The American family over the past two to three decades has gone through a major transition, some of which was good and some not so good. One of the most critical changes has been the loss of support within the family structure.

We are in a time when the supportive family structure is in trouble. With alcohol and other drug use, suicide, homicide, personal and social ills at an all time high among youth, families are in desperate need of guidance and support. Now is a time when it is absolutely critical for the family to pull together, for the parent to be the catalyst in this process. In order for parenting to move from domination and control to that of influence and cooperation, kids and their parents must be seen as equals in terms of worth and value as human beings.

In support of family, Parent Link Network is a program developed cooperatively between the National Association for Self-esteem and Illinois State University Laboratory High School/University High School Counseling Center, both of which are non-profit organizations. The program is designed to provide all parents, grandparents, and others who are in positions to influence youth with resources to assist them in raising their children as resilient, productive, and capable people.

The Parent Link Network Program is one of continual growth, with new resources and dimensions being added on a regular basis. Some of the features to be added in the future are:

"Ask the Experts" - Parents/grandparents are provided the opportunity to ask questions of noted authorities on the NASE board on Parenting Issues.

"Author Expression" - Each month a noted author or specialist on self-esteem will cover a topic that addresses the issues of healthy self-esteem.

"Chat Groups" - For members of NASE opportunities will be made available through chat groups to discuss issues related to healthy self-esteem and kids.

"Calendar Bulletin Boards" - Calendar events Bulletin Board of training conducted by NASE members that address positive parenting.

"Internet Links" - Links to resources relating to self-esteem enhancement.

"Speakers Bureau" - List of national and local speakers who are qualified to do presentations to parent groups on the issues of positive parenting.

All research indicates that the parent is the most influential person in a child's life. A few other criticcal factors also stand out in research. Parents as a whole do:

1. recognize their influential position.
2. want to do more.
3. need direction
4. not realize there are resources available to them.

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SELF-ESTEEM, with its vast array of expertise within its membership, could be the missing link in helping parents be more effective.

At the July 1996 Summer Board meeting, the Association acknowledged the fact that they could be a major conduit in helping parents. The Board voted to bring together a compilation of the many resources from throughout the country. This data will be made available to parents, who can then choose the resources that would be most helpful in their particular situation.

The project will be known as "Parent Link Network" (support for raising personally and socially responsible kids). A committee with Executive Board members Tom Myers, Marilyn Lane' coordinated by Executive Board Member, J.D. Hawkins was appointed to set the criteria and monitor the process. The resources are filtered through this committee's criteria before it can become a part of the "Parent Link Network" project.