SCHOOL: DATE: TIME:

• Albany---April 12th--9:00-1:00

• Anson---April 21st--9:00-3:00

• Breckenridge---April 20th--9:00-2:00

• Cisco---April 4th--9:00-2:00

• Clyde---TBD

• Colorado City---April 6th--4:00pm -6:00pm
• Head Start & Early Head Start

• Comanche---April 11th--9:00-3:00
• Head Start & Early Head Start

• DeLeon---March 22nd--9:00-3:00
• Head Start & Early Head Start

• Eastland---April 13th---9:00-2:00

• Hamlin---March 20th--4:00pm -6:00pm
• Head Start & Early Head Start

• Merkel---March 27th--9:00-2:00

• Stamford---TBD

• Sweetwater---April 1st--9:00-3:00
• April 15th-9:00-1:00
• Head Start & Early Head Start

Today, more and more dads like you are experiencing the satisfaction and reward of taking a more active role in the life of your child. Read and discover how these 10 simple ideas can help (or remind) you to start today on a new path—one that will impact your relationships...and your child's future.

1) Respect Your Children's Mother--One of the best things you, as a dad, can do for your children is to respect their mother. If you are married, maybe this goes without saying, but I'll say it just in case; keep your marriage strong and healthy. Take time, as least weekly, to work on this relationship and keep it strong. If you're not married, it's still important to respect and support the mother of your children. A father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for the children. When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel they are also accepted and respected. Find more on protecting your marriage.

2) Spend Time With Your Children--This is more complicated that is sounds, I know. But, how a dad spends his time tells his children what's important to him. You've no doubt heard us say, Children spell "love": T-I-M-E. If you always seem too busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children. Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are lost forever. Need ideas for how to spend your time? Here are 7 Ways to Connect with Your Kids.

3) Listen First, Talk Second--All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they are getting in trouble. That's why many children may cringe when their mother says, "Your father wants to talk with you." Take time and listen to your children's ideas and problems. Listening helps them feel respected and understood. Begin listening and talking with your kids when they are young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle as they get older.

4) Discipline With Love--All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior. Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love to their children. Get our 8 Things to Know About Disciplining Your Child.

5) Be A Role Model--Fathers are role models to their kids, whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility, and responsibility. Here's a great example of a role model dad in case you need one.

6) Be A Teacher--Too often we think teaching is something others do at a school building. But a father who teaches his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life. Consider the vital knowledge you, and you only, possess with regard to music and classic movies at this point!

7) Eat Together As A Family--Sharing a meal together (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) can be an important part of healthy family life. In addition to providing some structure on a busy day, it gives kids the chance to talk about what they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen. Most importantly, it is a time for families to be together each day.

8) Read To Your Children--In a world where television and technology dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children. Children learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing. Read to your children when they are very young. When they are older, encourage them to read on their own. Instilling your children with a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure they will have a lifetime of growth. We wrote a little something called 6 Tips on How to Show Your Child Reading is Awesome. Let's be honest, it's helpful.

9) Show Affection--Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted, and loved by their family. Dad, get comfortable hugging your children. Showing affection every day is the best way to let your children know that you love them.

10) Realize A Father's Job Is Never Done--Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it's continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow and, perhaps, marry and build their own families.

An assertive approach says, “Do this,” in a clear and respectful manner with a voice of no doubt. With children, follow these steps to deliver an assertive command:

1. Establish eye contact by approaching the child, getting down on his/her level and moving closer until he/she notices you. For easily distracted children, you may need to get as close as six inches.

2. Verbally tell the child what you want him/her to do. State your expectations clearly and simply. Be certain that the statement is formulated in the positive… focus on what you want them to do and paint a clear picture with your words. “Hold my hand so you are safe when we cross the street.” “Give me the scissors. They are sharp and could cut you.” “Use a quiet voice while we are in the museum.” “Pick up the markers and put them in the shoe box.”

3. Give visual, auditory and tactile cues as often as possible. Demonstrate a gentle touch, gesture in the direction you wish the child to move, practice what a soft voice sounds like, etc.

4. Send the nonverbal message “just do it” with the tone of your voice and with your nonverbal stance as you give the command. If your nonverbal cues are passive, your child may easily refuse. If your nonverbal cues are aggressive, your child will resist in self-defense. When nonverbal and verbal communication both say, “Just do it,” you let the child know your command has meaning.

5. Celebrate your child’s success. The minute the child begins to show any degree of compliance, jump in with praise. Even if s/he wasn’t really going to comply, s/he likely will comply once you begin to praise him/her. “Good for you,” “You did it,” and “way to go” followed by a description of the child’s action are great ways to celebrate them without judging. “Way to go! You’re reaching for my hand so we can cross the street safely!”

6. If your child chooses not to comply, repeat the request and say, “I’m going to show you what to do.” Lead the child gently and instructively in completing the request. Say, “I’m going to show you how to cross the street safely” and take the child’s hand in yours. Conscious Discipline www.CDperks.com/parents

Host: Orion Jean - TIME's 2021 'Kid of the Year'

11-year-old Orion Jean of Mansfield,Texas is the master of ceremonies for our reading celebration. As the leader of a national kindness challenge, Orion’s Race to Kindness has donated thousands of toys, books, and meals to those in need across the country. His debut book, A Kids Book About Leadership, encourages children to discover the power of leadership that resides within themselves in small and big ways to change the world around them. Orion is delighted to share his enthusiasm for kindness and reading as we hear from our special guests!

Top 10 Spring Break Safety Tips for Families

Spring is here. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and kids and parents alike are anticipating a hiatus from the daily grind during Spring Break. While Spring Break is a popular time for family fun, it’s also the season for injuries, blistering sunburns and complications from chronic illnesses that can land you in the ER.

Before you head off on your annual road trip, or start your staycation, note these important safety reminders.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 1: Wear protective gear such as helmets and life jackets.

Sometimes, preventing injuries is as simple as following the recommended activity guidelines and using common sense.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 2: Supervise children in your care.

Whether in the bathtub, swimming pool, lake or the ocean, children should always be supervised around water. According to the Centers for Disease Control, two children 14 years and under die every day from drowning and it is the third-leading cause of all deaths for children ages 1 to 4. (www.cdc.gov/safechild) Swim where there are lifeguards on duty and avoid distracting activities like card playing, reading or talking on the phone. You should be close enough to reach out and touch young children at all times.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 3: Use sunscreen to protect against sunburn.

One of the most preventable visits to the emergency room is sunburns. For many families, Spring Break will be the first sun exposure since those Labor Day barbeques, so it is very important to wear a high SPF sunscreen and reapply every 4 to 6 hours, or more often if sweating or swimming. In lieu of sunscreen, babies under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight and dressed in loose, cool, protective clothing.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 4: Wear light-colored cotton clothing, wide-brim hats and sunglasses to further protect skin from damaging rays.

This is good advice for all ages. The full extent of sunburn may not be felt or seen for a few hours. If you notice blisters, go to the ER. Otherwise, use damp, cool cloths and aloe gel to soothe the burn, and give Advil® or Tylenol® for pain.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 5: Keep foods at appropriate temperatures.

Take steps to prevent foodborne illness, another common complaint in the ER during Spring Break. While trekking across country or lounging beachside, ensure your food and beverages are stored at, and heated to, appropriate temperatures. Nothing can wreck a vacation like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 6: Don’t forget to pack your medications.

This is especially important if you have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma. You should keep a list of medications and dosages with you at all times. An easy rule of thumb is to keep the list where you keep your cash. Having this information will be helpful if you need to replace any medications while on your Spring Break getaway.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 7: Keep Hydrated.

This is good advice any time of the year.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 8: Take along your insurance and prescription cards.

Keep your health insurance cards with you and make sure that you understand your coverage options in the event you need health care away from home.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 9: Do your homework upfront to determine who the reputable healthcare providers are at your final destination.

Are there providers like Memorial Hermann, where you can access walk-in primary and/or emergency care in the same location? Knowing where to go when illness or injury strikes will give you peace of mind during your travels.

Spring Break Safety Tip No. 10: Buckle up.

It’s important to understand the proper seat belt fit and position for your kids and yourself, and to make sure everyone buckles up every time. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat for maximum safety. All children younger than 8 years old or under 4’9” in height are required to be in the appropriate child safety seat system whenever they ride in a passenger vehicle. http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm#545.412

Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy Spring Break!

Healthy Eating Using MyPlate | SNAP-Ed (usda.gov)

Foster healthy eating habits in children by
teaching them to shop and cook.

Starting from a young age, inspiring children to shop, cook and prepare food can set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Yet, a recent survey found that 38 percent of parents rarely or never let their child prepare a meal or snack. Dietitians can help you to shop for and prepare healthy meals, giving children the power to discover better health as they grow. Just ask!

FIVE TIPS FOR COOKING WITH KIDS
It’s fun and rewarding to involve kids in meal preparation – whether it’s at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here are five tips for getting your kids involved:
1. Pick a recipe and shop together: Children need to be
part of the plan from the beginning, and it helps if they choose
and prepare something that they love to eat.
2. Incorporate learning: Build on lessons they learn in school,
such as math, social studies, literacy, spelling, science and
reading. Younger children can practice fine motor skills.
3. Keep it fun! Imaginative play helps children get deeply involved. Make a theme night or turn your kitchen into a restaurant.
4. Be a role model: If you’re excited, they will be too. Try a new
food, describe the flavor and be adventurous to inspire your kids
to do the same.
5. Be cool about the mess: Spills and accidental messes
happen, and it’s important to remain calm.

Things You Can Do and Say to Help Your Child

For Your Infant

• Hold your baby during feedings. “I love cuddling when I feed you.”

• Look at your baby and smile, smile, smile! “Hey, when I smile, you smile back.”

• Talk about what you are doing. “I’m going to change your diaper now.”

• Try to relax and have fun. “When I am happy, you are less fussy.”

• Read and sing to your baby every day. “It is bedtime. Time for a story and favorite song.”

• Take care of yourself. “When I am rested, I take better care of you.”

For Your Toddler/Preschooler

• Make sure they always feel safe. “I know loud noises can be scary, but it’s OK.”

• Offer choices. “Do you want the blue shirt or the red shirt?”

• Practice patience. “Let’s wait until the song is over and then we’ll go outside.”

• Show understanding. “You REALLY want another cookie! It is hard when you can only have one.”

• Leave extra time. “I see you don’t want to leave the playground. One more time on the slide, then we need to leave.”

• Play together at least 15 minutes a day. “There is so much to do but it is important for us to play together.”

• Follow her interest. “I see you want to play with the blocks. What are you going to build?”

• Praise your child when she keeps trying. “I love the way you keep trying to find the right piece for the puzzle.”

• Angie Mendoza--Head Start Director
• Angelica Aubin--Human Resources/Technical Support
• Shari Benson--Early Head Start Coaching/Education/Disabilities Consultant
• Cheyenne Case-Education/Disabilities Consultant
  
• Kelly Davis--Early Head Start Coaching/Education/Disabilities Consultant
• Renea McGee--Coaching/Education/ Disabilities Consultant
• Natasha Jacobs--ERSEA/Head Start/Early Head Start Consultant
• Kristi Johnson--Parent/Family/Community Engagement Consultant
• Jessica Locke, LVN--Health/Nutrition Consultant
  
• Linda Marquez--Mental Health/Family/Community Consultant
• Lesa McKee--Education/Disabilities Consultant
• Michael Neff--Safety Consultant
• Rosa Rodriguez--Mental Health/Family/Community Consultant
• Katie Snyder-Mental Health/Family/Community Consultant
  
• Michaela Stewart--Mental Health Consultant
• Danna Gilliam--Director's Secretary
• Hannah Marquez--Component Secretary

We are Here for You and Your Child!

325-675-8685