September 2012 by DMI Agency

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RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

EDITOR’S LETTER

Growing in the Community

he new school year has just begun, and as I pass all of the kids and backpacks on the streets near my office, I think about all the pre-school year preparation that’s just taken place. Hours, maybe days or weeks are consumed with the school year check-list and trips for school supplies, clothes and maybe even new shoes. The thought occurs to me – wouldn’t it be great if we (parents) approached every day of parenting with the same focus and enthusiasm as the final weeks of summer. Raising happy, healthy children is a challenging task and how often we let our guards down is often determined by what else is going on in our lives. We might even be too preoccupied to notice our child is stressed about returning to school. There could be any number of reasons for this, including being shy. Working with a child who hides behind you when walking into a room can be frustrating for a parent. Educational Psychologist and Family Therapist, Barry Sommer, addresses this trait in “Raising Successfully Shy Children” on page 6. If you’re the parent of a shy child, consider yourself blessed, as most shy individuals are sensitive and deeply caring people. On the opposite end of the personality spectrum is … the bully. Thanks to cell phones and the Internet, these aggressive, thoughtless, and even cruel cyberbullies continue to spread fear long after the school day ends. No longer just a threat behind the school ground backstop, today’s bullies are capable of harassment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. District Attorney Phil Cline gives us some tips on protecting our children in “Social Trends” found on page 8. But, what does one do if your child is the bully? Certainly, as a responsible parent, that’s a difficult fact to accept. “Help Prevent Bullying” on page 12 gives parents a checklist to take an inventory of a child’s behavior. In addition to the return to the classroom, fall is also a good time to think about planting a garden with your child. Whether your child is shy, aggressive, or perfectly well-adjusted, the planting and nurturing of a few vegetables will provide a sense of responsibility and accomplishment for your child. Seeds are relatively inexpensive and thanks to Wood Industries, free soil is available. For a sample garden chart and planting tips, be sure to turn to pages 18-19. We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and has settled into the new school year with enthusiasm and excitement. We’ll look forward to seeing you again in the October issue of Raise.

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea, email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909. RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Behavior

SEP

Raising Successfully Shy Children

B TEM

PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa

in this issue

Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Barry Sommers Crystal R. R. Edwards

Social Trends

Dental Health

Cyberbullying

17 Pet Care

10 Humor

23 Adventures

An Addition to the Family

12 Positive Parenting

24 Calendar 27 Resources

Help Prevent Bullying

Delicious, Healthy, and Easy Dinners!

Reading/School Problem?

Plant a Fall Veggie Garden with Your Kids

20 Reading List

Get Middle Schoolers (and Younger!) into Reading Mode

22 College Prep

What Type of College Should My Child Attend?

26 Family Law 4

Parental Alienation: A Lawyer’s Perspective

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Lee Littlewood mariya Grigoryan Phil Cline Susan Schieferle

ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

18 Gardening

Joan A. Watters Justin & Rebecca Reynolds

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

16 Education

Jeri Burzin Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA

14 Nutrition

Ginny Frizzi

Raise Magazine is distributed in Visalia, Exeter, Woodlake and Tulare. If you would like copies available at your business, call 559.739.1747 Raise Magazine is published 12 times a year and distributed at hightraffic locations in the South Valley av rea. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers. © 2012 DMI Agency

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

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Cover Photo: Andrew Meneses (7) of Springville, CA. Photo Kristin Runyon.

AT T E N T I O N

TULARE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHERS

Raise Magazine is looking for cover photo submissions.

What kind of photos?

• Children (ages 5-15), or children with pet • Single children only; no group or family photos • Vertical format Please submit high-quality, electronic files only. Email photos to Bridget@dmiagency.com (Photos are free to submit but submission does not guarantee placement.)

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

BEHAVIOR

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

BEHAVIOR

Raising Successfully

Shy Children Text by Barry Sommer, Licensed Educational Psychologist

oes your child hide behind you each time you walk into a room with them? Are they too shy to approach children in a playground, or shy away from kids who approach them? Do they often not ask for what they want from a waiter, or ask you to do it for them because they are too terrified? Are they more likely to listen to a conversation and nod instead of participating in it?

Current studies show that approximately 20 percent of all children are “shy” or “sensitive”. Amazingly, most studies of all mammals show that 20 percent are also inhibited or shy. Children are shy in different ways and for different reasons. Shy children tend to be perceived as unfriendly, and untalented, and they may feel lonely and have low selfesteem without our thoughtful support. Is shyness a curse or a gift? Your child may be shy if he/she consistently has difficulty making conversation, has severe physical symptoms of anxiety in social situations (such as sweating palms and stomach pains), or worry about how they’ll perform and be perceived in new, unpredictable settings. Young children may dislike loud noises and chaotic environments and cry, kick, or fuss with unfamiliar people or places. Older children may be clingy, hang back, and avoid interaction with peers, or avoid activities such as sports, drama, and debate that would put them in the limelight. Cultural and biological factors contribute in complex and remarkable ways. For instance, shy children are more likely to have narrower faces, slimmer bodies and light blue eyes. Interestingly, they are also more likely to have May and June birthdays. Here are a few of the things that we can do as parents to help our children become “successfully shy”: Be your child’s social chairman. Encourage your child to invite a friend with a compatible or complimentary personality over for a playdate. When the friend visits, engage them in activities in which you know your child will shine. Seek out safe places for your children to interact with others and practice social skills (volunteer work, tutoring younger children, clubs and other structured activities with supportive group leaders) as they get older. Tell the children about times when you acted bashful, and model friendly and pro-social behavior (eye contact, smiling). Frame your child positively. Suppose you have a parent-teacher conference, and the teacher says to you, “My, your child sure is shy.” Frame your son in a more positive light: “Yes, he is a deep thinker,” or, “He’s a great listener.” Avoid labeling your child as shy, but help significant adults understand your child’s temperament.

Be your child’s advocate and ambassador. Be a self-esteem detective, and find an interest, skill, or activity in which your child shines. Provide lots of encouragement and opportunities for mastery. Read more about shyness and learn additional strategies for parents and teachers. Consult your child’s pediatrician, guidance counselor, or psychologist if you are deeply concerned about your child’s inhibition or see them as unhappy. It seems then that “shyness” is a survival mechanism, for the individual, and for the entire population. Perhaps for humanity, “shyness” is also an evolutionary mechanism, because people who are “shy” also tend to be searching for truth, of high integrity, leaders by example, thinkers, advisors, healers, compassionate, fair, and have many other positive qualities, and have many positive impacts on society. Shy people are greatly needed by the world! Shyness can be seen as a strength to build on, not a character flaw to be stamped out. Bernard Carducci, an important shyness researcher, said, “The successfully shy don’t change who they are. They change the way they think and the actions they make. There is nothing wrong with being shy. In fact, I have come to believe that what our society needs is not less shyness but a little more.” You are blessed with a sensitive, deeply caring, reserved child. The world will be a gentler place because of him or her. Many children outgrow shyness with time, but anything you can do to ease your child’s shyness will, in turn, decrease the number of opportunities your child misses over the course of his/her life. And that, is truly a gift.

“The successfully shy don’t change who they are. They change the way they think and the actions they make. There is nothing wrong with being shy. In fact, I have come to believe that what our society needs is not less shyness but a little more.” –Bernard Carducci

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

SOCIAL TRENDS

CYBERBULLYING A

Text by Phil Cline, District Attorney

ggressive, thoughtless, cruel…bullies. Many of us can remember the bully we wanted to avoid when we walked down the halls of our elementary, junior high, or high school. This person had it out for us – maybe for a decent reason, maybe not – but one thing was certain: he or she was going to make our day at school as miserable as possible. As rough as those times may have been for those of us who were attending school before the advent of

the Internet and cell phones, we were able to catch a break when we came home from school. We had refuge in our homes, solace in our families. What is important to realize is that today’s children and teenagers are “plugged in” long after the school day ends, via their cell phones and computer. The same type of bully who had to face us in person now has the opportunity to covertly stalk, harass, gossip from a distance, in cyberspace, and there is little reprieve when the school bell rings.

The feeling of anonymity on the internet or via text message fuels the intrinsic cowardly behavior of a bully. Cruel messages can be delivered with a couple keystrokes. It is no longer necessary to wait by a locker and have a face-to-face confrontation. In order to protect children and teenagers, establish a technology time-out by dinnertime. Ask questions about not only who your child is communicating with, but the nature of those conversations. Also, talk with your child about how failing to prevent cyberbullying is in fact an endorsement of the behavior: • Refuse to forward or pass along cyberbullying messages • Report cyberbullying to a trusted adult • Block communication with anyone who engages in cyberbullying If your teenager has developed a friendship with an unknown person over the Internet, it is time to verify that person’s identity. A clever technique for embarrassing a victim by gaining access to personal information is by posing as a potential romantic interest. The bully “courts” the victim, gaining trust and lowering the victim’s inhibitions. The goal is to place the victim in a compromising position through photos or messages and then expose the ruse to peers.

Remind family members to not give out Internet passwords to anyone. Teenagers should never meet anyone in person whose identity is only known from the Internet. Nothing is new in terms of the cruelty and thoughtlessness of people, but what is new is how that message is delivered, and how invasive a computer or cell phone can become. If you suspect your child is a victim of cyberbullying, please contact your child’s school or the local police department.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, the following situations are specific to cyberbullying behavior: • Bully assumes a different identity online to trick the victim • Spreads lies and rumors about the victim online • Tricks victim into revealing personal information • Sends or forwards mean text messages • Posts pictures of victim without his/her consent

DENTAL HEALTH

Early Orthodontic Treatment Text by Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D.

ral health and general health cannot be separated from one another. Many parents are eager to start orthodontic care for their children, remembering their own past orthodontic treatment and wanting to avoid delayed care. In many cases, early orthodontic care can be beneficial. Early treatment makes sense for an underbite or narrow upper arch problems, which are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Kids with a crossbite may also benefit from such early treatment. As a child’s teeth develop, problems that are detected and diagnosed can be treated. While genetics play a role in jaw and teeth development, it is not the only factor. Erupting teeth are influenced by the environment into which they grow and move. This environment includes the tongue and muscles that control the jaw. When poor function is recognized and eliminated, proper development is encouraged. Early orthodontic treatment may prevent or intercept the development of serious problems. Early treatment may help to correct harmful oral and functional habits, guide and manage jaw growth, guide permanent teeth closer to their correct position, lower the risk of trauma from protruded front teeth, and improve facial esthetic balance. A beautiful smile is just one of the benefits orthodontics has to offer. Bringing teeth, lips, and jaw into proper alignment not only produces

a great smile, but a healthy one as well; correctly aligned teeth are easier to maintain. Early treatment goals are to correct any dysfunction or habit influencing the malocclusion, minimize crowding of permanent teeth, and coordinate the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Orthodontic treatment can increase confidence and self-esteem, and most likely, a child with healthy and nice teeth will be motivated to maintain good oral hygiene. Most authorities recommend a child’s first orthodontic evaluation between seven to eight years of age. Signs that your child may need early intervention are anterior or posterior crossbite, deep bite, crowding, missing teeth, paranormal habits, and premature loss of teeth. Orthodontic treatment provides many benefits to a child’s overall health. It is important to remember each child’s case is specific to the child’s needs, thus, proper orthodontic evaluation is necessary. Children who get early orthodontic treatment may still need second phase treatment. Early treatment may decrease the time spent in phase two and make the treatment easier. However, total treatment time may be considerably longer.

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RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

HUMOR

An Addition to the Family, and Now I’m RUNNING Away From Home! Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

undays around here are a nice break. My bachelor father-in-law usually takes our three kids after church and keeps them with him until supper time. It’s a good experience for all of them and Donald and I really appreciate the few hours of quiet to pursue our own hobbies and chores.

Last Sunday, however, we hit a bit of a snag. I’m starting to re-think the whole thing. The children had stayed overnight at Grand-dad’s house and went to church with him in the morning. They remained with him in the afternoon as usual for a bit of playtime and general messing about. At some point, the kids all decided they wanted to rake his back yard, so they trooped into his workshop. They came out with rakes... and a new pet. The phone rang here at home. I was busy writing, but I heard Donald pick it up. “Hello? Oh, hi! Is everything okay?” A long pause. I could hear my father-in-law laughing through the phone. I figured it was just a funny kid-says-something story so went back to work. My blood froze, however, when I heard Donald ask “And they want to bring it home? Do you have a cage?” I knew it. I knew it. You see, much like their parents before them, my children have this irrepressible urge to collect at least one specimen of every animal known to man. My dining room alone has been host to something like five classes over the years, and this past year we’ve successfully featured at least six orders. I won’t discuss which families, 10

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

genera or species this has all involved, except to comment “Holy cow, there’s some weird stuff being eaten around here” – and that’s before I set supper out. I won’t even try to describe what’s been living in my living room. We’re a geeky family. We’re all five of us curious, autodidactic, and half a bubble off plumb. Taking risks in the name of exploration and education is an accepted part of parenting around here. But I do believe I have just found my limit. Dear readers, my children found a tarantula. This is my first experience with tarantulas. Donald was born and raised in Houston, and he apparently had several of these as a child. He rushed out to buy it a plastic cage and spent time that afternoon assembling a comfortable home for the beastie. I closed my laptop, took Excedrin and laid down to await the grand homecoming. It came too soon and it involved a lot of laughing, squealing, explanations and re-enactments. I stood along the farthest wall of the room and watched, my eyes huge and my thumb on my cell phone’s speed dial for an ambulance. The plastic side of the cage seemed a flimsy barrier between me and what is surely a gruesome death. I’d assumed cremation was going to be the only option for me because I was pretty sure tarantula bites make you swell up like a watermelon and probably give you the same kind of green stripes. I have never been so afraid of an animal in my life. Seeing my small children dancing around this creature in its cage, on my dining room table, in my house, on my block, and – oh WOW in my NEIGHBORHOOD – just sent me right over the edge.

HUMOR It was named Tickles in an attempt to divert my attention from the hideousness of the situation. If I could have named it Black Flag or Raid without scarring the children, I would have done so. Birdie Sue, gloriously and hyperactively 9 years old, bounced out to the garden to collect some little green caterpillars we’ve noticed abusing our broccoli plants. One touched her skin (she was wearing gloves) and she squealed. Seriously? And I got laughed at for squeaking during the introduction to Tickles? We barely got the kids into bed on time. They were in a tizzy, trying to find crickets in the back yard. I was in a tizzy, trying to do an online search for flyswatters made out of concrete. Donald was at his own computer, doing some research. Tickles, it turns out, is an Oklahoma or Texas brown tarantula. Confused about why they’re Oklahoman or Texan? Don’t be. Apparently they migrate. Yes. They. Migrate. “So see, honey?” he said. “If you wake up in the morning and it’s not in its cage, it’s just off migrating somewhere.” I felt tons better. We also discovered that Tickles is a girl. This involved tossing a June bug into her cage and, about an hour later when she was bored with biting it, we counted her spinnerets as she wrapped it up. Now before you think I was too passive about welcoming this critter into my home, I must say I did give an honest shot at protest a few days later. And, oh boy, do I deserve an Oscar for this: I gave Donald big puppy-dog eyes. “Look at her,” I said. The cage was sitting on the counter top in my kitchen. Tickles was climbing up the side of it again. “She’s not happy, honey. It breaks my heart. I think we need to release her.” “Well, she is a wild animal...” he started. She switched cage walls and started making this weird tapping noise as she climbed. High heels? Tap shoes? Crampons? I shuddered, not for the first time. “I think she’d eat better and be happier if we took her to the ditches over by the pond at the middle school.” I stood there for a second, holding my breath. “You’re right,” he said. “We’ll do it as a group on Saturday.” More puppy-dog eyes. “You know how I hate to see animals suffer, especially ones who are captured from the wild.” She was still tapping as she climbed, with the occasional scriiiiiitch sound as she moved. I realized it was Morse code. “-... .-. .- .. -. ...!” * (see footnote) “Okay. I’ll talk with the kids about it.” “The kids won’t hate me?” “Nah. They’ll understand, honey.” He wandered off. I stood and looked at her for a few more minutes, then wandered off myself humming “Born Free.” It’s now Monday. Saturday came and went. Releasing Tickles didn’t happen. I’m sitting at my dining room table to write this. She’s waving hello to you right now. Be happy you aren’t here to see it. * “Brains!” I’m pretty sure she’s at least half zombie. That’s how bad things are right now.

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RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

POSITIVE PARENTING

help prevent

BULLYING

Text by Child Services Network of Tulare County

ullying is a topic that receives a significant amount of attention in the media these days, and it is worthy of coverage. Bullying today has escalated to extreme levels and has a harmful— sometimes even fatal— impact on the lives of many children. Understandably, parents don’t want to see their children hurt by bullying, and the possibility that it could happen is of major concern. The good news is that parents can take an active role in preventing or putting an end to bullying. Helping kids understand what bullying is, and teaching them to empathize with someone who is being bullied, is a good first step. Additionally, demonstrating appropriate behaviors when interacting with others will help your children understand that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Here are some more suggestions for dealing with bullying:

they put one in place promptly). If bullying events are taking place on campus, it is essential to get the school involved as soon as possible, and request that they handle the situation. Schools have the appropriate resources to address bullying incidents, and involving the school is a much wiser course of action than ignoring the bullying or attempting to handle it on your own. Here are some additional tips to relay to your child about how to handle bullying:  Teach your children not to respond to taunts or threats with violence.  Encourage them to walk away from bullying situations when possible – especially ones that could potentially escalate to physical violence.  Tell your children not to give bullying an audience. If they see other kids being bullied, encourage them not to laugh or participate. If they act disinterested, or even tell the bully that what he or she is doing is neither funny nor entertaining, the bullying may stop.  If your child is being bullied, explain to him or her that bullying someone else in turn is not an acceptable response. Unfortunately, this is a common response, as the victim attempts to find ways to emotionally compensate for the hurt that was experienced.

Communicate As with most aspects of parenting, communication is key. Make it a habit to talk with your kids about their day at school, so that you become familiar with what they experience in an average day. Learning about their day-to-day experiences will help you to see the red flags when anything unusual is going on. Here are a few questions to ask that may give you some insight into your child’s perspective and experiences regarding bullying:  Do you see any bullying happening at school?  Who are the bullies in your class?  What would you do if someone bullied you?  Would you help someone else who was being bullied? When you speak with your children about bullying, they will feel more comfortable about approaching you or other adults if they need guidance on matters related to bullying. Keeping the lines of communication open between you and your child may help you prevent a bullying situation from escalating.

When Your Child is a Bully As difficult as it may be for a parent to accept, it is also a possibility that one’s own child is a bully. What should we do if you discover that your child bullies other children?  Take bullying seriously, and take action right away. If you observe your child picking on another, intervene and let your child know that you will not tolerate aggressive behavior toward others.  Make an effort to instill within your child a sense of respect for others, especially those who are different in terms of culture, race, abilities, religion, etc.  Participate with your child in events that will provide an opportunity to interact with people who have a different background from yours.  Encourage and reward good behavior. If you observe your child making a good decision (such as sticking up for someone or helping someone who has been bullied), praise your child and let him know that you are proud of him.  Many children who bully others are often suffering from behavioral disorders or a lack of social maturity. Seeking services from a school therapist or other mental health provider may be beneficial.

When Your Child is Being Bullied If you discover that your child is experiencing any sort of bullying — physical, verbal, or cyber — it is important to try to protect your child from further harm. Many schools have anti-bullying policies (if your child’s school doesn’t, insist that

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

POSITIVE PARENTING

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RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

NUTRITION

Delicious, Hea and

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

NUTRITION

lthy, Easy Dinners! Text by Justin and Rebecca Reynolds, Local Business Owners

“Mommy, can we have complex-carbohydrates for dinner?” With a tear in my eye, “Of course we can, son!”

o, that might not be the exact question asked, but when my son makes a request for pasta at dinnertime, this is what I hear. Feeding three kids under three years of age can be a challenge, but feeding children of all ages poses the same problem. We, as parents, are constantly trying to find the miracle meal: a delicious, healthy meal that encourages healthy eating habits with the best long-term results for their growing bodies. And meals that are beneficial for the parents at the same time is a must because … who has time to make two dinners? My children love to have pasta for dinner – macaroni or fusili is their favorites. Standard pastas are made with refined wheat flour (the nutrient rich outer bran shell and inner germ layer are stripped which takes much of the fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients from the pasta). This part of the pasta is the best part for you. Eating whole-wheat pasta is a way to obtain the good benefits of pasta. Whole-wheat pasta includes all the layers of the wheat kernel and, therefore, contains more natural fiber and micronutrients than “white” pasta. It contains niacin and folate, two essential vitamins for healthy body functions. Wholewheat pasta is also packed with essential minerals including magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc – all in significant quantities. Whole-wheat pasta is a complex-carbohydrate, which takes the body longer to break down, helping you to feel fuller longer. Children who feel fuller longer tend to eat less at one sitting and don’t become hungry as quickly, which reduces unwanted weight gain (childhood obesity). The process of breaking down complex-carbohydrates encourages the body to burn additional fat by trying to process the complex fibers. The body is able to sustain energy for a long period of time while the breakdown of the complex-carbs is occurring, which leaves little or no sugar to be stored as fat. In pasta made up of simple carbohydrates (white

pasta), the process is easy and fast for the body, so the sugar that the body craves is obtained immediately, using a little for energy and storing the rest as fat. Adding a delicious sauce to pasta at dinnertime can be nutritiously rewarding as well. Tomatoes are an amazing source of healthy benefits. Most red pasta sauces have a foundation of tomatoes, and to this we say, “Hooray!” One of the most well known benefit of a tomato is its Lycopene content. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation, as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases. Free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high levels of Lycopene, and the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich redness from the nutrient. Another awesome fact about tomatoes: they are equally beneficial fresh as they are in other forms (canned, frozen, dried). So whether you are making fresh or canned spaghetti sauce, the benefits are always the same. Add some ground turkey (high in protein and low in fat) or a slice or two of baked chicken to your pasta and you have a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that leaves an empty plate and smiles all around the table. Complex-carbohydrates, antioxidants, and protein will never steer you wrong. Tip: Whole-wheat pasta has a different texture than that of white pasta and might be a little bit of a transition for your little ones. Try “baby steps” using a white pasta/whole-wheat blend, which mixes the two pastas together. They are less coarse and chewy than whole wheat pasta, and will encourage good eating. When you feel everyone is ready to take on whole grain pasta to its entirety, they will be well adjusted to the taste and texture.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

EDUCATION

Reading/School Problem? Text by Jeri Burzin, Board Certified Educational Therapist

earning to read may be particularly challenging for many children. Some students have difficulty connecting sounds with letters, blending letters and sounds into words, reading fluently, remembering printed words, and spelling correctly even after much practice. There are seven developmental skills needed for reading: 1. Coordination (ability to move one’s body in a controlled way … walking, skipping, hopping, jumping, and balancing). 2. Visual motor control (ability to control movements of small muscles as with cutting, stringing beads, and copying shapes and letters). 3. Visual Perception (ability to match colors, shapes, sizes, letters, forms, and words). 4. Visual memory (ability to reproduce letters or other objects from memory). 5. Auditory perception (ability to identify common sounds, hear differences among sounds, and match sounds). 6. Auditory memory (ability to hear and recall sounds, and repeat directions). 7. Oral language production (ability to express oneself verbally). If you think your child is having difficulties in any of these areas, here are some activities to try: Coordination: Young children should crawl, climb, swing, etc.; older children should be encouraged to play sports, run, jump, throw, catch, ride horses, and walk on lines. Visual motor control: Drawing, painting, using clay, making collages, stringing beads, cutting, pasting, building models, knitting, and rolling cookie dough.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Visual perception: Arrange objects by color, size, and shape. Match numbers, letters, and pictures. Visual memory: In the car, have your child look at license plates and try to remember the letters and numbers on them. Play “what’s missing” games (place objects on a table, have your child close their eyes, then remove some objects and have him tell you what is missing). Or have your child close their eyes and describe what is in the room. Auditory perception: Listen for sounds and have your child point to where they are coming from. Read and make up rhymes. Older children may identify different singing groups. Auditory memory: Give your child a direction to follow. Start with one direction at a time, and then increase the number of directions to two at a time, then three at a time, and more as they are successful. Make up a sentence and have your child repeat it wordfor-word. Oral language production: Have your child retell a story in their own words. After watching a TV program, ask them to describe what the program was about. Play word games like Boggle and Scrabble. Structure play dates to encourage language and social skills. There are many ways to use everyday activities that are fun and involve reading, such as cooking and reading recipes, planning a trip and reading about the area and mapping out routes, reading instructions for building a model, knitting a sweater, and so on. Consider taking turns reading with your child. Use the library to have your child choose books, and get some on tape and/or computer programs. All children benefit from extra-curricula activities, and those struggling in school need these activities as much as they may need remediation. Activities of choice to build self-confidence and to improve skills—such as art classes that help improve visual motor coordination, following instructions, auditory and visual memory—are critical. Sports activities like soccer, baseball, swimming, karate, and horse-back riding are wonderful for improving motor coordination, developing social skills, following directions, and more.

PET CARE

Baby-Safe Pets: Choosing the Best Best Friend Text by Ginny Frizzi

othing is cuter than looking at your baby snuggle up with your favorite pet. How well these two members of your household get along, however, is in large part up to the adults.

“Babies and pets can go together like cookies and cream, or chocolate on pizza. The pairing can be wonderful, or just not go together,” says Rachel Friedman, who teaches people how to teach dogs. Babies take naturally to pets; both the pets and children simply need to be taught the acceptable ways of treating each other. Children need to be careful not to hurt or frighten the animal, and the pets need to learn to be gentle with the child. Cats tend to keep their distance from children, whereas dogs become their sidekick and playmate. It’s advisable to get the dog first and spend adequate time (perhaps a year or two) training the pet and bringing it to maturity. With a baby in the house, it is a long time before there is sufficient spare time to give a puppy the amount of attention it needs. Never place a puppy into a home with a new baby, as there simply wouldn’t be enough time for both. Dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer recommends choosing a dog that is well-socialized toward people of any age, size, gender, or appearance. If parents already have a dog, they should be sure to take the time to socialize it to people, including children and babies. She warns that all dog breeds have the potential to chew, bite, chase, jump, and nip, but some breeds are likelier to do those things than others. So parents-tobe who already own a dog should review their breed’s general traits. The same applies to parents who are looking to purchase a dog. “A mastiff and a baby might look cute together, but you shouldn’t

take risks like that,” Mayer says. “You don’t blame the dog. It doesn’t know how to respond to another animal. If a person has a young baby who will need lots of time and care, then having a puppy will be equivalent to having a second baby. The person might want to consider adopting a dog that has a lower energy level and exercise requirement.” Babies and pets can go together beautifully, but choose the breed carefully. Some breeds of dog and cat can be jealous and take their frustrations out on a baby. Never, ever leave a child alone with any dog, regardless of breed or how steady the temperament. If you are looking to keep a baby completely safe, then the ideal pet would be one where they don’t interact at all, such as a goldfish.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

GARDENING

Plant a Fall

Wood Industries will provide a FREE gallon bag of garden soil to any child who stops in to start a garden project! 7715 Ave. 296, Visalia | 559.625.9426

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

GARDENING

with Your Kids!

Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener, University of California Cooperative Extension

eptember most certainly does not seem like a month to be planting in the garden. However, if you want fall vegetables, September is the month to plant seeds.

What vegetable seeds can we plant? Some examples of cool-season veggies for fall growing are: beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, chard, kale, lettuce, leeks, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips. Choose a few. Radishes are fun for kids because they germinate quickly, and harvest occurs within a month. This is a great opportunity to introduce your child to new vegetables. Kale, for example, is tasty baked in the oven with sea salt seasoning and olive oil … out come the kale chips! New vocabulary for your child: Germination: When the seed sprouts a green stem above the ground. Harvest: When you are able to pick the vegetable for eating. Till: When you dig up the dirt to loosen it or add to it. Vegetable

Seed Planting Depth

# of Plants per sq. ft.

# of Days until Germination

# of Days until Harvest

Beets

.5” 9 8-14 45-60

Broccoli

.25” 1

Carrots

.5” 16 10-21 60-70

Kale

.5” 2 7-10 60

Lettuce

.25” 4 6-14 50

Leeks

.25” 16

Peas

1” 8 7-10 60-70

Radishes

.5” 16 3-8 25-30

Spinach

.5” 9

10-18 40-50

Turnips

.5”

6- 9

4-7 50-70

10-14 75-80

60-85

Let’s get started: Location: Choose an area with level ground (or build a raised garden bed) that has at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Choose an area away from tall shrubs or trees that would shade the garden. Make sure there is an adequate supply of water close by. Garden Size: Just because you have a small yard or garden area does not mean you cannot plant a veggie garden. For every square foot of soil, you can plant a different vegetable. In each square, you can plant up to 16 seeds depending on the vegetable. Soil: Good quality soil very important when growing vegetables. It usually helps to amend the garden soil by tilling in some organic matter like compost, steer manure, and fertilizer (16-16-16), all of which are available from your local nursery. Try to dig to 8-12 inches deep. If planting in containers, then purchase ready-to-use planting mix for vegetables and flowers. Have your child help you dig with a small shovel or rake in the amendment after tilling the dirt. Planting and Growing Tips: The back of the seed package explains how deep and how far apart to plant the seeds, and how many days to harvest. This is a good reading opportunity for the child who already reads. To ensure success, plant two seeds per hole. After germination, choose the strongest seedling and pinch off the remainder. You may need to transplant some seedlings to prevent overcrowding in the space. Chart your garden: Make a chart similar to the one below, and have your child measure and keep track of the growing veggies. Let your child fill in as much information as he/she can get from the back of the seed package. Radishes, turnips, and leeks are often called root vegetables because the edible vegetable is under the ground, and the greens are above the ground. August Review: Be sure that your Fairy Garden is watered often enough not to dry out, unless you used succulent plants, in which case drying out for days is okay. September Gardening Tip: After your veggies germinate and start to grow, inspect them daily for worms, and pick them off if found. Cutworms will nip off seedlings at the soil line, and caterpillars will chew holes in leaves. If aphids are a problem, then wash them off the leaves with water.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

READING LIST

Get Middle Schoolers (and Younger!)

into Reading Mode Text by Lee Littlewood

hese brand new books appeal especially to reluctant readers in that tricky middlegrade age group. A witty guide to notreading, the latest from R.L. Stine, and a progressive story game from 20 celebrated authors and illustrators make up this selection. Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald; Roaring Book Press/MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group; 220 pages; $14.99. Written especially for reluctant readers, Greenwald’s funny firstperson narrative stars a middle grader who goes to great lengths to avoid reading. Sort of a study in reserve psychology, the wry, likeable tale proves how hard Charlie Joe tries to stay away from books. Though he glances at a first chapter here and there and reads a few books’ flap covers, Charlie counts on his friend Timmy to read for him in exchange for an ice cream sandwich. But when Timmy’s price goes up to three ice cream sandwiches per book, Charlie decides to avoid being blackmailed and read an entire book. Interspersed with Charlie’s anti-reading tips and peppered throughout with small cartoons from illustrator J.P. Coovert, Greenwald’s hilarious book is filled with witty wordplay and quick delivery. It should certainly appeal to like-minded kids. Fourth to eighth graders will enjoy Charlie Joe Jackson’s reading and bookwriting experience and will happily learn the whole process isn’t nearly as bad as they anticipated. Fans of the above and of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, will also enjoy Lincoln Pierce’s latest, Big Nate on a Roll! (HarperCollins; $12.99). In the third novel in the series, Nate faces his nemesis, foreign-exchange student Arthur, in a scout-troop showdown, complete with fun-filled mishaps. With tons of Nate’s own doodles, comics and hilarious top-10 lists, the graphic novel is super cool for readers ages eight to 12. The Magnificent 12: The Trap by Michael Grant; Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins; 294 pages; $16.99. The second in Grant’s Magnificent 12 series stars 12-year-old Mack McAvoy, challenged by his mentor Grimluk, who only appears in the shiny chrome of bathroom pipes. Funny, with lots of action and fantasy, The Trap continues Grant’s story of a wicked Pale Queen and

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

how she’s freed to destroy the world in 35 days, if Mack can’t achieve his goals. A light-hearted magic tale less serious than many fantasy novels, The Magnificent 12 is the perfect fun read for kids ages eight to 12. The first in the series, now in paperback, is called The Magnificent 12: The Call and retails for $5.99. There’s also an elaborate website, www. themag12.com, so kids can build their own avatars, play action-packed games and enter to win prizes. It’s the First Day of School...Forever! by R.L. Stine; Feiwel and Friends/MacMillan; 192 pages; $15.99. One of the few stand-along tales penned by Goosebumps megaauthor R.L. Stine, it is still similar in style to the uber-popular series. This tale is also mysterious and spellbinding. In it, young Artie wakes up, falls out of bed and bumps his head before his little brother sprays syrup all over his hair. Artie’s mother then mutters, “You’re just worried about your first day in a new school,” leading to an appropriately crazy first day. The second day begins the same, and Artie tries hard to figure out a way to change it, before he fears he has to relive this first day forever. With a wacky Groundhog Day theme for kids, Stine’s absorbing, quick read will thrill young fans. The Exquisite Corpse Adventure from several authors; Candlewick Press; 276 pages; $17.99. The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance is a not-forprofit organization that offers educational resources and ensures that young people’s literacy is an ongoing priority on our nation’s agenda. The group is joined by many children’s book authors and illustrators, including Steven Kellogg, Linda Sue Park, Natalie Babbitt, Jon Scieszka and Lemony Snicket. These extremely talented storytellers (20 authors and illustrators), combine talents in this progressive story game. It all begins with a train rushing through the night, a pair of twins trying to rescue their parents, scientists, a talking pig, creatures from another dimension, explosions, villains and varmints. The twins must figure out who is friend and who is foe. They must piece together the body parts of a top-secret robot that will help reunite their family. The zesty tale originated as a national literacy project for young people to help launch the READ.gov website. It certainly is worthy, absorbing and truly fun.

READING LIST

An Independent Practice Association providing

excellence in mental and behavioral health care delivery in Central California Kristin Sorensen Alldredge, LMFT

Melinda L. Mauro, LCSW

Ross M. Becker, PhD, LCSW

Mary K. McDonald, PhD

Frances E. Becker, LCSW Paul C. Bennett, LCSW

Mike Mayo, LCSW Lisa A. Miller, PhD

Sandra T. Bennett, LCSW

Lori Pasion-Gonzales, PhD

Linda Del Rio, LMFT

Diane B. Post, LCSW

Lynn W. Gonzales, LCSW

David G. Richards, LCSW

Sue Enterline, LCSW

Colleen Richards, LCSW

Jacquelyn Harris-Groeber, PhD Kent Henry, LMFT

John A. Mauro, LCSW

Frony Ritter, LMFT

Michael H. Shaffer, LCSW, LMFT Barry Sommer, LEP, LMFT

1212 W. Main Street Visalia, CA 93291 559-738-0644

www.thehelixgroup.org

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

COLLEGE PREP

What type of college should my child attend? Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

nce the big (college) decision has been made that your child will attend college, the next step is deciding what type of college is right for them. This will require an extensive search of the various types of post-secondary options available. While conducting college searches, take into consideration your child’s individual needs, and the career/major that interests them. Let’s explore a few of the various institutions of higher learning and their respective differences.

Technical colleges. Technical colleges focus primarily on providing students with a specific skill. These colleges offer a diverse range of programs, offering courses towards certificates, licenses, or Associative of Science (A.S.) degrees. Career fields may include dental assisting, medical billing, nursing, automotive repair, or Web development, and can usually be completed in one to one and a half years (depending on the program) for students attending full-time. In general, however, technical colleges specialize in training students to enter the workforce, as opposed to those pursuing a four-year degree. When choosing the right technical college, you will want to find one that has a good record of job placement. Cost varies from approximately $5,000$20,000+ for program completion, depending on the college or program chosen. Two-year community or junior colleges. The degrees typically awarded are the Associative of Arts (A.A.) or Associative of Sciences (A.S.). Community colleges offer programs that allow courses to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Generally, “open” admission is offered to all applicants with a high school diploma or the equivalent. The admission process is usually non-competitive, although certain programs, such as nursing, will require specific academic preparation in order to gain entry. Community colleges also provide specific training that can lead to certification through occupational programs in fields such as administrative studies, automotive technology, or computer programming, just to name a few. Tuition costs (registration fees only, this does not include books, transportation, or other collegiate expenses) for a full-time student is approximately $1,200 per year in California.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Four-year colleges and universities. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common degrees awarded, but a variety of bachelor’s degrees by other names are also granted, as well as degrees beyond the bachelor’s, such as Master’s (M.A. or M.S.), Doctorates (Ed.D. or Ph.D.), medical or law degrees, depending on the institution. In California, there are two public state-wide systems: the CSU (California State University) system with 23 campuses (i.e. Fresno State & Cal Poly), and the UC (University of California) system with 10 campuses (i.e. UCLA & UC Merced). Selectivity varies amongst these schools, and the UC system tends to be more competitive in their application/selection process, requiring personal statements from applicants and higher GPAs. The UC programs tend to be more research and theory-oriented, teaching students how and why things happen. On the flip side, the State colleges were created as “teaching colleges”; therefore, the type of education received there will be more hands-on and teach more practical approaches. In either case, these approaches are not exclusive. Tuition costs vary from the CSU system at approximately $6,000+ per year, to the UC system at approximately $12,000+ per year for full-time students. Private Colleges and Universities. In California, there are more than 60 private colleges and universities that are part of the Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities (AICCU). The degrees awarded range from bachelors, to medical and law degrees. Some private universities are viewed as more prestigious (i.e. Stanford, Pepperdine University), and are often times competitive in their selection process. These institutions range in tuition costs from $16,000 to $50,000+ per academic year. There are many benefits to including all of these in your child’s college search. However, remember that there are many great post-secondary institutions not mentioned here, such as the Ivy Leagues on the east coast, and it’s worthwhile to explore all the options. The majority of all post-secondary institutions attract students from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, and offer multiple levels of student support including resources for students with disabilities and financial aid options. Be on the lookout for the college fairs happening this fall in your area, and go meet some college representatives.

ADVENTURES

Outdoor Family Fun at the

KAWEAH OAKS PRESERVE

ore than just a safe haven for over 300 plant and animal species, the Kaweah Oaks Preserve can be a haven for families who want to get away, while not going too far. Kaweah Oaks Preserve (KOP) is a mere seven miles from the center of Downtown Visalia, making it close to home, close to nature, and a whole lot to explore. The 322-acre preserve protects one of the last remaining Valley Oak riparian forests in the San Joaquin Valley. Riparian forests occur only near bodies of water. In this case, the Preserve is located where four creeks, carrying water from the Sierra Nevada, converge. More than just a beautiful forest, KOP features four short, kid-friendly hikes for those who want to get in touch and in depth with nature. Unique to just our area, these hikes explore the landscape that once covered our land back when the Yokut Indians called it home. The hikes at KOP vary in length, but deliver equally in their impressive scenery and ability to convey just how unique our area is.

Grapevine Trail (1/4-mile; allow 30 minutes) Take in the trellises of three-story-high California wild grape vines that grow in, out, up, and around the canopies of the Valley Oak trees. Wild Rose Trail (3/8-mile; allow 30 minutes) Be sure to stop and smell the California wild roses on this tour, as well as take in the aromatic mugwort as you hike through the giant Valley Oaks. This is a hike truly for all the senses.

Swamp Trail (7/8-mile; allow 60 minutes) Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be frightened by the name. The Swamp Trail gets its name by the freshwater pond that occurs when the water table is high. Willow trees sweep the area, and pond turtles are often present. When the water table is low, the pond stays dry most of the year, and the hike lends itself to the beautiful views of the Valley Oaks and observation of the California wild grapes and blackberries. Sycamore Trail (3/4-mile; allow 60 minutes) Along this hike youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll revel at the giant California sycamore trees, often a centerpiece in local artwork, as well as Himalayan blackberries and oak galls, common along this trail.

Open year-round, there is never a bad time to visit Kaweah Oaks Preserve. Take time out to enjoy a picnic with your kids at their provided picnic tables and take in the landscape that once covered our very own bustling downtown. An adventure for the mind and spirit, there is nothing like connecting with something so purely Central Valley. For more information about the Kaweah Oaks Preserve, visit Sequoia Riverlands Trust at www.sequoiariverlands.org.

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

CALENDAR

september 2012

calendar of events

12-16 Tulare County Fair

s 1

23/ 30

College Night

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

Wildest Weather in the Solar System

Master Gardeners Mini Garden Festival

29 2nd Annual TriTulare

dates to remember

Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope

CALENDAR

7 Two Small Pieces of Glass:

The Amazing Telescope See how telescopes work and how the largest observatories in the world use these instruments to explore the mysteries of the universe. When: Sept. 7, 7p Where: Peña Planetarium, 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia Contact: 737-6334

21 Wildest Weather in the

Solar System From a storm the size of a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb to a 400-year-old hurricane to a dust tempest that could engulf entire planets, you’ll be glad you live on Earth! When: Sept. 21, 7p Where: Peña Planetarium, 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia Contact: 737-6334

11 College Night

22 Master Gardeners Mini Hosted by TCOE, hundreds of high school Garden Festival students throughout Tulare County attend to Master Gardeners is having a mini garden meet representatives from over 90 universities festival. There will be activities for adults as and colleges from around the country. well as Fall flower seed plantings for children When: Sept. 11, 6-6:30p (Juniors & Seniors to make and take home. When: Sept. 22, 10a-2p early access); 6:30-8:30p (General admission, Where: Corner of Main St. and Fairway St. info sessions) Where: Visalia Convention Center, Contact: chefearly@sbcglobal.net 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia 29 2nd Annual TriTulare Contact: Kim Rice, krice@ers.tcoe.org or The Boy Scouts of America Troop 234 is 651-3031 proud to host the TriTulare events and Tulare County Fair It’s that time of year again! Come down to the fair and enjoy food, fun, games, music, and farm animal exhibits. When: Sept. 12 – 16 Where: Tulare County Fairgrounds, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Tulare Contact: 686-4707

welcomes you for a Saturday morning filled with good times and challenges. The three events of the day are the Sprint Triathlon, 5K and the Kids Race. When: Sept. 29, 6:30a Where: Tulare Western High School, 824 W. Maple Ave., Tulare Contact: www.tritulare.org

Single-Parenting That Works Free six week program led by psychologist and author Dr. Kevin Leman. Parents will find practical, biblically sound guidance on being loving, caring, and effective parents to their children. Cost is free. When: Sept. 12; dinner at 5:30p, program 7p Where: The Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell, Visalia Contact: Kelly Deditius 627-1660

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias Offering children ages 6-18 a safe and fun place to go to after school and summer. Programs focus on education, sports, arts, healthy life skills and character building. $10 annual fee. When: Monday – Friday, hours vary by community Where: Visalia, Exeter, Tulare, Porterville, Farmersville and Ivanhoe Contact: 592-4074 or www.bgcsequoias.org

Vossler Farms’ Cornmaze and Pumpkin Patch Find your way through the 10-acre cornmaze or just come to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving! When: Sept. 22 – Oct. 31 Where: 26773 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: 1-888-528-1724, or www.vosslerfarms.com Preschool Story Time When: Tuesdays, 6:15-6:45p; Fridays, 11:15a-12p Where: Tulare Public Library, 475 N. “M” St., Tulare Contact: Children’s Services, 685-4519 Second Saturday Party On the second Saturday of each month, the library hosts a party relative to that month’s holiday or popular themes. They have shown movies, hosted Nintendo Wii gaming parties, recycling events, holiday parties, and more! Where: Tulare Public Library, 475 N. “M” St., Tulare Contact: Children’s Services, 685-4519 Kid’s Craft Hour When: Saturdays, 1-2p Where: Tulare Public Library, 475 N. “M” St., Tulare Contact: Children’s Services, 685-4519 Preschool Story Time When: Wednesdays, 10-10:40a Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org Visalia Mall Kids Club Every first Thursday of the month the Visalia Mall Kids Club offers FREE arts activities for children aged two to six years old. Kids Club is held in the Food Court area. When: Thursdays, 10-11a Where: Visalia Mall, Contact: 733-3899

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

FAMILY LAW

Parental Alienation:

A Lawyer’s Perspective Text by Joan A. Watters, Esq. Family Law Attorney

uring, or after, a bitter and contested divorce or custody proceeding, a parent might engage in certain behaviors designed to influence the child to turn against the other parent. Negative words about the other parent fall on young innocent ears, and their attitudes can change. A child may want to please one parent and go along with the negative attitudes expressed by that parent, and may even mimic the learned words and attitudes when with the other parent. Over time, the child may align with one parent against the other. Parental alienation is not only harmful to the child and his/her relationship with the other parent, but it can provide a basis for the court to completely change custody and restrict contact with the alienating parent.

It is not uncommon to see language in court orders addressing parenting plans and custodial arrangements, restricting both parents from discussing the issues of their case with the children, and requiring parents to avoid disparaging the other or allowing others to do so in the children’s presence. These standard orders are sometimes ignored and disobeyed. Beware. The court is empowered to not only sanction the parent who is disobeying the court order, with a fine, jail time, or community service, but is also empowered to issue the ultimate sanction: a change of custody to the other parent. It is written in the Family Code that a finding of parental alienation provides a basis for a complete change of custody.

From a lawyer’s perspective, in order to prove alienation is occurring, even when all the signs are present, more is needed than “he said”/“she said” allegations. A private professional custodial evaluation is quite helpful, and a good one is costly. If alienation is determined, the cost may very well fall to the alienating parent. A child therapist or counselor can weigh in, whose costs also may be charged to the alienating parent. Expert witnesses can be brought in to court to testify, and again, the alienating parent may be charged with these costs as well. Parental alienation is prohibited by law. A parent who is found guilty of alienation will risk loss of custody and a costly court process. Ultimately, the child loses no matter what happens in court.

Assessment. Evaluation. Instruction. 2924 West Main Street Visalia, CA 93291 559.967.8635 JERI BURZIN, MED, BCET Bd Certified Educational Therapist

jeriburzin@clearwire.net

www.jblearningtools.com

RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

RESOURCES City Information

important numbers at a glance:

• Tulare County website www.co.tulare.ca.us • City of Visalia website www.ci.visalia.ca.us • City of Tulare website www.ci.tulare.ca.us • City of Exeter website www.cityofexeter.com • City of Woodlake website www.cityofwoodlake.com • Visalia Parks & Recreation, (559) 713-4365

Other Important Numbers County & City

Fire & Police • Tulare County Fire Department, (559) 747-8233 • Visalia Fire Department, (559) 713-4266 • Tulare Fire Department, (559) 684-4300 • Exeter Fire Department, (559) 592-3714 • Woodlake Fire Department, (559) 564-2181 • Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, (559) 636-4625; (559) 733-6218 • Visalia Police Department (Non-Emergency), (559) 734-8116 • Visalia Police Department, Gang Suppression and Narcotics Unit, (anonymous tip hotline) (559) 713-4737 • Tulare County - End Gang Hotline, (888) 363-4264 • Tulare Police Department, (559) 684-4238; (559) 686-3454 • Exeter Police Department, (559) 592-3103 • Woodlake Police Department, (559) 564-3325 • Kings & Tulare County California Highway Patrol, (559) 441-5400

Medical • Kaweah Delta Medical Center, (559) 624-2000 Emergency Room, (559) 624-2213 • Visalia Walk-In Medical Clinic, (559) 627-5555 • Tulare Regional Medical Center, (559) 688-0821 • Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, (559) 624-8000 • Children’s Hospital Central California, (559) 353-3000

Education • Tulare County Library, (559) 713-2700; www.tularecountylibrary.org • Tulare County Office of Education, (559) 733-6300; www.tcoe.org • Visalia Unified School District, (559) 730-7300; www.vusd.org • Tulare City School District, (559) 685-7200; www.tcsdk8.org • Exeter Union School District, (559) 592-9421; www.exeter.k12.ca.us • Woodlake Public Schools, (559) 564-8081; www.woodlakepublicschools.org

Add your numbers below

• Tulare County Services - United Way, Dial 2-1-1; www.211ca.org • Delta Vector Control District, (559) 732-8606; www.deltavcd.com • Tulare & Kings Counties Suicide Prevention Task Force (Non-crisis), (559) 624-7471; www.sptf.org • Child Abuse Prevention Council, (559) 735-0456; www.tularecountycapc.org • Domestic Violence/Shelters, (559) 732-5941, (559) 685-9515; www.fstc.net • Sexual Assault 24-hr Confidential Hotline, (559) 732-7273; www.fstc.net • Alcohol/Drug Programs, (559) 733-6123 • Parenting Network, (559) 625-0384; www.parentingnetwork.org • Tulare-Kings Right To Life, (559) 732-5000; www.tkrl.org • The IRMA Network, (559) 732-5000; www.theirmanetwork.org • Latinos4Life, (559) 732-5000; www.latinos4life.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 713-4957 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 564-3346

Nationwide • American Association of Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222; www.aapcc.org • Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (800) 232-4636; www.cdc.gov • California Poison Control, (800) 222-1222; www.calpoison.org • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255; www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ), (866) 488-7386; www.thetrevorproject.com • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • Missing Child Hotline, (800) 843-5678 • Road Conditions, (800) 427-7623

REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT, DIAL

9-1-1

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RAISE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER 2012

BEING A KID IS AN IMPORTANT JOB. Right now, designing outfits is something she does for fun. Tomorrow, it might just be a hobby. But someday, it will be the thing she’s known for. And Children’s Hospital Central California wants her to get there. That’s why we have the best doctors and nurses trained to work specifically with kids, using the best equipment designed just for kids.

She may never need to go to the hospital. But if she does… Children’s stands ready to return her to the business of being a kid.

9300 Valley Children’s Place Madera, CA 93636-8762 559.353.3000

ChildrensCentralCal.org