Tips for Parents

January – Start your New Year off right! Make a resolution that your family spends more time together.  Life has a way of spinning by, but if you take a few moments to slow down and get together you will be surprised by the results.  

February – Kids are naturally curious, and even more so about their own family.  Keep your kids busy during these cold winter months with a fun project.  Click below to try this fun Family Valentine Project together.  Your kids will learn so much about mommy and daddy and where they come from.

March – Being a new parent is the most difficult, yet most rewarding and satisfying work you will ever do.  During those busy first few weeks of parenting, remember to take good care of yourself as well as the new baby.  Read these tips on how to survive those early weeks with a new baby.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!  It is also the month The Family Tree is launching its Stand For Children-Pinwheels for Prevention program in Maryland. Do you stand for children? 

May is Family Wellness Month and we want all the families in Maryland to practice wellness together.  Physically, mentally and emotionally; your child's wellness is utmost important in how they will grow and develop into health, caring adults.

June is National Family Month and the start of families spending more time together.  The end of the school year can bring a lot of fun as well as an increase in family stress.  Parents struggle with ways to fill their children's free time, which allows opportunities for unsupervised choices and risky behaviors.  When kids are bored or inactive, parents can find summer stressful. Find out how you can Keep Your Cool!

July – As summer vacation continues, many families are planning their family vacations, sometimes for the first time.  While traveling can be exciting, it can also be stressful for parents and children.  To help you make the most of your vacation, click below for tips on traveling.  By being aware of these issues you can make sure your vacation is one to remember. 

August – School will be starting up again soon, and that means your child could be experiencing some fear and apprehension about their next grade level, especially if they are coming into a new school.  But this can be a stress-free experience!  Click below to learn how!

September – School is starting again and sometimes kids need help with homework in their new grade.  Help them be successful in this crucial first quarter of school by giving them the guidance they need to be successful.  Click below for tips on how you can be a Homework Helper to your kids.

October – Sad but true, bringing home a bad report card can trigger a negative reaction from parents.  Click below to read these important tips on handling the stress of report card time.  If there is a problem at school, understanding is the most important grade for parents and students alike.  Keep these tips in mind while working together at report card time.

November – The Holidays are right around the corner, and nothing could be more stressful than holiday shopping with your kids. Fighting crowds, parking lots, traffic and noise can make for a hard day, especially if you must shop with your children.  Learn how you can make your shopping trips more calm, focused and less stressful!

December - These are challenging times for families.  The unstable economic environment along with worries about higher energy and food costs, job uncertainty, housing instability, and increasing debt have many families experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety.  According to the American Psychological Association, money and work are two of the top sources of stress for over 75% of Americans.  Economic stress is one of the major sources of family stress and can often lead to changes in family dynamics, such as irritability, depression, alcohol/drug abuse, and family violence, especially during the holidays.  The Family Tree recognizes that as families face the frustrations of economic uncertainty the potential for child abuse and neglect can rise.   These tips can help you handle the stress of trying to make your holidays perfect for yourself and your kids during this economy.