Game Nights Build Family Connection

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By /Beth Thomas, MSW, LSW – November 27, 2024 –

Growing up, and to this day, game nights have been a regular activity my family enjoys. Whether it is our annual “Game Day” in the winter season where we all gather for a day of playing our favorite card and board games or trying out new games together when visiting out-of-town family, playing games has been a fun way for my family to bond.

Reflecting on all the time my family has spent together playing games, I recognize how strongly it impacted our relationships, without actually realizing it in the moment. Along with strengthening relationships, there are countless hidden benefits that come from family game nights.

Focusing on the benefits for children, playing games has a strong influence on a child’s development. Playing games strengthens hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills. Games that are especially good for fine motor skills include Jenga, Operation, and any games that involve rolling dice or shuffling cards.

When a child plays games, there is a high likelihood their grades will improve. Games entailing academic elements can help students prepare for and excel in school. Examples of games with academic elements include Uno, Scrabble, and Chutes and Ladders.

Problem-solving is another developmental skill that can be improved by playing games. Certain games help with the growth of memorization skills as well as assisting children in solving problems on their own. Examples of games that promote problem-solving include Chess, Trouble, Connect 4, and Monopoly.

Additional benefits of game playing include growth in vocabulary and reading skills, building math skills, and encouraging strategic thinking. At school, motivation levels increase, and students have stronger relationships with their peers. Children learn how to take turns, develop patience, practice playing fair, follow rules, and gain the ability to predict outcomes. From watching their family win and lose, children can also develop good sportsmanship.

Playing games has benefits for all members of the household. No matter how young a child is, they are positively impacted by this time together. Two- to three-year-olds have the skills for beginner games or to participate some, and infants enjoy the noise of conversation. Games promote family bonding through communication, working together, and making memories.

For adults, laughing and playing games can reduce stress and lower blood pressure though the release of endorphins. Not only are games an amazing way to help children develop in all aspects of their lives, spending this time together also creates unforgettable memories you will have forever.

While it can be a challenge to add playing games to the mix of work, sports practices, homework, school, and other family commitments, there are creative ways to make time. Some ideas include playing a game right after dinner, scheduling dates in advance, playing games at birthday celebrations, or even working in a short game for ten minutes. Grab a game, your family, and start your own family game night tradition! The benefits will continue for a lifetime.

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Express Gratitude in the Season of Thanksgiving

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By Callie Sanders, MSW, LSW – November 19, 2024 –

Somehow, here we are. November is flying by, and we’re in the season of Thanksgiving.

Being thankful and appreciative for what is received, tangible or intangible, is an example of gratitude. By acknowledging the good things in life, people usually recognize that sources of goodness can exist both inside and outside of themselves. Gratitude helps people connect to something larger and can help them appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new.

Although it may sound silly at first, this mental state grows stronger with time and practice. Studies support an association between well-being and gratitude, resulting in fewer doctor’s visits, taking better care of yourself, and improved relationships.

For example, a study of couples found that individuals who took time to express gratitude for their partners felt more positive towards each other and more comfortable expressing concerns related to their relationship.

Workplace gratitude also comes with great benefits. Showing gratitude in the workplace costs nothing and only requires minimal time. This can lead to employee morale and better performance. Leaders can also create an environment where everyone is responsible for showing gratitude to ensure all are recognized.

In a recent study by the American Psychological Association, researchers found that 93% of employees are motivated to do their best at work and 88% reported being more engaged when they feel valued by their employer. Only 21% of the polled group said they were considering searching for new employment in the upcoming year.  

Another benefit of practicing gratitude at work is “the spillover effect,” which has the power to enrich other aspects of our lives outside of the workplace. With gratitude, many people experience greater satisfaction in life, reduced stress, and a healthier outlook, physically and mentally.

Here are a few simple ways to start cultivating more gratitude.

  1. Write or email a thank-you note. This can help nurture and strengthen relationships with others. You can decide how often to send a note of gratitude. Do not forget to write an expression of gratitude to yourself.
  2. Keep a gratitude journal. This will help boost happiness and better coping for life’s challenges.
  3. Take time to meditate. Practice mindfulness by focusing on what you are grateful for today.
  4. Say a prayer. Prayer can help cultivate gratitude.
  5. Mentally thank someone. Think about someone who has done something nice for you and mentally thank that person.

It’s never too early to start cultivating an attitude of gratitude in your child as well. According to verywellmind.com, teaching children gratitude can help them feel happier, support better social relationships, and improve overall health and well-being. Some strategies may include performing acts of kindness together, modeling gratitude in your own life, and looking for the silver lining to help kids see that something good can come from difficult circumstances.

Life brings many unexpected twists and turns. There’s no better way to tackle that stress and show yourself and others love than by spreading a little gratitude along the way. Make it a daily practice. In the words of Bryan Robles, “Stop thinking of gratitude as a byproduct of your circumstances and start thinking of it as a world view.”

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Dennis Lamey Named 2024 Champion of Youth First

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November 6, 2024

Youth First, Inc. honored community leader and long-time Youth First advocate Dennis Lamey at its 2024 Breakfast of Champions event, presented by German American, on Tuesday, October 29, at Friedman Park Event Center in Newburgh. Lamey received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award.

In addition to recognizing Lamey, the organization celebrated its donors, school partners, and volunteers with over 300 guests in attendance.

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry proclaimed October 29, 2024, as “Dennis Lamey, Champion of Youth First Day.”

Lamey is an Evansville native and is a driving force behind Youth First’s growth and development, serving as a long-time advocate and Youth First Board Member. He has contributed to Youth First in every way imaginable over the years, from participating in the Family First program with his wife and sons to leading fundraising efforts, volunteering at events, and serving as Chair of the Youth First Board of Directors. Lamey retired from Norman Backues/CLA as Executive Vice President in 2016. Over the years, Lamey has also generously contributed his time, talent, and treasure to a wide range of philanthropic causes in Evansville. 

Lamey and his wife, Catherine, have been married for over 30 years and have two sons, Patrick and Robert, and a daughter-in-law, Becca.

Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Ken Hall, Youth First Board Chair-Elect and Operations Readiness Manager, Major Projects, Kaiser Aluminum Warrick; Father Bernie Etienne, Pastor, Holy Rosary Catholic Church; Lindsay Botsch, Market President, German American; Jeff Happe, President, Happe & Sons Construction, Inc.; Charles Cameron, Senior Vice President Strategic Initiatives, First Southern Bank; Joe Suding, Retired Executive, United Fidelity; Mike Blake, Host of Midday with Mike, 14 News WFIE;  Dan Hoefling, Youth First Board Chair and Community Volunteer; Parri O. Black, Youth First President & CEO; Dr. William Wooten, Youth First Founder, as well as Lamey’s wife Catherine and sons, Patrick and Robert. 

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Tips for Helping Children with ADHD

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By Jenny Bouchie, MSW, LSW – November 8, 2024 –

According to Forbes, approximately 5.7 million children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can be frustrating for the child to complete schoolwork and homework, and at times, equally frustrating for adults to help.

However, there are many ways to support a child diagnosed with ADHD academically:

  1. Provide brief and clear directions. Children with ADHD often have trouble with executive functioning skills, such as memory and attention. When directions are brief and clear, it will help the child both remember and maintain their attention. Using visual directions and reminders can be very helpful. Additionally, having the directions in a numerical list, with each specific direction being a sentence or less, may be beneficial. 
  1. Be sensitive to your child’s time management skills. According to The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, a child starts developing these skills around the ages of 3-5 but does not have major development in this area until adolescence and young adulthood. A child with ADHD may struggle beginning assignments, chores, and/or staying on task. Setting a timer is a great way to give children visual and auditory cues. Before setting the timer, make sure to set expectations. For example, “I’m going to set this timer for two minutes. When it goes off, you are going to start your math homework.” There are many timers available for free online. Displaying the timer for the child to see will help them remember what they are supposed to be working on.
  1. Break tasks into smaller chunks. Breaking tasks up into smaller pieces is actually a way to help build a child’s executive functioning skills. Children with ADHD are likely to feel overwhelmed with large assignments or tasks and/or multi-step assignments or tasks. Breaking the task or assignment into smaller pieces at a time will help with feeling in control rather than overwhelmed.
  1. Develop structure and routine. This is critical for all children, particularly for those with ADHD. According to the ADHD Foundation, developing routines helps a child become familiar with what they need to do in class and at home, which further leads to a sense of security. Of course, the earlier routines and structure are introduced, the better. 
  1. Work with your child to develop organizational skills. Many children with ADHD struggle in this area, whether it’s their messy backpack, cluttered desk/work area, or even being prone to losing things. Having a daily schedule available, Post-it notes with reminders, and checklists or to-do lists can all help improve organizational skills. 
  1. Reward positive behaviors. Everyone likes to be noticed when they are doing something good. Children with ADHD tend to struggle with self-esteem, so pointing out a positive is a great self-esteem booster. According to The ADHD Foundation, positive praise actually helps with improving focus. Setting up a reward chart is another way to encourage positive behaviors. Collaborate with the child about realistic goals and what their reward will be once earned. 

Children with ADHD can be very successful in the classroom and at home. Learning what helps the child complete tasks with the greatest success goes a long way toward developing positive self-esteem. For more information regarding how to support a child with ADHD, please reach out to your school’s Youth First Mental Health Professional.

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Even Brief Conversations Build Connection

In the quiet moments of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the power of small conversations, especially with our children. Yet, these seemingly insignificant exchanges can hold profound importance in shaping their understanding of the world and their place in it. Imagine a mother and her young son driving to a baseball game in heavy traffic. They talk about the weather, his favorite ice cream flavor, and the newest movie he is excited about seeing. These topics may seem trivial, but within these exchanges lie opportunities for connection, learning, and growth.

As they chat, the mother listens attentively, responding with genuine interest. She asks him why he likes Oreo Cookies and Cream more than Chocolate, and he explains that he likes the crunchy cookies inside the ice cream. This simple conversation becomes a lesson in observation and appreciation of our five senses. It also shows him that his thoughts and feelings matter, fostering a sense of self-worth.

Later, at bedtime, the same mother shares a story from her own childhood about making homemade ice cream, a tale about the best ice cream she ever had. The son listens intently, his eyes wide with curiosity and his stomach gurgling. This narrative not only entertains but also shows the possibility of fun new activities for their own family. It’s a small window into his mother’s past, helping him see her as a person with her own experiences and emotions.

These small conversations are like threads weaving a larger tapestry of understanding and connection. They help children develop language skills, build confidence, and learn about the world around them. They also strengthen the bond between parent and child, creating a safe space for sharing thoughts and feelings.

In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to focus on the big moments and milestones. But it’s in these small, everyday conversations that the real magic often happens. They are the quiet building blocks of a child’s emotional and intellectual development. They teach empathy, curiosity, and the importance of listening.

As parents, it’s important to cherish and nurture these moments. By engaging in small conversations with our children, we not only enrich their lives but also deepen our own understanding of them. These moments remind us that it’s not always the grand gestures that matter most; sometimes, it’s the simple act of talking and listening that leaves the most lasting impact. So, talk, they hear you.

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