The National Exchange Club Foundation has adopted Time Out Teddy as its national spokes bear to carry the message of good parenting across America. Your Exchange Club and Center can help by distributing Time Out Teddy brochures, posters and T-shirts to educate both parents and caregivers on a more positive form of discipline.

The popular Time Out Teddy brochure provides parents with insights on developing positive and effective child-rearing skills.

This attractive, easy-to-read brochure points out in a friendly, informal manner that parenting is not something that just comes naturally—it is something that is learned by all parents.

The brochure outlines the various needs of children for proper development. It gives examples of basic needs such as:

Infant Needs: Food, clothing, shelter, sleep. Infants also need extra warmth, attention, cuddling and eye contact—all given in a consistent, loving manner.

Toddler Needs: A safe place to explore and stimulation of their physical senses through play. They need to be allowed to do some things on their own, and to learn about their bodies. Toddlers need to be read to, so that they can learn to talk.

Preschooler Needs: To be allowed to try new things, as long as they’re safe. They need rules that do not keep them from developing their abilities. They also need our approval to express good as well as bad feelings.

Elementary School Student Needs: To know the proper way to do things. They need to be independent and dependent at the same time. Elementary schoolers need to form friendships, and to be like others their own age. They need to test your rules and begin to develop their own opinions.

High School Student Needs: To become independent from parents and accept responsibility for their behavior. They need to develop their own identity and beliefs. High schoolers need parental support and permission to become themselves.

The brochure also explains the concept of discipline, what it is and how positive discipline can be effective through implementing time out with children. Basic rules for taking time out are given as a guide for parents.

The brochure is also available in a Spanish language edition. For information on prices and quantities, see the enclosed order form or contact the National Headquarters Supply Department, 800-924-2643.

Order Time Out Teddy posters from the supply department and put them up where you will be handing out brochures. Donate posters to the local police station and hospitals along with Time Out Teddy bears.

Time Out Teddy T-shirts are available in sizes S-3XL. They are made with 100% preshrunk cotton and feature Time Out Teddy and friends, with the slogan, "It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child ... Take Time Out to be a Better Parent." These T-shirts can be used as raffle prizes or donated to a local outreach center. They can also be worn when you are passing out brochures.

Time Out Teddy bears are a warm, safe and loving friend to a child who has been abused, neglected or traumatized. The teddy bear serves as a calming tool for a child to hold in a time of crisis. Time Out Teddy is also an effective icebreaker to help a child trust and open up to the person who is serving as the immediate caregiver.

Getting Involved

There are a variety of ways Exchange Clubs and centers can become involved in this national teddy bear program.

Clubs and Centers can distribute Time Out Teddy bears to local police departments to be carried in patrol cars. Police officers frequently come into contact with children who have been abused, involved in serious car accidents, fires or domestic violence episodes. This program helps police officers to better communicate with a child who is under stress, upset, and fearful.

Time Out Teddy bears can also be distributed to rescue squads to aid paramedics in comforting children who are involved in accidents. Centers can use the bears as a device for parent aides to break the ice when entering the homes of families at risk of abuse or where abuse has occurred.

Time Out Teddy bears can also be used as raffle prizes, gifts and even as tokens of appreciation, or in conjunction with Exchange Club and Center fundraisers.

Generating Publicity

Organizing a Time Out Teddy project in your community can create positive publicity. Teaming up with television, radio and print media will strengthen the community awareness of your club.

When promoting your Time Out Teddy project, be sure to send news releases to the local media explaining your project and how it will benefit the community. Buy your own Time Out Teddy suit. This life-sized mascot is a great way to draw attention to the Exchange Club and its many community events. The kids and the media love him, and he’s a great tool for spreading the word. Call Headquarters for more information.

Sample New Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:

To: Assignment Editors/News Directors

From: Name, telephone number, organization

The Exchange Club (Child Abuse Prevention Center) of _____________ is helping in a nationwide fight against child abuse by distributing Exchange’s Time Out Teddy bears to children who have been abused, neglected or traumatized. The Club has already distributed nearly 300 bears for placement in patrol cars and rescue vehicles to help officers and firefighters better communicate with children who are involved in a tragic situation. (Add local information.)