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Thomas Co. Schools launch "Be There" Campaign

By LeiLani Golden - bio | email

THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) – In a world full of technology and distractions, it can be easy to ignore your children.

That's why some schools are kicking off a program to remind parents to spend time with their kids.

If you've ever been around a child you probably know that it's the little moments they remember forever. Thomas County school officials understand that, which is why they say just being there for children... will benefit them for life.

Cooking dinner, getting money from the ATM, driving to the grocery store. They're all ordinary moments that Thomas County school officials are hoping you'll make extraordinary with your children. Today, the school system launched the "Be There" program that stresses the importance of connecting with children during those little moments throughout the day.

"It's a common sense thing. It doesn't require any extra money, it doesn't require any extra time. It's just incorporating what we already do," said Dr. Kathy Keown, director of Title 1 and Special Projects for the Thomas County school system.

Keown says parents have become too distracted with their hectic, work-filled lives and are ignoring their children.

"One of the biggest things is the cell phone. Just to be reminded to put the cell phone away. That business or chat with a friend is not nearly as important as spending time with your child."

Keown says the "Be There" program is a way to increase parent involvement beyond the classroom.

"We encourage parent involvement. We like for parents to come into our schools when we can but parents aren't always able to come into the schools and participate in specific programs."

Besides connecting and becoming closer with your child, Keown also said the program benefits last a lifetime.

"Research has shown over and over that when parents are more involved with children, children perform better in school academically. Their behavior is better, their choices are better, they end up becoming more productive adults themselves one day."

So the next time you change your oil or go shopping, consider using that time as an opportunity to bond and teach lessons with your child.

Keown says schools are spreading the word by sending brochures home with the student report cards today. So parents, be on the lookout.

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