Talking about the News with Your Children

 

Talking about the news with kids happens in everyday moments. Children ask questions in the car on the way to school, in between pushes on the swings, and just when you're trying to rush out the door. In one breath, they'll ask about a range of topics — from the weather to the president to the latest war. And when difficult questions come up, parents wonder how to respond.

To help the conversation along, this article offers flexible suggestions for answering kids' questions about the news. There is no script to follow but these strategies can help you tune in to what your child is thinking and feeling and talk it through together.

Start by finding out what your child knows. When a news topic comes up, ask an open-ended question to find out what she knows like "What have you heard about it?" This encourages your child to let you know what she is thinking.

Ask a follow up question. Depending on your child's comments, ask another question to get him thinking, such as "Why do you think that happened?" or "What do you think people should do to help?"

Explain simply. Give children the information they need to know in a way that makes sense to them. At times, a few sentences are enough. "A good analogy is how you might talk about sex," adds Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Ed. D. "You obviously wouldn't explain everything to a 5-year-old. Talking about violence and safety is similar."

Listen and acknowledge. If a child talks about a news event (like a local robbery or kidnapping) and is worried,recognize her feeling and comfort her. You might say "I can see you're worried, but you are safe here. Remember how we always lock our doors." This acknowledges your child's feelings, helps her feel secure, and encourages her to tell you more.

Offer reassurance. When a child is exposed to disturbing news, she may worry about her safety. To help her calm down, offer specific examples that relate to her environment like, "That hurricane happened far away but we've never had a hurricane where we live." Actions speak louder than words — so show your child how you lock the door if she gets scared by a news report about robbers, point out the gutters and storm drains if a hurricane story causes fear, and explain what the security guards do at the airport after a story about terrorists.

Tailor your answer to your child's age. The amount of information children need changes age by age. "A kindergartner may feel reassured simply knowing a hurricane is thousands of miles away. An older child may want to know how hurricanes could affect the place where he lives and may want to know what is being done to help those in need. Both ages will be reassured by doing something to help," notes Jane Katch, M.S.T., author of They Don't Like Me: Lessons on Bullying and Teasing from a Preschool Classroom.  

---From PBS.org

National Volunteer Week

April 21st - April 27th

In 2012, President Barack Obama declared a week in April to be dedicated to volunteerism. "Service is a lifelong pursuit that strengthens the civic and economic fabric of our Nation. With every hour and every act, our lives are made richer, our communities are drawn closer, and our country is forged stronger by the dedication and generous spirit of volunteers. I encourage every American to stand up and play their part -- to put their shoulder up against the wheel and help change history's course."

National Volunteer Week - this year - begins on April 21st and ends April 27th.  Looking for  volunteer opportunities in Winona? Here are is one great way to volunteer during National Volunteer Week!

April 22th - Levee Park - 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Earth Day Clean up

 

Volunteerism doesn't stop at the end of the week! Become a dedicated member of your local community through volunteerism and service.

Interested in Volunteering? Contact these local Winona Agencies 

Winona Volunteer Services

(507) 452-5591

Habitat for Humanity

(507) 457-0003

Honoring the World of Nature

National Earth Day 

Earth Day is an annual day where events worldwide are held to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Spring is here; what better time to plant a tree? This year's Earth Day will be held on Monday, April 22. 

Here in Winona you can participate in many activities to help spread awareness and appreciation of this beautiful Earth.  

Saturday April 20

12:00 - 5:00

Levee Park

Free Concerts in the Park

Performances by Winona State University Dance Society 

Activities for kids of all ages!

The Winona community encourages you to ride your bike to the park that day! A map of bike routes can be found at the City of Winona website. 

Monday April 22

1:00 - 3:00

Winona Friendship Center  

Sandra Lines, Photographer and Writer, will be giving a presentation honoring the work of nature. 

Below is a list of fun ideas that you can do with the family on Earth Day:

• Plant a tree
• Build a bird house or feeder 
• Make a craft using items you would normally have thrown away 
• Read a book to learn more about the environment
• Hold a garage sale, donate, or reuse recyclable items 
• Plant a garden 

National Autism Awareness Month

Autism Doesn't Define Me  

April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day

In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. 

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

 There are many ways to get involved in the autism community. The Autism Society encourages its members and supporters to keep current on and active in ongoing advocacy issues regarding autism, stay abreast of the latest in autism-related news and issues through our online newsletter, ASA-Net, and make an effort to attend autism events and conferences in your area. The benefits of being involved in the autism community are many—not the least of which is educating yourself about the most appropriate treatments and resources available to help your loved one on the spectrum.

Reach Out to Your Local Affiliate

 

The Autism Society’s affiliates provide a number of ways in which individuals and families can obtain support and share their experiences with others in their communities. Our affiliates are an obvious place to turn for encouragement, accurate information and education.

Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the autism community this April.

An Inspiring Story

Miss Montana 2012

Alexis Wineman 

Platform: Autism Speaks 

  

Alexis Wineman believes "Autism doesn't define me." As a top 15 winner and the first ever "America's Choice Award Recipient" she inspired millions of Americans.  

Though the glamor of the Miss American Pageant has worn off - she continues to advocate and raise funds for Autism organizations. 

Her desire to help people with autism comes from experience. Wineman was diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder(PDD-NOS), including borderline Aspergers Syndrome when she was 11 years old. Following her diagnosis came years of counseling, an exhaustive battery of tests and at least one misdiagnosis.  

Wineman was often teased and bullied during her school years and avoided interaction with others when she was younger. She rose above and was crowned Miss Montana in 2012. 

Nominate a Young Peacemaker Today

The Peace First Prize

Friday, April 12, is the last day to nominate a awesome 'tween or teen for a Peace First Prize. Why should you nominate someone you know? The Peace First Prize Program celebrates a type of citizen we have seen in today's youth - the "active citizen."  The Active Citizen may not necessarily participate in our electoral process, but instead cares about their local community through volunteerism, leadership and promoting similar ideals in others. 

The Benefits of the Peace First Prize are unlimited - national recognition, a scholarship and the motivation to continue putting others above self. 

The Peace First Prize is your chance to celebrate the powerful contributions of peacemakers. The Prize will recognize young people between the ages of 8-22 for their compassion, courage and ability to create collaborative change. Through a two-year $50,000 Peace First Fellowship, the organization will invest in their leadership as peacemakers and share their stories with the nation.

If you are interested in nominating a student please select the link below:

http://www.peacefirst.org/prize/nominate

THE SANDWICH GENERATION

It’s important to know how to care for yourself when you are also the caretaker of someone else – or more than someone else. There are many people who care for their children as well as their aging parents; they are part of what is called the “sandwich generation.” They’re “sandwiched” between two generations who are need help.  Along with raising children and helping their parents, these caregivers may also be juggling part or full time jobs.  Doing the math—that leaves little to no time for themselves.  If you find yourself in this position, read these tips from Mental Health America to help you cope with these pressures:

Be Organized—make a to-do list of realistic priorities and goals that need to be done.

Stay Healthy—get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.  Also, exercise whenever possible, even if that means taking a ten minute walk around the block, exercise is known to decrease stress.

Do the Things You Enjoy—it’s important to remember the things you love to do.  Whether you find comfort in reading a new book, watching a movie with your family, or inviting friends over for some take-out Chinese, find time to make yourself happy.

Ask For Help! — Don’t be afraid to ask for help when times are rough.  People are usually more willing to help than you might expect. 

Talk to your Human Resources Department at Work— the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is something you should ask information about if you haven’t yet.  This allows up to 12 weeks a year of unpaid leave for family caregivers who meet certain requirements. Visit here  for more information on FMLA.

For a full list of tips on coping, visit here.  Also, this article from CNN.com is a great resource for the variety of situations and solutions that someone in the “sandwich generation” may come across. 



Outdoor Activities!

Based on these past couple weeks, I believe it’s safe to say that we all caught a glimpse of what summer in Winona is going to be like!  What better way to enjoy these nice days ahead than by participating in free or low-cost activities right here in town? 

Here are some of the great options Winona offers its residents for some outdoor spring and summer fun:

-          Walk, run, rollerblade, or bike around the Winona

o   2 miles around small lake

o   3 miles around big lake

-          Watch a sunrise or sunset on top of Garvin Heights

-          Go to the Deer Park

o   Located near the Prairie Island camping grounds

o   There are fire pits, a playground and you’re able to hang out with deer!

-          Hike up Sugarloaf

-          Go fishing on the many bodies of water that surround Winona

-          Try out Disc Golf

o   Courses are located at the Winona Lakes Park and by St. Mary’s University

-          Take a walk downtown and check out the local shops

-          Check out the Minnesota Marine Art Museum

o   Children 4 and under are FREE!

o   Students $3

o   Adults and Senior Citizens $6

Winona is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be found by people of all ages! Go ahead and explore; you never know what you might find!

 

For other events held in Winona, be sure to check out http://www.visitwinona.com/events/ for an updated list of special activities and events throughout the year.