Single parent tips and encouragement

What's Up With Children & T.V.
Did you know that most children watch nearly four hours of T.V. a day? Studies show that preschoolers watch an average of 30 hours a week.
What's even more staggering by the time they
graduate from high school, he or she spends 20,000
hours in front of the T.V. compared to 13,000 hours
in school.
When you compare the above statistics with time spent doing family activities, it's apparent that T.V. limits family communications and activities.
Television is thought to influence children nega
tively as well as positively. Negative effects centers
around increased aggressive behavior; stereotyping of others; impaired health/obesity; less physical
fitness.
On the other hand, T.V. has positive effects
such as building spelling, mathematics, Reading and
problem solving skills. Some children learn from
programs that deal with humans emotions and
relationships. Many programs promote social positive
behaviors as self control, sharing and cooperation.
So keep in mind what children watch is
important as well as how much time they spend
watching. Be aware of the show's impact on the
children and point out the negative characters and
actions in the show, the things that don't agree with
your family values. Turn the T.V. off when a program
disturbs you. Decide on a reasonable amount of time
to spend watching T.V. with your children each week. Plan other activities such as game night,
exercising or walking. This is an excellent way to
build closer relationships with the most important part of us -- our family.

Stay Encouraged

Glynda Chapple


QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Remember you will not always win. Some days, the most resourceful individual will taste defeat. But
there is, in this case, always a tomorrow -- after you
have done your best to achieve success today."

This summer take time out to pat yourself on the back for whatever accomplishments you feel that are worthy of your attention. Many of you are out of school for Summer vacation after months of endless and tireless studying. I salute those of you that stuck with school to the end and I admire those of you who tried but didn't succeed. Remember "It's always better to have tried and failed than not to have tried at all." This is my "motto" for life and everyday living. So keep on trying until you find your niche in life. Accomplishments come in all forms and stages and it can be defined as improving our appearance, education or controlling our temper to name a few. So find time this Summer to celebrate your accomplishments with family and friends. Go on a picnic, out to eat or treat yourself and family with your favorite meal. Tell your children we are celebrating our accomplishments. At the end of each school year my children and I look forward to
going out to eat at our favorite restaurant after receiving their report cards.
Another way to celebrate is by sharing accomplishments verbally with others; this enables us to grow by expressing our true feelings. What better way to express feelings than that of accomplishments. Happy Mother's Day!
Stay encouraged, Glynda
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"All that is worth cherishing in this world begins in the heart, not the head

Parenting is not an easy job for a single parent or, for that matter two-parent families. As head of the household, we discipline our children by setting the rules and guidelines long before they start school with hopes that their behavior will be manageable in the classroom and the public eye. When we think of disciplining our children, we are concerned that we may be too strict or lenient. As single parents it's very trying to balance the two. A word of caution, don't be too strict because it produces rebellion, sneakiness, resentment, revenge and low self-esteem. Permissiveness is thought to be just as ineffective because it teaches children a lack of self-responsibility, lack of self-discipline and encourages self-centeredness. It has been discovered that children usually respond best to something in between called firmness with flexibility, love, dignity, and respect. This formula works well throughout your child's life but remember to be consistent. This coming Mother's Day also remember to take time out to treat yourself with some quiet time away from the children to reflect on what it means to be a mother and single parent while patting yourself on the back because you are all you got!

Stay Encouraged.

Quote Of The Month:
Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom.

Develop a Support System
Over the years I have found that single parenting can be overwhelming without someone to talk with and lean on every once in a while. Unfortunately family and friends may not always be available or supportive when we need them the most. Oftentimes we feel alone and isolated with just the kids and ourselves for company week after week. As a single parent you may find yourself wanting to have a conversation with another adult or maybe just someone to help you occasionally with the kids. Perhaps the best way to start to think about support is to look at what type of support you want and see who is available to assist you. Sit down and make a list of people you know that may be of some assistance to you, don't forget to include organizations clubs and agencies most importantly don't forget the church. The church provides personal support, activities and spiritual growth which is essential for peace of mind and soul. everyone needs to feel loved, adored and valued. We also need to feel that we belong to a community of people who share common joys and sorrow. Finally, check out your local library for community resources that provide informational support which ranges from where to get good bargains to personal referral information. Remember, don't be afraid to develop a Support System that will help build a brighter future for you and your children.

Quote of The Month
Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

First, I would like to introduce myself as a people person. I worked for the State of Illinois, Department of Mental Health for ten years, as a Mental Health worker. I worked close with the social workers. In 1980, we moved to Racine, WI. In August of 1990, I
was hired as Choice coordinator, a program for single parents. I wrote a monthly newsletter which was very helpful to all of the participants.
After much though, I decided to share some of my encouraging writing with parents on Facebook. I know how difficult the job of being a parent is !!!!

Single parent tips and encouragement
Parenting is a job that most of us love to master, especially in these uncertain times. As a single parent our task of parenting is short of being easy because of the continuing demands that are placed on us each given day. Moreover, many of us do not seek out parent support groups or parenting skills training in our community to ease the pressure of single parenting. Nevertheless, when we are interested in a specific field or career, we get the necessary training to succeed. The same rule should
apply when we decide to become parent. When you think about it ; most of our professionals like
teacher, doctor, social workers down to child care
workers are required to get some types of certifications and training when working with children. The persons who are most important in children's lives are the parents. Parents take up the task of child rearing usually without special training. So parents must try harder to become better parents by attending parenting classes or support groups to address the one job we will have for the rest of our lives.

Tension Relievers For Parents
1. Tell your child you need a break.
2. Count to ten. Go to another room or outside for a few minutes.
3. Lie on the couch, put your feet up, place a cool cloth on your forehead. Take a couple of deep breaths and think of a peaceful scene. Lie there for at least five minutes
4. Call someone who cares about you and understands what you're going through. If you children take naps use that quiet time to pamper yourself. Take about bath, read a book or listen to music with your eyes closed.
5. Change your daily routine. Take a walk, visit a friend, way h a special program on television
6. Do something physical. Physical activity is good for you and your children. It lets off steam and it's free.

Quote of The Month
It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it is does to have tried and succeeded.

This One's For You!
Taking time for yourself is essential and vital in this fast paced world. Everyday there should be a new beginning and a horizon in our lives. Each day, we need to start the day feeling very positive and hopeful. We need to slow down, relax and surround ourselves with positive thoughts. At the end of the day, after the children are sound asleep, take an hour to clear your mind of today's turmoil, replacing it with positive thoughts. We need quiet time away from the children and that space enables us to be better parents the following day. Remembering the happy times, no matter how few, will keep you hopeful of the future to come.
Stay Encouraged, God loves you.
GCHAPPLE

Quote of the Month:
"The kind of beauty I want is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within - strength, courage, and dignity."