Sometimes parents know what they want to do… and are too tired or busy or overwhelmed to know where to start. Here’s the beginning of a collection of good, “free stuff” — downloadable PDFs we’ve either gathered or written for you.
Check back soon for more.
- There’s nothing like making a tough call as a parent to wake up the Inner Critic that lives between our ears, is there? Actually, you don’t have to be a parent to wrestle with an Inner Critic — most people have one. Tired of fighting with it? That’s a good thing. Click here to download 3 Reasons to Stop Fighting Your Inner Critic… and Something You Can Try Instead.
- When is it time to talk to your kids about drinking? Probably about three years sooner than you’d like to. Here’s a free guide to help Parents Talk to Teens About Alcohol
- Not sure how to ask kids about bullying? Free downloadable cards to help you frame the questions. Ask about bullies.
- Heads Up! about concussions in youth sports. Please download and share. (And here’s one For the Coach’s Clipboard.)
- This one’s called Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen. Skimming through it looks more like ‘enhancing emotional intelligence’ or ‘building empathy and resilience.’ (It’s long. You might want to read it online rather than download it.
- Keeping Your Family Strong. Tips for getting the kind of support you need when you need it.
- Trying to figure out how to get the little guys to help with meals? Not only does it connect them to the process, it’s a great way to get them to start contributing to household chores. But how much is too much? And what are they able to do? What’s age-appropriate? Here are some helpful hints about the amazing cooking skills of the 2- to 5-year-old set!
- Looking at ways to improve your family’s nutritional profile? Ten Tips for Affordable Fruit and Veggies.
- I must be hungry! Here’s one about healthier snacking.
- Here’s an oldie but goodie. Keeping Kids Drug-Free
- Reading list recommendations from author Esther Jantzen. 40 Great Books For Kids
- Cooking with kids? Projects from Barbara Beery at Batter-up Kids 4 Fun Recipes
- Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say… how to connect. Take a look at these 5 Things Kids Need to Hear from Dad also from Esther Jantzen.
- Preventing Violence in Relationships.
- The Vet Said “Ten Things You Wish You’d Remembered to Ask on Your Last Visit” from Tim Vandehey and Annie Greer, co-authors of The Chimp Who Loved Me
- Help Kids Succeed In School — another one aimed at Dads but good for anyone.
- Plus-It Activities Goes along with Esther Jantzen’s wonderful “parent as teacher” materials.
- Ever feel like you need help starting conversations with your kids? These Conversation Card “Starters” may help you make a game of it.
- Color Me Safe is a free, downloadable coloring book suitable for pre-k through early elementary school children… and a great help to parents and grandparents teaching day-to-day safety rules and accident prevention. It’s also available in Spanish.