Although many parents try hard to bring up their children in the right manner, a variety of forces today seem to wreak havoc on their efforts at raising children with good physical and mental health.  Whether we feel like we have the ability or not, adjustments, considerations and changes will influence the end result. No single societal group can solve everything to make a difference, but it is important to recognize and accept that factors outside of the classroom and family group that can influence how these factors play out.

That is why as a Family and Consumer Science Agent I decided to make this my semester to use the 4-H Health Project "Be All You Can Be" to assist as a guide in my long-term program planning for for he 4-H'ers I meet with in the third, fourth and fifth grades at Robertson County School.  Every age is of course crucial as a child grows up, but this age group is starting to experience making decisions that will affect their health and welfare on a long term basis. This is why it is important to provide material that will aid in making correct judgements.

In September I first met with third, fourth and fifth graders, we discussed how important it was to have a healthy diet in order to enjoy good physical health, and that it was necessary to start eating right now so as to build a taste for vegetables and fruits in the future. I told them the next time we met, when I asked them what they remembered from our previous meeting, they had better say "Eat more fruits and vegetables". When I return for class meetings in October, November and December I plan to provide skill builders to help them realize that nothing is impossible unless they think it is.

In my upcoming units I plan to discuss other factors that influence their becoming the best person possible. The long range goals for this program are to awaken in each child the creativity to meet challenges and make smart choices. If they are provided with skills in choosing wisely, they will grow in self confidence, responsibility, good health and self esteem and increased vitality.  My intentions are to use the tools provided in the project book to enable them to find fun and productive ways to make the 4-H commitment to Be All You Can Be, and help others to do the same.