, and enforcing consequences for violating the rules are just a few good ways to start. PTA Briefs How Do You Encourage an Appreciation for the Arts in Your Child? Coloring books with crayon colors overflowing the lines. Drawings hanging on the refrigerator. Music made by pots and pans. These common signs of childhood may lull us into thinking that our kids naturally appreciate the arts and don’t need to be taught about the value of the arts. But kids’ appreciation for artistic expression—both their own and that of others—needs to be cultivated. How do you encourage an appreciation for the arts in your child? If your response is selected to be published in Our Children magazine, PTA will send you a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. (Concise responses are more likely to be published.) Deadline for submissions: Monday, June 4 When submitting your response to , please include Your name, The ages of your children, The name and town of your PTA, Your position in your PTA, and Your home mailing address so we can send you a gift card if your submission is published. By sending an e-mail, you’ll be granting PTA the right to publish your response, which may be edited for grammar, length, and/or clarity. Give Your Kids a Boost! Before the school year ends, talk to your child’s school nurse or pediatrician about the required and recommended vaccines for the upcoming school year. Health officials recommend that adolescents receive a number of vaccines or booster shots, including a booster shot that protects against whooping cough. More information about vaccines recommended for pre-teens and teens is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . What’s Your Favorite BBQ recipe? Whether it’s a dry-rub slab of ribs, a turkey burger with a special sauce, or a vegetarian shish-kebob of tofu and tomatoes, we want to know what’s grilling at your house. Send us your favorite barbeque recipe along with your name, location, and PTA (if applicable) to . We’ll publish as many as space allows in the next issue of The PTA Parent. PTA Parent Book Club This month, spend time with your child discussing and reflecting on another school year. Enjoy these books together as you bring the school year to a close: The Best Seat in Second Grade By Katharine Kenah Your child can join in Sam’s adventures when he decides to take the class hamster on a field trip. Unfortunately, George Washington gets mixed up with other hamsters at the science museum but Sam proves to be a hero and saves the day. Your child will recognize Sam’s behavior and emotions in this easy-to-read school story. Danitra Brown, Class Clown By Nikki Grimes Best friends Zuri and Danita have different responses to school, from first-day jitters to halfway into the school year. Poems combined with bright watercolors chronicle the girls’ range of experiences and concerns. This third book starring Zuri and Danitra speaks to everyone who has faced the trials of a new school year. Activities: Help your child to make homemade cards and gifts for teachers and school staff to thank them for a great year. Review the year and develop goals for the upcoming year. Be sure to praise your child for a job well done. Make a scrapbook of the school year. Include schoolwork, photographs, report cards and lots of comments from your child.   The PTA Parent Biweekly Newsletter Tuesday, May 8, 2007 Observe National Missing Children’s Day We all know that children need freedom to explore and experiment in order to grow into confident and mature adults. We also know that ensuring the safety of children as they test limits and learn responsibility is a major challenge for many parents. PTA has joined with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in highlighting National Missing Children’s Day on May 25. On this day, parents are encouraged to take 25 minutes to make child safety a priority. Here are some simple things that you can do in with your children to make sure they know how to stay safe from people who might mean them harm: Role-play with your children about how to answer the phone when they are home alone. Talk to your children about the importance keeping a safe distance from any vehicle when they are alone, even if they know the driver and passengers. Instruct your children not to wear any clothing, backpacks, or other items that display their name. Parents also are encouraged to take advantage of the resources and activities available in their communities, through their local, and from the Let us know how your PTA is raising awareness about this day! Send an e-mail to to tell us how you plan to recognize National Missing Children’s Day in your home or school. Building Successful Partnerships – What’s Happening in the Classroom? Although the end of this school year is near, it’s not too soon for parents to get a head start on next year by visiting their child’s class and those their child might be in next year. Classroom visits give parents a front-row seat on what happens at school. In the book Beyond the Bake Sale, Anne Henderson offers at least four things that should be covered during a classroom visit: Does the classroom set-up encourage learning? For example, are desks in clusters or rows? Look for how or whether the teacher seeks to engage all the students. If there are learning centers in the room, how are they being used? Do students have opportunities to work together? Can you tell how the learning standards for your school are addressed? At the end of the visit, be sure to give the teacher feedback on what you observed. Also, get suggestions from the teacher on how you can reinforce at home what your child is learning in class. Once you have an understanding about your child’s learning style, discuss your concerns and/or preferences with the principal. This discussion will increase your child’s opportunity to begin the school year on the right foot in the right learning environment. Reflections Awards Winners Announced PTA’s Reflections Program provides students with an opportunity to express their creativity and to gain recognition for their artistic efforts. This year, the Reflections Program will present 66 students with Awards of Excellence and 102 students with Awards of Merit. The Outstanding Award recipients in each of the six Reflections categories, expressing this year’s theme, “My Favorite Place,” are: Outstanding Interpretation for Literature Kameel Mir, Grade 8, Dickerson Middle School PTSA, Marietta, GA Name of Piece: “My Favorite Places: Where I Long to Be and Remember Being” Outstanding Interpretation for Musical Composition Sarah Sukardi, Grade 5, Eastshore PTA, Irvine, CA Name of Piece: “Adventure in Yosemite” Outstanding Interpretation for Photography Isabel Gerondelis, Grade 1, Oak Grove Elementary PTA, Atlanta, GA Name of Piece: “My Favorite Place Is in My Spinning Dress!” Outstanding Interpretation for Visual Arts Jonathan Cook, Grade 8, Cache Secondary Council PTA, Hyrum, UT Name of Piece: “Mountain view of a sunset” Outstanding Interpretation for Dance Choreography (new category) Kelley Young, Grade 8, River Trail Middle School PTA, Duluth, GA Name of Piece: “Hide and Seek” Outstanding Interpretation for Film/Video Production (new category) Matthew Gorbachov, Grade 11, Lassiter High School PTSA, Marietta, GA Name of Piece: Untitled PTA will present $800 cash awards to the Outstanding Award recipients and $200 cash awards to their local PTA. Winners will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 111th Annual PTA National Convention and Exhibition (June 28–July 1) in St. Louis. All of the creative pieces will be featured in an online gallery in July. A complete list of all award winners currently is available on PTA’s Encourage your child to express himself/herself by participating in the 2007-2008 program. The theme is “I Can Make a Difference By…” PTA Briefs First-Ever Parents Expo. Great ideas abound for parents at the first-ever Parents Expo. This event will be held Saturday, June 30, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., in conjunction with the 111th Annual PTA National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Local community groups and parents will learn about PTA resources and our work on behalf of all children and families. Expo attendees also will have the opportunity to interact with more than 200 vendors offering school-related products. For more information about the Expo and other convention events, Say “Thank You” in a BIG Way PTA Teacher Appreciation Week is here! Celebrate by taking part in the an exciting new campaign presented by PTA and NEA to recognize the millions of teachers for their dedication to educating the nation’s 48.3 million public school students. Target Supports PTA Teacher Appreciation Week At Target, we think teachers are simply the best! They inspire and guide children to learn, grow and achieve their dreams. Target is committed to supporting the critical role that teachers play in our communities by providing grants and resources to help inspire learning both in and out of the classroom. We all know great teachers, and PTA Teacher Appreciation Week is a perfect time to thank teachers for their extraordinary contributions to our lives and the lives of our children every day. National PTA Life Achievement Award Offer the highest honor from the nation’s largest volunteer parent involvement organization to that special person you know who goes above and beyond for all children. Award recipients receive a certificate of recognition, a congratulatory letter from the PTA national president, and an elegant 10-karat gold lapel pin or tie tack.

Spring Cleaning the Safe and Healthy Way

At this time of year, many families start to change over their closets from cold- to warm-weather clothing, give the house a good airing and cleaning, and pull out the garden tools for the summer. Whatever tasks make up your spring cleaning, make sure you do them safely.

Protect against falls when taking things down or putting things up on shelves by using a sturdy step ladder. Get one that has a hand rail at the top. For outdoor work, such as gutter cleaning, get professional help. If you must do the work yourself, ensure you have a sturdy ladder and an even surface on which to place the supports. Work with another person who can hold and steady the ladder while you're working.

When lifting and moving items, squat and lift with the legs to avoid straining the back. When moving large furniture, ask for help. Take out drawers if you need to; not only will this lighten the load, but also it will give you a chance to clear out unwanted items.

If you need to use chemical cleaners, ensure you follow the directions and wear protective clothing, if necessary. But consider "cleaning green" to keep potentially harmful substances out of your home and the environment. For example, cleaners that have "fragrance" as an ingredient often contain phthalates, which are asthma-inducing toxins.

For more information on cleaning green and other tips for environmentally safe and friendly living, review the Household Cleaners Product Report.

Teaching Kids Responsibility As parents, one of your many duties includes preparing your children to become responsible adults. Teaching responsibility to a child can begin at an early age. For example, children as young as two can perform simple tasks, such as putting clothes in a hamper or putting away their books. Children this age have a lot of energy and may be eager to help, which will help set them on the path toward a lifetime of responsible behavior. When children reach an age where procrastination takes the place of enthusiasm, the solution is not to offer them money as an incentive to do their regular chores or schoolwork. Rewarding children with money will teach them to expect financial rewards every time they do what is expected of them. Parents should give children a reasonable allowance that is separate from their tasks and only provide more when their child does something extra. To promote financial responsibility, parents can encourage their children to be involved in spending and saving the money they earn. Parents can teach children that being responsible means recognizing that everyone has to contribute, whether at home or in school. Here are some ways parents can promote responsibility: Clearly state expectations. Model the behavior you want your children to adopt. Assign chores and assist your children with them until they learn how to do them. Give children tasks that are fun; it may be helpful to let them have a voice in determining what their normal chores will be.

April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

It shouldn't hurt to be a child. Unfortunately, many children suffer physical and emotional abuse and neglect in homes where parents have substance-abuse problems, lack child-rearing skills, or become simply overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a family. There are many ways to intervene to help parents who are struggling-and who might take their frustrations out on their children.

One way that other parents can help is to provide support. We all need social connections to emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors. Research has shown that parents who are relatively isolated stand a greater risk of abusing or neglecting their children. Look for ways to include families in community activities or social events. Reach out and offer a sympathetic ear. You'll be helping a child and may earn the gratitude of an entire family. For more information on how to make those social connections to families in trouble, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway.