Newsletter for October 9, 2007

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm. Bruce Barton

 

HELP Center Announcements

Save the Dates: Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall. The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends. The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome). See below for upcoming group topics.

Wednesday, 10/10: Fellow student parents will share their experiences about going on study abroad trips with children. Come and hear their stories and get tips if you're interested.

Wednesday, 10/17: Clothing exchange! We will have free clothes from Como Community Child Care that you can rummage through to replace your kids' clothes. Please feel free to bring in hand-me-downs from your own kids to share with others as well.

Wednesday, 10/24: Jan Merrell, head toddler room teacher at the University of MN Child Care Center, is coming to talk about Respectful Interactions and Responding to Kids' Emotional Needs.

If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner or Rebecca Hassett at sphc@umn.edu.

Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 for all other computer use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 PM and we will re-open the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.

Save the Date: Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
FOR STUDENT PARENT VISIBILITY DAY! As many of you know our two previous Student Parent Visibility Days were a huge success. We hope to continue to make this an annual event and have planned the 2007-2008 SPVD for November 6, 2007. We hope to attract even more teen parenting programs from the metro area to come learn about our program, gain exposure to higher education and listen to the experiences of some of our very own successful student parents. This event is also a great way to make our presence known on the U of M campus and an opportunity to enjoy free food!

We need student parent volunteers for this event!!!!!! Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering for this event by emailing Susan at warfi002@umn.edu. We need help with the following areas: Greeting teen parent visitors, food service, and general meet and greet activities. We also need a baby to be our Baby Goldy. Our Baby Goldy costume fits approximately a 9 month to one year old child. Last year’s Baby Goldy got more than her 15 minutes of fame and actually made the cover of the Pioneer Press local section, the U of MN home webpage and other publications. So if you want your baby to be famous and they are the right age and size email us and then come by and see if the outfit will fit your child. If you are interested in any of these activities please email me with your hours of availability for that day, your name, contact info and student ID number and we will be in touch in the weeks ahead. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 6, 2007 from 11:00-3:00. Even if all you can do is show up and join the fun we need a good turn out, so if you can’t volunteer at least pop in for whatever amount of time your schedule allows. More details to follow.

We Need You…
The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their website under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address. We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their website to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/

Media and Your Children… What You Need to Know

Did you know that on average children spend 44.5 hours in front of a screen per week? It seems hard to believe, but when you consider the prevalence of computer technology, video games and our increased fascination with television, it is not so unrealistic. Despite the obvious benefits of technological advancement, the consequences of our children spending limitless hours in front of screens with exposure to countless media messages, can be dire.

The National Institute on Media and the Family, founded by Dr. David Walsh, addresses issues of media and family and develops solutions for parents. Dr. Walsh is also the author of “No, Why Kids-of All Ages-Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It”. (This book is available for check-out at the Student Parent HELP Center). Developing the willingness and the tools to say “no” to our children is an integral part of combating negative media influence. The following questionnaire, taken from Dr. Walsh’s book “No” is a good starting point for assessing the role of media in your family:

Answer yes or no to each of the following statements:

1. We have family rules limiting how much time our kids use media.
2. We keep TVs, video games, and computers out of kids’ bedrooms.
3. We keep media off during meals.
4. We pay attention to media ratings.
5. We keep up with technology changes so we know what media are popular with kids.
6. We have clear rules about Internet use.
7. Our kids, including our teens, know not to give out personal information on the Internet.
8. We know what video games our kids are playing.

This survey is simply a starting point for understanding the clear presence of media in family life. If you indicated yes to any of the eight items listed above, you are on the right track!

But why is media an issue? Technology is part of modern society, so why shouldn’t it be a major part of our childrens’ lives? The answers are not simple. It is important for kids to be well-versed in technology as it will be an integral part of their education, however, the possible negative influence that media can have is real. Consider the following information taken from Dr. Walsh’s research:

• The leading cause of dramatic increase in youth obesity is the increase in screen time.
• Today the average American child will see more than two hundred thousand violent acts on TV alone by the time high school graduation rolls around. Overwhelming research links violent media with attitudes and behavior.
• The instant gratification that TV and video games provide cannot compete with the delayed gratification that reading provides. For children who are accustomed to the instant payoff provided by interactions with screen media, reading seems boring and they are less likely to continually improve their skills is this area.
• Families that use electronic media less and read more have children who do better in school.
• Parents who talk to their children about television programs more often are also more likely to report having seen media have a positive effect on their children.

So how do we avoid the potential negative effects of media influences on our children? The following steps are simple ways to start:

• Take TVs and computers out of your kid’s bedrooms. Designate a common area in the house for TV watching and computer use. Establish clear rules about how often and when they can be used.
• Involve kids in activities that don’t require a screen. Sports, art, make-believe, reading and cooking are great ways for kids to have fun.
• Watch television with your children and talk to them about what is on the screen. Pay attention to their reactions and address anything that seems upsetting or confusing.
• Monitor kids’ use of the internet closely. Talk to your children regularly about their internet activities and don’t allow them to give out personal information in cyber space. Consider installing Internet monitoring software.
• Put restrictions on video game playing time and be well aware of the content of video games. Use media ratings as a loose guide.
  
  For more comprehensive information on Dr. David Walsh and issues surrounding media and children, visit:
  www.sayyestono.org and http://www.mediafamily.org/.
  

Opportunities to Share

Student Parent Success Stories
We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, sphc@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.

Photo Gallery
Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.

Parenting Information and Resources

Parent Warmline 612-813-6336
The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.

Postpartum Support International
The mission of this organization is: “To promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide”. If you or a family member or partner is struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety call their warmline at 1-800-944-4PPD for emotional support and resource referral. For more detailed information visit the Postpartum Support International website www.postpartum.net.

University of Minnesota Extension Service
The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu

Energy Assistance
Whether we like it or not the cold is coming! Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay. The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536881374&contentid=536900495&contenttype=EDITORIAL&programid=

Mom Talk!
Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.

Community Events and Activities

East African Children’s Choir Concert: Sunday, October 7th at 7:00 PM
Come see this amazing group of young people perform at Augustana Lutheran Church this Sunday. The choir, made up of 26 children from Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan and South Africa, is known worldwide and will certainly give a performance that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. Augustana is located at 704 11th Avenue South in Minneapolis. (Two blocks south of the Metrodome). Visit http://www.augustanampls.org/activities.htm#musicarts for more information.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Ten Sundays each year the Art Institute hosts Family Days. These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids. October’s event is “Treasured Boxes” and will focus on decorative boxes, vases, banks, and other artful containers. Kids will have the opportunity to create their own decorative box, listen to music, watch live performances and more! This event is free and takes place on Sunday, October 14th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 and 5.

 

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404. Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information.

The Bell Museum of Natural History
The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus offers two fun family events. Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html

Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.

Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.

MN Science Museum
Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum. Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:
Exhibits: $1.00
Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00
Please contact the museum with any further questions: 651.221.9444, www.smm.org
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY

Grants Update

The list for the CCAMPIS Grant is closed at this time.

Post Secondary Child Care Grant: first tier students who have already submitted applications are being processed this week and you should begin checking your student accounts for an entry labeled, “MN State Child Care Grant” (same thing as Post Secondary CC Grant). When you see that hit your account the grant has been disbursed. At this point in time we DO expect to have enough money to cover at least the second tier students and possibly all waitlisted students, but we will not know for sure until the deadline expires on September 21, 2007.

Please contact us if you need further information. If you do not already have an application that means that you were not eligible to apply when we mailed applications in August. If you are an on-going student who registered late or filed a FAFSA late, you should contact us immediately to update your status if you have not done so all ready. That number is: 612-626-6015. New students registering with the SPHC will be waitlisted for grants dependent on availability of funds at the time of intake.

All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only

COOL LINKS:
http://www.students.uidaho.edu/womenscenter/funding

Featured Books This Month

*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center

• I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst New!

• Mario Andretti, The Complete Record by Mike O’Leary New!

• Night-Night, Settle-Down Activities for Easy Bedtimes by Cynthia MacGregor

• We Can Get Along, A Child’s Book of Choices by Lauren Murphy Payne, M.S.W.

• Communication Miracles for Couples, Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love and Less Conflict by Jonathan Robinson

• 31 Words to Create an Organized Life, Simple Strategies and Expert Advice to Win the Battle Against Chaos and Clutter by Marcia Zina Mager, 2 copies

• Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen by David Walsh, Ph.D.

• NO-Why Kids-of All Ages-Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It by David Walsh, Ph.D

• Brain Tools: Say NO! to Frustration & Distraction by Dr. Gary Johnson (This is a stress relief CD for adults and teens)

COMING IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER: Planning for Your Career!

Who’s Who at SPHC

Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW
As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Wagner, Rebecca Hassett, Katie Schoeppner, or Zer Xiong.  I am entering my 8th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director.  With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. We are experiencing a bit of a crisis on the private child care funding side and I really need to devote most of my attention this year to finding more child care assistance and emergency grant funding in order to keep up with demand. Have no fear; you will continue to hear my raucous laughter echoing through the SPHC!

Jerri Wagner, MSW, LGSW
I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!

Rebecca Hassett
Hello! I am one of the new Graduate Social Work Interns this year. This is my first year in the MSW program and my first year at the U of M. I studied Political Science and Spanish at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. I am very excited to be working at the Student Parent HELP center; I think it is an amazing program with much to offer students. I will be helping Jerri out with group during fall semester and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!!

Katie Schoeppner
Hello student parents! I am so excited to meet all of you and get to know you over the course of the school year. I am in my first year of the Masters of Social Work program at the U of M and will be interning here for the entire school year. It has been five years since I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Psychology and Scandinavian Studies. Since graduating I have worked as a nanny in Sweden, as a program manager at an agency for adults with traumatic brain injuries, as a legal assistant at a small personal injury law firm and in the publisher’s office at the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, MN. It is sure to be an eventful and exciting year!

Zer Xiong
Hi! It is my pleasure to be the undergraduate teaching assistant (UGTA) for the Student Parent Help Center. I am also a student parent myself. I have a son who was born on 11/27/06. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor of arts in the Inter-College Program in the following three areas: Sociology, Family Social Science, and Public Health. Feel free to ask me any questions if you need help in the Student Parent Help Center.

Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Katie Schoeppner at Sphc@umn.edu