Family Matters
At the heart of every home is family. In Prescott Woman Magazine’s Family Matters section, we celebrate the joys, challenges, and everyday moments that make family life meaningful. From parenting tips and relationship advice to inspiring local family stories, we’re here to support, connect, and uplift the families of our community.
One Key to Good Parenting
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it takes to be a good leader, and how that crosses over into parenting. In conversations with leaders I admire, I’ve realized there’s one quality I respect most of all, and I believe this quality might be the most defining characteristic of a good leader … and a good parent.
When I write “leader,” I’m not necessarily referring to someone with a leadership title. A leader is someone who takes accountability for making a positive difference in the lives of others—and isn’t that what we do as parents?
So what is this quality? First, I’ll tell you what it’s not: It’s not charisma, confidence, knowledge, or vision.
Speaking Each Other Into Greatness: Why Affirmation Matters
It’s amazing how powerful a simple affirmation can be. Think about a time when a verbal nudge from a friend, family member, or colleague has encouraged you to take a leap into something new.
#Goals
Cori, who graduated from BASIS Prescott in 2018, knew from the time she was an AYSO player, tagging along with her big sister’s team, that she was meant to play on a bigger pitch. That dream became reality when she signed with Cruz Azul this February.
“It was unbelievable,” Matt said of watching Cori play on TV one evening. “I came home from work last night and there on TV was my daughter playing pro soccer in one of the largest stadiums in the world. There are no words to describe the emotions.”
Matt and Tracy traveled to Mexico City in March to watch her play in person, and, Tracy said, “It was very surreal. We watched this kid growing up, playing soccer since she was very young. She’s always been very determined, very perseverant. [Watching her play professionally] was such an amazing joy. It was a mountaintop moment.”
Better Together
Creativity runs in the family, the women said: their great-grandfather, Runar G. Rodell, is considered one of America’s greatest western artists. His work—dioramas with backgrounds painted in oil paint and foregrounds containing sculptures made of sticks and other natural materials he collected in nature—is currently on display in the Phippen Museum’s James Gallery.
The Way We Show Up Can Give Meaning to a Difficult or Scary Situation
There’s a frequently cited quote by Mr. Rogers that’s often used to excavate the good from crises or tragedies. He told us to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
He’s so right. But not everyone gets the kind of compassion that I experienced when they face a crisis. It is not just that we help. It is how we help. By offering help in a way that is understanding, kind, and nonjudgmental, we can be the difference between something painfully hard and something that’s hard, but doable.
Committed to Great Futures
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona have served our local communities for almost 30 years. We are proud to be a leader in after-school and summer services for all children ages six to 18. We are best known for taking care of those that need us most and providing safe spaces essential for childcare, but we aspire to do more – to do whatever it takes for great futures. We are excited to announce that our vision for our local Clubs is to be the greatest thing to do after school. When it comes to our youth, everyone needs support, and all parents and guardians are tirelessly looking for opportunities and positive outlets for their kids.
‘They’re my family’
Today’s seniors are those who helped create the United States as we know it today. They worked hard through the Depression and World War II. In the quad-city area, 42 percent of residents are older than 65. Many of them are isolated and homebound and have limited social interaction.
Polara Health’s Senior Peer Program aims to change that.
Empowered to Change
Those who experience trauma or abuse often form subconscious beliefs that they’re not worthy or not good enough, or they deserve bad things. These “inner bully” beliefs can cause people to develop unhealthy patterns such as unhealthy food choices, substance abuse (or consistent overindulgence), abusive relationships, or perfectionism.
Let’s Talk Estate Planning
It may be hard to believe that a significant number of individuals do not have a will or trust in place. According to a 2020 Gallup survey, only 53% of adults over the age of 50 have a valid will or trust. A person does not need to be of high wealth to have a plan in place. There are several options for an estate plan; you may need to speak with an attorney to determine which option is best for you.
Become an Advocate for Local Children in Out-of-Home Care
FCRB volunteers commit to monthly meetings, by video conference, to review the cases of children who are in out-of-home care. Members of each board review their assigned cases until permanency is achieved. As children return home, are adopted, have guardianship granted or age out of the system, new cases are added to the board’s review day. The Board makes recommendations to the Juvenile Court and interested parties involved in the case.
Inspire a Young Person to Create a Bigger Future
Bob Mariano believed wholeheartedly in giving back to his community, which is why he became a Big Brother to Little Brother Kyle in 2004.
That match, through Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, ignited a long-lasting relationship between Bob, his wife Barb, and Kyle … one that went beyond their official match (which lasted more than three years). Kyle remains in touch with the family today.
Kyle is now married, living and working in the Pacific Northwest. “When I met [Bob and Barb],” he said, “I was struggling with self-esteem issues. I felt safe and comfortable right away with the Marianos.”
“My match was important to my development and learning to be who I am today. Bob was a huge role model. He taught me how to treat people and they listened to me without judging me.”
One Simple Action You Can Take to Make People Feel Welcome, Connected, and Safe
This past November, Prevent Child Abuse America celebrated its 50-year anniversary in Chicago. The celebration included a discussion with Dr. Bruce Perry, who is a member of the board, and Oprah Winfrey, who is, well, Oprah.
As is quite typical of her, in her address to the crowd, Oprah said something deeply meaningful. She talked about one thing that all children need. It’s simple. It’s free. It takes only a second. And it’s the best gift that we can give to kids in our lives, all year round. It’s also the best gift we can give to each other.