You are the Most Important Influence in Their Lives!
Statistics show that Parents and Guardians talking with (and listening to) their child increases the rate of them making healthy positive changes. This year we will be partnering with our UCMS families to help foster positive relationships. We will be providing parents/ guardians with weekly updates of tips and conversation starters from the Steered Straight Program to help keep the lines of communication open. We would like for our parents/guardians to pledge to have five (3 minute or more) meaningful conversations a week, in a distraction-free zone with your child. Maybe it’s a conversation at breakfast/lunch; maybe it’s a conversation that you have in between sitcoms, or perhaps a conversation that you have while in the car. Consistent and open communication with your children will boost their self-esteem, improve their self-image and empower them to make long-term healthy decisions. We will also provide ideas for weekly Family Field Trips/Activities.
Here are a few samples to get your conversations started:
*Time to talk hobbies. Find out if your child has some community interest or sports interest. maybe they are curious about a new hobby and haven't had the chance to express an interest. Suggestion: Take a trip to the library to see if there are any club postings that might be of interest.
*Think about your goal. Set a timer for three minutes. Close your eyes. Visualize yourself accomplishing that goal. Afterward, talk about how it made you feel.m
*Review all the times your child did things that made you proud. Give them a foundation to grow upon. Explain how knowing your self-worth is important to your confidence!