Gulp?! My Child is Dating!

When your child says he or she is dating someone, your first response may be to panic. But, what does dating really mean today? Does it mean kids see each other at school and contact each other via social media; is dating going out with a group to a party; is dating one-on-one alone time …

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years)

The Importance of Handwashing for Kids

Children come into contact with germs every day. Proper handwashing can help stop the spread of many illnesses - from the common cold to more serious illnesses like hepatitis A.

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years) Sprout (3-5 years) Take Root (0-3 years)

Saving Money on Food When You Have a Tight Budget

Feeding your family can be challenging when you are on a tight budget, but there are many ways you can cut costs. Think of grocery shopping in three steps: planning, purchasing, and preparing. Taking a small amount of time each week to think through each step can help you save money in the long run! …

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years) Sprout (3-5 years) Take Root (0-3 years)

Adoption: How to Talk to Children

In 2015, 53,549 American children under the age of 18 were adopted from the foster care system, and, in 2016, 5,370 children from other countries were adopted by Americans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015; U.S. Department of State, 2016). It is important that families who have been personally touched by adoption talk …

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years) Sprout (3-5 years) Take Root (0-3 years) Adoption

Military Family Appreciation Month

Military Family Appreciation Month was established in 1993 by the Armed Services YMCA. Since this time, November has been designated a time to honor and recognize the commitment and contributions made by military families in support of our nation and its military services.

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years) Sprout (3-5 years) Take Root (0-3 years)

Talking to Children About Peer Pressure

As your children get older, they will start to care more about what their friends think and how others perceive them. Your child may feel pressured in good ways. For example, he or she may try out for a new sport or start learning how to play an instrument. However, your child might also feel …

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years)

How to Talk to Children About Cancer

As a parent, you may want to protect your children from distressing news, such as telling them a family member has cancer. Although it may be challenging, it is better to talk openly with your children about cancer rather than avoiding it. Children can sense when something is wrong. They may also overhear conversations that …

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years) Sprout (3-5 years) Take Root (0-3 years)

Toy Safety and Other Tips on Protecting Your Child in Your Home

In 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 254,200 children under the age of 15 years were seen in emergency departments for toy-related injuries. That’s 696 kids every day! More than a third of those injured were children 5 years old and younger. When buying toys, be sure to check the label and …

Parents Branch Out (10-18 years) Grow (5-10 years) Sprout (3-5 years) Take Root (0-3 years)