By Amber Graham Fitzgerald Commentary



It's hard not to be sentimental during the holidays.

When I remember my childhood Thanksgiving dinners, I don't think first of turkey, dressing or football.

Instead, I remember sneaking down to Grandma's house, which was less than a block away, to help with preparations for the day. Filling the relish tray was followed by setting the table. I even got to scoop the whipped topping onto each piece of pie.

While I'm still not the featured chef on the big day -- that's a job Mom has acquired -- I know those days in the kitchen long ago have prepared me to do my part during the holidays.

No, it's not about the food. It's about finding a way to let everyone -- no matter how tiny their hands -- soak up the festivities and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

It is something they will always remember.

--------------------------------------

Sunday through Nov. 26 marks Oklahoma Family Week, sponsored by Oklahoma Department of Health Child Guidance Services Department and Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition. They have provided wonderful suggestions on how parents can increase communication and quality time with their children, while also promoting positive life skills.

Parents of pre-school-aged children are encouraged to provide needed guidance and then allow their children to:

? Feed and water a pet

? Dust the table

? Pick up toys

? Throw wet clothes into the dryer

? Water plants or flowers

? Put fall leaves in a bag

? Carry small grocery items

? Put cans on a low shelf

? Be a cooking helper

? Fold small items of laundry

--------------------------------------

Parents of elementary students can begin important dialogues with their children by asking the following question: What would you do ?

? If your clothes caught on fire?

? If a bully called you mean names?

? If someone tried to touch private parts of your body?

? If your friend fell from the slide and hit his head hard?

? If your nose started bleeding?

? If you were told to sort the dirty laundry?

? If a stranger told you to get in her or his car?

? If you heard your friend call another child "ugly" or "stupid?"

--------------------------------------

Parents of teenaged students may want to consider asking their children if they know how to do the following tasks, and then follow-up with lessons in any areas they find their children are less than proficient.

? Airing up a tire

? Using a screwdriver

? Shopping for groceries

? Sewing on a button

? Planning a budget

? Driving on icy streets

? Helping someone who is choking

? Turning off the water to the house

? Sorting, washing, drying and folding laundry

? Doing preparation work then painting a room

? Saying " no" if peers try to pressure him or her into doing something he or she doesn't want to do

? Checking the oil in a car

? Using a hammer

? Preparing a meal

? Filling out a job application

? Writing a check

? Dealing with angry people



Graham Fitzgerald is the school/community relations director for Enid Public Schools. She can be reached at 234-5270 or arfitzgerald@enidk12.org. Visit the EPS Web site at www.enidpublicschools.org.