Busy, Busy October!

October is such a busy month! I hope that everyone is staying up-to-date with all the cool stuff that is happening this month in Montville. We, here at MYSB, have a full calendar of events and activities....check out our website: www.montvilleyouth.org, our Facebook page, Channel 22, or our monthly newsletter "The Youth Scoop" to stay in the loop!

Sometimes in the "craziness" of our own lives we forget to set aside time for family and fun, and later we look back with regret at the many missed opportunities we had to connect with our kids!

This month's Community "Asset" is Positive Family Communication, and research has shown that kids who connect positively with their parents or caregivers are more likely to develop  higher numbers of positive assets than kids who have poor communication with their families!

If the words "not right now, I am really busy" or "maybe later" come out of your mouth when talking to your child on a regular basis, then my friend I am afraid you have been afflicted with " lack-of-fun-itis"...but not to worry, the cure can be found in family game nights, family dinners (no cell phones please...that goes for kids AND parents!), family picnics, hikes, apple picking, pumpkin carving, and so much more!

It really is the little things, the simple things, that can have so much more of an impact than we give them credit for: like a note in a lunch bag or backpack that says "have a great day" or a simpe "love ya kiddo!" A post-it-note on the bathroom mirror, (or if he or she drives) the rear view mirror in the car that says "You are awesome" or " Can we hang out this weekend?" could be the thing which sets the tone for a kid's entire day! 

You do not have to be an expert in family relationship dynamics to have a conversation with your own kids. At times I know it seems hard, but the value it will have in their lives ( and yours) is priceless. Have an Outstanding October!