SAGINAW VALLEY FAMILY MAGAZINE

Helpful hints for family life: Health, recipes, finances and events

Tween teaches Mom lesson in political awareness

by Sheri Keene | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:47 AM

Seeing the upcoming presidential election unfold through the eyes of my tween has been an enlightening experience. Watching the two conventions and now the debates has inspired questions from her that has had me running to the computer to sharpen my political knowledge. Seven times I have gone to the polls and voted for a president. Each has been a unique experience and I have been proud to be able to be part of the election process. I want her to appreciate her right to vote and learn how to be an informed elector. But, how do you get your children interested in the voting and political process? We have some great suggestions on what you as a parent can do to raise a responsible teenager and citizen. You'll find that advice and much more on pages 10 and 11. Continue reading "Tween teaches Mom lesson in political awareness" »

Organizations, events, retailers share interest in economical homecoming wear

by Ruth Mancina | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:44 AM

These days it's not just the cost of a dress for the homecoming dance that has parents dreading the dent the big event will make in their pocketbook.

Once you add up the cost of shoes, jewelry, a purse, and a trip to the hairdresser, the final tally can reach hundreds of dollars.

Whether you are trying to save money or just cannot afford a formal dress, there are several options available in the tri-cities.

In Bay County, young women looking for an affordable homecoming or prom dress can visit Becca's Closet.

Continue reading "Organizations, events, retailers share interest in economical homecoming wear" »

Vote for Responsibility: Teaching Teens the Importance of the Ballot

by Ruth Mancina | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:36 AM

Once again America finds itself in the midst of a closely fought battle for the White House. Sometimes it is easy to forget that beneath all the messy politics what is most important: Exercising our right to vote.

Parents play an especially large role in encouraging their children to get involved and understand that while debates about public policy are not that exciting, public policy really does affect every aspect of American life.

How do parents get their children excited about voting and the political process?

Talk about politics at home.

"Family is the most powerful influence on a person's political socialization," said Lisa Lawrason, a political science instructor at Delta College. "One survey of 18 to 25 year olds has shown they are more likely to vote if they grew up in a family where there were frequent discussions about politics."

Continue reading "Vote for Responsibility: Teaching Teens the Importance of the Ballot" »

Student Council Offers Great Experience!

by Ruth Mancina | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:34 AM

One of the best ways for young adults to get involved in the political process is to start small.

A great way to do that is by running for office for your school's student council.

Jack Douglas, a senior at H.H. Dow High School in Midland, ran for class president his junior year and won, and is president of his class again this year.

He has enjoyed becoming more connected to his classmates, but notes that in general, not a lot of students seem too interested in politics in school or on the national level.

Continue reading "Student Council Offers Great Experience!" »

Observing State Politics Key to Understanding Electoral College

by Ruth Mancina | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:31 AM

Many political experts believe that this year's presidential election will be closely contested - similar to the 2000 battle between President George Bush and Al Gore.

And when it is close, there is a whole bunch of talk about the electoral college.

Explaining to your child how the electoral college works can be confusing, especially since it is possible for a candidate to win the popular vote, but not win the election, as in the case of Gore.

Continue reading "Observing State Politics Key to Understanding Electoral College" »

The Expert Perspective: Just don't do it

by Abby McGuire | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:28 AM

Too many teens are wasting away in Margaritaville, experts say.

Underage drinking is an epidemic in this country, they say. The problem with alcohol is that it's such a readily available substance, Officer Henry Reyna, with the Crime Prevention Unit of the Saginaw Township Police Department says. "It's just everywhere. We tried prohibition, and that didn't work."

Goldie Wood, CAC, CPC, director of the Neighborhood Resource Center and coordinator for the Bay County Prevention Network, says underage drinking is a major health problem because of the loss of young people to senseless deaths, car accidents, suicides.

Continue reading "The Expert Perspective: Just don't do it" »

The Teen Perspective: To Drink or Not to Drink

by Abby McGuire | Saginaw Valley Family Magazine

Friday October 03, 2008, 11:24 AM

Young adults recently agreed to candid interviews in exchange for Saginaw Valley Family Magazine not using their last names or hometowns. Their revelations may surprise you.

Young adults who drink know that every time they drink they take chances: the chance of getting caught and the chance of having to deal with consequences from decisions they made, while under the influence.

Karen, 18, doesn't take those chances. She says that not all teens are doing it. She has never been drunk and has no interest in trying it. "Adults act like every underage kid drinks. I don't drink," she says.

Continue reading "The Teen Perspective: To Drink or Not to Drink" »