Families Matter Newsletter
February 2021
Volume 17, Issue 4
Celebrating LOVE & Kindness
Kindness is one of the character traits that comes easily for children. Helping children do simple acts of kindness will help them feel good about themselves. Caring about others means putting other people’s feeling before your own. Children are not able to put themselves in another persons shoes, so it is important when we are teaching our children to be kind and caring that we ask them how they would feel or what would make them feel better. By doing this, children are able to gain a better understanding of how to be caring. 

Caring is shown through how you act and what you say. It is important to be a good role model when teaching about how to care for others. 
 
An adults tone of voice, the way we handle anger and the time we spend listening are all important ways to teach caring. This is true not only in the way we respond to children, but with others as well. Children will look to their parents, teachers and other caring adults to learn what it means to be caring and who they will care about.
 
  • Caring is something we do with words and actions.
  • Kindness is using words that do not hurt people’s feelings.
  • When we are kind to others, they will be kind to you.
  • Showing kindness is saying “please” and “thank you”.
  • Help friends and family with things they need done.
  • Caring is doing kind and thoughtful deeds for people in need.
  • Caring often means putting other people’s needs before your own.
  • USE Valentine’s Day as a great way to talk to your kids about caring!
Practice Gratitude
Find three things you love about yourself & write them down. Then stand in front of a mirror & read them out loud.
Feels pretty good to love yourself, doesn’t it?
Have your child do the same! But, you can write them down. 
Tips for Using Digital Media Wisely

Focus on media containing a strong learning component to teach similar skills they are learning in school or pre-school readiness. They should be learning through the play not just being entertained.

Set a time limit and content restriction on any device used by your child.
kids-toy-laptop.jpg
Look for games where two people are needed for play. This encourages interaction with the game and another “real” person.

Focus on interactive apps and games, not passive screen watching. 

Remember to monitor how long your child is in front of any screen—computer, smart phone, TV, etc. For young children, it should be less than 2 hours a day for kids under 5.

Source: NAEYC and
Fundamentally Children
 
2 Simple Tips to Change Your Life & Lift Your Spirit!
 
Smile more
 It is well known among social psychologists now that the simple act of
smiling can make you happier and healthier, even if your smile is a forced one– so practice more in 2016! Smiling activates the release of dopamine, endorphins and serotonin, neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and elicit positive emotions. Smiling is contagious, literally.

Schedule personal time
That’s right, schedule your personal time. Many of us are used to scheduling, but for some reason only seem to do so in the contest of work (e.g., meetings, project deadlines, etc.). However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the most
productive people are not actually the busiest but rather those who prioritize their free time-for personal passions, for family, for activities completely unrelated to their jobs.
 
 Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Be grateful. Begin each morning by thinking of five things for which you are grateful, and end each day by thinking of five more.
Focus on the present. Unhappiness often derives from our inability to control the past or future.
Treat yourself better. Cut the criticism and negative self-talk, and talk to yourself as you would your best friend.
Take action. Instead of waiting until you’re in a better mood to take a walk in the park, go to the park anyway. A better mood may follow.
Focus on others. Helping a neighbor or volunteering for a cause can take your attention off of your own troubles.
Get involved. Join a book club, sign up for a yoga or pottery class or attend a place of
worship.
Seek support. Find a local support group or online forum for people with your interests.
Use technology. While face-to-face meetings are best, technology can make connecting easier. Connect on social media, video chat or text.
Source: Arthritis Foundation, January 2020
Text someone & share three reasons
you’re grateful for them.
Setting Family Priorities for Good Behaviors
 
Do you make spending time with your children a priority? In today's world, people are often rushing around, trying to get to work or make sure their kids get to their extra-curricular activities.
 
Busy schedules often leave little time for family. When parents do spend time with their children, they are often distracted, trying to do laundry or check emails on their phone. What message does this send to our children about our priorities?
 
When parents take time to spend with their children, it shows the children that family is something to be valued.

When families spend time
together, it increases
children's academic
success and decreases behavior problems.

Even more important than the amount of time a parent spends with their child, is the quality of that time. Hours spent in the same room together are not nearly as meaningful as an hour spent where the parent and child are engaged with each other. Many families remember this from while at home last spring or distance learning this year. 

How can you find time in your schedule to
spend meaningful time with your child?
  • You can start with a family meal. Try at least once a week to have the entire family eat together at the table.
  • Put the screens away. Show your family that they are your priority by turning off the smartphones and tablets.
  • Attend religious activities together.
  • Find a hobby that you can do as a family.
  • Have one on one time once a month with each child.
  • Take a walk together.
  • Work together to complete household chores.
There are a lot of issues and situations from 2020 we would all like to forget. But, spending time together as a family without a world of distractions is one we should take with us into 2021!

When you spend meaningful time with your children, they will learn the importance of family. The more quality time is spent with children, the more connected you will feel with your child.

Participate in the Pioneer Library System's A Healthier You in 2021l!
January 1 - April 30, 2021
Click Picture to Register!
No Candy Valentine Ideas!
Check with your Child’s School or Center this Year. 
Many are changing traditional party and gift exchange plans!
Sticker Page—with a tag that says “Thanks for sticking with me Valentine”
Bubbles —At discount stores you can find small “gift” containers of bubbles. Attached tag: “You Blow me Away!”
Balloon— attach a deflated balloon to small piece of card stock with the saying “You make my heart POP!”
Drinking Straw— At discount stores find fun drinking straws. Attached tag: “You are Ex-STRAW Special!”
Playdough— Get individual playdough “mini” containers. Attached tag: “Doh you want to be my Valentine”
Clementine's—You’re a Real Cutie –card with one or two Clementine's in a baggie.
Apples—You’re the Apple of my Eye—card with an apple or bag of pre-packaged sliced apples.
 
Popcorn—You Make My Heart POP—card with a bag of
microwave popcorn.
Squeeze Fruit Pouch—You are my main Squeeze - card attached to a Squeeze fruit pouch. 
Bubbles—You Blow me Away—with a small container of bubbles
Book Mark—You’re #1 in my book—bookmarker
Crayon Pack—Color your heart          out! - attached to a box of 8 count crayons.
Crazy Straw—I’m crazy about you—card attached to a plastic crazy straw.
Contact the Extension Office at 273-7683 or [email protected]

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a veteran, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.