Issue V

WHAT IS RESILIENCE?
Shes such a strong person. Hes been through so much, yet he keeps on going. That is one tough kid! Have you ever had these thoughts about someone? If so, you were probably referring to a person with resilience. Resilience is the ability to cope with crisis and challenging situations. Resilient people can overcome hardships and they are often made stronger by their struggles. An example of a resilient person may be a former alcohol abuser who becomes a spokesperson for sober living. Resilient children have the ability to bounce back from lifes setbacks, sudden changes, and handle difficulties in a healthy way. Resilient children can problem solve, succeed in school, and make good choices. Resilient teens are less likely to use drugs and alcohol or other harmful means to cope. Parents are the first models and teachers of resilience for their children. Caregivers prepare the soil throughout childhood by nurturing, setting structure and teaching kids to love themselves. Firm roots anchor the child to thrive through adolescence and blossom into responsible adults. It is never too late to plant the seeds for a resilient child. For more information on resilience and children, visit : http://www.resilnet.uiuc.edu/library/ grotb95b.html#appendix1

SOW THE SEEDS OF RESILIENCE!

Below is a checklist of ways to promote resilience in your child. Which do you do now?

My child...
__plays sports for a school or community team __participates in religious or community groups __goes to after school and summer programs __is involved in school clubs __takes dance classes __gets regular exercise __expresses his/her feelings to me __has a routine for homework, bedtime and curfew

__plays a musical instrument As a parent, I... __have read about parenting or taken a class
__prepare healthy meals and snacks __know and use my community resources __am active in the neighborhood __am active in local civic groups __am active in my childs school community __take my child to regular medical and dental visits __know my childs friends and their parents __use positive strategies such as praise, rewards and time-outs to discipline __talk out problems calmly with my child __read with my child daily __encourage my child to express his/her feelings __help my child with his/her homework each night __seek support when needed (counseling, tutoring)
You can use this list as a guide for setting goals!!

Its not how good you are. Its how good you want to be Paul Arden

A Healthy Brains and Behavior Publication

Issue V

NDS, an extension of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, works to provide meals and food assistance to organizations that serve the children of the poor from all church denominations and ethnicities. Organizations that may benefit from NDS include churches, daycares, schools, school and community based before and after care programs, summer programs, group homes and any community group that serves children. NDS also provides food to soup kitchens and food cupboards though donations made via holiday/food drives and service projects. Anne Ayella has been working with the NDS since 1979. She is currently the Assistant Director of Community Relations. Anne has worked throughout the years to meet the changing needs of the communities in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Anne believes that all children and families are entitled to proper nutrition and that healthy meals are available, regardless of their income level. She encourages those in need to search for resources close to home through churches, community centers and social service providers. Anne would like for organizations serving children throughout the summer months to consider taking part in the Summer Meals Program. This is a federally-funded child nutrition program that provides children with lunch, & breakfast or snack. NDS is able to provide these meals to children 18 & younger free of charge in many neighborhoods in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Meals are delivered daily to program sites. If you are a member of a group serving children and families that may be eligible for free or low cost meals please call and ask about available resources. If you are an organization interested in hosting a food drive as a service project, NDS can assist with the pick-up and distribution of donations. CONTACT NDS: NDS, Archdiocese of Philadelphia , 111 S. 38th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-895-3470 Fax: 215-895-0830 Email: aayella@ndsarch.org Web: www.ndsarch.org

Summer Camp Program Resources

Philadelphia Department of Recreation Summer Camps http://www.phila.gov/Recreation/camps/Camps.html Lists camps run through the Philadelphia Dept. of Recreation Camp Search Online www.mysummercamps.com Search for camps by zip code

Participants Needed for Research Study on Healthy Brains & Behavior We are inviting 11 and 12 year-old kids and their parent(s) to participate in a research study at the University of Pennsylvania. Eligible families will complete a day-long assessment and may also be asked to participate in an intervention to improve coping with stress and reduce aggressive behavior. Both parent and child will be paid for their participation. For more information, please call our research study team at the University of Pennsylvania: 215-746-4392

Food Pantry Resources

Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger http://www.hungercoalition.org/ Lists food pantries and soup kitchens in Philadelphia Food Resource Guide http://www.foodresourceguide.org/ Search for food pantries and soup kitchens by zip code