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February 2025


Parenting
Our
Children

5 Things We Say to Our Kids, But Maybe We Shouldn't

The language we use with our children—and the manner in which we use it—matters. We used to believe the old adage: “Sticks and stones may break bones, but words shall never hurt.” However, as we have learned more about the human psyche and how children think and grow, we know that words can cause a great deal of harm, even when they are not meant to.


Even with the best of intentions and despite using phrases that were passed down from their own parents, it’s essential for parents to be intentional and thoughtful about what they say and how they say it to their children. Parenting styles vary, and personal beliefs often guide the way parents speak to their kids. However, here are five commonly used phrases that can be problematic, along with alternative approaches to consider.

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What is the Right Age for Your Teen to Start Dating?

Parents have a lot of questions when it comes to what age their children should start dating.

From playground to graduation, youth sooner or later become interested in dating. Parents and their tweens and teens together should discuss maturity and readiness, safety, and family values regarding relationships.

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Summer Youth Internship Program Turns 10

For a decade, high school students in Miami-Dade have been gaining valuable experience with a paid internship.

The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) has spent the past ten years transforming summer breaks into life-changing opportunities for high school students. Launched in 2016, this five-week program gives teens invaluable work experience, a financial boost, and hands-on learning that prepares them for life beyond high school.


Since its inception, nearly 23,000 students have participated in this paid internship program, partnering with over 900 companies and organizations across a wide range of industries. Students earn not only a paycheck but also high school honors credit and, in some cases, dual-enrollment college credit, making this a perfect blend of academic and professional growth.

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Health Impacts of Excessive Screen Time

By Travis Satnarine, MD & Taylor Rosenbaum, MD, MA, InjuryFreeMiami.org By now, we all know how widespread social media and the digital world are in the lives of children and youth. Parents can often be overwhelmed when trying to make sure their kids are participating safely and appropriately.


Too much screen time affects children’s physical and mental health. It is easy to spend a lot of time on social media. Too much use can cause:

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Parent Resources

Looking for an after-school program for your child? Check out the More After-School Choices page for hundreds of free and low-cost after-school programs

The Children’s Trust Parent Club offers FREE, countywide workshops on relevant topics about raising children that are successful, healthy, and happy. 

More After-School Choices
Register  for Parent Club

Do you like what you are reading in this month's Parenting Our Children Newsletter? Let us know with comments, suggestions and more at MyStories@TheChildrensTrust.org


To learn more visit TheChildrensTrust.org or call 211.
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