School can be full of challenges—from early morning nerves to friendship drama to homework battles—but you can help your child enjoy school and thrive. Small daily habits can make a big difference in how confident, calm, and motivated your child feels.
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Create predictable routines. Simple morning and after-school routines help kids know what to expect, easing stress and supporting positive behavior.
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Talk about school in a positive way. When school is framed as a place to learn, grow, and try new things—and not just a place to perform or get everything right—kids are more likely to feel engaged and optimistic.
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Keep communication open. Regular, meaningful conversations give children space to share worries early, before small problems become big ones, and help build problem-solving skills that last beyond the classroom.
Use these practical ideas and more to learn how to help your kids thrive at school (Español).
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Healthy lifestyle choices help your heart.
February is American Heart Month. It’s a good time to remember that:
- People with diabetes and high blood pressure are 4 times more likely to develop heart disease.
- Lifestyle changes can help improve your health and decrease your chances of suffering from heart disease:
- Increase physical activity.
- Lose weight.
- Eat healthier food.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Get screened for disease.
Learn more about heart health at tpchd.org/hearthealth.
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Center spotlight
A community conversation on mental health
 In December, Eastside Family Resource Center’s parent club partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to host a presentation, Sanando con Compasión: Una Conversación Sobre la Salud Mental (Healing with Compassion).
Mental health advocate, Maria Luisa Case shared her personal mental health journey, which began when her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The presentation was in Spanish to better serve the majority of parent club participants, who are Spanish speakers.
To learn more about Maria’s story, read the Nungaray family bio. Visit Kompashion to explore her healing and community-focused work.
Want to see the presentation? Watch Healing with Compassion.
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Asistí al Club de Padres que organizó EFRC para escuchar acerca de un tema de salud mental, esquizofrenia. Fue una experiencia muy conmovedora y constructiva para hacernos reflexionar y conocer más sobre de lo que trata. y estan viviendo varias personas, y hacernos empaticos hacia las familias que sufren esa enfermedad. Doy gracias a los que organizaron esta clase porque en realidad fue muy agradable un poco triste pero muy real.
(I attended the Parent Club organized by EFRC to listen to a mental health topic, schizophrenia. It was a very moving and constructive experience to make us reflect and learn more about what it involves, what many people are going through, and to make us empathetic toward the families who suffer from this illness. I am grateful to those who organized this class because it was actually very enjoyable, a little sad but very real.)
-- Parent Club participant
Celebrating 100 years of serving our neighbors
 St. Vincent de Paul of Tacoma, Pierce County is celebrating a major milestone—its 100th anniversary. And you’re invited to join the celebration on Friday, June 5, 2026!
St. Vincent de Paul supports people facing crisis, instability, and homelessness throughout Pierce County. Since 1926, it has provided practical help with dignity and compassion, offering financial help, basic needs, housing support, and connections to critical resources. It serves all people—regardless of race, religion, gender expression, or orientation—because everyone deserves help and respect.
Today, St. Vincent de Paul operates two community resource centers to meet people where they are:
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Community Resource Center (CRC)—help for people who need immediate help or referrals.
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Family Resource Center (FRC)—support for families with children, multigenerational households, or people ages 18–24.
Both centers are welcoming, judgment-free spaces focused on helping people move toward stability and self-sufficiency.
Join us as we honor 100 years of service, reflect on our shared humanity, and look ahead to the work still to come.
Mark your calendar for June 5, 2026.
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