Childcare for July’s meeting will be at Infinite Bounds Gymnastics Center, from 6 to 8:30 pm. The SSU meeting will be 6:30 – 8:00pm at Market Street on the NW corner of Preston and Park.

TOPIC: Mid-Year Financial Check-up/Re-set!

Did you set any financial goals at the beginning of the year?  How are you doing?  Join us for a mid-year money check-up and re-set.  We’ll go over budgeting, getting out of debt, the envelope system (our leader’s favorite!) and retirement.  What kind of questions do you have?  We’ll break it down, and make it easy to get on track with your finances.

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection!

Childcare pre-registration is needed to ensure space.  Childcare is provided to those  parents attending this month’s Single Side UP! Parent meeting.   REGISTRATION for childcare and starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Click HERE to register for July childcare if you are attending the SSU meeting. 

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!   (Single Side Up! meets every odd month on 3rd Saturday (with childcare on site) AND on even months we offer 3rd Saturday childcare for you to enjoy a Single Parent’s Night Out.)

Adopt a rubber duck for $5 and you could WIN a a $1000 Mastercard®/Visa® gift card! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR DUCK ADOPTION OR REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL 5K NOW!

The Duck Race is  Saturday July 25, 2015, 6:45-9:00pm
Tom Muehlenbeck Aquatic Center
5801 W. Parker Rd.
Plano, Texas 75093

Come cheer on your ducks and enjoy a FREE Family Wellness Carnival and Splash Fest with prizes, food, swimming, games and more! Bring your own picnic dinner or enjoy snowcones, popcorn or snacks, drinks! Swim, slide AND enjoy more FUN activities for the kids!

DUCK RACE AT 8pm!  We’ll launch them into the pool and the one who crosses the finish line first WINS a $1000 MasterCard®/Visa® gift card! Second place duck WINS big too!  Top 20 ducks will WIN a prize!  (Need not be present to win)

*** New this Year ***
Join the Virtual 5K!  Complete your 5K anytime, anywhere, between now and 7/25. All participants will also receive a free duck adoption ($5 value) and be entered for a chance to WIN a super cool Family Road Trip Prize basket including a Portable DVD Player, Board Game, Snacks, etc (Valued at over $100). Participants can pick up medals at 7/25 Duck Race / Wellness Carnival and Splash Fest or after 7/25 at the TSUF Operations Office or an upcoming Family Connection Night. *Once registered, we will email more details.*

All sales/registrations support This Side UP! Family’s wellness programs/services.

2nd Saturday Family Connection Night is taking a break in August.

We hope you will join This Side UP! Family on August 15th at the Historic Downtown Plano Association’s first ever Chalk-It-Up Art Contest and Movie Night!

This is a FREE Event for the whole family! Your family can enter to win cool prizes by creating your own pavement art! Come watch Professional Chalk Artists do their thing and play chalk games at the TSUF Tent!  Then stay to watch the “UP” Movie on a big, inflatable screen at 8:30pm. Bring your own picnic! Snow Cones, Water and Popcorn available!

Please check our calendar entry “HDPA Chalk It Up AND Movie in the Park! (TSUF Chalk Games Tent!)” for all the details.

We hope to see you there!

4th Saturday Family Connection Night is taking a break in August.

We hope you will join This Side UP! Family on August 15th at the Historic Downtown Plano Association’s first ever Chalk-It-Up Art Contest and Movie Night!

This is a FREE Event for the whole family! Your family can enter to win cool prizes by creating your own pavement art! Come watch Professional Chalk Artists do their thing and play chalk games at the TSUF Tent!  Then stay to watch the “UP” Movie on a big, inflatable screen at 8:30pm. Bring your own picnic! Snow Cones, Water and Popcorn available!

Please check our calendar entry “HDPA Chalk It Up AND Movie in the Park! (TSUF Chalk Games Tent!)” for all the details.

We hope to see you there!

FREE FAMILY CONNECTION NIGHT
Improv Comedy Night with The Understudies! 

You want the freshest comedy available?  Made to order?

The Understudies will serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!  If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun see you at COMEDY NIGHT!  (The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by HimProv.)

Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together!  We’ll send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool, too.

As usual, bring your own dinner and/orsnacks (optional).

Location:
Hughston Elementary, 2601 Cross Bend Rd, Plano, Texas 75023

Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family is again honored to have been selected as a local non-profit who will provide volunteers (and receive funding for doing so) to fuel this amazing community event!

Volunteers will sell tickets / wristbands to attendees for the activities in the Kids’ Fun Zone. Each volunteer will receive a 3 day admission pass for the Festival, a volunteer parking pass for the day they volunteer, and our appreciation for their time and energy!! 

We have two volunteer shifts to choose from.  Click Here to volunteer!  You can use your pass to enjoy the Balloon Festival all weekend long!

It’s time for a TSUF
At-Home Family Challenge!!

This month’s Family Value is “THRIVING FAMILIES FOCUS ON FINANCES!” so this weekend we are challenging you to schedule some connection time together to make and talk about SAVE, GIVE, SPEND jars as a family!

Post a picture of your family with your JARS to our FB page!  Your post will register your family to win a family basket with movie tickets, family board game and more!  Enter through Sunday and prize drawing will be held (and winner announced) on Tuesday!

Click HERE for our Family Connection Time sheet with more ideas for Family Finances connection.  Also, if you already made JARS at a TSUF program this month, that counts!  Just post a pic of your family with them at home!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Social Media 101 (9/29)
Panel Style Education & Discussion on the in’s and out’s of social media and it’s impact on development and self-esteem.
Panelists:
Cynthia Garrison (PISD Lead Parent Educator)
Coach Keisha Howard (Parent&Teen Coach, 2015 Mom’s Choice Award)
JJ McLeod (Youth/Family Pastor at Legacy Church Plano)
Irum Kitty Jones (Chief Technology Officer with VPay and Noxx Media

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

TAG, You’re It (10/6)
Development of the adolescent brain, stress, depression and suicide; learn how to recognize the signs of a young person in psychological distress and how to get appropriate help.
Presented by Vanita Halliburton

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Bingo Night PLUS the Plano Symphony Orchestra!

Come play Bingo! Fun games! WIN prizes and more!

PLUS….

the PLANO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’s Instrument Petting Zoo will be here for the kids to enjoy their own hands-on experience!

Youth musicians will even treat us to a mini-performance!!!

*COOLNESS ALERT! They have given us FREE tickets to share with our wonderful families!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Location:
Davis Elementary School
2701 Parkhaven Drive
Plano, TX 75075

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

(Location details coming soon!)

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Communicating Effectively with Your Teen (10/13)
Dr. Jenny Warren from Collin College will share information and answer your questions on effective communication.

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

TOPIC –  It’s our very popular Ask a Lawyer event!   An attorney will be present to answer your legal questions!

It’s so hard to know how to discipline, parent, and if you’re a single parent, you need to learn how to co-parent!  Join other single parents for encouragement and connection!

Meeting location this month is the same as the childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1890 K Ave (across Ave K from the Fire Station)
Plano, TX 75074

Childcare pre-registration is needed to ensure space.   REGISTRATION for childcare and starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Click HERE to register for October childcare. 

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!   (Single Side Up! meets every odd month on 3rd Saturday (with childcare on site) AND on even months we offer 3rd Saturday childcare for you to enjoy a Single Parent’s Night Out.)

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Healthy Relationships (10/20)
The Family Place will share information on teen relationships, friendships, and dating, and how to address your concerns as a parent.

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Raising a Strong Teen (10/27)
Learn how to navigate the sometimes challenging teen years and equip yourself with the necessary tools to support their development.

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Drugs / Alcohol (11/03)
Panel Style Education & Discussion on current drug and alcohol issues facing our teens and how to communicate effectively to protect and strengthen your child. 
Panelists:
Cynthia Garrison (PISD Lead Parent Educator)
Diane Windsor (Single Side UP! Leader)
Grace Raulson (Collin County Substance Abuse Specialist)
Officer Courtney Pero (Plano Police Officer)

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Sex (11/10)
Panel Style Discussion on talking to your tween/teens on this tough, but very important topic.
Panelists:
Cynthia Garrison (PISD Lead Parent Educator)
Jennifer Barker (Director of Programs at CARE Collin County)
Laura Atterstrom, MA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

FREE Family Bingo PLUS Attitude of Gratitude Night

We’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

We’ll also send you home with a family connection tool to continue building an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE into your home!

PLUS!!! Come Watch Zoe the Clown’s FUN Show and learn a few clown moves of your own! 🙂

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1890 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074 (across Ave K from Fire Station)

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

TOPIC – Co-Parenting During the Holidays

Join us for a discussion with counselor Cynthia Garrison, MS, CFLE, CAMS, about co-parenting during the holidays. It’s not always easy to schedule visits that make everyone happy. Cynthia will help figure out what’s best for both parents and the kids

Meeting location this month is the same as the childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1890 K Ave (across Ave K from the Fire Station)
Plano, TX 75074

Childcare pre-registration is needed to ensure space.   REGISTRATION for childcare and starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Click HERE to register for November childcare. 

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!   (Single Side Up! meets every odd month on 3rd Saturday (with childcare on site) AND on even months we offer 3rd Saturday childcare for you to enjoy a Single Parent’s Night Out.)

FREE Family Bingo Night PLUS – Gingerbread House Making

EACH FAMILY WILL BUILD THEIR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND TAKE IT HOME!

You’ll fill your gingerbread house with written ideas of how to show each other love this Christmas instead of getting caught up in “looks” and “things”.

PLUS, we’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Thank you to our Location Sponsors!
Join us Upstairs at PSA Plano 1!
PSA Star Center
6500 Preston Meadow Dr, Plano, Texas 75024

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

THE most FUN, Safest, Family Friendliest way to bring in 2016 in Collin County!  We’ll have great food, wonderful entertainment, free family portrait by Kemp Portraits, silent acution and a “High Five” gift for every family to celebrate our 5th year!

• TERRIFIC Entertainment
• Delicious Dinner and Desserts
• FREE professional family portrait
• AMAZING Silent Auction and Crafts for the Kids
• A Gift for Every Family
• Countdown and Sparkling Juice Toast to midnight at 9pm!

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

FAMILY CONNECTION TIME CHALLENGE

Save the Date!
Program details coming soon!

The At-Home Family Challenge is always EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket with movie tickets, board game, and more!

Specific details coming soon!  Challenge runs from Friday – through Sunday at midnight!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

01/12 Topic – Social Media / Technology 101
Education and discussion on the “ins and outs” of the most popular teen social media sites plus ideas for establishing social media and cell phone boundaries with your child.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!

This Month Topic – Budgeting

Please note the key changes to this month’s program:
1.  Day / Date change to Friday evening, January 15th
2.  The meeting and childcare will be at Oak Point Recreation Center, 6000 Jupiter Rd, Plano, 75074
3.  We do not have access to a nursery so childcare for January will be for our 2 older groupings, I’m a Big Kid Now and School House Rocks.  (All children must be potty trained)

REGISTRATION for childcare and starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is needed to ensure space.   

Click Here to register for childcare!

(Single Side UP! meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month (with childcare).  For months that do not have a meeting, we offer 3rd Saturday childcare for you to enjoy a Single Parent’s Night Out.)

Saturday Night Thrive

 We’ll have a blast playing good ole
fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.

PLUS…. We’ll finish out our 5 Year Anniversary Month with a High-Five your Family Themed Night!

Get Your very own High Five Your Family Travelling Trophy, make Handprint Family Art and play classic games together!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Crossbend
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

02/09 Topic – Dating and Relationships
Dating and Relationships – how to navigate difficult conversations and what you need to be aware of to protect and empower your teen.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

“MY FAMILY IS SWEET!”
VALENTINES FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

To inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s awesomeness (aka SWEETness), we created the “My Family is SWEET!” Valentines Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 2/12 and goes through Monday 2/15.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC including a “MY FAMILY IS SWEET!” sign you create. (Sign can be printed off the computer, handwritten, written on a cake, etc. Big or small, you decide! Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.)…

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.
4. Playing TOGETHER.
5. Making and/or Enjoying a SWEET Treat TOGETHER.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org BY MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY, 2/15.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN. All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/movie tickets, board game, and more!
2.THE BIG WHY. Because Family Time is SWEET (Awesome) and has also been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! And the results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

EARN AN EXTRA ENTRY!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF VALENTINES FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE!

Have fun with this VALENTINES FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE!
Facebook or Email us your FAMILY TIME, SIGN-HOLDING PIC by midnight on Monday, 2/15!!

FAMILY TIME IS SWEET!!!!
Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

(Winner announced 2/16!)

This Month’s Topic – Ask a Lawyer

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!

Please note the key changes to this month’s program:
1.  Day / Date change to Friday, February 19th
2.  The meeting and childcare will be at Oak Point Recreation Center, 6000 Jupiter Rd, Plano, 75074
3.  We do not have access to a nursery so childcare will be for our 2 older groupings, I’m a Big Kid Now and School House Rocks.  (All children must be potty trained)

REGISTRATION for childcare and starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is needed to ensure space.   

Click Here to register for childcare!

Saturday Night Thrive

FREE Family Connection Night!   
BINGO  PLUS… Leap Year FUN!

We’ll have a blast playing good ole fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.  PLUS…. We’ll focus on LEAP YEAR and having fun strengthening your family by LEAPS AND BOUNDS!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Rd
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

03/08 Topic – Drugs/Alcohol
Education and Discussion on current drug and alcohol issues facing our teens and how to communicate effectively to protect and strengthen your child.

Presenters: Jennifer Barker, Director of Programs at CARE Collin County and former PISD Senior High Substance Abuse Counselor AND Diane Windsor, Single Side Up Leader and experienced parent.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Saturday Night Thrive

Join us for
COMEDY NIGHT!

You want the freshest comedy available?  Made to order? 

The Understudies serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!  If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun see you at
COMEDY NIGHT!  (The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by HimProv.)

Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun
together!  We’ll send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool, too.

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Rd
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Month’s Topic – Saving for Retirement

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!  From group meetings to nights out on your own to clothing giveaways and more, SSU is here to equip and encourage you on your single parenting journey!!!

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.   Childcare is provided onsite as space is available.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is recommended to ensure space for your child.

Click Here to register for childcare!

“MY FAMILY IS EGGS-ELLENT!”
FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

In honor of Easter weekend AND, most of all, to inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s EGGS-ellentness, we created the …

“My Family is EGGS-ELLENT!”
Easter Weekend Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 3/25 and goes through Sunday, 3/27.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC with a visible egg in it!
(Egg can soft or hard-boiled, white or decorated, whatever you prefer! Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.)

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE KID AND SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.
4. Playing or Hanging out TOGETHER.
5. Cooking or Eating TOGETHER.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org  BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 3/27.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN. All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/movie tickets, board game, and more!
2.THE BIG WHY. Because Family Time is EGGS-ellent (Awesome) and has also been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! The results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE!  Add #familytimematters #thissideuupfamily and we’ll even add another entry!

FAMILY TIME IS EGGS-ellent!!!!  Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

REMEMBER… there should be an EGG in your pic!! 🙂

(Winner announced 3/29!)

Saturday Night Thrive

FREE Family Connection Night – Bingo PLUS!

We’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!  PLUS a Pop, Pop, Pop FOCUS!

• POPcorn Praise Exercise with your Family!
• POPcorn Art as a Family!
• POPcorn Pictionary with the group!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
PSA StarCenter – Plano 1
6500 Preston Meadow Dr
Plano, Texas 75024
Upstairs at PSA Plano 1

Thank you to our Location Sponsors!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!  Join us Upstairs at PSA Plano 1!

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

04/12 Topic – Bullying (Online and Offline!)
Prevent and Identify bullying in your child’s life, both online and offline.  Learn how to teach your child to come to you with concerns early and fast.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

“MY FAMILY IS POPPING!”
FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

We had so much fun with our Pop, Pop, Pop Family Connection Night we want to keep it going! So… to inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s awesomeness , we created the “My Family is POPPING!” Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 4/22 and goes through Sunday, 4/24.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC with POPCORN in it!
(Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.)

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE KID AND SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.
4. Playing or Hanging out TOGETHER.
5. Cooking or Eating TOGETHER.
6. Making POPcorn Art TOGETHER.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 4/24.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN. All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/movie tickets, board game, and more!
2.THE BIG WHY. Because FAMILY TIME MATTERS and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! And the results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE! Add #familytimematters #thissideuupfamily and we’ll even add another entry!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

REMEMBER… there should be POPCORN in your pic!!

(Winner announced 4/27!)

Saturday Night Thrive

Mom is MMMarvelous!
Mothers Day Weekend Free Family Connection Night that’s MMM good!

Minute to Win it Games … Marshmallow Family Challenge …
Marvelous Line Dancing Fun by Graceful Soles Dance Studio …
M&M Connection Time … PLUS A GIFT FOR EACH MOM!

Come on out for a night of good ol’fashioned community FUN aimed at honoring the MMMarvelous Moms in attendance!  We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Rd
Plano, Texas 75023

Thank you to our Location Sponsors!

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

05/10 Topic – Family Conflict and Communications Strategies
Learn how to address family conflict in a healthy way and how to grow closer to your teen through the conflict you are experiencing.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Month’s Topic – Ask a Lawyer

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!  From group meetings to nights out on your own to clothing giveaways and more, SSU is here to equip and encourage you on your single parenting journey!!!

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register for childcare! 

This Month’s Topic – Estate Planning and Wills

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!  From group meetings to nights out on your own to clothing giveaways and more, SSU is here to equip and encourage you on your single parenting journey!!!

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  

Space is limited in all our childcare rooms, so sign up early to ensure your spot.   REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register!

Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

Get The Scoop on Celebrating Dad! 

Free Family Connection Night!

Join us for This Side UP! Family’s FREE Family Connection Night!

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT YES WE DO,
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT HOW ‘BOUT YOU???!!!

Eat at Mooyah at the NE corner of Legacy/Independence and a % of all sales go to This Side UP! Family.  Plus, we will have ducks available for adoption for $5 (to support TSUF) if you would like to enter the Duck Race and a chance for the $1000 first place prize. Quacktastic Yummy-ness and then some!

(Duck Race is on 7/23, you do not have to be present to WIN!)

Do you have a parenting issue you’re struggling with?

We want to help!
Come in for free expert advice! 

Power UP! Your Parenting:
Connect for FREE one-on-one time with our amazing TSUF Certified Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison, MS, CFLE, CAMS

Summer can be a stressful time for parents! So… This Side UP! Family is offering FREE 30 minute POWER UP! COACHING SESSIONS at our East Plano Operations Office on the following dates and times.

• Tuesday evenings on 7/12 and 7/19 from 6:30-8:30pm
• Sat 8/6 from 10am-noon

Each child is different and each parent is unique. Share your struggles or questions and our Certified Parenting Coach will help you strategize a results-based approach to initiate in your home immediately!

First-come, first serve. Helpful resources provided during session, too! Spots are limited so only sign up if you are committed to keeping your appointment!

Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute session!

Do you have a parenting issue you’re struggling with?

We want to help!
Come in for free expert advice! 

Power UP! Your Parenting:
Connect for FREE one-on-one time with our amazing TSUF Certified Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison, MS, CFLE, CAMS

Summer can be a stressful time for parents! So… This Side UP! Family is offering FREE 30 minute POWER UP! COACHING SESSIONS at our East Plano Operations Office on the following dates and times.

• Tuesday evenings on 7/12 and 7/19 from 6:30-8:30pm
• Sat 8/6 from 10am-noon

Each child is different and each parent is unique. Share your struggles or questions and our Certified Parenting Coach will help you strategize a results-based approach to initiate in your home immediately!

First-come, first serve. Helpful resources provided during session, too! Spots are limited so only sign up if you are committed to keeping your appointment!

Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute session!

Adopt a Rubber Duck to show your support of
This Side UP! Family
(Need not to be present to win)

Click HERE to purchase your duck adoption TODAY!

Then, mark your calendar for 7/23 to come cheer on your ducks and enjoy a FREE Family Splash Fest with prizes, food, swimming, games and more! Bring your own picnic dinner or enjoy snow-cones, popcorn , snacks, and/or drinks! Swim, slide AND enjoy FUN activities for the kids!

The Lucky Duck Duck Race and Spalshfest is:
Saturday, 7/23/16, 6:45-9:00pm
Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center
5801 W. Parker Rd.
Plano, Texas 75093

DUCK RACE AT 8pm! We’ll launch them into the pool and the one who crosses the finish line first WINS a $1000 MasterCard®/Visa® gift card! Second place duck WINS big, too!! Top 20 ducks WIN A PRIZE! (Need not be present to win)

All proceeds go to This Side UP! Family’s wellness programs and moving families from surviving to thriving!

Do you have a parenting issue you’re struggling with?

We want to help!
Come in for free expert advice! 

Power UP! Your Parenting:
Connect for FREE one-on-one time with our amazing TSUF Certified Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison, MS, CFLE, CAMS

Summer can be a stressful time for parents! So… This Side UP! Family is offering FREE 30 minute POWER UP! COACHING SESSIONS at our East Plano Operations Office on the following dates and times.

• Tuesday evenings on 7/12 and 7/19 from 6:30-8:30pm
• Sat 8/6 from 10am-noon

Each child is different and each parent is unique. Share your struggles or questions and our Certified Parenting Coach will help you strategize a results-based approach to initiate in your home immediately!

First-come, first serve. Helpful resources provided during session, too! Spots are limited so only sign up if you are committed to keeping your appointment!

Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute session!

BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY LAUGH NIGHT! 

The Understudies serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!

If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun and a great way to conclude your Summer… see you at FAMILY LAUGH NIGHT!

The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by Fish Sticks. Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together! We will also have an open mic joke sharing time for the kids to share their fave joke!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Saigling Elementary
3600 Matterhorn Drive, Plano, TX 75075

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Saturday Night Thrive
Bingo Night PLUS Clown Show!

We’ll have family fun playing good ole fashioned family-friendly Bingo and enjoy a 30 minute show and a 10 minute Clown “tutoring” time by Daisty the Clown from Clownin’ Around. Clown Noses for all!

Every kid wins a prize! Plus…we’ll send you home with a family connection tool!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Meadows Elementary
2800 18th Street
Plano, Texas 75074

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Month’s Topic – Starting a Side Business

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!  From group meetings to nights out on your own to clothing giveaways and more, SSU is here to equip and encourage you on your single parenting journey!!!

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  

Space is limited in all our childcare rooms, so sign up early to ensure your spot.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register!

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

This Side UP! Family
Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an invaluable, empowering Parenting POWER HOUR Series in Fall 2016!!

Informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

9/20 TOPIC – AVOID HELICOPTER HOMEWORKING AND DEVELOP GREAT STUDY HABITS!
Come hear Lead PISD Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison and PISD Assistant Principal Karma Cunningham share from their combined 34 years of expertise dealing with parent/child relationships on this important topic! Leave equipped to have a less stressful yet more productive year in the topic of Homework and building great study habits into your kids!!!

Coming UP!:
10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community. Water and Light Snacks Provided. We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.  Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 9/20! (General Attendees do not need to pre-register!)

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Saturday Night Thrive 

Join us for an AMAZING science show with interactive family fun, too!! Newton’s Lab is back by popular demand!

This is a super, cool night that will ignite an even deeper love for Science into our youth!  And… we’ll play a few Minute To Win Games, too!

PLUS… We’ll send you home with a family connection tool!  Our Value of the month is: Thriving Families Think Outside the Box! so… we’ll be doing an activity that night where families decorate and fill a box of “Outside The Box FAMILY TIME IDEAS!”  Go Home equipped to put these ideas to use in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

Topic for 10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
Join us as Plano Police Officer Sergeant Terry Holway, Cynthia Garrison, Lead PISD Parent Educator, AND Irene Little, Founder of Access Counseling in Plano provide great insight into what our kids are dealing with and how to keep communication strong on this topic!  Leave equipped and empowered! 

Remaining Series Topics:
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 10/18!  (General Attendees do not need to pre-register!)

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

PUMPKIN ART FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE (at-home!)

To inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s awesomeness , we created the PUMPKIN ART Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 10/21 and goes through Sunday, 10/23.  It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY! (You can complete the challenge anytime, as long as you submit the picture by 10/23!)

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC with your own version of PUMPKIN ART in it!  Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE KID AND SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY’S PUMPKIN ART CREATION.  This can be in the form of a decorated pumpkin, carved pumpkin, paper pumpkin coloring… simply something that shows family connection and creativity!  Pumpkins can be real or not real.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 10/23.

WHY??!!!
1.  YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/restaurant gift card, board game, and more!
2.  THE BIG WHY.  Because FAMILY TIME MATTERS and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results will be trajectory-changing family and community strengthening!

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE!  Use hashtags #familytimematters #thissideuupfamily and we’ll add another entry!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

REMEMBER… there should be both kid and adult AND your own version of PUMPKIN ART in your pic!! 🙂

(Winner announced 10/25!)

Bingo, Bubbles, and More!

We’ll have family fun playing good ole fashioned Bingo PLUS The Texas Bubble Lady will be here with The Incredible Bubble Show – an awesome show that will appeal to all ages!

Plus…you’ll create a Family Gratitude Bubble and go home equipped to inspire an Attitude of Gratitude in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Davis Elementary
2701 Parkhaven Drive
Plano, Texas 75075

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

9/20 – Avoid Helicopter Homeworking & Build Great Study Habits
10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

Come hear Lead PISD Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison and PISD Assistant Principal Karma Cunningham share from their combined 34 years of expertise dealing with parent/child relationships on this important topic! Leave equipped to have a less stressful yet more productive action plan in coping with Boundary Battles and Control Issues.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.  Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 11/15.

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Month’s Topic – How to Choose the Right Attorney for YOU

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! This month, we’re going to change things up a little bit.  We want to hear your stories about how the legal process has been for you.  Was it easy or hard?  Fairly inexpensive, or ridiculously pricey?  Did you work with an attorney that you like, or did you feel that they did not look out for your best interests?

Let’s have a discussion and learn from each other!  Our Estate Planning Attorney, Lisa Sharp, will be with us to help answer some questions.  She used to be a Family Law Attorney, and she has a lot of great information.

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register for childcare!

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

Bingo Night PLUS – Gingerbread House Making

EACH FAMILY WILL BUILD THEIR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND TAKE IT HOME!

You’ll fill your gingerbread house with written ideas of how to show each other love this Christmas instead of getting caught up in “looks” and “things”. PLUS, we’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

9/20 – Avoid Helicopter Homeworking & Build Great Study Habits
10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

Join us as Irum Jones, Managing Partner at Electrician on Call and Chief Strategist at Noxx Media Group, shares her Social Media expertise from years of experience and working on her first book, Social Media for All Stages and Ages.  You will not want to miss hearing her 101 tips and how best to connect with your child using today’s technology.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Free Family Connection Night

Dream Big and Go for the Goal!

Kick off a new year of TSUFamily Connection Nights having a blast with Pictionary, Headbanz, and deciding it’s “Game ON” for your family!

We’ll enjoy a great evening of FUN games and you’ll make a Family Pennant with your crew!  Go home with a tool to guide your family in creating your own Mission/Vision Statement, too!

Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

Money… what an emotionally charged topic. We all need guidance on what to give, when to give and for what we should pay. Join us as Lead PISD Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison, and Single Side Up! Leader and experienced parent, Diane Windsor, discuss this challenging topic and give assistance on how to navigate this parent responsibility.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 1/17!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Month’s Topic – Teaching Your Kids About Money

We know we need to teach our kiddos about money, but how do we do it?  What do we share?  What do we hold back?

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being! 

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register for childcare!

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

DREAM Big and Go for the Goal!
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

We all know that teams have a common goal—and families are the most important type of team!

This challenge starts Friday, 1/27 and goes through Sunday 1/29 at midnight.  It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Step 1: Sit down with your family and brainstorm a word that you want your family to be about/focus on this year.  Give each member an opportunity to choose a word and take a vote to pick your family word.

Step 2:  Use the 2017 WORD template on this event page (or make your own WORD template/sign) to tell everyone your Family Word of the Year.  Get creative—you can draw it, type it or even cut out letters from fun, patterned paper.  Make it as unique as your family!
Template – TSUF Family Word of the Year 2017

Step 3: Post a pic of your family with your 2017 Word sheet on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org by midnight, January 29^th.

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community. HANG YOUR 2017 FAMILY WORD IN A COMMON AREA FOR YOUR FAMILY TO FOCUS ON ALL YEAR LONG!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Winner announced 2/1

Free Family Connection Night

Bingo plus A Family Valentines Evening TOGETHER!

BINGO and all the traditional elements of Valentines… Flowers, Chocolate and even a little Music and Dancing!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Davis Elementary
2701 Parkhaven Drive
Plano, TX 75075 

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Month’s Topic – Love Languages and Q/A with Certified Family Life Educator

Join us as we welcome Cynthia Garrison, a certified family life educator, licensed social worker and TSUF board member.  She will give a presentation on Love Languages, and answer your questions about family relationship topics.

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register for childcare!

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!  Join other single parents for encouragement and connection!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

Children today are very technology savvy, but they do not always comprehend the safety risks associated with their Internet and social media activities.  Join us as we welcome Marisa Miller, Assistant US Attorney, US Justice Department.  AUSA Miller is the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Eastern District of Texas, responsible for the coordination of all of the district’s prosecution of crimes against children and human trafficking.  Her years of experience and wealth of knowledge will teach you ways to protect and keep your children safe, because technology is not going away.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 2/21!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

THRIVING FAMILIES
CELEBRATE AND DATE!!!
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

We know that quality time is an important love language for families and February is known as the month of LOVE.

SO SHOW US YOUR FAMILY LOVE!!!!

This challenge starts Friday, 2/24 and goes through Sunday 2/26 at midnight.  It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Step 1: Make and have a family date.  It can be any combination (for example: daddy/daughter, mom/son, parent date night, entire family)–as long as it’s 2 or more members, it’s fair game!

Step 2: Post a pic of  your family date on This Side UP! Family’s Facebook page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org by midnight, February 26^th.

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Winner will be announced 2/28

This Month’s Topic – Ask an Lawyer

We welcome Family Law Attorney, Camille Borg to our March single parents’ meeting.  She will be happy to answer your family law questions, and also help with pointers on how to choose the right attorney for you.

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE to register for childcare!

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being! 

Health and Wellness Family Fun Time! 

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection!

We’ll enjoy a great evening of BINGO and family time!  Go home with a Family Values tool to guide your family, too!  Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

What an annoying behavior for parents. But, it is normal for children to argue and fight.  Join us as we welcome Cynthia Garrison, a certified family life educator, licensed social worker and TSUF board member as she helps us better understand the growth of social and conflict resolution skills as well as creating a win-win situation in the charged atmosphere of homes with more than one child.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 3/21!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

THRIVING FAMILIES FOCUS ON
HEALTH & WELLNESS!!!
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

Spring is in the air!!!  With the days starting to get longer, and the weather getting warmer (but not Texas-hot yet), it’s the perfect time to get out and get active!  We know that being healthy takes commitment, but it can also be FUN when the whole family does it together! 

This month, we want to see what you are doing to stay healthy!  Send us a pic of your family being healthy—it can be doing something active like a 5k or a walk around your neighborhood, or a well-balanced, healthy meal you have created together, or any other creative way you can think of to show your family taking the wellness challenge—the possibilities are endless!  Extra points for colorful food or scenery!!!

Post your pic on This Side UP Family’s Facebook  page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org between March 24^th and midnight on March 26^th.

WHY??!!!
YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Our At-Home Family Challenges are always a fun activity for families to do together, plus they are super easy!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

(Winner announced 3/28!)

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

Using Thomas and Chess’ three different types of temperament: Easy, Slow to Warm and Difficult, Cynthia Garrison, certified family life educator, licensed social worker, and TSUF board member, will help us understand the different personalities and how to use parenting strategies for each to create a harmonious family.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 4/18!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Meet the Candidates Bingo Night! 

Can local politics and Family FUN be part of the same sentence and the same evening?
YES!!!

We’ll have a blast playing good ole fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.  Meet the Candidates as they serve as VIP Bingo Callers for the night!

This is a VERY important election for our city and This Side UP! Family seeks to raise voter participation by making it real and personal! So… we’ll help you get to know the candidates for City Council and School Board in a casual, FUN way!

CONFIRMED VIP BINGO CALLERS:
City Council Candidates: Kayci Prince, David Downs, Al Valente, Rick Smith, Anthony Ricciardelli, Ann Bacchus, Stirling Morris, Ed Acklin, Bill Lisle
PISD School Board Candidates: Nancy Johnson Humphrey, Greg Myer, Trish Patterson, Nathan Rylander, Amanda Jackson, Carissa Picard

We’ll have family fun and send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool too!  Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

THRIVING FAMILIES MAKE MEALTIME A PRIORITY!

Our At-Home Family Challenges are always a fun activity for families to do together, plus they are super easy!  

What is your favorite family meal?  Are you a taco family?  Do you prefer lasagna?  Or maybe you like chicken fried steak.  Most of us have a recipe that brings up good memories of meals shared with people we love.

This month, we want to see your mealtime in action!  Sync up your family calendar and find a night that everyone will be home.  Pull out a favorite family recipe and give every family member something to do—it could be washing the veggies or measuring the water,  setting the table or even the actual cooking!  Or the meal could even be a simple one with noodles and a jar of spaghetti sauce.  The goal is to make mealtime a priority and get everyone involved in some way.

After you have created your meal, we want to see a pic!  Post your pic on This Side UP Family’s Facebook page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org between April 28th and midnight on April 30th.  Tag it with #TSUFathomechallenge.  For extra entries, post it on your personal Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page with the same hashtag!

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.   Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Winner will be announced May 2nd.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

Mother’s Day Improv Comedy Night! 

“If Mama’s Laughing then everyone’s Laughing!” CELEBRATE THE MOM IN YOUR FAMILY AT FAMILY LAUGH NIGHT!

If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun and a great way to celebrate Spring Break… see you at FAMILY LAUGH NIGHT!

The Understudies serves up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!   The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by Fish Sticks. Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together! We will also have an open mic joke sharing time for the kids to share their fave joke!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/16 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

Discipline is not easy, even for the experienced parents. Our certified Family Life  Educator, Cynthia Garrison will include discussion on effective positive discipline strategies, strategies which don’t work and the wisdom to know the difference.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.    (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 5/16!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Month’s Topic – Deep Dive Into What a Credit Score Is

Is your credit score high or low, good or bad?  What does that even mean?  What does it effect?  How can you improve it?

For this informative event, we’ll welcome financial expert Mark Ernst, who will teach us everything we ever wanted to know about our credit score, and more!

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  

REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE for childcare registration! 

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!

AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

Our At-Home Family Challenges are always a fun activity for families to do together, plus they are super easy! 

THRIVING FAMILIES LAUGH AND TALK!

Have you ever laughed so hard that it hurt?  What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen or heard or even done?  We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine and studies have proven that laughing is great for your health!

This month, we want to laugh with you!  Grab your family and spend some time telling each other jokes.  Then, vote on your favorite joke and post it on our facebook page or email it to us at info@thissideupfamily.org between May 26^th-28th.  You could even video yourself or a member of your family telling the joke if you want to get really brave!

For extra entries, tag your post with #TSUFathomechallenge and post it on your personal Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Winner will be announced May 30th.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

Family Connection Night – Bingo PLUS Quizz Whizz

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection!

This month’s Value is THRIVING FAMILIES SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER!  We’ll enjoy a great evening of BINGO and family connection time!

PLUS Explore Horizons will be here to lead us in a cool, interactive game time called Quizz Whizz.  A blast of a time where kids will have fun learning how to scour through information to find details and facts, then they’ll create their very own quiz to see if parents can distinguish between fact and fiction.  Healthy and fun game time for your whole family! (Explore Horizons is a tutoring and enrichment center for grades pre-k thru 8th grade.)

We’ll enjoy a great evening of fun activities and family time!  Go home with a Family Values tool to guide your family, too!  Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Month’s Topic – Mid-Year Money Check Up!

It’s the middle of the year, so let’s take a minute to check on our finances!  Are you using a budget?  Paying off debt?  Do you need to earn more money?  If so, what does that look like – a better paying job, or a side business?  Are you saving for holiday gifts?  Are you saving for retirement?  Gee, there are so many great money topics we can chat about!

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at Chase Oaks Family Center.  Childcare is provided onsite as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  

REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE for childcare registration! 

Meeting and Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being!

AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

Our At-Home Family Challenges are always a fun activity for families to do together, plus they are super easy! 

THRIVING FAMILIES Spend QUALITY TIME Together!

We all know that when we spend time with people we love, we are drawn closer together.  In all of our hustle and bustle of getting kids to practices/games/rehearsals/concerts/parties, we spend time together, but it’s more like co-exisiting instead of being true quality time.

This month, we want to see what quality time looks like for your family!  Set aside a time to get together—maybe it’s over a meal or a day at the park or you turn the radio off and just talk as you are driving in the car.  Decide what you want to do as a family and take a pic of your family doing it! Then, post your pic on our facebook page OR email it to us at info@thissideupfamily.org between June 23^rd-25th.  For extra entries, tag your post with #TSUFathomechallenge and post it on your personal Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Winner will be announced June 27th.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

This Month’s Topic – Ask a Lawyer!

This MeetUp will be Ask a Paralegal and Divorce Financial Expert!

Join us as we welcome Cathy Threadgill.  She will answer your Family Law related questions, and she can also help if you’re in the process of selecting an attorney to represent you.  Cathy is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) who assists her clients with financial issues as they are going through a divorce. 

This month’s Single Side UP! meeting is held at our new SORT IT OUT Room, right next to our Operating Office!  Meeting time is 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Childcare is provided at the Chase Oaks Family Center as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE for childcare registration! 

Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

SSU Meeting Location:
SORT IT OUT Room!
1201 E 15th Street
Suite 410
Plano, Texas 75074
(room is 2 doors down from our Operating Offices and just 1 mile from the childcare location)

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being! 

Lucky Duck Duck Race 2017!

Adopt a Rubber Duck to Show Your Support of
This Side UP! Family
(Need not be present to win)

Come cheer on your ducks and enjoy a FREE Family Splash Fest with prizes, food, swimming, games and more! Bring your own picnic dinner or enjoy snow-cones, popcorn, snacks, and/or drinks! Swim, slide AND enjoy FUN activities for the kids!

Click HERE to purchase your duck adoption TODAY!

The Lucky Duck Duck Race and Spalsh Fest is:
Saturday, 7/22/2017 – 6:45-9:00pm
Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center
5801 W. Parker Rd.
Plano, Texas 75093

DUCK RACE AT 8pm! We’ll launch them into the pool and the one who crosses the finish line first WINS a $1000 MasterCard®/Visa® gift card! Second place duck WINS big, too!! Top 20 ducks WIN A PRIZE! (Need not be present to win)

All proceeds go to This Side UP! Family’s wellness programs and moving families from surviving to thriving!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

Our At-Home Family Challenges are always a fun activity for families to do together, plus they are super easy!  Check back soon for specific details! You could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

Do you have a parenting issue you’re struggling with?
We want to help!

Come in for free expert advice! 

Power UP! Your Parenting:
Connect for FREE one-on-one time with  Amy Egan our Certified Parent Coach who helps parents reconnect with their kids through simple to learn techniques that make dramatic improvements in parent-child relationships.

Summer can be a stressful time for parents! So… This Side UP! Family is offering FREE 30 minute POWER UP! COACHING SESSIONS at our S.O.R.T. IT OUT Room on Tuesday evening on 8/8 from 5:00-7:30pm

Each child is different and each parent is unique.  Share your struggles or questions and our Certified Parenting Coach will help you strategize a results-based approach to initiate in your home immediately!

First-come, first serve. Spots are limited so only sign up if you are committed to keeping your appointment!  Click HERE to schedule a session!

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH with Ice Cream, Bubble Gum, and Bingo!

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection! This month’s Value is THRIVING FAMILIES TACKLE THE TOUGH STUFF!

Join us as we celebrate the last hurrah of summer with a FREE back to school bash! We’ll have a bubble-gum blowing contest, bingo (with prizes for all!) and send you home with tools to tackle the tough stuff as you get back in your school routine,

AND (drumroll, please)…

iCream will be in the house making ice cream with sweet liquid nitrogen as we watch!

You won’t want to miss this FREE Family Connection Night! As usual, bring your own dinner and/or snacks (optional).

Did we mention that everything is totally FREE?!?!?

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

THRIVING FAMILIES TACKLE THE TOUGH STUFF
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

Back to school time can be tough—tackling the new schedules, meeting new teachers, maybe even going to a new school.  This month, we want to know how you tackle this time of year!

Do you have a family dance party when the stress sets in, do you go out for an ice cream cone, do you organize everything by color on a Calendar?  Show us what YOUR family does to tackle the tough stuff!  Take a picture of you and your peeps doing your “thing” and send it to us!  You can post it on our Facebook page (and tag it with #tsufathomechallenge) or email it to us at info@thissideupfamily.org between Aug 25th – 27th! 

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.   All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.   Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.   Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become
confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!   It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family
and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Winner will be announced August 29th.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

Juggling 101 Plus Popcorn Olympics!
Family Connection Night

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection!

Value of the Month: Thriving Families Focus on Finances

We’ll have tons of fun competing in “Popcorn Olympics” (and eating some, too), focusing on family budgeting/saving ideas, AND learning how to juggle!  We know that managing a budget can be a juggling act so we’ll have fun with a Professional Juggler PLUS send you home with a tool to focus on juggling your finances as a family!  Everything is FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, TX

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partners to equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age kids.  Spend an hour with incredible parenting experts and other parents! 

Sep. 12 – Smart Money, Smart Kids
David and Stacy Rickey, married 14 yrs, live in Plano with two daughters, ages 6 and 3. They are passionate about teaching Smart Money, Smart Kids because of the positive impact seen from first-hand experience and in the lives of others. Applying this wisdom and expertise leads to raising money-smart kids!

Coming up:
Oct. 10 – Just a Phase
Nov. 14 – Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World
Dec. 12 – Parenting with Love and Logic

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Sign-up for a free 30 minute Parent Coaching session on 9/23 with Amy Egan, Certified Parent Coach, by clicking HERE.   

 Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Month’s Topic – What Is Up With My Teenager?

Parenting teens is tough, and even tougher if you’re doing it on your own!  Join us as we discuss topics specific to parenting those darn teenagers.

The Single Side UP! meeting is held at our S.O.R.T. IT OUT Room, right next to our Operating Office!  Meeting time is 6:30pm-8:00pm.  Please register your attendance for the meeting by clicking HERE.

Childcare is provided at the Chase Oaks Family Center as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE for childcare registration! 

Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

SSU Meeting Location:
SORT IT OUT Room!
1201 E 15th Street
Suite 410
Plano, Texas 75074
(room is 2 doors down from our Operating Offices and just 1 mile from the childcare location)

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being! 

If you cannot attend in person, there is a Remote Meeting Connection available. You may need to download the join.me app for a better connection.

Thriving Families Focus On Finances
At-Home Family Time Challenge

We’ve all had moments when we’ve cringed when someone has mentioned the word “Budget.”  The funny thing is that budgets allow us freedom to get to do fun things.  By being intentional as to where our finances go, we can set aside funds for fun things.

This month, we want to know how your family Focuses on Finances!  Do you have a change jar everyone contributes to?  Do you have a chore chart where your kids earn allowances?  Do you have a budget plan for how many times you can eat out each month?

Show us what YOUR family does to FOCUS ON FINANCES!  Take a picture of you and your peeps doing a budget or finance focused “thing” and send it to us!  Post it on our Facebook page (and tag it with #tsufathomechallenge) or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org between September 22nd-24th!

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Winner will be announced September 26th.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

Do you have a parenting issue you’re struggling with?
We want to help!

Come in for free expert advice! 

Power UP! Your Parenting:
Connect for FREE one-on-one time with  Amy Egan our Certified Parent Coach who helps parents reconnect with their kids through simple to learn techniques that can make dramatic improvements in parent-child relationships.

After a summer break, getting back into the Fall routine can be a stressful time for parents! So… This Side UP! Family is offering FREE 30 minute POWER UP! COACHING SESSIONS at our S.O.R.T. IT OUT Room on Saturday afternoon on 9/23 from 2:00-4:30pm

Each child is different and each parent is unique.  Share your struggles or questions and our Certified Parenting Coach will help you strategize a results-based approach to initiate in your home immediately!

First-come, first serve. Spots are limited so only sign up if you are committed to keeping your appointment!  Click HERE to schedule a session!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partners to equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age kids on the topics listed below. Spend an hour with incredible parenting experts and other parents!

Sep. 12 – Smart Money, Smart Kids
Oct. 10 – Just a Phase
What responsibilities and serving can kids handle at each age/stage? Children are taught responsibility when they help with chores at home.  Plus, volunteering together strengthens family bonds, enhances communication, and sends a message to your children that you’re a team!  Learn ideas and opportunities for how kids can serve at home and how your family can serve in our community.

Certified Parent Coach Amy Egan helps parents reconnect with their kids through teaching simple to learn techniques that when implemented can make dramatic improvements in parent-child relationships.

Coming up:
Nov. 14 – Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World
Dec. 12 – Parenting with Love and Logic

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.    Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 10/10!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Bingo Night PLUS Pumpkins!
Family Connection Night

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection!

We’ll have family fun playing good ole fashioned Bingo PLUS enjoy a family activity that involves a pumpkin and serving others!  Every kid wins a prize!  Plus…we’ll send you home with your pumpkin AND a Brownie Box Challenge to elevate the monthly value of SERVING OTHERS!

We’ll enjoy a great evening of fun activities and family time!  Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Parenting the Strong Willed Child
POWER HOUR Lunch Series

Who is really in “control”in your family?  Do POWER STRUGGLES invade the atmosphere in your home?  Are there strategies and ideas to decrease the friction?

Parenting is difficult and temperamental clashes with strong-willed children can make it even more challenging.  Join us for this three-week series starting October 17 to share and learn techniques which include understanding this strong-willed temperament, creating a positive home/school environment, effective discipline and empowering both parent and child.  

Bring your own lunch.  Click HERE to register for one or all sessions.

Taught by Certified Parent Coach, Amy Egan, Tuesdays 12-1:30pm, starting 10/17 and ending 10/31.

This Month’s Topic – How to Start a Side Business

This was a popular MeetUp last year, and we’re going to do it again!  It’s absolutely possible to turn your hobby into a side business, to help you earn a little extra money.  We’re not going to discuss network marketing opportunities, or driving for Uber.  We’re going to discuss how to take YOUR passion, and turning it into a business.  Bring your ideas!

The Single Side UP! meeting is held at our S.O.R.T. IT OUT Room, right next to our Operating Office!  Meeting time is 6:30pm-8:00pm.  Please register your attendance for the meeting by clicking HERE.

Childcare is provided at the Chase Oaks Family Center as space is available for single parents attending the meeting.  REGISTRATION for childcare starts at 12:01am on the first of each month!  Childcare pre-registration is REQUIRED to ensure space for your child.

Click HERE for childcare registration!

Childcare location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite #200
Plano, TX 75074
(building is behind the Advance Auto Parts store)

SSU Meeting Location:
SORT IT OUT Room!
1201 E 15th Street
Suite 410
Plano, Texas 75074
(room is 2 doors down from our Operating Offices and just 1 mile from the childcare location)

Join other single parents for encouragement and connection! Single parenting has many challenges. Connecting with other single parents is important to both your parenting success & your personal well-being! 

If you cannot attend in person, there is a Remote Meeting Connection available. You may need to download the join.me app for a better connection.

Parenting the Strong Willed Child
POWER HOUR Lunch Series

Who is really in “control”in your family?  Do POWER STRUGGLES invade the atmosphere in your home?  Are there strategies and ideas to decrease the friction?

Parenting is difficult and temperamental clashes with strong-willed children can make it even more challenging.  Join us for this three-week series starting October 17 to share and learn techniques which include understanding this strong-willed temperament, creating a positive home/school environment, effective discipline and empowering both parent and child.  

Bring your own lunch.  Click HERE to register for one or all sessions.

Taught by Certified Parent Coach, Amy Egan, Tuesdays 12-1:30pm, starting 10/17 and ending 10/31.

Thriving Families Serve
At-Home Family Time Challenge

Serving is a great opportunity to create a shared experience with your family.  It’s an experience that focuses outward and allows each member to give a part of themselves to someone else.

This month, we want to see how your family Serves!  Do you volunteer at the animal shelter?  Do you drop off cookies for your local firemen?  Do you pick up trash in the neighborhood?  Do you pack food for the homeless?  What does your family do to serve others?

Show us what YOUR family does to Serve!  Take a picture of you and your peeps doing your serve “thing” and send it to us!  Post it on our Facebook page (and tag it with #tsufathomechallenge) or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org between October 27th-29th!

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Winner will be announced October 31st.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

Parenting the Strong Willed Child
POWER HOUR Lunch Series

Who is really in “control”in your family?  Do POWER STRUGGLES invade the atmosphere in your home?  Are there strategies and ideas to decrease the friction?

Parenting is difficult and temperamental clashes with strong-willed children can make it even more challenging.  Join us for this three-week series starting October 17 to share and learn techniques which include understanding this strong-willed temperament, creating a positive home/school environment, effective discipline and empowering both parent and child.  

Bring your own lunch.  Click HERE to register for one or all sessions.

Taught by Certified Parent Coach, Amy Egan, Tuesdays 12-1:30pm, starting 10/17 and ending 10/31.

Family Laugh Night with an Attitude of Gratitude Focus
Family Connection Night

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection!

We’re all thankful for LAUGHTER!

The Understudies will serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!  If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun and a great way to kick off the holiday season, join us for a Comedy Show and a fun night of laughter together that both kids and adults will enjoy!  (The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by Fish Sticks.)

Plus, enjoy a family activity (that you’ll get to take home with you!) focused on cultivating an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving season!  Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
813 E 15th Street
Plano, TX  75074
(2 doors down from Ye Olde Butcher Shop; enter at the Fellowship Hall entrance)

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partners to equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age kids on the topics listed below. Spend an hour with incredible parenting experts and other parents! 

Sep. 12 – Smart Money, Smart Kids
Oct. 10 – Just a Phase
Nov. 14 – Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World
“I am the only kid in school that does not have one.” “Everyone else does.” “I have to have it.”   Teaching children the difference between “want” and “need” can be the first step towards raising confident, resilient, and successful children.  Learn how to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your home and cure your kids of the entitlement epidemic.

Certified Parent Coach Amy Egan helps parents reconnect with their kids through teaching simple to learn techniques that when implemented can make dramatic improvements in parent-child relationships.

Coming up:
Dec. 12 – Parenting with Love and Logic

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.    Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 11/14!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.