The 2011 collection of Ford’s Warriors in Pink gear (trendy t-’s and other fashion items) will be available, starting May 1, at www.shopwarriorsinpink.com/ . As always, 100% of the net proceeds go to
the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure.

To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, Bono’s (RED) is launching a campaign across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to encourage everyone to share a photo or saying of something they got from their mother. The campaign is designed to raise awareness and get people engaged in (RED)’s campaign to help end mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 2015 – creating the first generation in almost three decades where virtually no child is born with HIV. To join the campaign, visit the (RED) website (www.joinred.com) or their Facebook tab at www.facebook.com/joinred, and simply, Post, Snap & Tweet!:

Help mothers around the world obtain access to clean water with the Kwiat Waterdrop bracelet, benefiting charity: water. All of the proceeds from the Kwiat Waterdrop Bracelet go to benefit charity: water’s operating costs so that the organization can continue to use 100% of public donations to directly fund water projects. The bracelet features a sterling silver waterdrop with diamond detail, on a black braided leather band, and retails at $100 online at www.kwiat.com.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/kids/articles/2012/05/10/20120510last-minute-mothers-day-gifts-give-back.html#ixzz1ua9R5M15

 Scenario: One of your children comes to you telling you that a sibling called her stupid.

Instead of: (shouting from another room) “I don’t want to hear that talk again in this house! If you call your sister stupid again, you’re going to time-out!”

Try this: First talk to the “victim” and look the child in the eye and ask, “Is it true? Are you stupid?” Child will say “No.” (This is the perfect time to teach self empowerment and instill self confidence)

Then you say, “I don’t think it’s true either. Sometimes in life people call us names or say untrue things. You will have to decide what to do with that. Since you know you are smart and I know you are smart then you and I are not going to believe that comment. If you get called stupid again, or anything else that isn’t true, I want you to be confident in yourself and say, ‘That’s not true and it’s not kind. Please don’t say that to me.’”

Then, bring the “accused” over and, with the “victim” standing right there as well, say (in just a matter of fact tone) “I want you to know that I think your sister is quite smart. I don’t agree with what you said and it is not kind. That kind of language is unacceptable in our family and I wouldn’t let it happen to you either. I think you are smart too and I believe that you can be kind, right?” The child will most likely say “yes”.

Ask the “accused” to apologize. Encourage the “victim” to say “I forgive you” or “I’m ok now”. Let the “accused” know what the consequences will be the next time s/he calls names. Then follow through.

Tina Schuler, Behavior Coach, Kyrene de los Ninos Elementary School

A few of quotes …

“This is really fun Grandad!”  – Faye after removing her third circuit board.

“This is the first time I used a hammer and I didn’t even get hurt!” – Jack after smashing the hard drive

“I like to cut the wires” – Lily after removing connecters from a half-dozen harnesses

                       This kind of hands-on, experimental, industrious play is perfect for the curious mind of a five year old.  Before you toss out that old…whatever… think about turning it into a creative play project!

Discipline disinterestedly… what an interesting thought.  

Parenting is no walk in the park my friends.  Sometimes we need a fresh start, new ideas, ….new tools!

Consider taking a parenting class to connect with other parents, hear new ideas and gain new tools.  Thrive to Five offers a varitey of discipline and parenting classes.  Take a look at the calendar and RSVP for one today! 

So how much TV is okay? For the first two years of a child’s life: None.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should be encouraged to play, learn, and bond with those around them. After the first two years TV in moderation, but pay special attention to the shows kids watch. Programs should encourage healthy lifestyles.  Television watching may be a convenient solution to entertain a child but the benefits of healthy interaction and brain development outweigh the risks of hampering their development .

We have our Free Dental Clinic from Dignity Health at the Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC) during the month of June.

The month of June at the Kyrene Family Resource Center, ONLY!

Wednesday, June 13 from  2:00-4:30 pm

Thursday, June 28 from 8:30-11:00 am

The Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC) is located at 1330 E. Dava Drive in Tempe

Dignity Health will offer complimentary Fluoride Varnish Treatments at several Thrive to Five Family Resource Centers!

August 15 through May 8 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

• 1st Wednesday of the month – Holdeman Elementary School – 1326 W. 18th St. Tempe
• 2nd Wednesday of the month – Getz School – 625 W. Cornell Dr. Tempe
• 3rd Wednesday of the month – Frank Elementary School – 8409 S. Avenida del Yaqui Guadalupe
• 4th Wednesday of the month – Kyrene de la Colina – 13612 S. 36th St. Ahwatukee

What happens?

The kids get a visual screening with gloved hands (no instruments used) by a dental hygenist

The hygenist then applies the flouride varnish

The whole thing takes MINUTES!

 What is the cost?

FREE! For all children five years old or younger

How often can my child get this done?

Every three months!

Consists of six consecutive classes which focus on all domains of child development by emphasizing child-adult interactions, and including resource and referral information. Topics include: child development, safety and prevention tips, self-esteem building skills, effective discipline techniques and more. We recommend that participants attend all six sessions.

Series indicated in class title (1/6, 2/6, etc.) Presented by Child Crisis Center.

Baby Beats (6 months – 16 months)

Babies are little sponges for learning!They are a captive audience fascinated by each new sight, sound, and movement.  Your babies will have the important one on one time with you while they experience a social setting with other babies.  You and your baby will be led on an enriching musical journey using instruments, sound play, movement, songs and creative props.  These fun and engaging activities will lay the crucial foundation for rhythm, language, motor skills, self-confidence and ability to learn. Presented by Musicology.

Brain Time for Children (Birth – 18 months)

A 3-part series of parent-child interactions for parents and children age birth to 18 months.  Sessions follow a basic ‘Story Time’ format, using toys and books that help encourage brain development and prepare a child’s brain for success in school. Presented by New Directions Institute.

Brain Time for Children (19 months – age 3)

A 3-part series of parent-child interactions for parents and children age 19 months to three.  Sessions follow a basic ‘Story Time’ format, using toys and books that help encourage brain development and prepare a child’s brain for success in school.  Presented by New Directions Institute.

Do You Have a Picky Eater?

Mealtime can present challenges for families with small children. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s eating habits, you will get great tips from this discussion with a panel of experts who specialize in feeding young children. Topics include family routine, adequate nutrition, strategies to increase quantity and quality, expectations, oral/motor needs, sensory needs, possible medical conditions, and where to start for help. Presented by Desert Valley Pediatric Therapy.

Infant Massage (0-12 months)

Infant Massage birth to 12 months, 2 class series. Infant massage classes offer instruction on massage strokes and the multiple benefits of massage to both parent and child. Infant massage promotes bonding, reduces stress, fosters weight gain, enhance sleep patterns and so much more!  This class will involve floor time and practice of massage strokes. Please bring a blanket for floor time and dress baby and parent in comfortable clothing.

KinderPrep (3-5 years old)

A 3-part series of parent-child interactive workshops for children from 3 to 5 years old.  Sessions focus on inexpensive, at-home activities known to encourage brain development and help prepare a child’s brain for success in school. Presented by New Directions Institute.

KinderPrep B

NEW!!!  If you loved Kinder Prep you will enjoy Kinder Prep B! More details soon. Presented by New Directions Institute.

Messy Play

Messy Play– Come play with us! A fun and messy hour of sensory exploration and good old fashion messy fun! Parents will learn about how play impacts brain development and get ideas for creating messy play at home!

Mini Mozarts (16 months-2.5 years)

These toddlers are ready to rock and roll! They are learning to communicate through language, song and movement by exploring simple rhythm patterns while they shake, tap and move to music.  The children will explore a variety of instruments, creative props and even their singing voices. This high-energy class will give your active toddler a way to express themselves musically as well as make those connections important for brain development. Presented by Musicology.

Nutrition

A 4-week series that will explore ways to help your preschooler grow up healthy by developing  good eating habits, promoting physical play, learning how to select quick and healthy meals for your growing child. Presented by U of A Cooperative Extension.

Positive Discipline (Special! 6-week series offered at the KFRC, only)

Parenting with Positive Discipline will help you with decreasing power struggles, creating calmer morning and bedtime routines, teaching solutions for sibling rivalry, finding joy in your busy life and parenting while modeling and teaching your child positive life skills. Special 6-week series only at the Kyrene Family Resource Center (KFRC)!

Positive Discipline  (3-week series offered at all other sites)

Parenting with Positive Discipline will help you with decreasing power struggles, creating calmer morning and bedtime routines, teaching solutions for sibling rivalry, finding joy in your busy life and parenting while modeling and teaching your child positive life skills.

Ready Set Read

Provides adults the tools and strategies to help 4 and 5 year olds learn the basics of reading.  It helps parents understand a simple approach to early literacy. Hooked on Phonics kids will be given at the completion of class.  Presented by Commitment to Schools of Tempe and Kyrene.

Ready to Learn

A 3-part series that encourages parents to read to their children, improve motor development, and the use of smart media.  Presented by KAET.

Speech and Language Development

Speech Language Pathologists from Desert Valley Pediatric Therapy will discuss speech and language development for children ages birth to 5 years of age.  Topics discussed will include:  The role of a speech language pathologist, typical speech and language development, red flags for speech and language development, where to go for help, and suggested activities and resources to help enhance speech and language development in the home. Presented by Desert Valley Pediatric Therapy.

Social Skills

Does your child have difficulty making friends; coping in social settings; taking turns; following a classroom routine; or cooperating with friends?  Speech and Language Pathologists from Desert Valley Pediatric Therapy will discuss typical social development, the red flags for social behavior, and various resources available to help your child learn to flourish in social situations. Presented by Desert Valley Pediatric Therapy.

Locations and contacts:

Aguilar Elementary School Family Resource Center

5800 S. Forest Ave., Tempe

Leticia Martinez   lmartine@tempeschools.org  480.897.2544 x 4328

Frank Elementary School Family Resource

8409 S. Avenida del Yaqui Guadalupe

Normalicia Blanco  nblanco@tempeschools.org  480.897.6202 x 5462

Getz School

625 W. Cornell Dr. Tempe

Sylvia Lopez slopez@tempeschools.org  480.897.6233 ext. 5735

Holdeman Elementary School Family Resource Center

1326 W. 18th St., Tempe

MeShell Wilson  mdwilson@tempeschools.org  480.966.9934 ext.6090

Kyrene Family Resource Center

1330 East Dava Dr., Tempe

Amanda Nosbisch  anosbisch@kyrene.org  480.541-1522

Kyrene de los Lagos Family Resource Center

17001 S. 34th Way, Ahwatukee

Irma Horton   ihorton@kyrene.org   480.541.3315

Kyrene de la Colina Family Resource Center

13612 S. 36th St., Ahwatukee

Irma Horton   ihorton@kyrene.org  480.541.3315

Wood Family Resource Center

727 W. Cornell Dr., Tempe

Vicki Dunlap   vdunlap@tempeschools.org  480.838.0711 ext.7540

Did you know?

• Your child should receive fluoride varnish treatments every three months (most dental insurance covers once per year).
• Every three months you can take advantage of the COMPLIMENTARY fluoride Varnish Treatments.
• If your child has one tooth he or she is ready for treatment.
• It takes less than five minutes.

Why get fluoride varnish?

Dates and Locations:

Questions? Contact Isela Blanc, CIS Program Manager 480-858-2306

You do not need to have a child age 0-5 for this program.  This is available to everyone.