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Reporting Child Abuse in Texas: What the Law Actually Says
Choosing not to report suspected abuse is not just a missed opportunity, it's against the law. Failure to report can mean jail time for you.

Abby Reed


The Call That Mattered More Than the Mistake
Last night we had a parent fall asleep during one of our online parenting classes. Per our policy, he was removed from the online classroom. That’s the part most people would focus on, but that’s not the part that stayed with me. This morning, when I walked into the office, I discovered that he had left us a voicemail. Not to complain, not to argue and not to make excuses. He called to apologize and then he asked if he could come back. That question matters more than people r

Abby Reed


Most Child Abuse Happens At Home: 690 Lubbock Co. Children Were Victims in 2025
This isn’t happening somewhere else. It’s happening here and most of the abuse is happening inside the home, by someone the child knows and depends on. Child abuse is preventable, but only if we’re willing to face what’s real.

Abby Reed


Talking to Your Child About Suicide: A Guide for Parents
Our local communities are hurting. When young lives are lost, it leaves parents searching for answers and wondering how to help their children make sense of something so heavy. One question we hear again and again here at Family Guidance and Outreach is: How do I talk to my child about suicide?

Abby Reed


Need Food or Support in Lubbock? Help Is Here.
At Family Guidance & Outreach, we know many families in Lubbock rely on programs like SNAP and WIC. If you’re worried about food access during the shutdown, these local organizations can help — today, this week, and beyond.

Abby Reed


Building a Family Budget That Actually Works
Let’s be honest—money can be one of the hardest things for families to talk about. Between bills, groceries, and unexpected expenses, it can feel like your paycheck disappears before the month even begins. But the truth is this: a family budget isn’t about restriction—it’s about direction.

John Kirby


Parenting Teen Drivers: Deep Breaths, Patience, and Plenty of Practice
Let’s be honest: parenting teen drivers is NOT easy. That’s especially true today, when teens are learning from social media, juggling smartphones, and living in a fast-paced digital world that can make driving feel more like a distraction zone than a milestone.

John Kirby


Understanding Sibling Rivalry
If you’re raising more than one child, you’ve probably seen sibling rivalry in action—whether it’s a small squabble over toys or a full-blown argument at the dinner table. While it can be exhausting for parents, sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up.

John Kirby


The Power of Positive Male Role Models
When it comes to raising children, there’s no question that fathers and male role models play a powerful, lasting role. From everyday...

John Kirby


Expectations vs. Reality in Parenting
When you first imagine parenthood, the vision is often wrapped in picture-perfect scenes: family dinners with laughter, a spotless living room, and children who say “please” and “thank you” without a reminder. But the reality? Parenting is messy, unpredictable, exhausting, and—at the same time—deeply rewarding.

John Kirby


Truancy in Texas: What Parents Need to Know
When it comes to school attendance, the words “truancy” and “absenteeism” often get mixed up, but in Texas, there are specific definitions and real consequences tied to each.

John Kirby


Parental Burnout: What It Is and How to Cope
Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world but it is also one of the hardest. Between sleepless nights, constant schedules, work-life balance, and the daily stress of raising kids, it’s no wonder so many parents find themselves running on empty.

John Kirby


Treading Water: Learning to Cope with Empty Nest Syndrome
Her father and I have done our job. So, then what gives us the right to be sad? Nothing. But we both are.

Margaret Kirby, J.D.


Helping Your Child Build Better Study Habits
Getting your child motivated to study isn’t always easy, especially when schoolwork feels overwhelming or when procrastination takes...

John Kirby


Helping Your Child Succeed in School
There’s no magic wand for school success, but there is a magic formula and it starts with you. If you want your child to shine, remember...

FGO Staff


Parenting Twins: A Deep Dive Into Raising Strong, Separate Individuals
Parenting twins is often misunderstood. Society tends to view twins as a package deal: the “double trouble” duo dressed alike, inseparable, and expected to share everything from classrooms to interests. But Greg Principato, a father of (now adult) twin boys Luke and Brian, challenges this norm head-on.

Abby Reed


Why Education Matters
Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to create lasting change: for individuals, families, and communities.

John Kirby


Helping Kids Cope with First‑Day of School Nerves
The first day of school can feel exciting (and a little scary) for kids (and parents too). New teachers, new classmates, new routines… it’s a lot to take in. If your child is showing signs of first‑day jitters, you’re not alone. Here are some ways to help calm the nerves and set them up for a confident start.

FGO Staff


Online Safety Refresher for the School Year
A new school year means new routines — and often, more screen time. From school‑issued devices and online assignments to group chats and social media, kids are spending more time online than ever before. Back‑to‑school is the perfect time to reset your family’s digital safety plan. Here’s a comprehensive refresher for parents in Lubbock and beyond.

FGO Staff


Partnering with Teachers for a Smooth Year
A new school year isn’t just about kids adjusting — parents and teachers are building a partnership too. When families and teachers work...

FGO Staff
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