Kids Advocacy Resource Effort

PO BOX 1392
Waynesville, NC 28786
phone: 828-456-8995
fax: 828-456-8905

Ending Child Abuse and Neglect Through Advocacy, Education, and Support.

A message from the Director

At KARE our mission is to end child abuse and neglect through advocacy, education and support. We offer programs that strengthen families by providing resources and tools parents and relative caregivers need in raising their children. We offer specific services to families that have experienced abuse situations, and we provide programs that prevent problems before they occur. In short, we meet families where they are.

As part of our effort to reach families, we publish a monthly article on parenting issues in The Mountaineer. Our most recent article can be viewed below. We hope that you will find this information useful and thought provoking. If you would like more information on this topic or have questions about other parenting issues, please contact us @ 456-8995.

Thank you for your interest in KARE.

Yours in service to our children,

Theresa Morgan

Catch your Children being Good!

Written by Marguerite Smith
Posted: 2009-02-02

February is the month chosen to celebrate our love for one another on Valentines Day. We may give our loved ones a Valentine card; those little candy hearts declaring our love with sayings such as love me, hug me, or kiss me as well as other gifts. One of the greatest gifts we could give our children is to “Catch them being good” and then praise them using labeled, descriptive praise. An article by the Raising Children Network stated that research tells us how important the early years are for children’s learning. This learning process sets our children on a path for the rest of their lives. It is critical that they have the kinds of positive experiences and loving relationships that will help them see themselves as “valued, capable human beings”. Positive reactions, praise and loving responses from key caregivers will help a child build a picture of how valued they are. Loving attention, warmth and care are critical for your child's development and learning. No parent can provide this every minute of every day, but over time you can build a strong, positive loving relationship.

According to Raising Children Network:

Most of the moments we spend with our children are just everyday occurrences. Take advantage of any opportunity, however small, to show that you value and appreciate your child. Praise them along with hugs, kisses and smiles.
The concept of quality time is often promoted as an essential factor in building a relationship. Quality time can happen anytime just for 5 to 10 minutes and anywhere, in the middle of ordinary days and situations. A shared laugh when you are bathing your toddler, the discovery of the first spring flower in the garden with your six-year-old or a good conversation in the car with your eight-year-old — these can all be quality time. Just listen closely to your child or stop what you're doing to pay full attention to her.
Remind yourself sometimes to just have fun and be in the present moment. Focus on your child, even if it's for a very short time (a consistent five or ten minutes a day is better than 1 hour on a Saturday).
Communication is not just words — it also includes body language and facial expressions and active listening. You can communicate powerful positive messages with your smiles, your laughter, your looks, your hugs, kisses and your gentle touches and praise. (http://raisingchildren.net)