You can help parents, children, and families through tips, columns, resources, and books by practicing techniques and observing their children's reactions and interactions within the families.  Some samples you want to work with each other are dialogues to illustrate listening skills, alternatives to punishments, special single-parent problems, planning sessions for handling problems, and the expansion of child responsibilities.

We have students from Middlesex Community College, UMASS of Lowell, other volunteers from within the communities.  Each and everyone of them have a very unique life and work experiences, which can be very beneficial.  Each will have a flexible time helping either morning or evening.  ASALEC is proud to have those volunteers at the center.  In addition, they can also help us with typesetting, book binding, translation, interpretation, and many other duties as assigned.

Here are some excerpts from various sources,

" Children have their own personalities and go through their own stages, but your influence by example and reaction is always present.  When parents have good information from good listening skills, then good teaching, coaching, and advice will follow.  When Mom or Dad hear that most important question, "Can we talk?" their first reaction is crucial.  It can set an encouraging tone or make a child regret asking.  Who will be tolerant and uncritical like a friend and yet helpful with suggestions from experience like an adult?"

Some more...,

"Children are forever on guard to protect their fragile self-confidence.  They are on the lookout for your evaluation of them as a person first; the subject of the conversation, where we parents concentrate our efforts, takes second place."

"Many parents realize the importance of practice and tell their children to "work hard" in school...Successful work shows up in grades if the student is shown how the "work hard" idea is turned into active practice."  

"The family should provide an opportunity for safe practice without cruel punishment for mistakes.  A wise parent creates practice, not just for learning but also to improve the child's self-respect."          

If you live in the communities and want to donate some of your time, please fill out the information below.  Your information is greatly appreciated.  Also, please remember that all information is posted on our web site.