Tricia Hiatt, Natrona County Head Start

Summer is here!

As the weather gets warmer, families get ready to visit relatives, go places, see things and have lots of fun time together. Family trips can be so exciting, right?

They can also be a drag for your family if you head out for your trip unprepared. Some children are able to stay content and occupied during short trips around town, but longer trips will surely test a child's frustration level - as well as yours. Misbehavior in the car can be stressful for everyone and even dangerous if the distractions affect the driver.

Here are some summertime travel tips for you and your preschooler to make summer travel plans memorable - in a good way.

* For young children (ages 2 to 3), plan some shorter trips around town for practice.

* Talk about the trip in advance: Where you will be going, who you will see, etc.

* If at all possible, try to stay with your child's normal sleeping and eating routine.

* Assist your child in helping to make the rules for the trip: "Mom's rule is that you have to wear your seat belt, what is your next rule?"

* Talk about the rewards and consequences.

* Ignore minor behavior problems and praise your children for following the rules.

* Make sure there are a variety of interesting activities for your child to do along the way: sing songs, play "I Spy", soft toys, books, coloring books, etc.

* If misbehaviors occur, act immediately.

* Tell your child what you want them to do and then start with some quiet time.

* If you must stop the car, make sure that it is safe to pull over.

* Remember, children are a work in progress. Give them the skills and then praise them, praise them, praise them!

Happy trails!

Get a head start

Natrona County Head Start and Early Head Start are now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year. Come in and get an application or give us a call. For more information, visit www.wcfd.info.

* Natrona County Head Start

301 W. "B" Street

Casper, Wy.

577-1864

* Early Head Start

4981 Buick Street

Mills, Wy.

265-9562

* Early Head Start n Life Steps Campus

1514 E. 12th Street

Casper, Wy.

473-5831

Parenting Calendar

* Make Parenting a Pleasure: Classes are 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through July 20 at ARC of Natrona County.

* Love and Logic Parenting: Presented by Nutrition and Child Development, this class features hands-on tools to make parenting easier. Call Theresa at 237-1496 or e-mail trishazeller@wyoncd.org for more information. To learn more about the program, visit www.loveandlogic.com.

* Mercer House's 'Baby Steps': A support and educational-play group for parents of children birth to 5 years old. 3:30 to 5 p.m. every Monday. Call facilitator Kathy Herter at 265-7366 for information.

* Online parenting class: "Parenting Wisely," sponsored by Mercer House. For parents of children 8 to 18 years old. Teaches assertive discipline, using "I" statements, contracting with your teen, active listening and more. It also includes three support group sessions. Call facilitator Debbie Mueller at 265-7366 for more information.

* Red Cross classes: American Red Cross of Natrona County offers classes in CPR, First Aid, baby-sitter training and more. For information, call 237-8436.

* Parent-education seminar: The Wyoming Children's Access Network provides parent-education seminars for divorcing, separated, and never-married parents. The one-time, four-hour seminar is provided monthly in Casper and other cities around the state. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other adults close to the children are welcome to attend. There is a nominal fee that may be waived upon request, based on need. Preregistration is required 24 hours in advance. Call 866-726-3700.

* UPLIFT Fathers' Focus Group: Meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month in the UPLIFT office at 145 S. Durbin St. Suite 201. UPLIFT provides support, education and advocacy for families with children who struggle with emotional, behavioral and mental disorders. www.upliftwy.org.