Dear Friends of The Family Center
The Family Center is excited to be entering our 9th year of service to the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods communities! We are a local, community-based organization whose goals are geared to benefit our local community. Consider donating "local" this year by supporting The Family Center. By supporting The Family Center, you, in turn, support your community.
Try Play Central this Winter
by Carla Whitton, Play Central Coordinator
Q: It's already fall and the weather makes it hard to get my little ones outside. Do you have any advice on how to survive the fall and winter with them?
A: Young children certainly have limitless amounts of energy. Many parents begin to feel cooped up when the weather gets cooler. There are lots of great indoor options for poor-weather playtime. Most parents have tried out McDonald's playland, Pump It Up, and Eastland's play area. Why not try something new? One great local choice many people don't know about is Play Central.
$urviving the Holiday$
by Health Alliance Plan (HAP)
Q: "Our family budget is really tight this year. Do you have any suggestions for stretching the family budget to get through the holiday season?"
A: Don't ruin the promise of a new year by overspending this holiday season. The holidays bring people together and create an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time with loved ones. You can still create meaningful family-centered holiday memories without spending a bundle. Here are some great tips for you to consider.
Montessori Education
by Jennifer J. Kendall, Ed.M
Early and Lower School Principal, The Grosse Pointe Academy
Q: I am starting to research pre-school options for my child and came across the Montessori programs. What are the benefits of this type of education?
A: Montessori programs offer children an individualized program in a full classroom setting. The materials are introduced to all of the children by their teacher and the children then self direct themselves to choose work that is of interest to them. Maria Montessori felt that "we should not fill children with facts but rather cultivate their own natural desire to learn."
Get Ready for Kindergarten
by Deb Kraft, Dorothy Heitjan and Linda Whitman
It is vital in the preschool years to provide your child with the experiences that will build the foundation for later success in school. One must keep in mind the amazing developmental changes that occur in a child's body and brain during the preschool years. In order to help your child build these neural connections, parents should provide:
Parenting the New College Student
by David Votruba, PhD
Q.I recently dropped my son off at college for his freshman year and am concerned about how best to stay in-touch with him. How can I remain involved without being an intrusive "helicopter parent"?
A. Many college students and parents struggle with how to navigate the relational changes and challenges generated by the transition to college. Unfortunately, these challenges often provoke extreme reactions that can be harmful to both college student development and parent-student relationships.
The Role of the High School Guidance Counselor in College Selection
by Milissa M. Pierce, MA, LPC
Q: As a student, what should I expect from my High School guidance counselor in the college selection process?
A: A high school guidance counselor should be your "center of gravity" in the college selection process. Their job is to guide a student through their high school journey, helping them to stay on track and keeping their eye on the prize.
Read more: The Role of the High School Guidance Counselor in College Selection
Writing a Great College Applications Essay
by Carla Palffy, M.Ed, LPC
Q: I am a senior working on both college and scholarship applications. How do I know if I have written a good college essay?
A: When reviewing college applications, admissions officers are in search of students who will not only succeed academically on campus, but those who will be actively engaged in the campus community. The college essay is what brings your application to life. While often the most daunting part of the application process, the essay is actually your greatest asset because YOU are the expert!
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Kroger's Community Rewards Program makes fundraising for The Family Center automatic every time you use your Kroger Plus Card.
If you do not have a Kroger Plus Card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
Let's Get Started…It's Easy...just shop, swipe your Kroger Plus Card & earn money for The Family Center!
You will first need to enroll online. If you do not have online access, then you may enroll at any Kroger store.
