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Birth order is always an interesting topic for discussion in ECFE parent groups. It is one factor that influences every child. When parents have knowledge of the impact that birth order may have on their children, they can use this to understand their children’s learning and behavior, as well as enhance their own parenting.

The following are some characteristics for each birth order position in the family:

First Born: perfectionist, reliable, natural leader, serious, logical, task-oriented

Middle: mediator, flexible, avoids conflict, secretive, maverick, very social

Youngest: manipulator, people person, attention seeker, tempermental, rebellious, humorous

Parents can use these characteristics to gain insight into the complex behavior of their first born, middle, and youngest children. Some helpful things to remember with firstborns are to spend time one-on-one with them, give them special privileges to offset responsibilities and avoid making them a frequent babysitter. Some helpful things to remember with middle children are to set aside time often just to talk, make sure they feel special and occasionally buy them new clothing rather than always giving them hand-me-downs. Some things to remember with youngest children are to resist coddling them, acknowledge their accomplishments so they don’t feel lost in the shuffle, and to be sure they have their share of responsibilities.

Understanding birth order can help parents know what to expect from their children, what to avoid, and how to get a wanted response. This can be an advantage in dealing with family situations, helping bring out the best from all siblings. Parents can use birth order insights to create a family in which brothers and sisters love and support each other long into the future.

                                                                                                                      Jill Phillips

                                                                                                              ECFE Parent Educator

Voices for Children Advocacy Day is FOUR days away: March 1, 2010 10:00 am

Join advocates from around the Minnesota to celebrate Voices for Children Advocacy Day.

Activities begin at the Capitol at 9 am with the Read-a-Thon sponsored by the Legislative Early Childhood Caucus and then the rally at 10 AM in the Rotunda.  We hope to see you there.

Ride the Head Start bus from the Range!
Contact Arrowhead Head Start Community Relations Manager Jerry Crittenden at 218-749-2912 x252 or jerry.crittenden@aeoa.org to be put on the list!

Learn more from:

• • Voices for Children
• • Ready 4 K
• • Interfaith Children’s Advocacy Network (iCAN)
• • Parents United for Public Schools

9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Families will enjoy fun snacks, story times, open gym activities, crafts and more!  This is event is free and open to the public.  Space is limited.  Pre-register now by calling the YMCA at 749-8020.

Messiah Lutheran Church, Hwy 169, Mt. Iron

This 2nd annual event will feature demonstrations, vendors, food, & more.  Special children and family activities are part of the festivities.

Puppet Show:  10:30 to 11 am, 1 to 1:30 pm, 3:30 to 4 pm

Concert with the Okee Dokee Brothers: 11 to 11:30 am, 1:30 to 2 pm, 4 to 4:30 pm

Fitness for Children with Disabilities: Developing Programs Using High-Intensity Strength Training, Agility and Balance Training

Saturday, April 17, 2010
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration begins at 8:00

Proctor High School, Proctor, MN
Room S128 & Fitness Center
Enter through Door #5 (faces the parking lot)
131 9th Avenue, Proctor, MN

Target Audience: Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists, Regular/adaptive physical education teachers and coaches. This workshop is approved for Category 1 Credits from MN APTA.

Proposed Schedule:
8:00 - 8:30 Registration
8:30 - 9:00 Introduction; Overview
9:00 - 12:00 Strength Training: Lecture and Lab; includes 15minute break
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch and Networking
1:00-2:45 Agility and Balance Training: Lecture and Lab; includes 15 minute break
2:45 - 3:45 Putting it All Together: Developing Fitness Plan
3:45 - 4:00 Final Comments; Evaluation

Cost: $35.00

Please register online at: www.nesc.k12.mn.us. Click on the orange workshop registration tab to find this workshop. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if accommodations are needed to participate in this event, please contact TashaHonkola at 218-748-7605 at least 10 days prior to the session.

We Believe that Parents are “Experts” in the Autism Spectrum Discovery Process and that’s what makes The Discovery Series so unique. Staff and parents who belong to the Autism Society of Minnesota present these courses. Each small-group course allows participants to meet a variety of parents who share practical ideas and insights on parenting a child on the autism spectrum.

Saturday, March 20, 2010 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Northeast Service Cooperative
5525 Emerald Ave.
Mt. Iron, MN 55768

The goals of the course are to:
� Understand Asperger Syndrome
� Learn about community resources
� Help parents gain skills and expertise in handling their day-to-day challenges
� Provide insight and support for parents on the joys and challenges of rearing a child with ASD
� Learn how to work effectively with local school districts

Each session is tailored to the participants’ needs and level of knowledge. Regardless of background in ASD, each person will gain crucial insights into the realm of autism during the Discovery Series.

Topics
� Definition of Asperger Syndrome
� Feelings experienced by parents
� Working with schools
� Learning about therapies – ABA and Floor time
� Teaching daily living skills, like dressing and toileting
� Helping with sensory needs
� Understanding how your child’s socialization impacts daily life
� Strategies to change problem behavior
� Using social stories
� Ideas to improve family life
� Community resources

There is no cost for this workshop. Lunch and materials will be provided. Participants take home a resource book on these topics to reference for years to come.

To register, contact Tasha Honkola at (218) 748-7605 or thonkola@nesc.k12.mn.us.

This training is for the SMART brand of interactive whiteboards that are being installed in many schools.  Before registering, check out what brand of interactive whiteboard you have in your school.  8:15 am registration, the training begins at 8:30 am and runs until 2:30 pm. Cost is $110 per person. Register at  http://www.nesc.k12.mn.us/registrations or call Jeanette Mellesmoen at 748-7617.

The training schedule is as follows:
March 9, 2010 Level 1 (beginner) Smartboard Training
March 12, 2010 Level 2 (for users who’ve had their board approx 6 months)

Attend one of the two presentations, either 5:00 to 5:30 pm or 7:00 to 7:30 pm, at the Parkview Learning Center Library.

How much control can you have as a parent? Come hear strategies for managing media in your life. This free presentation geared for adults. Presentation is by an education consultant and former parent educator.  CEU’s are available. Call 742-3805 for information.

To be held at the Hibbing Community College Dental Clinic.
Free Prophy/fluoride treatments will be provided for children ages 5 to 13. Presented by the Hibbing Community College Dental Assisting Program & University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. For an appointment, call 263-2916 or 1-888-749-8108.

3:30 to 5:30 pm - Children’s activities, games, birthday cupcakes. Children of all ages welcome.
Mesabi Range Community & Technical College, Virginia Campus Commons Area
Admission: 1 new or gently used children’s book.