kids - Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri

LFCS Rallies Around Kids During This Election Season

beanstalk — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:14:09 +0000

As election season approaches, we encourage you to focus on what truly matters: the well-being of children and families in our community. While we may be passionate about our politics, there’s one thing we can all agree on—every child deserves the chance to thrive. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services stands at the forefront of providing life-changing support for all children, couples, and families across Missouri.

Abuse, neglect, infertility or depression doesn’t care about who you vote for. These challenges can affect anybody, anywhere. LFCS offers critical services like pregnancy testing and support, parenting education, counseling for children and families, adoption services, foster care, and child development programs. These services aren’t just important; they are essential in helping children grow up safe, supported, and empowered.

By choosing to support LFCS, you’re casting your vote for a brighter future where every child has the tools, love, and care they need to succeed. Your gift is a direct endorsement of hope and healing for families who rely on LFCS to overcome the hardships they face.

In a time when divisions run deep, let’s unite over something that transcends politics: the well-being of our children. Please consider donating to LFCS to help us address the issues that are plaguing our communities. This year, vote with your heart. Choose kids. Choose LFCS.

Make a Gift

The post LFCS Rallies Around Kids During This Election Season first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

The Stress of Moving

beanstalk — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 16:51:19 +0000

With each passing week of summer, for sale signs seem to pop up more and more in area neighborhoods. With the excitement of a new home, comes the stress of moving. This stress isn’t just felt by the parents. Kid are also impacted when their entire lives are placed into boxes and carried off to another place.

If you are facing an upcoming move, you might question what effects it can have on your children. Be aware of the positive and negative emotions and their effects. Doing so can help you and your children adjust and prepare for challenges.

This article from Mom.me describes many different effects of moving that children may experience including emotional consequences, academic challenges, separation anxiety, and struggles with self-esteem. This might sound very daunting and negative but the good news is that there are ways you can help your child through a move.

KidsHealth provides strategies you can use when you have an upcoming move. It can be important to talk to your children about the move and acknowledge their feelings. Letting children know what to expect, including visiting their new school and seeing their new home in advance, can make for a smooth transition.

The post The Stress of Moving first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Kids and Car Rides

beanstalk — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 15:46:39 +0000

A mother of two small children recently made a 14-hour journey from Missouri to the magical world of Disney. How, you may ask yourself, was she able to help her children avoid having meltdowns from being strapped in a car seat for that long? Here are a two tricks to try with your kids on your next car ride:

Treats – Before the trip, pack a simple, carbohydrate-based snack combined with a little protein into snack-size zip lock baggies. Whenever your kids get grouchy, enthusiastically announce “treat time” and passed them out. The combination of a simple carb and protein helped children maintain their blood sugar levels and your enthusiasm will make the treat feel special.
Trinkets – Stop in to a dollar store before leaving town and buy a few cheap little trinkets. Wrap them up as gifts and, at various points throughout the trip, pass them out. It can be based on time or miles travelled – either way it will give the kids something to look forward to.

Simple ideas like these will help your family enjoy a long trip by car with minimal frustration or discomfort. And if you add in frequent, child-focused, rest stops along the way for the children to stretch their legs and burn off a little energy, the trip will be even more enjoyable.

Safe travels!

The post Kids and Car Rides first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.