Family Pages-Community You

In tough economic times, communities must carefully invest in proven and cost-effective prevention programs.

Teens face an increasing number of demands on their time, including homework, jobs and social obligations. Often this means that the time spent on other activities must be reduced to meet these demands.

Have you stopped to notice the caterpillars on the bushes lately? If you said no, you are not alone.

Fly-fishing is a great activity to do with your dad. On May 17, I experienced one of the best fly-fishing experiences I have ever had. My dad and I set off to fly-fish around 6 p.m. on the Little Juniata River. We were going to the Little Juniata stream because there was supposed to be a hatch that comes off that's called a sulfur hatch.

Quit messing around, you're just wasting time. How many times have our kids heard those words come out of our mouths? So in order to stop the incredible tragedy of wasted time, we turn to heroic hurry. We live life at the speed of hurry. We are attempting to accomplish more and more stuff in less and less time.

Leading up to the passage of the state budget, the Senate recently passed its proposal, SB 850, which includes many deep cuts in spending in an attempt to deal with the state's projected $3 billion deficit.

It's that time of year again. The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and the peak of central Pennsylvania's breathtaking fall foliage has passed. The first unexpectedly early snowfall of the season was a not-so-gentle reminder that winter is not far off. Soon the holiday bustle will be starting, and if your family is like many others, the pace will pick up.

Recent studies out of the Penn State Prevention Research Center have shed light on parenting characteristics that may be more or less protective in terms of underage alcohol misuse and related negative consequences.

Most children are naturally excited at the beginning of a new school year. There will be new classrooms, new books and a new teacher. Smart parents take advantage of this fresh start to make a few changes in the routine at home too.

Do you have a budding artist, a future astronaut or maybe a chef in the making in your family?

The prevention boards of both Communities that Care groups in Centre County operate on the premise that, to develop healthy children, we need to minimize risk factors related to use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; violence; and antisocial behavior while maximizing protective factors.

The way the morning begins can set the tone for the rest of your child's day. Last-minute scrambles to finish homework and searches for misplaced backpacks can lead to a chaotic start. A well-planned morning with an unrushed send-off to school prepares your child to take on the tasks of the day in a positive frame of mind.

"I'm angry!" How many times have we heard children make this comment or exhibit the behaviors that go along with angry feelings? The question is, why are we seeing so much anger in so many young people?

Communities That Care, the Downtown Improvement District and more than 30 other organizations are teaming up again this year to offer Centre County Day for Kids, an annual family event highlighting the value of meaningful time between caring adults and children.

Whether getting into a school routine for the first time or getting back into one after a busy summer, beginning a few weeks before school starts aids with adjustment. The whole family needs to be ready in order for a smooth transition into the school year.