Families

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For Families:
Family Brain Buddies
Children’s brain development background will help parents to set reasonable expectations for their children. Interaction suggestions will be shared and its importance supported by research.

Music and the Brain
This 1 hour workshop offers a brief brain development introduction followed by interactive musical activities to demonstrate things parents and young children can do together to boost brain development and build relationships. Please contact www.ourbrainbuddies.com to arrange a workshop for your group at your location.

Teen Brain Buddies
Recent brain research helps parents understand some reasons for their children’s behavior. Changing relationships are challenging for both parents and teens. Supportive suggestions will be provided in this
1 or 2 hour workshop, designed specifically for your group’s schedule and needs. Please contact www.ourbrainbuddies.com to arrange a workshop for your group at your location.

To One Year Old Maya

“Walk to Gramma, Maya!”
Arms outstretched,
Lifting each soft, round knee,
Cautious, wide diaper steps,
Inching your feet forward,
Steady if tentative progress. 

Your proud, broad grin
Two blessed teeth,
And deep brown, wise eyes
Spoke to my heart. 

I waited, breathless
For hands to connect.
Joy and laughter sweep you up
Covering you with kisses 

You and twin brother Jesse
Are one year old.
We watched you grow
From babies to toddlers
In a heartbeat. 

You have already traveled
Across half the Earth
In your parents’ loving arms.
Blessing our family
All the way from Ethiopia . 

I long to know the wisdom your eyes
Seem to hold as we share
A moment in each other’s world. 

You both thrive
And teach us about
Love and trust.
Each day is a wonder
Of new gifts from God. 

May All Your Adventures
Bring you closer to Him

Narrative version:

“Walk to Gramma, Maya.” Your mom sent you on your way, and my heart sang as I watched you walk across the kitchen floor for the first time, your arms outstretched for mine. The picture is mine forever—not on paper, but in my head and heart. Your big, deep, dark eyes smiled with your precious wide open mouth, two precious white teeth greeting me and everyone else who watched, holding our breath. Your healthy little legs moved deliberately, carefully, but steadily forward—knees swinging out slightly with each forward step. I’m usually the one with the camera, but this time nothing came between me and your amazing one year old self. This awesome moment is a treasure forever.

You and twin brother Jesse, were born in Ethiopia . Your story is already deep and wide, carried by God’s plan to America . Your brothers, Caleb and Elliot and the rest of the family met you for the first time on May 30, 2006 a week after your mom and dad left home as parents of two, returning as parents of four. When your mom and dad told us you were on the way, through the pathway of adoption, many prayers began for your health, safety, and your family’s journeys.

Now we celebrate your first birthday, and give thanks for God’s plan and your loving family.

The B.R.A.I.N. Team for Eau Claire County
(Brain Research Awareness Integration Network)

Dr. Brain says, Children need 8 things For Healthy Brain Development:

• Play & Exploration

• Language & Reading

• Music & Movement

• Interaction

• Good Food

• Rest & Sleep

• Security

• Touch

Dr. Brain’s CD offers a variety of print formats suggesting specific ways for parents to provide their children with eight things every brain needs.

For more information, contact Family Resource Center for Eau Claire
www.frcec.org

Parenting Classes: Family Resource Center for Eau Claire County, Inc.:

Children age 9-14: Guiding Good Choices
Parents of High School students: Parents Who Care

Client Comments . . .

Jill Fenn
Marketing and Promotions Director
Mom of 3 year old Megan

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