Resources for Families
Welcome to your source for sound tips and expert advice on the subjects that matter to you and your family: child care, exercise, nutrition, youth development and more. Since 1851, YMCAs have served the ever-changing needs of America's families, and today, 2,663 YMCAs across the country partner with families to build strong kids and strong communities.
New Year's Resolutions for Families
Each year, millions of Americans tackle the annual ritual of making New Year's resolutions. Making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle is more important now than ever. Making this commitment together as a family or with supportive group greatly improves success. This year, we are calling on all families to make a commitment to their family as they build their New Year's resolutions. Click here to get started.
Empowering parents to choose what their kids watch, hear and play
YMCA of the USA has joined members of the Healthy Media Coalition to launch the Pause Parent Play campaign, designed to educate parents in making informed decisions about what their kids watch, hear and play -- from TV and movies to video games and music. Parents can visit the Pause Parent Play Web site to learn more about the campaign and how to better monitor the media available to their kids.
Parenting guide for raising healthy kids
Take a look at the 2005 YMCA Healthy Kids Day Parenting Guide which provides tips on raising healthy kids.
Growing our greatest assets: kids
How you and your YMCA can empower youth.
What you need to know about child care
YMCAs are dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable child care. As the nation's largest provider of child care programs, YMCAs provide family-centered, values-based programs to nurture children's healthy development. Well-trained staff members provide safe, affordable, high-quality care so you can have peace of mind while you work. Like all Y programs, child care is open to all, with financial aid available. Staff members are partners with parents and other caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong.
Quality Matters: the path to early learning and development
YMCA Child Care: A good place to grow
YMCA parent tips
Parent-teacher conferences -- staying in touch for your child's sake
Beating the frantic family syndrome
Building your child's self-esteem
Make up and break up: children and friendship
Learning to live together: children and cultural diversity
Putting fun into your family life
Building Strong Families 2004 study
YMCA of the USA and the Search Institute reports parents simply want to spend more time with their children. Building Strong Families surveyed African-American and Latino parents by phone and in focus groups and learned that-though they feel they are doing a good job raising their children-challenges such as job loss, negative societal values, and difficulty making connections with others in their community, make it more problematic.
Caring, sharing and charity
When teaching kids about giving, show them how instead of telling them.