Parental concerns the focus of new S-R council

They come from many places and varied backgrounds but they share one common goal: raising happy and healthy kids in the Inland Northwest.

The nearly 40 parents from throughout the Inland Northwest who make up The Spokesman-Review’s new Parents’ Council have begun meeting and talking about the issues facing parents today.

Some of the concerns voiced so far included families getting caught in the trappings of materialism, protecting kids from pornography, the loss of social resources to support families and schools, what kids today wear and how boy-girl relationships are starting at younger and younger ages. Many parents said they would like to see more help for families in the region, better education for parents and more open discussion about social influences and how they are affecting kids today.

Some of the group’s discussions will be reflected in the pages and the online version of The Spokesman-Review through stories, transcripts of discussions or parenting tips.

And because parenting is a 24/7 job, the Parents’ Council has its own group blog – www.spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/parents – through which members share advice, examine parenting concerns and weigh in on current events that affect families.

We encourage you to join the dialogue, adding your comments to the blog.

Debuting next Monday will be a new column featuring excerpts from the Parents’ Council blog, a family-focused Slice item from columnist Paul Turner and other family tidbits.

If you have an issue that you think would be good for the council to discuss, please call or e-mail Laura Crooks at (509) 459-5441 or laurac@spokesman.com.