Does your child have a nickname at school? Would your daughter prefer a vanilla milkshake, a hot fudge sundae or strawberry shortcake? And by the way, what's your son's favorite book?
Knowing your child means more than just spending time; it means listening and learning who they are, according to an article in "Family Matters."The magazine has been produced for free distribution for the fourth year as a cooperative effort by the staffs of the divisions of Family Services and Substance Abuse, Education and the Utah Chapter for the Prevention of Child Abuse Coalition.
FM100 and Smith's Food and Drug Centers have contributed production costs and distribution of the 64-page magazine, which will be available at area Smith's stores.
The first issues were distributed during a kick-off luncheon Friday at the Capitol Rotunda, hosted by Gov. Mike and Jacalyn Leavitt. During the luncheon, singer Kurt Bestor performed "Prayer of the Children," written as a tribute to children who are struggling with the world's grief and pain.
"The basic unit of our whole field is the family," said Leon PoVey, director of the Division of Substance Abuse. "Family relationships is one of the most important factors in determining whether young people will use or not use drugs. Anything we can do to strengthen the family is prevention."
The magazine offers a lot of parenting advice, from "Eight Ways to Stop Scolding" to how to limit television time or help a child develop a positive mental attitude.
It also provides health and safety tips, education advice (Math illiterate? Here's help!) and a list of community resources.