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The Parenting Notebook Co. |
12565 Research Parkway
Orlando, FL 32826
407-595-5721 |
About The Parenting Notebook
Family separations are difficult for all family members.
Some separations are unintended, such as military deployments and extended work
obligations. Some separations are the result of divorce. With separation comes change.
Relationships, and attitudes about them, change. New people enter your life. New
people enter your child's life. New homes are established. New caregivers or new
schools bring new routines. New rules are made.
Yet, children can be resilient.
Family separations and divorce are not what harm children the most. It is the stress
from conflict and the uncertainty of what and where home is that creates anxiety.
Children need to feel safe and know their needs will be met. Children need to know
they are loved. Children need structure and security. As the parent, this is your
responsibility.
Your relationship with your child's other parent might be in transition,
or it might be over, but your child's relationship with that person is not.
The Parenting Notebook provides a neutral forum for the exchange of information critical
to your child's life. It is designed to be used by both you and your child. The Parenting Notebook will keep you informed and involved in your child's development,
schooling and day-to-day activities.
Although created to assist custodial and noncustodial
parents communicate, The
Parenting Notebook is a resource for every parent, grandparent,
family member, caregiver and child.
The Parenting Notebook provides answers: How
does my child want to spend the time we share? When is soccer practice? What are
my son's interests? Who are my daughter's teachers? Who should I call in an emergency?
What are my child's special events? Who are his friends? What should I buy for her
birthday? What is going on in their life? Are my kids really OK?
It is the responsibility
of the adults to make sure The Parenting Notebook is constantly updated. This sends
a message to children that they are important and you understand their needs. Further,
it reassures children that, regardless of other family issues, their parents can
work together to take care of them.
When appropriate, information may be shared
with family members and caregivers. But remember, The Parenting Notebook contains
your child's personal information and private thoughts. Use caution and respect
your child's privacy when sharing information.
Encourage your child to use The Parenting Notebook . Half of this notebook is designed to be a guided journal for your child.
Questions should prompt your child to share his or her thoughts and ideas. Add questions,
if you like. Be open to discussing the responses to learn what is important in your
child's world.
The Parenting Notebook will give you the insight to better understand
your child. Use it to create a dialogue. Find out what's on your child's mind. Most
importantly, never be critical of your child's ideas, thoughts and feelings. The
responses you read may surprise you. Information is your education. Use this insight
to develop a stronger and more involved connection with your child. Learn from your
child how you can be a better parent.
As a keepsake, The Parenting Notebook is a
snapshot of your child's view of his or her world. It creates and records your son
or daughter's childhood. It will be a treasured gift to look back upon in the years
that follow.
If your child is too young to write, ask the questions and complete
the responses yourself.
The Parenting Notebook should be completed with as much
information as possible. Many items might need to be updated throughout the year.
Parental contact information needs to be updated immediately when changes occur.
Some items, such as school activities, clothing sizes and medical information should
be reviewed regularly. Lots of things can change for a child over the course of
a school year.
The Parenting Notebook is effective only if you keep it current.
Use The Parenting Notebook to plan ahead for special events, family vacations, anticipated
schedule changes and holidays. Advise each other of concerns about your child's
school performance and behavioral issues. Advise each other of good news and accomplishments.
The Parenting Notebook is NOT the place for you to post your disagreements with
the other parent. Write a letter or use email for difficult topics. Remember,
The Parenting Notebook is FOR YOUR CHILD.
The Parenting Notebook can help you have a
healthier, happier child. The best parents make each other better parents.
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