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By: Sarah Fields, BA and Kerry Brown, MS, CLS: Parent Connext® Senior Parent Specialist June arrives with a familiar mix of excitement and overwhelm. School-year structure disappears overnight, kids are suddenly home more, and parents are left juggling camps, childcare gaps, screen-time negotiations, and the constant hum of “I’m bored.” It’s a lot. But it doesn’t have to be chaotic. A strength-based summer routine gives families something better than a rigid schedule; it offers rhythm, predictability, and connection. It helps kids thrive by using what’s already strong in them, and it helps parents stay grounded when days get long and messy. Here’s how to build a summer that works for your family, not against it. 1. Start With a “Strengths Snapshot” Before you plan anything, pause and notice what’s already working. Ask: · What strengths does my child naturally show in summer? · What strengths do I lean on when routines shift? · What helps our family feel connected? A few examples: · A child high in Curiosity may thrive with nature walks, science kits, or “explorer time.” · A child high in Kindness may love helping a sibling or caring for a pet. · A parent high in Prudence might shine when creating simple visual routines. · A parent high in Zest might bring energy to morning rituals or outdoor play. Strengths aren’t tasks, they’re tools. When you build routines around them, everything feels easier. 2. Build a Flexible Daily Rhythm (Not a Strict Schedule) Kids don’t need every minute planned. They need predictable anchors. Try these four daily touchpoints: · Start Together: A 2-minute morning check-in (“What strength will you use today?”) · Move Your Body: A walk, dance break, sprinkler run, anything that resets energy · Quiet Time: Independent play, reading, or rest · End With Connection: A simple evening ritual (“What strength did you spot today?”) These anchors give kids a sense of safety and flow, and they give parents breathing room. 3. Handle Screen Time Without Shame Screens are part of modern summer life. Instead of guilt, use strengths to guide healthy habits. Examples: · Self-Regulation: Set timers kids help choose · Judgment: Talk through what makes a show or game a good fit · Perseverance: “Screens after you finish your project or chore” · Teamwork: Siblings choose a show together Screens become a tool, not a battle. 4. Let Boredom Do Its Job Boredom isn’t a problem, it’s a doorway. When kids say, “I’m bored,” they’re often on the edge of: · Creativity · Problem-solving · Independence · Imagination Try responding with: “Sounds like your Creativity is waking up. What could you try?” You’re not fixing the boredom, you’re reframing it. 5. Create a Weekly Strengths-Based Rhythm Weekly themes help kids know what to expect and give parents structure without rigidity. Here’s a simple example: · Make-It Monday — Creativity, Curiosity · Try-It Tuesday — Bravery, Zest · Work-It Wednesday — Perseverance, Self-Regulation · Thoughtful Thursday — Kindness, Gratitude · Fun Friday — Humor, Love Kids love predictability and parents love ease. 6. Don’t Forget Parent Strengths Summer stretches parents too. Your strengths matter just as much as your child’s. Ask yourself: · What strengths help me stay calm? · What strengths help me connect? · What strengths help me reset when the day goes sideways? A parent high in Perspective might reframe a meltdown. A parent high in Hope might remind the family that tomorrow is a fresh start. A parent high in Love might anchor the day with small moments of connection. Your strengths are part of the routine. 7. End Each Day with a Strengths Spot This is the simplest, most powerful summer ritual. At dinner or bedtime, ask: · “What strength did you use today?” · “What strength did you see in someone else?” · “What strength helped you solve a problem?” Kids begin to see themselves as capable, resourceful, and resilient, because they are. A good summer routine isn’t about perfection. It’s about: · noticing what’s strong · creating rhythms that support everyone · building connection in small, everyday moments When families lead with strengths, summer becomes less about managing chaos and more about growing together.

By: Brooke Rouse, BA and Marketing Manager For Grace Franklin, becoming a foster parent was not a single decision, but the result of a meaningful journey she shared with her husband, Reed. Exposure to different ways of life through mission trips abroad opened her eyes to the realities many children face. That experience sparked a deeper interest in helping others, leading her to pursue a degree in social work. Now working in child welfare as a therapist for children in foster care, Grace felt a calling to do more. As she put it, “If not me, then who?”  Together, Grace and Reed decided to take that next step into foster parenting. They wanted to make a direct, meaningful impact on children who need support and stability. When choosing an agency, they consistently heard positive feedback about Beech Acres. After reaching out to several organizations, Beech Acres stood out for being responsive, communicative, and transparent, making the decision clear.  A First Placement to Remember  Their first placement was a newborn. As brand-new foster parents, the experience felt surreal. Grace remembers holding the baby and feeling both joy and disbelief, knowing they would eventually have to let him go. The child stayed with them for four months before being reunified with kinship.  The experience came with adjustments, like learning new sleep schedules, but it was also deeply rewarding. Seeing the child return to a family where he would be loved and supported felt like a meaningful and successful outcome.  Still, reunification was emotional. Grace recalls crying for a long time after he left. Even so, she found peace in knowing that she and Reed fulfilled their role, giving him the best possible start.  Ongoing Support from Beech Acres  Throughout their journey, support from Beech Acres made a significant difference. Their worker, Gretchen, became a trusted source of encouragement and understanding, a safe space where Grace and Reed could process challenges with honesty and even humor.  In addition, they utilized many of the agency’s resources, including foster care appreciation events, family activities at the Cincinnati Zoo and Nature Center.  Growth Through Challenges  Over time, Grace and Reed welcomed other placements, including a sibling set, ages six and seven, who stayed with their family for a year and a half. . Over time, through consistent care and support, the children made significant progress.  The experience came with challenges, including behavioral struggles and navigating relationships with their biological mother. However, there were also meaningful milestones. From learning their ABCs to participating in school and therapy, the children showed steady growth. Grace and Reed ensured they had access to the services they needed, including therapy, psychiatry, and case management.  Lessons Learned  Through fostering, Grace learned she was stronger than she realized, and she and Reed experienced that growth together as a family. Managing appointments, responsibilities, and emotions can feel overwhelming, but they worked through it as a team. In the end, they supported the children all the way through their transition home.  Building Trust with Children  Grace and Reed believe that trust is built through time and consistency. Many children entering foster care have experienced instability, so predictable care is essential. Showing up for school events, maintaining clear expectations, and creating a structured environment helps children feel safe.  They also prioritize celebrating each child, holidays, birthdays, and everyday achievements. By lifting their strengths and including them fully in family life, they help children feel valued and connected.  Advice for Those Considering Foster Care  For those who are unsure about fostering, Grace and Reed recommend starting small. They began as respite providers, which allowed them to gain experience before committing to full-time placements. Attending foster care events and getting involved in the community can also help build confidence.  They emphasize that fostering requires a strong support system. Having family and friends who are committed and involved makes a significant difference, as foster care can be sudden and demanding.  Meaningful Moments  Several moments stand out from their journey. Watching children learn to ride bikes or gain confidence in playground equipment showed just how far they had come.  One particularly powerful memory involved a young boy who had been struggling with anger. After a difficult day, he broke down crying in Grace’s arms. They cried together, and from that moment on, he began to trust her, and their home. He grew into a sensitive, connected child who felt safe and supported.  A Continuing Need  The Franklin family’s experience highlights just how critical foster parents are. The need is greater than ever, and the impact of providing a safe, loving home can last a lifetime. 

By: Brooke Rouse For some people, becoming a foster parent begins with a quiet nudge, a feeling that grows over time and eventually becomes impossible to ignore. For Danielle and Tony Seymore, that call was rooted in a lifelong desire to help children who need stability, safety, and someone willing to stand in the gap during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Danielle describes a turning point in her life when she began seriously considering foster care. She had previously done mission work and felt a deep sense of loss after a concussion prevented her from continuing that work abroad. “I was missing the mission field,” she shared. That loss led her to a powerful realization: Why not here? Why not the kids in our own community? That question became the foundation of a foster care journey that is now celebrating its tenth year. Learning Through the First Placement Within just three days of becoming licensed with Beech Acres Parenting Center (BAPC), The Seymore family received their first placement, two very young children, just two years old and six months old. The children remained with them for two years, and that first experience profoundly shaped how Danielle and Tony understand parenting. “You can’t parent children who’ve experienced trauma the same way you parent biological children or the way you were raised,” Danielle explained. The behaviors the couple encountered were unexpected and often challenging, but they were also an opportunity for growth, not just for the children, but for the adults caring for them. Danielle and Tony learned to look beyond behavior and focus on what was underneath it. Parenting shifted from traditional time-outs to “time-ins,” co-regulation, and connection. Rather than pushing children away to manage emotions alone, they learned to stay present and help them regulate relationships. A Decade of Impact Over the past ten years, the Seymore family has[RB1]  fostered ten children and regularly provides respite care. Many of the children placed with them have had complex mental health needs, requiring patience, flexibility, and a trauma-informed approach to care. Their household includes one biological child, who was seven years old when they began fostering other children. From the start, Danielle and Tony were intentional about treating foster children as their own children and fully integrating[RB2]  them into the family. “There was never separation,” Tony said. “We approached it as one family unit.” Two of the children they fostered were ultimately adopted by Danielle and Tony while others reunified with biological family members or transitioned to foster-adopt homes. In every situation, the focus remained on what was best for the child, working together, so the child never felt divided or caught in the middle. Support That Makes the Difference Danielle and Tony credit Beech Acres Parenting Center with a critical source of support throughout their journey. “The social workers have been amazing, always a phone call away,” she said. Through BAPC, the family has accessed valuable trainings, resources, and relationships with other foster parents at different stages in their journey. As Danielle and Tony gained experience, Beech Acres also encouraged them to have a stronger voice in decision-making related to children’s treatment and care. They really listen,” Tony noted. “That support has meant everything.” Notably, all their foster placements have come through Beech Acres. Lessons from the Heart Foster care has taught the family powerful lessons about love, resilience, and capacity. Early on, Danielle struggled with the fear of saying goodbye, but over time she learned that it is possible to love children who aren’t your own, even when their time with you is temporary. She’s seen how the heart can stretch, break, heal, and grow again. “You survive,” Danielle shared. “And you know that the love, safety, and stability you provided was exactly what that child needed in that moment.”  She firmly believes that what is broken in unhealthy relationships can be healed through safe, secure attachments, and that caring for yourself along the way matters, too. Connection is at the center of their approach to fostering. They use humor, playfulness, curiosity, and being present to help children feel safe and valued. By learning each child’s likes and listening to their voice, both Danielle and Tony build trust in one interaction at a time.

By: Sarah Fields, BA and Kerry Brown, MS, CLS: Parent Connext® Senior Parent Specialist. If your family hits a wall every May, you’re not imagining it. The end-of-school-year stretch is a perfect storm: testing, concerts, field days, sports tournaments, final projects, schedule changes, and kids who are so close to summer they can taste it. Routines wobble. Emotions spike. Lunchboxes disappear into the void. This month isn’t about doing more; it’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface and using your family’s strengths to get through it with connection intact. By May, kids’ brains are tired. They’ve been “on” for nine months, learning, socializing, navigating friendships, managing expectations, and adapting to constant change. Add in: · Transition stress · Sensory overload · Academic pressure · Loss of structure When kids feel overwhelmed, it often shows up as: · Meltdowns · Irritability · Forgetfulness · Big feelings over small things · “I don’t want to go to school” mornings · Sibling conflict · Exhaustion Parents experience the same overload, just with more calendar invites. Natural Strength Parenting™ gives families a way to shift from “What’s wrong with my kid?” to “What strengths can help us through this moment?” Here are a few strengths that shine in May: · Perseverance — sticking with routines even when everyone is tired · Prudence — planning ahead to reduce stress · Teamwork — sharing responsibilities and supporting each other · Love — offering connection when emotions run high · Perspective — remembering this season is temporary When families name and use strengths intentionally, kids feel more capable, and parents feel less alone. Think of May as a month that needs extra padding. A few small adjustments can make a big difference: · Build in predictable pockets of rest. Ten minutes of quiet after school. A slower morning once a week. A “no plans” evening. · Use visual calendars. Kids feel safer when they can see what’s coming. · Simplify where you can. Easy dinners. Fewer commitments. Permission to say no. · Name the season. “May is a busy month for our family. We’re going to use our strengths to get through it together.” · Celebrate tiny wins. “You remembered your water bottle today, that shows your strength of responsibility.” These aren’t big interventions. They’re small, steady supports that help kids regulate when everything feels like “a lot.” When your child is melting down over the wrong color cup or a missing shoe, try this: “I can see you’re overwhelmed. That tells me your brain is tired, not that you’re doing something wrong. Let’s take a breath together. Which strength do you want to use right now; teamwork, perseverance, or self-regulation?” This does three things at once: 1. Validates the feeling 2. Reduces shame 3. Reminds your child they have strengths they can use It also helps parents stay grounded when emotions are contagious. The goal isn’t to have a flawless May. It’s to help your family move through a stressful season with compassion, flexibility, and a sense of “we’re in this together.” Try ending each week with one simple question: “What strength did we use as a family this week?” You’ll be surprised how often the answer is something small, and how much those small things matter. Summer is coming. You’re almost there. And you’re doing better than you think.

By: Brooke Rouse, BA and Marketing Manager In a home filled with songs, laughter, toddler wrestling matches and the steady comfort of routine, a family is healing together one day at a time. For the Ryan family, foster parenting is woven into everyday life, guided by intention, patience, and love. Their adopted son, Nova, embraces his newfound big brother role with boundless energy and joy. His excitement is unmistakable, especially when his foster siblings return home from appointments. Those moments of reunion reflect the forming bonds and sense of belonging the Ryans work to create. Nova’s new foster siblings, ages 13 months and 2 years, joined the family in mid-December. While the transition brought some understandable challenges, it was also filled with many joyful moments. During the holiday season, illness led the Ryans to spend Christmas together in Cleveland, where they created special memories full of laughter and what they fondly called “toddler wrestle mania.” The family has a strong, collaborative relationship with the children’s biological mother. Through open and consistent communication, she has remained close to her children and their daily experiences. While working toward reunification, she has been able to witness her children’s growth and happiness. This has strengthened her trust and given her hope throughout the process. Practical decisions such as enrolling the children in the daycare near their biological mother have helped maintain stability and meaningful connection. Both The Ryans and biological family share a unified goal: keeping the children together, with hope that they will return home this summer. The children’s biological mother has expressed gratitude that the Ryans are fighting for her and her children. She has found reassurance in knowing that if reunification were not possible, the Ryan family would be willing to keep her children together. The Progress That the Children Have Made Has Been Remarkable The progress the children have made has been remarkable. One child arrived emotionally guarded, appearing rigid and overwhelmed. Through consistent play, patience and gentle encouragement, he has transformed – now smiling, laughing, and engaging with confidence. His sister has made equally significant strides. Once hesitant and uncertain, she is now joyful and expressive! She also is sleeping peacefully in her own bed and room, learning to walk, and reaching milestones at school, including napping without her binky.   Routine has become a cornerstone of life in the Ryan household. Predictable bedtimes, shared meals, and circle time, complete with books and songs, provide structure and reassurance. Family outings are prioritized, including swimming lessons, zoo visits during the Festival of Lights, and drive through holiday light displays. The family rebuilt their deck and transformed it into an outdoor play space filled with slides, stepping stones, and toys that encourage movement, imagination, and creativity. Nova often joins in, teaming up with the younger children in playful mischief and shared adventures. Like any household with young children, challenges arise. Navigating toddler boundaries, learning what discipline strategies work best, and managing big emotions are part of the daily rhythm. The Ryans approach each challenge with intention and creativity, always centering connection, learning, and consistency. Support from Beech Acres Has Become Vital Support from Beech Acres has been a vital part of their journey. Knowing there is always someone ready to help with guidance and advocacy has allowed the family to move forward with confidence and care. For children who have already experienced multiple placements, this stability has been lifechanging. They feel safe. They look forward to bedtime. They are building routines, learning new words, and forming relationships rooted in trust. The Ryan family’s story is one of resilience, collaboration, and hope. It reveals the power of partnership between foster families and biological parents, the importance of routine and joyful experiences, and the profound impact of showing up, day after day, for children who need it most.

By Brooke Rouse, B.A. and Marketing Manager A Calling Rooted in Compassion  Social work goes beyond the title. It’s rooted in compassion, relationships, and a shared belief that every child deserves safety and connection. Social workers Jessica (Jess) Simes and Katelyn (Kate) DeShane embody this daily by using intentional, attachment‑based approaches to support children in foster care and strengthen families. Jess and Kate invest deeply in coaching foster parents, helping them navigate challenging behaviors with patience and understanding. They’ve seen how guidance rooted in attachment can transform family dynamics and give caregivers the confidence to support meaningful growth.  “Social work is more than a profession; it’s a calling from compassion, relationships, and the belief that every child deserves safety and connection”.  Creating Safe Spaces and Rituals   After Jess and Kate are introduced, the focus quickly turns to the kids and what helps them feel comfortable enough to open up. Both enjoy working with pre‑teens, knowing this age often needs honesty, consistency, and patience more than anything else. Progress usually happens slowly. Kids don’t always share everything at once, trust builds in small moments over time.  Sometimes those moments come from simple outings. A trip to get your nails done, grab ice cream, or visit the library might seem small, but for a child, it can be the first time they feel truly noticed. You never know which interaction will make a child feel safe enough to talk. Just as often, connection comes from quieter moments, reading the same book together and chatting about it, sitting side by side, or sharing something familiar. In one case, Jess started a mini book club with a foster child.   Routines help too. Returning to the same places, keeping plans predictable, and creating small rituals gives kids something steady they can count on. These moments aren’t about the activity itself.  they’re about showing kids they matter and that adults can be consistent and safe.  Rather than formal meetings, Jess and Kate often meet kids where they’re most comfortable: quiet spaces, familiar settings, or calm activities. They adapt to each child’s comfort level, knowing trust grows best when kids aren’t pushed before they’re ready. By meeting children at their pace, real connection starts to form, and that’s when growth happens.  Supporting Families Through “Parenting Backwards”  A core strategy that Jess and Kate teach is known as “parenting backwards,” an approach for children who may have missed early developmental or attachment experiences. Instead of responding to a child based on their chronological age, caregivers meet them at their emotional or developmental age, then build skills from there.  Many children in foster care may present older or act independent, but still need nurturing, co‑regulation, predictability, and reassurance that typically develop in early childhood. Because their nervous systems are often wired for survival, traditional discipline or long explanations can feel overwhelming and ineffective. “Parenting backwards” shifts the focus toward connection before correction.  Sometimes the most powerful response isn’t a lesson, it’s simply preserving the relationship and offering a reset.  Caregivers prioritize safety, regulation, and relationships by using shorter interactions and quick repairs after tough moments. In combination with predictable routines, and intentional responses, this approach lowers anxiety, rather than escalating it.  By meeting foundational needs first, Jess and Kate help caregivers lay the groundwork for genuine behavioral change.  Professional Expertise and Heart  Social Workers are required to hold a degree in social work and obtain licensure. Guided by honesty and clarity. They challenge the misconception that social work is simple.  It requires deep knowledge of trauma, development, family systems, and relational science, paired with compassion, advocacy, and professionalism.  A Steady, Transformational Presence  Through everyday moments of care, consistency, and empathy, Jess and Kate make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of children and families. Their work is transformational not because of big grand gestures, but because of the steady, heartfelt presence they bring to those they serve. 

By: Sarah Fields, Communications Specialist and Kerry Brown, Curriculum and Content Program Manager April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to talk about safety, consent, and the ways we can protect and empower young people. One striking reality often shared by adult women is this: many say they were approached, sexualized, or hit on more often before they were even 18 years old than at any point in their adult lives.  That truth can feel heavy for parents. But it also gives us a powerful reminder: our kids deserve tools, language, and support long before the world starts treating them like adults. And the good news is that these conversations don’t have to be scary. They can be simple, everyday moments that build confidence and safety over time.  Adolescence is a time when kids are growing fast, physically, socially, emotionally. Their bodies may look older, but their brains are still developing the skills needed to assess risk, set boundaries, and navigate pressure. When adults treat teens like they’re older than they are, it creates a mismatch between how they’re perceived and what they’re ready for.  That’s where parents and caregivers come in.  You are your child’s first and most trusted guide. The conversations you start now, no matter how small, help them understand their worth, their rights, and their ability to say “no,” “stop,” or “I need help.”  Five Everyday Ways to Build Safety and Confidence                  Kids learn from repetition. Phrases like:                   These simple messages build a foundation long before bigger conversations happen. It’s never ok for anyone to touch you or talk to you about your private parts, unless they are helping you to be clean or healthy like a doctor(and a trusted caregiver gives the ok).                A safe rule:                 Secrets are meant to hide things forever. Surprises are meant to be shared.               If someone asks a child to keep a secret about touch, behavior, or communication,                that’s a red flag and they should always tell a trusted adult. Teach your child to say “No, I don’t keep secrets, and I’m going to tell.”               Kids who practice saying “no” in safe environments are more prepared to use it in                 unsafe ones.                Let them decline hugs, choose not to share a toy, or say they need space.                This isn’t rude, it’s rehearsal for real life.                 Ask before you help them change clothes, brush their hair, or pick them up.                 Say things like:                 When kids see adults practicing consent, they learn it’s normal and expected.                 Teens may look grown, but they still need guidance.                  Ask open-ended questions:                   Your calm presence, not perfection, is what keeps them talking.  If you’re not sure how to start, here’s a gentle, age-flexible script:  “This month, people are talking about how everyone deserves to feel safe. I want you to know that your body is yours, and you can always talk to me about anything—no matter how small or awkward it feels.”  This keeps the door open without fear or pressure.  Sexual Assault Awareness Month isn’t just about preventing harm, it’s about building a culture where kids grow up knowing they are valued, respected, and powerful.  When we talk openly about boundaries, consent, and safety, we’re not taking away innocence. We’re giving kids the tools they need to stay safe, confident, and connected. And that’s something every child deserves. 

By: Sarah Fields, B.A. March is a month of in-between. Winter hasn’t fully let go, spring hasn’t fully arrived, and families often feel that same wobble inside their homes, a mix of restlessness, renewal, and the desire for a fresh start. It’s the perfect month to lean into Natural Strength Parenting™, because this approach reminds us that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens the way March happens slowly, quietly, and then all at once. March invites us to notice what’s emerging. Kids are stretching into new routines, new emotions, new challenges. Caregivers are often doing the same. Natural Strength Parenting encourages us to: • Notice strengths in ourselves and our children • Name them out loud • Nurture them through small, everyday moments This month, think of strengths as seeds. Some are sprouting. Some are dormant. Some need pruning. All of them can grow. The soil for that growth, the 24 VIA character strengths; the natural gifts we all possess. Three Strengths That Naturally Bloom in March 1. Hope – The Strength of Looking Forward March is full of anticipation: warmer days, longer light, new possibilities. You might notice Hope in your child when they: • Talk about what they’re excited for • Try again after a setback • Imagine something new 2. Curiosity – The Strength of Wonder As the world thaws, kids start asking more questions, exploring more, pushing boundaries. You might notice Curiosity when your child: • Experiments • Asks “why” • Wants to try something their own way 3. Perseverance – The Strength of Keeping at It March can feel long. Kids (and adults) get tired. But they also keep going. You might notice Perseverance when your child: • Finishes a task even when frustrated • Practices a skill • Tries again after a mistake How to Bring All 24 Strengths into Everyday Parenting You don’t need a worksheet or a big activity. Strengths show up in the smallest moments. Here are simple ways to weave them into daily life: Catch strengths in the wild: • Kindness in sharing • Bravery in speaking up • Self-Control in taking a breath • Humor in lightening a tense moment Use short, specific language: • “That was Leadership.” • “You showed Fairness.” • “Your Love of Learning really came through.” Create tiny opportunities: • Let them help plan (Leadership) • Ask them to teach you something (Love of Learning) • Invite them to solve a problem (Judgment) • Encourage them to rest when needed (Prudence) Natural Strength Parenting begins with you. This month, try asking yourself: • Which of my strengths is helping me most right now • Which strength feels underused and ready to grow • Which strength might I be overusing and could rebalance When caregivers honor their own strengths, kids learn to honor theirs. March reminds us that change is already happening, even when we can’t see it yet. Your child’s strengths are growing. Your strengths are growing. Your relationship is growing. Natural Strength Parenting helps you notice the quiet beginnings that become lifelong confidence, connection, and resilience.

From the Bresler family’s first days with Jim and Lorraine Bresler, and on through the generations to their seven children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, the family has been full of love for many decades. With as many as 40 people in the extended family, they laugh that there are almost too many to fit into one picture. And it all started when Jim and Lorraine married on Saturday, August 8, 1953. “He was my first real boyfriend,” she said, while remembering about them going on car rides and to the movies together. It was a love that lasted and grew stronger, through the highs and lows of raising seven children. There were good times, like the New Year’s Eve parties – “We had so many people in our home the floors shook,” she said. And there were hard times, when money was so tight they had to choose between food and medicine, with Jim taking odd jobs to buy groceries. Through it all, the family’s love kept them together. Planting a Beech-Family Tree for the Family’s Love Story To memorialize their family’s love story for years to come, the Bresler family sponsored a pair of oak trees as part of Beech Acres’ Plant a Beech-Family Tree program, in partnership with Taking Root, the non-profit dedicated to protecting the local tree canopy. Beech Acres launched the program in 2024 to mark its 175th Anniversary of helping children and families in the area. The oaks and other species are perfect for commemorating new babies, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special family occasion. Lauren Enda, Lorraine’s daughter, explained the family’s choice to collaborate with Beech Acres and Taking Root. “These organizations mirror the generational impact our parents had—sustaining life, growth and connection well beyond their immediate circle. The two oaks we planted will stand tall for centuries, nourishing and sheltering life long after those who knew our parents are gone.” “The partnership between Beech Acres and Taking Root is a celebration of the connectedness between strong trees and strong families,” added Lauren, who also serves on the Taking Root board. “Taking Root protects and plants trees for future generations, while Beech Acres nurtures and supports strong families through guidance and resources. That’s why my family chose to honor our parents’ legacy in this way.” Love and Strength in a Big Family Lauren remembers the dynamic of growing up as one of many branches on a growing family tree. And just as Beech Acres brings a strength-based approach to parenting, Lauren recalls how character strengths grew in her family. “Because Mom and Dad were so busy at work and trying to provide for seven kids, we were all very resilient and strong,” Lauren said. “They may not have talked about how to make their children self-resilient, but they helped by instilling strengths in us, each in a different way.” And now Lorraine is passing the love on to the rest of her family. “We have a family meal every Tuesday we call the lunch bunch. It’s our weekly family reunion and I always look forward to it. “I’m so thankful every day for this family.” More information is available here about the Beech-Family Tree program from Beech Acres and Taking Root.

By: Sarah Fields, BA Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a series of small, steady actions that help children feel secure, valued, and connected. Kids don’t remember the fancy moments as much as the everyday ones: the way you look at them when they walk into the room, the rituals you repeat, the repairs you make after hard moments. Here are five simple, powerful ways to help children feel truly seen and safe, no extra time, money, or perfection required. 1. The “I See You” Moment Kids light up when they feel noticed. A few seconds of intentional presence can shift their whole day. These micro-moments tell a child, “You matter enough for me to stop and take you in.” Try this: · Pause what you’re doing for 5–10 seconds when they come to you · Make eye contact · Offer a warm greeting: “I’m glad you’re here” 2. Predictable Routines That Feel Like Home Routines aren’t just schedules, they’re emotional anchors. They help kids feel safe because they know what to expect. Predictability builds security. Security builds confidence. Confidence builds connection. Try this: · A consistent morning or bedtime ritual · A weekly family moment (Friday pizza, Sunday walk, etc.) · A “goodbye” or “welcome home” routine 3. Connection Before Correction Kids listen better when they feel connected first. A moment of warmth opens the door to cooperation. When children feel understood, their nervous system settles, and they can take in what you’re saying. Try this: · Get on their level · Use a gentle tone · Start with empathy: “That was really frustrating, huh?” 4. Repair After Hard Moments Every family has tough moments. What matters most is what happens after. Repair teaches kids that relationships can bend without breaking, a lifelong emotional skill. Try this: · A simple apology: “I’m sorry I got loud. You didn’t deserve that.” · A check-in: “Are you okay? Want a hug?” · A reset: “Let’s try again together.” 5. Celebrate Who They Are, Not Just What They Do Kids feel deeply loved when they know they matter beyond achievements or behavior. Affirming their character helps them build a strong internal sense of worth. Try this: · “I love how curious you are.” · “I noticed how kind you were to your sister.” · “I love being your parent.” Love in action is quiet, steady, and deeply human. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about the small, repeated signals that say: You belong. You matter. You’re safe with me.