The Family Center: enrichment programs for families and professionals
The 40 Developmental Assets: Building Blocks for Your Child's Future
by Kim Steggles, MA
Q: What are the 40 Developmental assets and why are they important for our children to have?
A: The assts are the building blocks that help our children grow to be happy, healthy and productive individuals. These assets are divided into two main types (External and Internal) with four categories in each area.
Read more: The 40 Developmental Assets: Building Blocks for Your Child's Future
They Did What? Understanding and Managing Challenging Childhood Behavior
by Jennifer Arnold, MS and Lori Warner, PhD
Q: I've heard that we should use time out when my son misbehaves. But we've tried it and it doesn't work. He just plays in his room!
A: Time out can be a very effective tool, when used properly! First of all, not ALL behavior problems will be reduced with time out. Time out is actually intended to be "time out from something fun", so if the activity in which the problem occurred was not fun in the first place, time out won't work.
Read more: They Did What? Understanding and Managing Challenging Childhood Behavior
Play in Early Childhood
Ask the Expert: Dana M. Alpern, Ph.D.
Q. Why is playing so important in early childhood?
A. Play is an essential component of growth and development for young children - enhancing their physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills. Though playfulness appears to be second nature for most children, play is actually highly complex, and is one of the earliest means by which we explore our environment and engage with others.
Help Your Teen Build A Better Body Image
Ask the Experts: Melissa Mueller, DO
Q: My teenager spends an incessant amount of time getting dressed - she complains that everything makes her look fat, but she really is a normal weight. Is this typical teen behavior?
A. While your daughter's body may be healthy, what's not healthy is her body image - the way she sees herself - and how it affects her sense of worth. Many teens start to struggle with their body image as they begin puberty.
Mayo Clinic's New CPR Technique Video
Save a life with this continuous-compression, no mouth to mouth method that delivers a constant supply of blood to the brain. You'll have ten minutes to keep someone alive while EMS arrives.
Is My Child on the Spectrum?
by Lori Warner, PhD
Q: I'm concerned about my son. He is 20 months old and not talking yet. His hearing is normal. What should I do?
A: Although there is variety in the times children reach different developmental milestones, many use at least 2-word phrases ("go car", "want juice") by age 2. If you suspect language delay, ask your child's doctor. You may be referred to a speech pathologist, a psychologist, or a local school program for further testing.
Potty Progress: Behavioral Strategies for Toilet Training and Bedwetting
by Jennifer Arnold, MS
Q: I'm a little hesitant to begin potty training my child because my friends have told me that it can very challenging and frustrating at times. Is there any advice you can give to make this a little smoother for me and my child?
A: You are right that teaching your child to use the toilet can be trying at times for both the parents and the child. First and foremost, make sure that YOU are ready to begin training your child.
Read more: Potty Progress: Behavioral Strategies for Toilet Training and Bedwetting
Dear Friends of The Family Center
The Family Center is excited to be entering our 9th year of service to the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods communities! We are a local, community-based organization whose goals are geared to benefit our local community. Consider donating "local" this year by supporting The Family Center. By supporting The Family Center, you, in turn, support your community.
Try Play Central this Winter
by Carla Whitton, Play Central Coordinator
Q: It's already fall and the weather makes it hard to get my little ones outside. Do you have any advice on how to survive the fall and winter with them?
A: Young children certainly have limitless amounts of energy. Many parents begin to feel cooped up when the weather gets cooler. There are lots of great indoor options for poor-weather playtime. Most parents have tried out McDonald's playland, Pump It Up, and Eastland's play area. Why not try something new? One great local choice many people don't know about is Play Central.
A 4-Step Plan to Develop Self-Control in Young Children
ASK THE EXPERT: Ted Kasper, MSW
Q: My 7 year old son constantly speaks without thinking about who is around him or where he is. He constantly interrupts others when they are busy and does not know when to be quiet or leave someone else alone. I am constantly telling him when he should be quiet and leave others alone but he does not seem to learn. Any ideas on what I can do to help him?
A: Whatever the reason for your son's annoying behavior, it is our job as parents to raise our child's awareness, provide limits/boundaries and teach self-control. Think of the boundary as a fence. This fence is held up by four fence-posts (one at each corner). These fence-posts are:
Read more: A 4-Step Plan to Develop Self-Control in Young Children
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Kroger's Community Rewards Program makes fundraising for The Family Center automatic every time you use your Kroger Plus Card.
If you do not have a Kroger Plus Card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
Let's Get Started…It's Easy...just shop, swipe your Kroger Plus Card & earn money for The Family Center!
You will first need to enroll online. If you do not have online access, then you may enroll at any Kroger store.
