Something as simple as calling a child by his or her name can help them become responsible adults.
That’s the message from Strengthening Positive Assets & Resiliency in Communities (SPARC) in Red Deer.
At the Simple Connections, Stronger Families, families were reminded to spend time together by playing games, having family meals and staying active together at the G.H. Dawe Community Centre.
Rania Page, SPARC co-chair, said “building assets” or giving children positive experiences helps them become caring, responsible adults.
“By simply using a child’s name and acknowledging them, and recognizing them, you’re building assets in a child,” she said.
Page said there are 40 such developmental assets and building assets in children is for everybody and it makes for a healthy community.
At the event, 10 stations got kids, parents and grandparents involved. Families were playing games, solving puzzles, hugging each other and being grateful.
“By building these experiences into young children, they’re more likely to only put healthy things into their body, be successful at school and make good choices as they grow,” said Page.
She said she was expected more than 100 families to attend the event. She said the number of families that attended a similar event at the Collicutt Centre in February was 120.
Christa Gursky, a Red Deer resident and a mom, said she found the Sunday event helpful.
“There was a hugging station which was really nice, promoting hugging and love,” said Gursky.
Her favourite was a breathing station where families were taught about the right breathing techniques.
“It’s something we practice with our kids,” said Gursky.
SPARC, a coalition that was formed in June 2017, brings together RCMP, Red Deer College, the City of Red Deer, Red Deer Public Schools and Red Deer Regional Catholic School Division.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
