"Almost all parents fall woefully short of their lofty child-rearing goals in some way or another. It's not ideal-but sometimes, it's okay." This is the lead-in to a father's intriguing commentary, I'm Not Proud, but I'm Not Alone: A Lazy Parent's Meditations. Noah Berlatsky offers an entertaining give-and-take on the idea that "In theory, of course, parents are not supposed to be lazy. We are supposed to sacrifice for the children and wake up at ungodly hours and camp in the rain if that will optimize our child's happiness quotient."that makes good reading for parents and those who work with them.

Thank you to NYSPEP Steering Committee member Liz Hood for bringing the article to our attention. It is available online at:
http://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/02/im-not-proud-but-im-not-alone-a-lazy-parents-meditations/273015/
Copyright © 2013 by The Atlantic Monthly Group. All Rights Reserved.

National Baby Facts: Infants, Toddlers, and their Families in the United States

Statistics demonstrate the need for NYSPEP's ongoing and evolving work to support parents in raising their children. NYSPEP achieves this through various initiatives including the development of a New Parent Kit, providing informative webinars, and facilitating Community Cafes. NYSPEP also standardizes excellence for parenting educators through the NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential and Strong Roots Last A Lifetime trainings.

ZERO TO THREE has issued a FREE and Downloadable publication with valuable facts and other information about babies and their families. It describes many of the issues that babies around the country are facing today and illustrates what it takes to raise a healthy child in a safe and nurturing environment. This resource serves as a tool for parents and parenting professionals.

To obtain this resource, click here to download the file.

Parent Cafe- Cayuga County

ABC Cayuga, a community group in Cayuga County has put together an event to promote awareness of early childhood development issues. The event is FREE and open to all parents and primary caregivers of young children in Cayuga County.

RSVP ASAP: November 15th is the deadline. Please contact (315) 255-2746 to reserve your spot.

EVENT INFO: Sunday, November 18th, 4-6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn, NY.

For more details please read the official press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

First Parent Café Focus on Issues Parents and Kids Face in Cayuga County

Please Join us for food, fun and conversation about raising children in Cayuga County

AUBURN, NY – The first ever Parent Café in Cayuga County will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn.

All Cayuga County parents and primary caregivers of young children are invited. The purpose of the Cafés is to make connections between parents and to explore issues parents face in raising healthy, happy kids in Cayuga County.

The event is made possible by a grant from New York State Parenting Education Partnership, and the New York State Office of Children and Families Services, Children and Family Trust Fund as well as support from the E John Gavras Center, Allyn Foundation, ABC Cayuga, and, most importantly, from a group of dedicated local parents who have come together voluntarily to form the Auburn Parent Café Planning Committee.

Dinner and child care will be provided, so it crucial for participants to RSVP so we can make sure we have enough food and staff on hand. Please RSVP to the E John Gavras Center at 255-2746 by Nov. 15. Other than the RSVP, the event is completely free and open to all.

The Planning Committee has devised a varied and fun agenda to facilitate conversation and new connections among parents. Four more Cafés will be planned, and this first one will be key as we identify topics for the subsequent sessions.