Hi, CV!

We’ve had some terrific presentations lately, and since many of you were unable to attend, here are the salient points that I took away from both Arsineh Ararat and John Howell for your consideration:

Food is really important. Eat dinner together at least twice a week. It’s really important for the family to check in with each other over a meal. And what you eat matters as much as eating together does. Eat real food, and prepare it together if time allows.Turn off the TV and put the phones down! Nourish your minds, bodies and souls with good food and good conversation.

Speak softly but be strong in your words. Neither John nor Arsineh raised their voices; people tune out or get defensive when tones are loud. But the way they use words speaks volumes. Set rules and consequences in advance, stick to your guns, and speak with kindness even as you take away a privilege. “I love you so much and I don’t want to see you get hurt, but since you came in after curfew, you’re not going to be able to go out next weekend.” “Because you weren’t able to wash the dishes and I had to do them for you, I no longer have time to take you to the mall.” Don’t make empty promises or threats! And, don’t tell your child to be nice to people and then talk behind someone’s back when s/he is listening. They’re always listening even if they act like they don’t hear.

Next week Linda Campo is going to talk about “Mood & Thought,” on Tuesday, March 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in CV High’s library. We met Linda at a Walk & Talk, so we hope you join us either Wednesday morning at 8:30 or the last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. You’ll feel smart and virtuous!

We’re off during spring break! Parent Sessions resume March 24; the topic is medicine abuse. Don’t even joke that after a week at home with your children you’re more familiar with this topic…

Cook! Eat! Laugh! Love!

Suzy Jacobs
is the executive director of
CV Alliance located at  
3131 Foothill Blvd. Suite D
La Crescenta, CA 91214
(818) 646-7867
http://cv-alliance.org/

  Suzy JACOBS