Parenting Information Sources Online

by Jack Newell

The following sites enhance the parenting offerings of family literacy programs by providing activities that may be used by parents and children:

• www.indiana.edu/~eric_rec/fl/pcto/menu. html
  The magazine Parents and Children Together Online (PCTO) set up this website to further the cause of family literacy and to bring parents and children together through the magic of reading. The site features suitable original stories and art/design for parents and children to read aloud. It invites children to visit the Global Campfire forum and share in the storytelling. It also provides age-specific reading materials for parents and children to share. Website articles include topics on parenting issues and a discussion forum for those interested in family literacy. Of note is the children’s interactive storytelling section.

• www.npin.org
  The National Parent Information Network (NPIN) provides information to parents and others who work with parents to foster exchange of parenting materials. Full texts have been reviewed for reliability and usefulness. Other printed material listed on NPIN (publications, brochures, etc.) have not been reviewed are included only for informational purposes.

• www.pta.org
  This website supports the mission of the National Parent-Teachers’ Association (National PTA):

1. To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children,
2. To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children,
3. To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

This website provides on-line access for some of its publications and offers an order form for other publications. It provides fairly extensive information about national issues affecting parents and children and provides extensive links to other websites of interest to parents and children.