BEHAVE'N

January 1st – January 31st

The Theme for January is winter. You will see winter decorations and crafts around the center. Please stop by to see the winter side of our center.

 REMINDERS
Remember that we will take the children out in all weather so please be sure that they are equipped with the proper attire.  If you would like to have your child stay inside then we would need you to provide us with a doctor’s note.  If you have any questions regarding this please see Kate or Jen.

ATTENTION PARENTS!

We will be having our VERY FIRST Parent/Teacher Conference! It will be Thursday, January 18th, 2007 from 6 to 8 PM.  During this time you will be assigned a time to meet with your child’s teacher.  The Program Directors as well as a Licensed Therapist will also be around to answer any questions as well.  Child care will be provided!!

Please use this time to see all the wonderful things that your child is learning and the wonderful people that are working with your child everyday!!

 

When you hear “creating positive assets” this simply means helping your child develop healthy life skills.  Assets mean skills. Positive skills promote positive behavior.  Children need teaching and support from adults to learn these “assets” or skills.  The development of good sound assets not only promotes positive behaviors, but they also protect young people.  The more assets a young person reports having, the less likely her or she is to make harmful or unhealthy choices. 

What are some of these assets?  Search Institute has conducted research that lists 40 of these assets.  In this news letter we will talk about one or two examples of external assets and how we as parents can support and develop these assets in our children. 
Boundaries and Expectations:

•  Family boundaries:  setting clear expectations for children regarding the boundaries in your home.  For instance if your child has an issue with taking wrestling too far and becoming aggressive, set clear boundaries as to what is appropriate and fun wrestling and allowed in your home and what is not appropriate.  If you have a rule in your home where children are not to walk in on their siblings when they are dressing or on mom and dad then follow through with the expectation that they knock before entering.  Children should not be permitted to call their parents names and this boundary should be made clear to them with established consequences if the child uses name calling towards you.  
• Adult role models:  children are always looking to the adults in the home for an example of how to conduct themselves and interact with those around them.  When we are polite to strangers, thank teachers or principals, treat other drivers with respect, and model a healthy lifestyle we are demonstrating to our children the expectations we have for them.  We need to always remember that children are like sponges and absorb what goes on around them and will imitate our interactions with others. 

Look for future examples of other developmental assets and how we as parents can support and develop these assets in our children. 

January 2-31, 2007