Family first 2014 3

2014 Register Publications

FAMILY FIRST

The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

LFD makes + The Lawrenceburg Fire Department is promoting a child passenger safety public service geared to protect Hoosier children’s lives on the nation’s highways.

LFD, 300 W. Tate St., Lawrenceburg, has a child safety seat inspection station during normal business hours.

This child safety seat inspection station is staffed by a nationally certified child passenger safety technician who will inspect

All children under the age of 8 must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat according to the child restraint system manufacturer’s instructions. Many parents are confused about the law, so troopers want to help explain the proper and legal way to

July 30-July 31, 2014

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car seats and instruct families how to properly secure them in their vehicles, said LFD Deputy Chief Rob Schuette.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide 73 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly. “Improper use of a child safety seat can lead to severe injury and/or death,” said Schuette, a father of two.

Parents and caregivers can call LFD at 1-812537-1509 to schedule an appointment to have their car seat’s installation checked.

Also, adults will be provided material and instruction on proper child passenger safety and car seat installation, said Schuette.

The Indiana Criminal Justice

Institute is funding this program with technical support provided by the Automotive Safety Program at Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine. For more information, call toll free at 800-KIDN-CAR, or visit the program’s website at www.preventinjury.org.

Indiana’s Child Restraint Law: restrain their children.

■■Children■under■the■age■of■ one-year■and■less■than■20■ lbs.■MUST■be■restrained■in■ a■rear-facing■child■safety■ seat.■Many■newer■seats■will■ restrain■a■child■rear-facing■ up■to■30-35■lbs.■■Troopers■ encourage■parents■to■keep■ their■children■rear-facing■as■ long■as■possible.

■■Children■that■are■at■least■ one-year■old■and■20■lbs.■ may■be■restrained■in■a■forward-facing■child■safety■ seat■with■an■internal■harness■system.

■■Children■at■least■30■lbs.■ may■use■a■booster■seat,■but■ troopers■encourage■parents■ to■keep■their■children■restrained■in■a■forward-facing■

seat■until■at■least■40■lbs.

■■Indiana■law■requires■all■ children■under■the■age■of■ eight■to■use■a■child■restraint■system■in■accordance■with■the■child■restraint■system■manufacturer’s■instruction,■which■are■ based■upon■the■child’s■ height■and■weight.■■The■ child■restraint■system■nor-

mally■used■by■children■in■ this■age■group■is■the■booster■seat.

■■All■children■under■the■ age■of■16■must■be■properly■ restrained■either■by■using■a■ seat■belt■or■a■child■restraint■ system,■to■include■a■booster■seat.

From: www.in.gov/isp

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LAUNCH

The focus of LAUNCH is to Almost everyone knows how important it is to pay attention to raise awareness and knowledge a child’s physical development, throughout the community about wellness of young but what about their social and t h e children, and emotional development? also to work How can we as a community with a variety of work together to ensure we are service providers raising emotionally healthy chiland supports in a dren, and that the children that coordinated way need a little extra support can to better help get the help we need. Often young children. times this can be a unique challenge, especially for LAUNCH very young children. has several Earlier this year, One main focus Community One Family areas. and Family Connections 1. Work with partnered to bring Projprimary care phyect LAUNCH to Southsicians and pediaeastern Indiana in order tricians to increase to improve the overthe use of screenall wellness of chiling for emotional dren birth to age 8 and developmenyears old. Project tal issues, and to LAUNCH is fedbetter coordinate eral funding, with efforts with behavLAUNCH standing ioral health for chilfor Linking Actions dren and families in for Unmet Needs in need.

Children’s Health.

2. Improve

the child and family serving workforce by providing high quality trainings to Head Start staff, child care centers, pre-schools, elementary schools, social service agencies, home visiting staff, mental health staff, and more. Mental health consultation will also be offered to some agencies in which staff will have the benefit of receiving ongoing training and consultative support from a mental health clinician.

3. Promote the emotional wellness of young children by providing information and presentations throughout the community on a variety of topics related to the emotional wellness of all young children. In addition, promote the health of parents, with a particular focus upon substance abuse prevention.

4. Help strengthen families by providing workshops where parents and other caregivers can learn new skills and knowl-

edge in regards to raising an emotionally healthy child. An evidence-based program called Incredible Years is a new parenting program that is being offered

by Family Connections through Project LAUNCH. Separate parent programs/ workshops are available FREE of charge for caregivers of babies (0-8 months), toddlers (1-3 years), and preschoolers (3-6 years).

Parent groups are delivered in 8-16 weekly group sessions of 2-3 hours (specific length varies depending on which parent program is being implemented).

Groups will be held in various locations throughout the counties of Ripley, Decatur, Franklin, Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, Jefferson, and Jennings.

Caregivers will learn about developmental milestones, coaching methods, how to use focused attention, child-directed play, positive discipline, how to promote children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development,

and how to support positive attachment.

A snack or small meal will be provided at each group as well as childcare free of charge.

The Incredible Years parent workshops will also be available in Spanish.

This is just a very brief summary of the activities that are occurring under Project LAUNCH, and more will be developed over the next several years.

If you would like join an Incredible Years group, participate in a committee that is developing and overseeing LAUNCH, or would simply like to learn more, please contact One Community One Family at 1-877-967-6263 or email ocof@cmhcinc.org Project LAUNCH is funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration and is implemented in Indiana in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health and the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction.

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The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

July 30-July 31, 2014

Dys-lex-i-a

Does your child read very slowly and inaccurately?

Maybe you should check to see if he or she is part of the 8 to 12 percent of the population struggling with dyslexia. This learning disability is neurological in origin and is presumed to be genetically determined.

Diagnosis The■main■symptoms■of■this■disability■vary■in■severity■and■in■ presentation■from■one■person■to■another.■ Symptoms ■Slow■reading,■especially■when■reading■less■frequently■ ■ used■words.

■Tentative■reading,■shown■as■difficulty■breaking■down■ ■ words■and■translating■letters■into■sounds.

■Mixing■up■the■sounds■associated■with■letters.

■ ■Inaccurate■reading■of■words■that■are■not■spelled■according■ ■ to■common■patterns.

■Reading■words■by■guessing■what■they■are■from■their■visu■ al■appearance.

It is a well-known fact that dyslexia has a direct and significant impact on academic performance. It can lead to difficulty in reading comprehension, a limited vocabulary, problems learning a second language, and pervasive problems when reading and writing are required.

The course to follow At■school,■a■personalized■intervention■plan■and■good■cooperation■between■the■various■professionals■can■enable■children■to■progress■in■their■schooling.■Here■are■a■few■ways■this■ work■can■be■continued■at■home: ■Build■a■love■of■reading.■Read■different■kinds■of■writing■to■ ■ your■child,■or■read■together.

■Encourage■the■accurate■reading■of■words.■Read■simple■ ■ texts■together,■such■as■jokes,■recipes,■and■the■like.■ ■Help■your■child■to■understand■language■rules.■Play■word■ ■ games■such■as■Scrabble,■Hangman,■and■Scattergories.

Smart tips for COOL teens

Teenaged girls—and, increasingly, boys—are intensely conscious of their appearance. They want to wear different clothes every day, and expensive labels are usually preferred. But parents’ wallets have their limits, and teenagers’ even more so. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your dollars and pick up some sensible spending habits.

1. Exchange clothes. At the beginning of a new school year, young people are sometimes fed up with clothes that are neither worn out nor outdated. This is when parents can suggest exchanging clothes with friends, on the principle that what is old for them is new for others.

2. Watch out for sales.

It is useful to teach young people to watch out for sales. Taking advantage of substantial discounts at the end of a season will let them buy items at lower prices.

3. Visit thrift stores.

Help teens discover the

fun and good sense of these shops, where original, quality clothing can be found for almost nothing.

4. Choose sustainable “essentials”. Help children understand that it is better to pay a little more for some timeless items rather than having to replace them year after year.

This is as much a financial

consideration as an environmental one.

5. Beware of expensive labels. Allow teens to include a few flashy labels in their wardrobe, but no more than that. Help them understand that the people they are—what they say and what they do—is much more important than what they wear.

For the people you care about, trust the name that physicians and families have trusted for more than 40 years.

Skilled Nursing Care • Physical Therapy Home Health Aides • Homemakers Infusion Therapy • Medicaid Waiver/PA We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Most Private Insurance & Private Pay 500 W. Eads Pkwy • Lawrenceburg • www.interim-health.com

(812) 537-5546 or (877) 567-6041

Call for a Free In Home Assessment

Lawrenceburg

Community Center

423 Walnut St. • 532-3535

GROUP FITNESS SCHEDULE MONDAYS

Yoga Body Toning Stretch & Tone Silver Sneakers Mix It Up Mondays Zumba

8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 4:45pm 6:00pm

Leigh Heather Leigh Leigh

6:00pm

Helen

WEDNESDAYS

Yoga Body Toning Stretch & Tone Silver Sneakers Zumba

8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 6:00pm

Karen Heather Leigh Leigh Heather

THURSDAYS

Zumba

6:00pm

Helen

FRIDAYS

Yoga Body Toning Stretch & Tone Silver Sneakers

8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am

Karen Heather Leigh Leigh

SATURDAYS

Yoga

9:00am

$2.00/person (Silver Sneakers Members FREE!) AUGUST 5TH, 7TH, 19TH, & 21ST

Heather Helen

TUESDAYS

R.I.P.P.E.D.

SILVER SNEAKERS SPLASH

Heather

Zumba is $3 per class. All other classes are $2 per class. You may purchase a monthly pass for the morning classes Monday-Friday for $35 per month.

INTRO TO MARTIAL ARTS $40 - 6 weeks

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP

TUESDAYS 6:30PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ANGELA ARNDT: 812-926-4610

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES $30 - 5 weeks

WEDNESDAYS BEGINNING AUG 6TH 6:00PM - 7:00PM AGES 4 TO ADULT

THURSDAYS AUGUST 7TH -SEPTEMBER 4TH BEGINNER • 5:30PM - 6:30PM ADVANCED • 6:45PM - 7:45PM WALK IN REGISTRATION REQUIRED

PRE-SCHOOL DANCE

PRE-SCHOOL ACROBATIC/ TUMBLING

Mondays beginning Aug 4th 11:00AM - 11:30AM 3, 4, 5 Years $30 for 6 weeks

HIGH ACROBATIC/ TUMBLING

Tuesdays beginning Aug 5th 6:30PM - 7:15PM • Advanced/Approval Needed CALL 537-0137 • $35 for 6 weeks

Mondays beginning Aug 4th 10:30AM - 11:00AM • 3,4,5 Years $30 for 6 weeks

YOUTH ACROBATIC/ TUMBLING Tuesdays beginning Aug 5th 6:00PM - 6:30PM • 4 - 11 Years $30 for 6 weeks

July 30-July 31, 2014

The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

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The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

July 30-July 31, 2014

Meet the ARTISTS 4th graders at North Dearborn Elementary, left; Aurora Elementary, below; and Harrison Elementary supplied the artwork for some of the ads in this section.

Two more class photos are on Page 6.

Zoe Renee Ross • Aurora Elementary

Hayden James Baker • Aurora Elementary

Next to STAPLES

Lauren Haney • Harrison Elementary

AJ Brown • Central Elementary

July 30-July 31, 2014

The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

Down with boring lunches!

Have you run out of ideas for varying the contents of the kids’ lunch boxes?

Are they complaining about always eating the same old thing?

Freshen up your lunch-box menu with these brilliant ideas.

Leftovers revisited

You can put your children’s favorite leftovers in an insulated container or a microwaveable dish.

You could also cook larger quantities in the evening and use the leftovers as the basis for different dishes.

Cut strips of chuck roast eaten in the evening to add to an Asian pasta salad; make chicken fried rice with the remains of a roasted chicken.

Even eaten cold, these dishes help beat the monotony of the usual fare.

Tempting sandwiches

For sandwiches, forget sliced white bread; it contains little nutrition and can get boring.

Opt for whole grain pitas, ciabatta bread, or tortillas. Fill the sandwich with home cooked meats cut into strips, or use hummus, tofu mix, cheese, or tuna— all are healthy and delicious replacements for cold cuts.

Condiments don’t have to be the traditional mustard and mayonnaise. Why not try ranch dressing, pesto, or guacamole for a change?

Fruits and veggies

The fruits and vegetables food group also benefits from a bit of variety. The celery and carrot duo can give way to zucchini, peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower.

And berries, a peach, or a pear make a change from the ubiquitous apple. Bon appétit!

5

Mission NOT impossible:

Kid friendly dinner parties

Children do not often attend dinner parties. Adults with children typically leave the kids with a babysitter when attending a dinner parties with colleagues or friends.

But some hosts choose to make their dinner parties kid-friendly. This can make things easier on guests, who won’t have to go to the trouble or expense of hiring a babysitter for the night.

It also can make things easier on hosts with children of their own and don’t want to add finding a sitter to their list of things to do in the days leading up to the party. Kids can add some life to a dinner party, but hosts may to employ a few strategies to ensure their kid-friendly dinner parties are enjoyable for adults and children alike.

■Feed■ ■ the■ kids■ first.■ Kids■ can’t■ ignore■ their■ appetites■ as■ long■ as■ their■ adult■ counterparts,■ so■ make■ sure■ dinner■ for■ the■ kids■ is■ served■ once■all■of■them■have■arrived.■ Choose■ kid-friendly■ fare■ like■ pizza■or■macaroni■and■cheese■ so■kids■are■more■likely■to■eat■ and■ not■ complain■ of■ hunger■ later■ in■ the■ evening.■ Feeding■ the■ kids■ first■ also■makes■it■easier■for■adults■to■enjoy■uninterrupted■ conversation■ when■ it’s■ their■ turn■to■sit■down■and■eat.

■Keep■the■kids■entertained.■Whether■it’s■a■ ■ movie,■ a■ board■ game■ or■ another■ distraction,■ finding■ something■ to■ keep■ the■ kids■ entertained■ throughout■ the■ night■ should■ be■a■priority■for■hosts.■A■selection■of■movies■ that■ kids■ can■ choose■ from■ might■ be■ your■best■bet,■as■films■that■are■between■90■ and■ 120■ minutes■ long■ can■ keep■ youngsters■occupied■for■much■of■the■night.■Let■ kids■ watch■ their■ movies■ in■ a■ playroom■ that’s■ separate■ from■ where■ adult■ guests■ will■be■gathering■prior■to■dinner,■and■periodically■check■in■on■the■kids■as■the■night■

progresses.■ Provide■ some■ snacks■ like■ popcorn■ or■ even■ some■ candy■ to■ create■ a■ night■at■the■movies■atmosphere■for■kids.

■Remind■kids■to■be■gracious■hosts.■When■ ■ choosing■ activities■ for■ kids,■ remind■ your■ own■ children■ that■ it’s■ their■ responsibility■ to■ be■ gracious■ hosts,■ even■ if■ that■ means■ playing■games■they■aren’t■interested■in■or■ watching■movies■they■have■already■seen.■ Let■ youngsters■ know■ in■ advance■ that■ if■ they■ fulfill■ their■ responsibilities■ at■ hosts■ they■can■choose■how■to■spend■the■following■day■or■weekend.

■■Choose■ an■ adult■ entree■ that’s■ simple■ to■ prepare.■ No■ matter■how■well■behaved■kids■ may■ be■ before■ and■ during■ a■ dinner■party,■hosts■should■not■ add■ to■ their■ already■ considerable■workload■by■preparing■an■ especially■complicated■meal■for■ their■adult■guests.■Keep■things■ simple,■ especially■ if■ you■ are■ preparing■ a■ separate■ meal■ for■ the■ kids.■Much■of■the■stress■of■hosting■ a■dinner■party■comes■with■preparing■ the■ meal,■ and■ that■ may■ only■ prove■ more■ stressful■ if■ you■ are■ preparing■ two■ meals■ while■ simultaneously■catering■to■the■needs■of■ your■youngest■guests.

■Consider■ ■ hiring■ a■ babysitter.■ Sometimes■ hiring■a■babysitter■makes■sense■even■when■ mom■ and■ dad■ are■ home.■ A■ babysitter■ can■ look■ after■ the■ kids■ while■ the■ parents■ are■ elsewhere■in■the■home■enjoying■a■good■meal■ and■ great■ company.■ Adults■ attending■ the■ party■with■their■children■can■split■the■cost■of■ a■babysitter,■even■if■he■or■she■charges■extra■ to■look■after■several■kids■at■once.

Hosting a kid-friendly dinner party can make for a memorable night for parents and their children. Hosts can make the night even better by employing several strategies to make the party feel like a more traditional affair even if the kids are in the next room.

ENROLL NOW FREE PRESCHOOL Openings Now Available!

If you have a 3 to 5 year old preschooler, please call or e-mail us for enrollment information.

We accept children with all abilities We do not provide transportation, but will make every attempt to assist families

SIEOC

Lane Cutter • Aurora Elementary

Head Start TOLL FREE: 1-888-292-5475 E-Mail: headstart@sieoc.org

Will Hayes • OCEMS

6

The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

One■ of■ your■ worst■ fears■ has■ materialized—your■ teen■ is■ using■drugs.■ But■it’s■useless■to■feel■guilty■or■ to■panic.■Ignoring■the■situation■ is■not■the■right■way■to■go■either.■ It■ is■ far■ better■ to■ approach■ the■ problem■ with■ discussion,■ understanding,■ and■ accountability.■

July 30-July 31, 2014

Is your teen using drugs?

Discussion

Approach■ the■ subject■ calmly■ with■ your■ teen■ when■ he■ or■ she■ is■ not■ under■the■influence■of■drugs.■ Make■ him■ aware■ of■ your■ suspicions.■Rather■than■criticize,■express■ what■ you■ feel■ about■ the■ situation,■ whether■ it’s■ anxiety,■ incomprehension,■or■fear.■ Give■him■your■support■and■encour-

age■ him■ to■ find■ his■ own■ solutions■ drugs■in■the■first■place.■ for■stopping■the■drug■use.■ Help■ him■ to■ get■ the■ correct■ information■ about■ drugs,■ let■ him■ know■ the■range■of■resources■he■has■at■his■ disposal■ to■ get■ help,■ and■ tell■ him■ If■ your■ child■ is■ not■ of■ the■ opinion■ that■he■can■count■on■your■support.■ that■taking■drugs■is■a■problem,■do■ There■is■no■point■in■giving■him■ornot■try■to■force■him■outright■to■stop■ ders■ or■ trying■ to■ protect■ him■ in■ using■them.■ spite■of■himself.■ Instead,■ have■ a■ discussion■ about■ The■right■attitude■to■adopt■is■that■of■ the■ reasons■ that■ led■ him■ to■ take■ a■guide.

Understanding

Accountability

It■is■a■mistake■to■cover■up■mistakes■ or■ misdemeanors■ your■ teenager■ has■committed■under■the■influence■ of■drugs.■It■is■important■to■let■him■ face■ the■ consequences■ of■ his■ actions.■He■must■face■his■debts,■justify■his■absences■from■school■himself,■and■deal■with■the■consequences■of■poor■academic■performance.

Meet the ARTISTS

4th graders at central Elementary, top, and Rising Sun Elementary supplied the artwork for some of the ads in this section.

Flora Roth • Central Elementary

Emma Huber • Harrison Elementary I am:

I am not: Weird

Smart

Nuts

Caring

Lazy

Talented

A Troublemaker

Athletic

Mental

Loving

Weak

A Good Friend

Scary

Funny

Kids with mental and behavioral challenges are just like other kids.

Help Redefine Normal.

Be Educated. Be a Stigma Buster. www.onecommunityonefamily.org

1-877-967-OCOF

July 30-July 31, 2014

The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

NAMI offers class for family, friends

A series of 12 weekly free classes are structured to help family and friends understand and support individuals with serious mental illnesses: major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders with addictive disorders.

The course is taught by trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it’s like to have a loved one struggling with one of these brain disorders. In 2013 SAMHSA designated

this course an evidencebased practice. Participants gain knowledge, hope and empowerment while learning to maintain their own well-being. You will be comforted in knowing you are not alone.

Classes start Monday, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Milan Christian Churchformerly Church of Christ at Milan, 719 East Carr St. Here’s what graduates are saying: “Before I took the course, I felt so alone and overwhelmed. I have learned very valuable information, met others who are going through the same thing I am going through and have

learned about many resources that are available that I never knew existed.”

“My life before the class was non-existent. It’s the best thing I could have done. I learned to not let my daughter’s actions upset me, and to not be angry with her, because it’s not her fault.”

“Had I taken this class 20 years ago, it may have changed the course of my life and family.”

Registration is required.

Since class size is limited and fills up quickly, early registration is recommended, call 1-513-432-8555 or 1-812-667-5429 www.nami. org/familytofamily

Managing college costs

College tuition and fees are perpetually on the rise, so it’s no great surprise that today’s students are graduating with more college debt than ever before. Though some students might feel helpless with regard to avoiding student loan debt, there are some clever ways for youngsters to pay for college and stay out of debt.

Work with a service organization. Many universities are affiliated with nonprofit organizations, and students who work for affiliated organizations may be eligible for scholarships provided by the organization and/or the university. Wages for workers who take advantage of such programs tend to be very low, but those students who serve full stints could earn scholarships worth several thousand dollars. Students can explore such opportunities by speaking with their universities to determine if the schools are affiliated with any service organizations. If not, students with a desire to give back can find charities that reward their workers with college scholarships.

Sign up for studies. College students often lament their lack of spending money. That’s especially true today, when many students put their earnings from summer jobs or internships toward their tuition. But opportunities for relatively easy money abound on college campuses, where researchers need subjects for studies. Signing up to be a subject for a study can be an easy and lucrative way to earn money that can be used to pay tuition or everyday expenses that often go overlooked when planning a budget. Univer-

sity job boards or department bulletin boards often advertise needs for study participants, so college kids strapped for cash should monitor such boards in an effort to earn some extra income.

Start a business. Though college kids might not have the time to start building the next Fortune 500 company, starting a small business can be a great way for students to earn money and set their own schedules. A tutoring business that caters to local high school students or even fellow college kids can be a great way for college students to make practical use of their education. Just a few hours of tutoring each week can be enough to help college students mitigate the costs of campus life, and if the business grows big enough, students might even be able to put a dent in their tuition fees.

Live at home. While living at home is an option available only to those students who attend in-state universities within spitting distance of Mom and Dad, it’s an increasingly reasonable decision for students worried about accruing excessive student loan debt.

While room-and-board fees vary widely, U.S. News reported that the average charges for on-campus living during the 2013-14 school year were $9,689. Over the course of four years, students will spend nearly $40,000 just to live on campus, and many students will pay those costs via student loans. Students whose primary goal is to avoid substantial postgraduate debt may find that living at home, while not necessarily ideal, is the most effective way to do just that.

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Survival tips for single working parents

Becoming a parent may be the most important responsibility an adult ever faces, and that responsibility is even greater for single parents. Balancing work and home life as a single parent can seem like an endless juggling act. But with a strong support system and some guidance, single parents can handle the challenge.

The daily responsibilities of a single parent do not differ from those of a married couple, but single parents tasked with playing the roles of both mom and dad may understandably feel overwhelmed. Here are some challenges and coping mechanisms.

Establish boundaries.

Work and home life are both full-time responsibilities for single parents, and the line between work and family life often blurs for single parents wondering whether to put in more hours at the office or leave to tend to a family matter. Thanks to the financial strain of being a single parent, it’s easy to put work before family. While single parents do their best to provide financially for their families, such efforts should not come at the expense of being there for their kids and providing them with emotional support. Find a balance that works for you and do your best to stick to your boundaries. Work time and family time should be clearly distinguished.

Pick your battles. You probably will not be able to micromanage every detail of your home and professional life, so recognize which things in life are worth fighting for and which things (kids’ hairstyles or clothing choices) may just be a phase. Let trivial matters slide, as

FRED CLARK Ohio/Indiana

460-1313

367-1900

there may be more important affairs that demand your attention.

Find your support system. Many single parents juggle their responsibilities without much help from outside their households, but many also have a network of friends or family members on whom they can call if they need reinforcements.

Figure out which person or people you can rely on to have your back should you need a few hours of alone time or someone to pick up a sick child while you are in the middle of a business meeting. Single parents often feel a kinship with other single parents, who may be willing to pool their resources to help one another when necessary.

Explore other assistance. Single parents may be eligible to enroll in certain assistance programs to make their lives a little more manageable. For example, single parents may qualify for grants to return to school or low-cost housing and supplemental food allowances to ease some of the financial burden of raising a family on their own.

Explore programs that may be available to you.

Pay attention to your needs. Single parents should not overlook the importance of taking care of themselves.

Though kids might be your top priority, that does not mean you should forgo routine health screenings or overlook the importance of getting your rest. When the juggling act gets especially difficult and stressful, create some time to relax and pamper yourself, which can have a profound impact on your mental and physical well-being.

CATHY WASSON Ohio/Indiana

236-7519

Taylor Wempe • Harrison Elementary

Chloe Babcock • OCEMS

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The Harrison Press • R.S. Recorder/O.C. News • The Dearborn County Register

Helping kids adjust to eyeglasses

Children’s vision problems often become apparent when youngsters first enter school.

Poor performance in the classroom may have little to do with a learning disability or a stubborn student, and a lot to do with poor vision.

Vision problems can often be traced to genetics. A family history of various vision troubles increase the likelihood that a child will one day require corrective glasses.

In addition, a growing reliance on digital devices may increase a child’s risk of computer eye strain, which may compound already present vision deficits.

Understanding that he or she needs to wear glasses does not always translate into a child’s willingness to actually wear those glasses, as peer pressure remains an obstacle when encouraging kids to embrace their eyeglasses.

Younger children may find it difficult to understand why they need glasses or they may forget to put them on or how to care for them properly. Parents may find it challenging to acclimate a child to eyeglasses, but there are a few strategies to help make that transition go more smoothly.

Shop together

Children may be more receptive to eyeglasses if they get to choose those glasses.

Glasses are personal and should be sized according to the wearer’s face. Kids should select various pairs of glasses they like and try them on.

Narrow down the pairs based on comfort, look and price. If your child likes a particular pair of glasses, it may be worth spending a few extra dollars for those frames, as kids are more likely to wear glasses they like.

Move over “Coke bottle lenses”

The eyeglasses of the past are much different from the eyeglasses of the present. Lens and frame technology has transformed the look and feel of eyeglasses. Lenses may be thinner and less apparent than ever before.

Eyeglass manufacturers have developed frames that are bendable or almost entirely invisible thanks to frameless lenses. Some lenses reduce glare, and others tint when touched by sunlight. So it’s unlikely your

son or daughter will end up looking like Mr. Magoo.

just 4 FUN

8/9/2014 Present positive of Hazzard images of role models Dukes First■annual■Dearborn■ Kids may be quicker to warm to eyeglasses if parents showcase a few of the many worthy role models who wear glasses, and do so with style.

In addition to many celebrities, such as Tina Fey, Elle Fanning, Justin Timberlake, Joe Jonas, and Anne Hathaway, who frequently don eyeglasses, there are likely many people in your family or group of friends who wear glasses, and kids often want to emulate their elders.

Choose the right time

Make sure a child is well rested and happy before he or she dons eyeglasses for the first time. Start with a few minutes per day and build up to wearing the glasses for the prescribed duration. Use positive reinforcement and rewards for wearing and taking good care of the glasses.

Point out benefits

Highlight activities that will be improved by better vision as they relate to your kids’ interests. Perhaps glasses will make gaming easier. Point out to kids who love to read how much more comfortable they are now that they can see the words on the page more easily. When it comes to the family athlete, discuss how much easier it is to see the ball now that your budding athlete is wearing eyeglasses.

Modify daily routines

You will have to work with your children to make some changes to facilitate wearing eyeglasses. Store the glasses in the same place each night before bed so that kids can find them in the morning.

Emphasize wearing eyeglasses as much as you emphasize everyday activities like brushing teeth or making the bed. Explain to teachers the prescribed wearing schedule so that they are aware of when your son or daughter needs to wear his or her eyeglasses.

The transition to wearing eyeglasses is not always easy for kids, but many adjust rather quickly.

a r o f g n i e k e r ” r o y F “W rug ount D rn C o b r a e D

July 30-July 31, 2014

County■turns■Hazzard■ County■Car■show/swap,■ meet/meet■and■greet■with■ the■stars■of■“The■Dukes■of■ Hazzard”.■Benefit■for■Madison■Kremer■and■CHARGE■ Syndrome■Saturday,■Aug.■ 9,■9■a.m.■to■6■p.m.■at■Lawrenceburg■Fairgrounds.■For■ more■info:■www.niteouttransportation.net

8/16.2014

Oxbow Butterfly Count Meet■at■the■East■end■of■ the■Oxbow■parking■lot■Saturday,■Aug.■16,■11■a.m.■ Trip■Leader:■Bob■Nuhn,■a■ retired■naturalist■with■ the■Hamilton■ County■Park■ District,■has■ been■a■compiler■ for■the■North■ American■Butterfly■ Counts■in■SW■Ohio,■and■ his■passion■for■butterflies■ is■contagious.■ This■is■the■3rd■year■he■has■ led■a■count■for■Oxbow,■ Inc.■ This■trip■will■last■approximately■2■hours.■ If■there■is■time,■we■may■ visit■Shawnee■Lookout■to■ look■for■more■butterflies.

We■hope■to■see■some■interesting■species■in■this■ area■with■diverse■habitat■ along■the■riverbank,■in■the■ prairies■and■crop■fields.■ Most■of■the■walking■will■ be■on■flat■dirt■roads,■but■ may■be■rocky■at■times.■ Water■and■Sunscreen■are■ recommended.■RSVP■to■ Kathy■McDonald■at■mkmc-

donald@me.com■or■call■ 513-748-0281.■Hope■to■ see■you■there!

9/1213/2014

St. Leon BBQ Smoke Fest and Chili Cook Off The■ St.■Leon■Community■Park■will■host■ the■second■annual■Hoosier■Lottery■St.■Leon■BBQ■ Smoke■Fest■and■Chili■ Cook■Off■Presented■by■ Art’s■Rental■on■Friday,■ Sept.■12,■and■Saturday,■ Sept.■13,■at■the■St.■Leon■ Community■ Park.■ For■more■information■about■ the■St.■Leon■ Community■ Park■and■to■be■ a■volunteer■for■

any■or■all■of■the■events■ log■on■to■www.stleon.us.

10/25/2014

Arts Alive! An Arts Fair On■Saturday,■Oct.■25,■ from■10■a.m.■ to■4■p.m,■ the■ Lawrenceburg■ Central■Elementary■School■(located■ on■Short■Street,■Lawrenceburg),■will■be■alive■ with■the■arts!■ The■9th■annual■Arts■Alive!■ For■more■information■or■a■ vendor■application,■contact■the■Dearborn■Highlands■Arts■Council■at■812539-4251■or■at■www. dearbornhighlandsarts. org

Teenagers abuse a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal.

Legally available drugs include alcohol, prescribed medications, inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols, and solvents) and overthe-counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications. The most commonly used illegal drugs are marijuana (pot), stimulants (cocaine, crack, and speed), LSD, PCP, opiates, heroin, and designer drugs (Ecstasy). The use of illegal drugs is increasing, especially among young teens. The average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use can start before age 12. The use of marijuana and alcohol in high school has become common.

Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life, school failure, and poor judgment which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide.

Parents can prevent their children from using drugs by talking to them about drugs, open communication, role modeling, responsible behavior, and recognizing if problems are developing.

Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug abuse may include: Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.

Emotional: personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest.

Family: starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.

School: decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.

Social problems: new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.

Some of the warning signs listed above can also be signs of other problems. Parents may recognize signs of trouble and possible abuse of alcohol and other drugs with their teenager.

If you have concerns, resources are available. Please contact CASA (Citizens Against Substance Abuse) at

Funded through the generosity of the City of Lawrenceburg

423 Walnut Street • Lawrenceburg, IN

812.532-3538 • www.dearborncountycasa.com