| As Product Development Manager
Rachel Metzger says in her interview,
it's been a busy year here at Active Parenting. Here's
what some other publications have to say about our new
releases.
Cooperative Parenting and Divorce: Shielding Children from Conflict
From Parent's Guide to Children's Media,
2000
Divorce itself is tough on children, but constant, often
bitter conflict that persists after the divorce makes it
even tougher. Divorced or divorcing parents will find the
workbook and video vignettes openly address likely areas
of conflict and offer possible solutions that keep
parents centered on what they both can agree on: the
happiness and well being of their child. Open
communication and genuine respect, even amidst
understandable differences, ground the conflict-resolving
strategies. In the tradition of other Active Parenting
series, leader's guide is chockful of practical ideas to
engage parents in the subject.
Homeboys: Life and Death
in the Hood
From Today's Librarian, October 2000
Though the price tag may seem high for this series
(which includes two additional titles, My Daddy's in
Jail and Streetfighters: Breaking the Cycle), public
and school libraries need to seriously consider adding
all three to their collections. The series interviews
real gang-bangers-current and former-who relate real
stories. There are no theatrics, no special effects, and
certainly no glorifying the vicious and destructive
possibilities associated with gang life. From an
educational standpoint, it's pleasing to note that while
the kids' chilling stories are brutally honest, there is
no profanity in the series at all and only the barest
minimum of violence, which is used illustratively. Each
video is straightforward and unflinching, and can be
effectively used as intervention/prevention tools. The
series clearly shows not only the terrible things that
can happen to gang members and their friends and family,
but the positive choices youth can make before it is too
late.
Active Parenting Video
Libraries
From EAP Digest, Fall 2000
Active Parenting Publishers of Marietta, GA,
publishes a 46-page catalog with dozens of parent
education products, some of which are available in
Spanish. Among its products are two workplace
lunch'n'learns that sell for $249 each. The
lunch'n'learns include six, 25-minute videos,
reproducible flyers and a discussion guide.
"Workplace parenting education programs can help
employees learn valuable skills that help them solve
problems with their children at home instead of bringing
those problems to work," says Active Parenting's
Diana King. "An added benefit is that the programs
help develop stronger interpersonal skills that improve
relationships with co-workers as well."
Think About It:
Understanding the Impact of TV/Movie Violence
From School Library Journal, January 2001
This timely program underscores the pernicious
effects that watching 33,000 murders on violent TV
programs have on young people by the time they are 16
years old. TV news clips of recent murderous rampages in
schools provide the background for the comments by
actors, writers, directors, psychologists, critics,
teachers, and mass murderer Ted Bundy. All stress the
exaggerated fears, removal of inhibitions, and
desensitization that results, in part, from watching acts
of brutality on TV programs. Supporting these comments
are studies that confirm the connection between viewing
violence and violent behavior. The connection is
illustrated with a segment showing how Hitler used film
to promote his programs of annihilation. In contrast a
scene from the film "Gettysburg" is used to
illustrate how a death can be presented in a
life-affirming way. Although the host of the video is
headmaster of St. Timothy's-Hale School, an Episcopal
college prep school in North Carolina, the only religious
comment he makes in the video is that morality is based
on religion. The discussion questions in the guide
include quotes or comments from the Bible (Old and New
Testaments); "optional faith-based teaching
points" are specially indicated with a cross and can
be passed over by classroom teachers. This important
video will help students understand the effect that
movies and other media can have on them and enrich
discussions of this connection in psychology, sociology,
social studies, English or parenting classes. It also
will spark important discussions with parent groups.-
Anitra Gordon, Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI.
1,2,3,4 Padres and Padres
Activos de Hoy
From Library Journal, September 1, 2000
Active Parenting has produced Spanish-language
versions of its 1,2,3,4 Parents and Active
Parenting Today classes. 1,2,3,4 Parents is
available as a kit, with one 30-minute video, a leader's
guide, parent's workbook, completion certificate, two
promotional posters, and a reproducible flyer. Active
Parenting Today is also available as a kit with two
videocassettes, a leader's guide, parent's workbook,
completion certificate, two promotional posters, and a
reproducible flyer. Both are well done with Latino
actors, but they are designed for use in a course
rather than for individuals at home. Additional workbooks
and certificates must be purchased separately. They cover
parenting techniques that emphasize good communication
and nonviolent discipline.
She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (secular edition)
From Youth Today, May 2000
She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall
is based on the book written by Misty Bernall. Cassie
Bernall, the subject of the video, was a victim of the
Columbine tragedy. She was allegedly asked by the
shooters, "Do you believe in God?", answered
"yes"and was shot. In this video, Cassie's
parents, Misty and Brad, recall Cassie's life by talking
about her teenage rebellion and how difficult it was for
the family. She was into drugs and violent fantasies, and
was travelling down a destructive path until her parents
consulted with a pastor and the police. The video goes
through each portion of her struggle and how she overcame
her obstacles. It climaxes with the Columbine tragedy and
her funeral. This video was made in part to show how
people can overcome obstacles and adversity. It is
also a tribute to Cassie Bernall. There are discussion
options to help parents talk with their children about
the issues touched on in the video. This is a
heartfelt and touching production.
She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (faith edition)
From Lutheran Partners, May/June 2001
The shocking
manifestation of teen violence that resulted in the
massacre of twelve students, one teacher, and the
self-inflicted deaths of two young killers at Columbine
High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20, 1999, is
clearly riveted in the experiences of anyone who is old
enough to remember.
What have we learned from this horrible event? What is
the legacy of those who were killed on that day? Did they
die in vain?
For Cassie Bernall, a 17-year-old junior at Columbine
High, who courageously stood up to evil forces by
witnessing to her faith only seconds before she was
murdered, it was a day of decision. As the two killer
classmates put a gun to her head and asked her if she
believed in God, she said yes. With that clear
declaration of faith, she was murdered. Instantly, she
was propelled into sainthood by the media in the mind of
a startled nation.
What few of us knew until recently, however, was the true
story of Cassie, the troubled teen, who was involved in
drugs, hostility, self-mutilation, school absenteeism,
and witchcraft, Cassie's story is also the account of her
courageous parents, who refused to give up on her, as
well as her pastor and the church group who supported her
in her struggle from darkness into light.
Based on the New York Times bestselling book by
Misty Bernall, Cassie's mother, She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall, this video
traces the journey of a young adolescent into the dark,
scary places of the spirit and mind where parents feel
helpless and shut out and the strong measures taken by
Misty and Brad Bernall to help their daughter triumph
over negative forces that controlled her life.
What goes wrong in a family dubbed "perfect" by
others? How do parents decide if a teen's withdrawal from
mainstream life into one of secrecy is part of normal
youthful rebellion or something more serious? What kind
of action can a parent take? How do parents find the
strength and the skills to cope with a child who displays
signs of high-risk behavior but who won't accept help?
How can a faith community make a difference?
Although this educational documentary is not an attempt
to provide answers to these questions and others, it does
give viewers a candid glimpse into the secret life of
a troubled teen, the heroic actions of her parents, and
the touching stories of youth and adults who shared
Cassie's time of transformation from a rebellious,
hostile youth into one who wanted to share her faith and
reach out to God and to others.
In partnership with Cassie's parents, Active Parenting
has provided a valuable resource designed to help
understand teen violence and to appreciate the redemptive
quality of one teenager's life. The set includes the
video, the book She Said Yes, and a comprehensive
discussion guide divided into three separate parts: For
Parents, For Church and Youth Leaders, and For Students.
This video is a powerful story and an excellent
resource for congregations. It is also an inspiration
for all of us, as we battle with out own demons and
struggle to find wholeness in life.
--Anne Lee, video editor
She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (secular edition)
From What's New Magazine, May/June 2000
Columbine, CO, victim Cassie Bernall had once been a
troubled teen. This 25-minute video describes the tough
but loving steps her parents took to put her back on the
right path.
Strengths: A powerful message about responsibility and
parenting.
Overall Evaluation: Provides a unique look at the
Columbine situation through the eyes of parents.
She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (secular edition)
From Media & Methods, Nov/Dec 2000
This 25-minute video documents a Columbine High
School victim, Cassie Bernall, and what she did to break
away from drugs, violence and the occult. It documents
the steps her parents and peers took to get her back to
the right path of life. Students will relate to
first-hand accounts of the time in this girl's life that
led up to her death and the personal interviews included.
Students will learn about reaching out to peers, dealing
with unhealthy influences, having courage to make
positive changes and handling incidents of school
violence. Though the content could be too intense for
some audiences, it is appropriate for students in grades
7-12. This video serves as a powerful tool focusing on
student responsibility and the consequences.
She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (faith
edition)
From Youth Specialties, March 2000
My knee-jerk
reaction was cynical: "Why capitalize on such a
horrific event?" Two minutes into the video, I was
sold. Cassie's life and strong faith is to be celebrated.
This resource comes in two formats: A "faith
version" and a "public school version,"
and both include an extensive discussion guide with
different questions for parents, church leaders, and
students. Ideal for parent groups looking for insights on
successful parenting or as a kickoff to a teaching series
on courageous living.
-G.F.
She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (faith
edition)
From Interpreter, April 2000
Most of us
have heard of Cassie Bernall, the 17-year-old killed in
the Columbine High School shooting last April in
Littleton, Colorado. When one of the gunmen asked Cassie
if she believed in God, she reportedly said yes.
Bernall's story is helping parents steer their children
toward a relationship with Christ. She Said Yes: The
Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall (Active
Parenting Publishers) is a video documentary chronicling
Bernall's transformation from troubled teen to active
Christian. The video features her parents, Misty and
Brad, describing their attempts to rescue Cassie from the
wrong crowd and get her involved in church. In other
interviews, Bernall's classmates and her pastor talk
about how they helped Bernall turn her life around.
Accompanying discussion guides contain separate lesson
plans for parents, youth leaders and students and include
relevant Bible passages to aid study. Specific topics:
keeping youth from bad influences; how youth groups help
teens cope with pressure; helping youth grow in their
faith; recognizing signs of troubled teens; and deciding
when to search a teen's room or locker.
Reprinted from Leader magazine.
Copyright 2001 by Active Parenting Publishers, Inc.
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