Food allergies are more than a nuisance. For some, they are life and death. Please join us in spreading the news about food allergies by watching this video and sharing it with others.

Coming this summer:

Family Forward for Teen Parents

Registration June 7 and June 9.

Call 388-8290 for details or email maureen.colpoys@starryonline.org.

Prevent Child Abuse Texas is offering some great tips for how to avoid stress with your children this summer. Here's a link to the information.

STARRY Counseling is offering two, week-long day camps for kids in June, including STARRY Adventure Club and a “Surviving Middle School” day camp. Both camps are offered free of charge.

The STARRY Adventure Club will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Friday, June 14-18. SAC is for youth ages 7-11 and teaches social skills such as cooperation, communications, anger management and conflict resolution.

The Middle School Day Camp is for students in the 6th through 8th grades and offers creative activities to learn social skills, cooperation, communication, personal growth and development. The camp will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Friday, June 21-25.

It’s not unusual to hear the words “angry” and “teenager” used in the same sentence. STARRY is working hard to change that, thanks to a workshop known as “Why Try.”

“Why Try deals with a lot of issues teenagers face, but anger management seems to be one of the biggest topics we deal with,” said Sarah Walters, STARRY Youth Services Specialist. “We deal with all the places anger comes from.”

One of the goals of the workshop, which begins May 4, is to help teens tackle anger head-on to determine where it comes from, who it’s aimed at, and how to overcome it.

The workshop is offered to high school students between the ages of 14 and 17 in once a week sessions for eight weeks and also hits on other hot button topics like labels, peer pressure and, importantly, how to deal with family issues.

Read more....

When STARRY’s Parenting With S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Program began leading a Teen Parenting Support Group through Round Rock Independent School District, the staff knew it would help prevent child abuse. But they found they could reach not only teenage parents, but potentially grandparents as well.  

“A majority of child abuse and neglect cases are caused by young parents with young children,” said Toniya Parker, STARRY Parenting Specialist. “By helping teen parents with their relationships and in handling their stress better, we are making a huge impact on child abuse.” 

Parenting with S.U.C.C.E.S.S., STARRY’s parenting program, is no stranger to dealing with issues related to teen pregnancy. They often hold workshops and information sessions within schools. 

This year they partnered with Round Rock schools to provide twice-monthly sessions for groups of teens at McNeil High School, offering a more therapeutic approach. The meetings will continue throughout the summer at STARRY’s Round Rock location starting in June. 

Read more....

Pinwheels for Prevention is the national campaign for preventing child abuse. Across the country thousands of organizations, agencies and people helpers are joining together to get the message out. Lutheran Services in Iowa made this fun video to spotlight a sober issue. Perhaps your family could do something fun to help prevent child abuse. Lead a community garage sale, organize a simple "cardboard testimonies" campaign on the side of the road, make a video, write a blog article, vlog about child abuse prevention, write an article, create a support group or just donate to a trustworthy agency or ministry. Whatever you do is important...just do something to stem the tide of abuse.

For many families abuse is not a new issue. It's a generational challenge that has lingered for decades, perhaps longer. ABC news takes a compelling look at cyclical abuse and offers important insights into how families can experience dramatic gains in healthier interaction with the children under their care.

Each state works hard to stem the tide of child abuse. Texas stands firm and strong against child abuse and the Department of Family and Protective Services teams with communities, advocates and agencies across the state to make Texans aware of abuse. Please have a look at the DFPS abuse prevention website and especially at the webpages that list the many different child abuse awareness activities occurring this month.

Music communicates the emotions of a culture. Several years ago, Martina McBride recorded “Concrete Angel,” a compelling story about the ravages of child abuse.

Even if you’re not a country music fan, the message of this video can resonate with you and spur you to action. Anything you do to help stem the tide of child abuse – even the smallest thing -- is better than doing nothing.

Continue reading this month as we promote awareness and action.

Most of us get a glazed-over look in our eyes when anyone starts talking statistics -- something akin to your first algebra class and the realization that someone found a way to sneak some alphabet into the math book somehow.

Many of us struggle with stats because they lack a sense of the personal. They are stale and formulaic. People are more than just stats. We all know that. But, statistics can reveal a lot about people, especially people who've been victimized by abuse.

Since the mid-nineties, child abuse related deaths per day have grown nearly fifty percent. This dramatic escalation in abuse has unleashed a host of challenging consequences. Abused children, for instance, are twenty-five percent more likely to experience teen pregnancy. In this light, stats take on new meaning. They aren't just calculations; they're cultural cues -- messages that we as a society have a lot of work to do to become more healthy and hopeful.

Please visit childhelp.org and take a look at the numbers that they've spotlighted regarding child abuse. These numbers represent lives, people, hearts and hopes. Join us in our ongoing push for child abuse awareness this month by educating yourself about the growing problem of abuse.

One of the most disturbing realities in the world today is that of child sexual abuse. Most of us cringe when we even hear this awful subject broached in conversation. Unfortunately, it's a reality that is far too prevalent in our society, and one that concerned adults should passionately work to eradicate.

Stop It Now! is a national organization that mobilizes adults to fight the horrors of child sexual abuse by taking action. Please visit their website and find out how you can join in a movement to protect children and promote awareness before another child falls prey to such a hurtful, senseless crime.

Every year, April brings opportunities for STARRY to spotlight the important message of child abuse awareness and prevention. To accomplish our important calling in the community, STARRY stacks hands with dozens of community collaborators like the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Just recently STARRY expanded services into Coryell County and is exploring emerging opportunities in places like Gatesville, Copperas Cove and Killeen. Along this journey, the local Boys & Girls Clubs in those communities have been instrumental in helping STARRY shine the light of awareness and spark a beacon of hope. We're thankful for these dynamic partnerships.

Please visit the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America website and see the great works that they are doing for children in your community.

Some of you may be interested to know the history of Child Abuse Prevention Month. At childwelfare.gov you can find out about the history of Child ABuse Prevention Month and find a host of other important abuse prevention information. Help us continue this important awareness campaign by coming back to our blog throughout the month of April for regular abuse prevention updates.

National and local organizations like BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) shine a light across the nation, helping families find hope and help in some of their darkest hours. Join STARRY in promoting child abuse awareness this month. Help stop the terrible effects of abuse that exists in so many families. Everyone can play a part in making our communities a safer place.

Recently, STARRY Director of Counseling Services Richard Singleton wrote an article in Austin Family Magaize about the do's and don'ts of checking grades online. Here's a short video related to that article. For more info, please read the article and provide some feedback about your family's approach to grade checking. We'd love to hear your stories.

I realize that many people in my life have experienced the loss of a loved one. I lost my own father when I was two years old and didn't understand my own grief until I was an adult. I often asked my mother how she coped and survived....she credits her family and faith. The reality is that many people live far away from their family and feel very isolated and alone during the time they need support the most.

One of my friends from high school became a widow many years ago and after reconnecting with her I discovered she helped create a wonderful foundation to support widows. Please share this information with your friends and community. These women have come together to create an online community that offers mentors, online chats, blogs and even events for widows world wide.

I read it every Tuesday and every Tuesday I grow a little more and learn about strength and faith! Every one of these women are an inspiration and so is my mother!       - Toniya Parker

The Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation

www.sslf.org

The Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation is committed to providing compassionate community support to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.

• When your child is walking to a friend’s home, have them call when they arrive and call you right before they start walking back to your house.
• Encourage children to follow their gut.  If someone makes the hairs on the back of their neck stand up, encourage them to follow that feeling and leave the situation ASAP. 
• Tell your child to yell “fire” as loud as they can if they are in a dangerous situation.
• Encourage your child to never talk to strangers or to neighbors while you are not present
• Instruct your children to never get into a vehicle of a person they or you do not know.
• Discuss the difference between “good touching” and “bad touching”.  Many children who have been abused are threatened to remain silent or their toys will be taken if they tell about their abuse.  While discussing touching, inform your child that if someone touches them they don’t need to be afraid to tell you, because you will try to keep them safe.
• Inform CPS of any child abuse you suspect, either in your own children or other children.  The hotline to report abuse in Texas is 1-800-252-5400.
• If your child is staying overnight away from home, ask about all the family members that live in the home.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. In the November issue of Austin Family Magazine, Richard Singleton, STARRY's Director of Counseling Services, offers an overview of important web resources available to the wide range of people touched by the blessings of adoption.

If you've tuned into the news lately, you probably know that there's a huge health care debate raging. Some offer vigorous support, others vigorous opposition. We dare not jump into that debate, here, but want to use it as a springboard to provide awareness for untapped resources that may be helpful for you or your family.

Perhaps you don't have insurance or the insurance that you have does not provide coverage for things like counseling for family conflict. I encourage you to look into some of STARRY's at-no-cost-to-you counseling options.

The STARRY Counseling Program offers an array of counseling services to at-risk youth and their families. And while STARRY is not a replacement for long-term, mental health options, STARRY's services could be just the thing that your family is needing to make it through a challenging family conflict, help with runaway issues, establish goals-driven planning for curbing delinquent behavior, and the like. Our programs are designed to reduce risks for escalating family issues and to empower parents and children with resiliency building skills.

Many don't realize that in a world of confusing health care issues that a service that is already available at no cost might be just the thing they are looking for, here and now. So, please go ahead and surf through our web-site and please let us know if you have any questions about the services that we provide for hurting families.

Cyber safety is a hot topic. In this month's Austin Family Magazine, Counseling Program Supervisor Richard Singleton explores some simple steps you can take to protect your children from becoming a statistic of the growing dangers that lurk around the Internet.

   The past two summers have provided the STARRY Counseling Program with wonderful opportunities to collaborate with Southwestern University and Verizon, teaming up to provide outstanding university students an opportunity to get field experience in an agency that represents the heart of help for hurting families.

   The Counseling Program invites you to have a look at this article and see the valuable being conducted through the generous grant of Verizon.

   When communities, non-profits, businesses and universities partner together, amazing things can happen!

A special lunch for parents who have already taken the Love & Logic Parenting Class will be held on Sunday, August 9, at Grace Lutheran Church in Georgetown. It's a chance to talking about implementing Love & Logic concepts, get answers to specific questions or situations, or just get a refresher on Love & Logic techniques.

Read more.... 

NEW! A meeting for international parents will be held on June 23 at the STARRY building.Click here for details.

Summer brings a lot of interesting things to STARRY.  One of the most important things that comes our way is our interns.  We are so thankful for the work that each one of these new team members bring to our program.  With them we are able to launch a robust calendar of Summer programs and many of these programs focus on building parental skills.  Keep your eyes open for the exciting things happening at STARRY this summer!

Many readers of our blog are Christian parents. And, many of you are constantly looking for resources to help meet the challenging demands of parenting. We understand your struggle and have a website suggestion that might provide you with some much needed guideposts.

At STARRY, we know that the parenting journey takes you over some tough terrain.  As you travel down this sometimes rocky road, here's a few supplies that you'll want in your parent pack: Top 10 Christian parenting websites.

Hopefully all of us remember a significant, emotionally healthy, mature adult other than our parents who played an important role in our lives when we were younger.  One of mine was Mr. Banks. 

Just this morning I was reminiscing about Mr. Banks.  Many memories exist, but one memory that sticks in my mind was the way that he would play basketball with a group of us boys.  He taught us to take time to have fun.  He was kind, supportive, happy and always trustworthy.  I'll always cherish the time that he spent with us kids.  In many ways, he was a mentor to a lot us.

Perhaps, you've been thinking of a way that you could share your love for kids with those who need positive memories to crowd out the many other not so positive ones.  If so, STARRY has just the thing for you.  You can become a mentor.  The investment of time is minimal, but the impact is immeasurable.

Look us up online and send our Volunteer Coordinator, Erin Mills, an email!  We would love to begin a new chapter in a child's life through the effort that you're willing to make!

STARRY...its a name that synonymous with families, hope, help and sometimes, even loads of fun!

If you have children who would benefit from skills-based groups this summer -- and, who doesn't (smile) -- please surf over to our counseling web page and look at the interesting and helpful groups that we have line up for Summer 2009.

     When it comes to parenting, many long for magic potions and perfect solutions. Others of us have accepted the tough reality that parenting potions are a myth.

     Still, we want to find things that are helpful for parents.  Love & Logic is a great tool in the parenting tool chest.

     If you're struggling with knowing when to say when and what to do about tantrums, misbehavior, angry outburst and many other land mines of parenting, have a look at the Love & Logic website.  You might find some helpful tips.

     And, check the STARRY website, we often offer Love & Logic classes through the Counseling Program. We'd love to see you become a Love & Logic parent.

Over 45,000 children were abused in Texas last year. What a staggering number. Join with us to prevent child abuse. Follow this link and look for opportunities to join the campaign to prevent the horror of child abuse in our communities.

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About/News/2009/2009-04-01_child_abuse_month.asp

STARRY Counseling Program Supervisor Richard Singleton has written a fascinating essay on the new art of text messaging in the March issue of Austin Family Magazine. Click here to download a PDF of the article.  

Spring Break is here. 

It's supposed to be a time for rest and relaxation...at least for the kids.  Unfortunately, for many parents and chidren it becomes a strenuous week of boredom and battles.  A very wise parent shared this tip with me.  It originated from a recovery slogan but is a useful tool for everyone.

H.A.L.T!!!!

Remember to never get too....

Hungry   

Angry

Lonely

Tired

If any one of these needs are not met it can effect our mood. 

Think about how you react when you're hungry? Are you grumpy, anxious or lethargic?

How about when you're angry about traffic?

How do your kids respond when they have been alone at home all day and you enter the room.  Are they needy for your attention? Do they demand your attention immediately?

How about a teenager who has stayed up all night on the computer or playing video games?  You return home and they are still groggy from sleeping all day?

How many times have we stayed up doing household chores, watching a movie or on the computer?  How pleasant are we the next day?

H.A.L.T is a great reminder to take care of yourself.  Think about how helpful it would be to take a few seconds and check if these needs have been met for you or your children. If you realize one or more of these have not been met then address it immediately.

Please feel free to share your ideas for handling Spring Break and/or how to use H.A.L.T in the comment box.

Hello everyone.  I'm Toniya Parker, Parenting Specialist at STARRY.  I would like to welcome you to our new Parenting Blog.  Let me admit to you that I not technologically inclined but my kids think I'm super cool now that I "blog".

For two years I have tried to communicate with parents through e-mail and the Web and I was pleased when we were able to launch this blog.  This can be a place of support, camaraderie, learning, communication, education, understanding and stress relief for parents.  My hope is that I can share some resources and knowledge from the community and it will open up discussions.

I feel like I am more of a facilitator than an expert.  I watch parents learn from each other every day and it's an amazing experience. I would like for all us to know that we are NOT alone.  We are all struggling.  We all need to feel acknowledged and heard.  We all WANT to be better parents.

I believe we all can be wonderful parents and this blog will be the catalyst for change for many us.

Please bookmark this blog and check it for weekly news and updates.  Feel free to send me anything interesting you think other parents should know.

Parenting is the most difficult job we will ever do and it is the most rewarding.  I promise you this blog might the breath of fresh air you need to revive you and push you through one more day.

The STARRY Counseling Program often shares in the deep pain, hurts, and hopelessness of families whose needs are deeply rooted in issues that require intense counseling, guidance, and often a lot of prayer.  Understandably, for many precious children and families, present are a luxury.  And often families find themselves choosing between struggling to pay the rent, buy food for the pantry, or try to scrape together something special for their children.

Because the counseling program is a Children at Heart Ministry, we share a rich heritage of finding ways to make Christmas special.  Thus, the Counseling Program works hard to connect families with those in the Children at Heart family who have a special mission and vision for helping children during the holidays.

Each person who joins this phenomenal feat of compassion plays a part -- executive leadership, volunteer coordinators, administrative staff, counselors, direct care staff and especially the wonderful donors.  Each of these champions of the human heart work tirelessly to provide children and families with a special memory of the Christmas season and its meaning.  And this year was absolutely off the charts wonderful!

What a blessing to work shoulder to shoulder with those who recognize need, embrace hope, and engage in service.  This year there will be a whole host of parents who are able to look their children in the eyes and with honesty and hope declare that there are still people in the world who care.  The Christmas Miracle lives on!  What a blessing!