Twenty of our children experienced the thrill of a lifetime when they joined the line-up of the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^® in New York City. Tuesday’s Children was honored to have been invited by Parade Executive Producer, Amy Kule, to join her at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the start of the parade and to walk the 2 mile route through the streets of New York.

In commemoration of the 10^th Anniversary and representing a moment of remembrance, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was aired on NBC’s Today Show with Al Roker and was a wonderful tribute to the lives lost ten years ago. Walking the streets of New York City in the most famous parade in the world was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the children. Tuesday’s Children was proud to partake in a time-honored tradition that holds a very special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. The children were greeted with smiles, cheers and waves as they wished “Happy Thanksgiving!” to thousands of onlookers.

Following the parade, the participants were given a small token of remembrance, a special 85^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade pin with the exclamation “I was in it!”

Many thanks to Amy Kule and the amazing Macy's team for making this day possible. For more photos of our children enjoying the parade, click here. For NBC’s coverage of the opening ceremony, click here.

As part of our ongoing series of Parenting Programs, Tuesday’s Children presented a communication skills program entitled Words Can Work with Jeanne Blake, noted author and facilitator.  Jeanne presented am evidence based multimedia program designed to help parents and caregivers understand the importance of talking and listening to their children about the challenges young people face growing up.  She stated that “When kids can talk openly with an adult they trust, they make healthier choices”. Words Can Work assists parents in holding important conversations that encourage healthy lifestyles and successful behaviors.  Jeanne discussed how fostering safe and open communication within the family builds resilience and confidence in children and teenagers.

Jeanne emphasized that parents should encourage their children to share their feelings by asking open ended questions, such as “How are you feeling.  I’d like to know” and share their feelings as well.  “I’m sad because…”  Jeanne stressed that parents should find opportunities to ask children their opinions, and give them a chance to make choices, while acknowledging their good choices.  “I’m proud of your choice.  Was that a tough decision?”  In addition, Jeanne observed that parents can be more effective in keeping communication channels open when they are able to admit they don’t have all the answers, “I don’t know.  Let’s find out together” and when they apologize for their mistakes, stating, for example “I’m sorry I yelled at you.  I want to explain why I was so upset.” Parents who attended the program found this information very helpful and interesting.

Additional information is available for those families who were unable to attend.  Please call Molly at 516-562-9000 for a 'helpful hints' manual in communicating with your children.