Advent to Host "Roots & Wings" Parenting Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 7, 2008

CONTACT:     Cynthia Terpstra
                    (561) 395-3632 x15
                    clterpstra@adventlifenet.org

Advent Ministries to Host Roots & Wings: Raising Resilient Kids

Children May Participate in Bounce: Be A Resilient Kid

Boca Raton, Florida — Advent is hosting a six-week program, entitled Roots & Wings: Raising Resilient Kids, to help parents learn how to reset standards, use teachable moments, and re-establish rituals and traditions with their children. The program includes a component for children (ages six - twelve) called Bounce: Be A Resilient Kid.

Roots & Wings is designed to help parents function better as healthy examples for their children. By completing this program parents will be able to communicate information and use techniques to help children avoid high-risk behaviors. They will learn to:

· help young people grow up making healthy and safe decisions.

· identify factors that place children at risk for alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse.

· discover factors that protect children from high-risk behaviors.

· use teachable moments to talk to children about our family values and standards.

· make consequences work for both parents and children.

· show our children how much we love them.

· help our youth deal with their feelings.

· strengthen family rituals and traditions.

Bounce was developed in the belief that many of the factors that put children at risk can be minimized or even prevented by promoting the factors that protect the students. They may not be able to control or avoid genetic and environmental factors that contribute to high-risk behavior, but the students can learn and strengthen their ability to make healthy, safe and responsible decisions. They can:

· get to know and enjoy other kids.

· participate in lively activities and discussions.

· practice new skills during sessions and at home.

Both programs will be held once a week for six weeks beginning March 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Advent café. The program begins with a family pizza dinner in the pavilion; the cost for dinner is $30 per family for the entire 6 weeks.

Additional dates are April 2, April 16, April 23, April 30 and May 7. There will be a family blessing during our Sunday worship services on May 11 (Mother’s Day). Each session is two hours in length with time for breaks and snacks. The sessions are fun and supportive. There will be lively activities, games and time to just be with other parents. Parents must attend “Roots & Wings” for their children to attend “Bounce”. NO EXCEPTIONS. Childcare is available for younger children.

For more information, please contact Donna Drucker, director of family ministries, at 561-395-3632 x32 or ddrucker@AdventLifenet.org.

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