Dates to Remember

February National Children’s

Dental Health

Month

March

10th. Parent seminar.

10:45 –11:45. Guest

speaker: Children’s

Librarian Suzanne

Harrison-Thomas

13th. Time Change.

Spring forward

17th. Saint

Patrick’s Day

20th. 1st day of spring

25th. Good Friday.

Center closed

MILFORD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

JUDY LOBDELL, EDITOR February 2016

Milford Family Resource

Center Staff::

Program Manager:

Peggy Kelly

Parent Educators:

Kathy Aspinwall

Judy Lobdell

Anne Mundy

The Milford Family

Resource Center

@Mathewson School

466 West River Street

Milford, CT 06461 (203)

783-3626

mfrc@milforded.org

“6 Words You Should Say Today”

Rachel Stafford Macy wants parents to know what an impact one simple sentence had on her and

ultimately her children. These 6 words of wisdom, “I love to watch you play”, came from an

article Stafford read, entitled What Makes A Nightmare Sports Parent -- And What Makes A Great

One. “College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified

their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: ‘I love to watch you play’.” For

Stafford, those life changing 6 words stood out because she realized that “children are the true

experts when it comes to grasping what really matters in life.

Stafford, a self-admittedly wordy person, was grateful to gain this powerful insight into the

importance of giving just the right kind and amount of feedback to her children. While she believed

her words were not meant to criticize, she came to understand how her level of detail about her

children’s performance might be misconstrued as ‘not being good enough’. With that thought in mind,

she set out to put into action her new found knowledge at her eight year old daughter’s swim meet.

She acknowledged that those 6 words were always imbedded in her lengthy feedback; and while her

ultimate challenge went beyond those 6 words: “I love to watch you swim. You glide so gracefully;

you amaze me. I just love to watch you swim.”, they elicited the response that Stafford had been look-

ing for all along. Her daughter leaned into her with her damp hair and let out a sigh that communicated

to her mom, The pressure’s off. She just loves to watch me swim.”

- See more at: http://families.naeyc.org/blog/6-words-you-should-say-today#sthash.C5TsODRf.dpuf

Thank you, Anne for sharing this information.

From the desk of Elaine Colangelo, Dental Hygienist for Milford Public Schools Since the month of February is recognized as National Children’s Dental Month, I was

invited to speak to parents at the Milford Family Resource Center. I enjoyed meeting with

parents and helping the children brush my puppet Bugsy’s big teeth!

Just to let you know, the Milford Health Department offers a unique dental service to all

Milford children in grades 1 through 5. Experienced dental hygienists provide FREE oral

exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants of permanent teeth if indicated. Our

services are meant to supplement, but not replace the routine dental care provided by your

dentist. Grade K receives an oral screening.

Dental decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease - 5 times more common

than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. In order to prevent decay, all

children should have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year and have their

teeth and gums examined by a dentist. Children should also brush their teeth at least twice

a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.

If you need further information about this program, please call the Milford Health

Department at 783-3285.

Elaine

Often parents are looking for creative ways to say those three little magic words, “I love you” to their children.

Of course we love our children every day, but showing that love may take a little extra time to express.

Here are some simple, yet powerful ways to reinforce these feelings.

Say, “I love you.”

Take a bike ride or walk together.

Hug your child.

Say something like, “It’s great being with you.

Work on a craft together: sculpt with clay or play dough, paint or draw.

Give your child a back-rub.

Say, “I’m sure glad I know you.

Go to the library, and look for books to read together.

Enjoy the wonders of nature all year round. Help children to relate personally. {“Just like you are special

and unique, there are no two snowflakes alike”}. Bring some snow in; let it melt, then freeze it again. Plant

bulbs indoors in the winter, observe their growth. Find a spot in your home to chart your child’s growth.

Authors, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, point out that it is important to keep the child’s interest in mind when

planning activities. Discover what those needs and interests are by asking questions and observing. Knowing

your child is an important element of effective parenting. If your child is physically active, then a walk or game

of catch may say “I love you” better than words or a craft, for example. But, if your child is touchy-feely, he may

enjoy a hug or a backrub more.

Remember also to provide opportunities for children to give, as well as, receive love. Sending notes to friends

and family, baking goodies, drawing a picture of someone are simple and fun activities. Don’t forget that

romantic date with your spouse, either. Children need to see their parents caring for each other, as well. Your

encouragement and example provide inspiration for children to grow on.

For further information, a great little book, Wonderful Ways to Love A Child

by Judy Ford and another, How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and

Elaine Mazlish, provide inspirational ideas and support.

Growing Love

*“Interactions with playdough allow children to express

themselves in unique and creative ways. Play helps the very young child

gain a sense of competence and in turn supports development of a

healthy self-concept.

Children often express pride in accomplishments when they use

playdough in purposeful and meaningful ways

(for example, “Look, Sally! I made a tomato!”).” *excerpted rom http://www.naeyc.org/play

Playdough Fosters Emotional and Social Development

Celebrate Read Across America March 2, 2016

Read Across America Poem

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

To pick up a book and read with a child.

You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot,

To pick up a book and share what you've got.

In schools and communities,

Let's gather around,

Let's pick up a book,

Let's pass it around.

There are kids all around you,

Kids who will need

Someone to hug,

Someone to read.

Come join us March 2nd

Your own special way

And make this America's

Read to Kids Day.

“Grab your hat and read with the cat”. The National Education Association (NEA) “calls for all

children to be reading in the company of a caring adult”. You can visit their website at www.nea.org/

readacross/ for more information.

“You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

to pick up a book and read with a child."

Thank you to the Milford Bank Foundation for the generous

contribution to the Milford Family Resource Center!

KIDS COUNT OF MILFORD Peggy Kelly, Executive Director February, 2016

_________________

Donation Acknowledgements: Thank you to the Milford Bank Foundation, the Milford Consortium

and the Milford Oyster Festival for your donations to Kids Count.

_____________________________________

Kids Count is pleased to announce that the Annual Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 8:00 to 10:00 am. at the Milford Yacht Club.

Senator Gayle Slossberg, Representatives Kim Roy, Pamela Staneski, and Charles Ferraro

will be on hand to discuss the Legislative Session.

The Kids Count Board of Directors has chosen

Gloria Hayes, Director of the Good Shepherd Child Development Center

as the recipient of the Champion of Young Children.

Students from a third grade of the Mathewson School are Kids Count’s

guests and will entertain the gathering by singing the Milford Song.

Students from the Jonathan Law, Joseph A. Foran, The Academy,

Platt Technical and Lauralton High Schools who raised funds

for the Milford Salvation Army Service Unit during the

Christmas Holiday Season will be guests, as well.

If you would like to attend this wonderful event, please email

Peggy Kelly at pkelly@milforded.org

to reserve a ticket. Tickets are $12.00 per person.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Harborlight Happening, Kids Count’s Annual fundraiser, is scheduled for

Thursday, May 26 at the Milford Yacht Club from 6:00 to 9:30.

Sheri Flanagan and Tammy Satterlee are this year’s co-chairpersons.

Tickets are $50.00 per person.

The event includes: cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction, raffles and 50/50.

If you would like to attend Harborlight Happening, please email us at pkelly@milforded.org

your name and address so that we can send you an invitation.

Hosted by Team Fox and Jody Culmone to

benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for

Parkinson’s Research

Tickets: $12.00 Seatings: 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30

Dinner includes: 2 buttermilk pancakes—2 eggs

bacon or sausage, coffee or tea

To purchase or reserve tickets, email

jvculmone@optonline.net

SAVE THE DATE:

Pancakes for Parkinson’s May 24, 2016

Chip’s Family Restaurant

321 Boston Post Road, Orange

By Tammy Theis-Satterlee

Have you ever wondered how your child is spending their day at daycare? Has the teacher told you, your son or daughter had a "good day", when you picked them up at the end of a long, hard day at work? What did the words, "good day" mean to you? Did it mean your child was nice to others? Followed directions? Sat for circle time? Maybe to you, a "good day" means everything is going well and there is no reason for concern. In fact, a "good day" could mean just about anything we want it to mean, depending on our perspective. Have you ever asked yourself if your perspective is the same as your child's teacher? Or, simply asked the teacher, "What do you mean when you say my child had a good day?" It's quite possible that you never really gave it much thought. I would like to bring it to your attention now in an effort to improve communication and understanding between parents and teachers.

As a Birth to Three teacher, I work very closely with parents and caregivers, offering suggestions for improving child development. In my work, I often see the unique perspective both parents and teachers have for the same child. After many years I have also learned that the expectations of parents and caregivers can sometime be very different for a variety of reasons.

It's not always easy for teachers to deliver information to parents about their children. As a parent of two children of my own, I have learned first hand how it's feels to be on the receiving end of both "good" and "not so good" information about my children. Sometimes, it's not easy learning about our own children from teachers. It's easy to get wires crossed if there hasn't been opportunity to develop a good relationship.

That's why it's so important to work towards having a parents-teacher relationship that works for the greater good of the child. Remember, perspective really makes a big difference in day to day communication. What looks "good" to one may not look so "good" to another.

We are all faced with busy lives, in a fast paced world that is becoming increasingly consumed by electronic communication. The responsibility for communicating effectively falls on everyone. Especially for parents, teachers, and caregivers. What can we do to improve parent-teacher communication? Parents can start the dialog with your child's teacher by asking some basic questions. Continued on page 7

How is your child doing at daycare? It may be a matter of perspective.

Continued from page 6 * What are my child's strengths? * What does my child need more work on? * What can I do at home to help my child? * What is the teacher doing to help during the day? Teachers can use the same questions to start the conversation. Additionally, steps can be taken to help teachers and parents keep track of progress and communicate more effectively about each child and their development. Here are some ideas: Start by meeting together to discuss the child so you can begin to develop a strong and

trusting relationship. What are the child's likes and dislikes? What is the parent proud of or worried about?

Teachers can introduce a tool such as the Ages and Stages to help determine the child's current development. Discuss the results and continue to reassess. Parents often look to their daycare teachers for guidance on their child's development. Assessment tools like this will help teachers to communicate the child's strengths and weaknesses. This can also help determine if further assessment would be helpful.

Periodically meet either in person or over the phone to discuss how the child is doing.

Remember, teacher input is valuable to parents. Parents want to know what their children are doing when they are with you. This is a great time for both parents and teachers to ask questions. Also, if this happens regularly, everyone will have a better chance to be on the same page. Conversations will feel more comfortable even if there is a reason to discuss a difficult topic.

Set goals for home and daycare. Ask how things are going. What's working? What isn't? Instead of using words like "good" or "bad", try giving details about what the child did that day. Richer detail allows both parties an opportunity to understand what is really going on. "Joey washed and dried his hands all by himself today."; or, "Suzy preferred playing by herself at free choice.", gives a parent a little more information. Maybe Suzy's parent will respond and say, she wasn't able to sleep the night before. The next day, the teacher will follow up with the parent to find out if Suzy was able to catch up on sleep and if not, provide opportunities during the day for Suzy to rest if she needs it. This simple conversation can help Suzy be more successful or get the rest that's needed.

Go ahead and take advantage of all the electronic opportunities available to communicate everything that's happening in your classroom or at home. Ask parents if it's ok to email or text pictures of child accomplishments, happy faces, or playtime routines. Email or send home weekly classroom newsletters.

Communication works both ways. Invite parents to visit the class for special occasions or do a home visit. Remember to vary times to accommodate parents with different work schedules. Keep in mind, drop off and pick up times vary from child to child. This makes it difficult for parents to meet other parents or see who their child plays with during the day. You are the bridge that leads to introductions. Help parents mingle so they have the opportunity to build friendships with other parents. In closing, keep in mind, successful parent-teacher relationships during the early years helps to build a strong foundation for a child's future education.

Note: Tammy Theis- Satterlee is a Kids Count Board Member