If you or your kids have an interest in robotics, come to the free, first Oregon Regional Robotics Competition.    This free event runs 9-3, Friday and Saturday March 6th- 7th at the Memorial Coliseum.  Download a flyer at www.pnwfirst.org for more info.  What you'll see was built as part of a 6-week program by kids with help from their mentors. 

Whether you're still trying to figure out how to tell your kids about your upcoming divorce, or they already know and you're struggling with how to help them lovingly through it, Rosalind Sedacca, CCT has the solution.  Her "How Do I Tell the Kids... about the DIVORCE?  A Create-a-Storybook Guide to preparing your children -- with love!" e-book shows the way.  Bolstered by her own personal experience, as well as insightful supporting explanations from several counselors and psychologists, Rosalind tackles helping you tell the story for the family you were, are, and can be, as loving parents who will still love and be there for their children, even if you live in separate homes.  The book also address how to tell your story in a way that makes sense based on the age of your children, as well as how to cover especially challenging issues regarding the other parent.   While geared towards creating a loving past-present-and future scrapbook, whether you create the scrapbook or not, the book's approachable advice provides the help you need to support your children through your divorce and in the years that follow.

You can order Rosalind's e-book on www.XandParent.com, under "Wondering How to Tell the Kids?" Click "To order a step-by-step guide click here".

To learn more about Rosalind, visit her website, www.childcentereddivorce.com.

Connecting parents with screened providers, ESD 112 Child Care and Family Services. (360) 750-9735. No cost for referral. Take calls M-F 8-5. Covers pre-school, before and after school care. Prices vary depending on the age of the child and hours required. For parents unable to afford the services and working or looking for work, contact DSHS at (877) 980-9180.

Ladies: Second Saturday: What Women Need to Know About Divorce continues in Vancouver, following its successful maiden voyage in January '09. Since it's on Valentine's in February, we will be offering chocolate for all comers. And look for a second blog on that coming soon; www.SecondSaturdayDivorceCoaching.org; it's Portland/Vancouver focused. The national site is www.SecondSaturday.com.

Gentlemen: While the plan is to offer a male-appropriate equivalent to Second Saturday, you might want to check out Paul McGinniss' www.divorcecoaching4men.com. Like Second Saturday, the approach is positive and future-focused, in this case, specifically designed to help your work through "the fog of divorce". Like most Certified Coaches, Paul offers flexible and professional phone-based support.

Co-ed: Michelle Blacksher offers a locally-based Divorce Transition class, check restoredhopecoaching.com for more info. Offering hope and understanding, Divorce Recovery aids those who have undergone this trauma and upheaval recently or in the last several years. The programs help to restore hope, lend support, encourage and strengthen you in your life, while enhancing life and relationship skills that you may more successfully fulfill your purpose and destiny. Like most Certified Coaches, Michelle offers flexible and professional phone-based support.