What can you do with a big coffee filter? Make a floppy play hat, for one thing. That and other activities brought children and parents together recently for fun with a purpose. The free event introduced parents in the 76119 zip code area (Forest Hill and part of Fort Worth) to a new neighborhood parenting program. The collaboration of several local groups was started and funded by United Way to help parents help young children succeed in school and life.

Youngsters listened to stories and received free books to encourage reading. They improved their hand dexterity by threading paper blooms and leaves on pipe cleaners to make flowers. There was also a drawing for educational toys. Police officers were on hand to make identification cards for the children.

Parents signed up for a United Way newsletter of parenting tips. They received free infant car seats, immunization information and photos of their children.  

Organizations partnering with United Way to hold the event were Camp Fire, the Fort
Worth ISD Parents as Teachers program and Fort Worth Public Health Department/ Touchpoints. Another event is planned for the fall. In the meantime, the parenting program will continue with monthly support group meetings, home visits from parent educators, screenings to see how children are developing compared to their peers, and materials to prepare them for kindergarten.

The 76119 zip code area is home to many lower-income families. Economically disadvantaged children often enter kindergarten one to two years behind in language and other skills important for school success.