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Triple P is a scientifically-proven, world-renowned positive parenting program available to families in Santa Cruz County.

Triple P strategies address a wide range of parenting challenges by providing a toolbox of easy-to-use tips.

Find a full schedule of Triple P tips and classes at triplep.first5scc.org.

Editor’s Note

One of my main reasons for buying this magazine four years ago was to help me be a better parent. With all of the experts writing for us and all the input from families across the county, I figured I could get answers to all the questions I had about raising my now 7-year-old son.

It turns out, however, I have far more questions than answers. I guess, like all families, I feel like I’m guessing about what to do and hoping I get it right.

I’ve got challenges and questions and would love some feedback from you readers. Consider it a homework assignment and think about how much you can help other parents struggling to find answers.

And please show your work. In other words, give us examples of what you’ve seen that shaped your opinions.

How do you know whether your child should skip a grade or stay back?

Private or public school? What’s been your best experience with each?

What do you like or dislike about charter schools?

Is the newer trend of having kids with special needs in mainstream classrooms a benefit or a problem?

Is college still relevant and necessary?

What do you do with your kids during the summer? If you send them to camp, how do you decide which one?

Does your school have enough extracurricular activities, like band, art, music, sports, drama?

Speaking of sports: do we put too much emphasis on it in school and could the money be better spent on more academic or cultural activities?

Is the isolation from the covid pandemic still affecting students?

Are teachers too easy or too hard on students?

How much homework is enough—and should students even have homework?

Should students be required to be bilingual?

We spend so much money on the education system, yet teachers are so underpaid, many are leaving. What are we doing wrong?

That’s just a start. I’ve got a million of them. If one or more of them stirs a passion, please send us a letter to editor@growingupsc.com and we will print them.

Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Faris Sabbah will answer your questions in a new column starting next school year.

Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

By Jeanette Prather

How Are You Going to Celebrate Mom?

Sometimes the best inspiration comes right before delivery. While most kids weren’t sure what they were going to do to celebrate mom this year, they all recognized how important she is and how much they love to spend time with her. From swimming to cooking to imaginary friends, moms (caretakers and those who identify!) should be celebrated. Thank you for all that you do. Go mom!

I think that I’m going to make my mom a card this year. My favorite thing to do with my mom is scratch her back. I scratch her back lots.

My favorite thing to do with my mom is to play vet care on my imaginary friends. She helps me operate on them. I have a few imaginary friends who I like to play with. Some of them are part-human, and some of the other ones are human, and then I have friends who aren’t human at all.

I’m going to make a Mother’s Day card for my mom this year. My favorite thing that I like to do with her is I like to go to the Elks Club Swimming Pool and then we go swimming together. It’s so much fun to do that!

This year I’m going to make my mom a coupon book so that she can rip a coupon out and then I’ll do whatever is on it for her. I really like to go eat Thai food with my mom. Maybe we can do that this year, too.