I'm very concerned about cuts in state funding to my kids' schools. Is this going to affect their education? Is there anything I can do to prevent it from happening?

Education funding cuts are among a long list of never-imagined challenges we are all facing in these tough economic times.

It's always been up to parents, not only the schools, to ensure that kids are educated. Now it's a requirement for parents to fully engage.

Know how well your kids are mastering critical skills. Can your kids read aloud and understand what they read? Can they do math at the level they are being taught?

If you find that your child isn't able to read or comprehend the written word or perform math tasks, take action. Meet with the teacher to learn what you need to do.

Make it a family practice to play board games, read fun books together, share household tasks, make craft projects, and play outdoor games or sports. All of these activities require using skills that are taught in the classroom.

Involve yourself every day!

My toddler has been kicked out of day care. She is 21/2. The teacher said she isn't able to get along with the other kids, and is hurting the kids by kicking and hitting. What is going on?

Is she acting out at home? If not, it is likely an issue with the child-care setting. Look for another setting with a routine that is rich with activities and that provides appropriate supervision.

Have a parenting question? Call the Family Support Line, 303-695-7996 or 1-877-695-7996, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Family Support Line is a program of Families First, sponsored in part by the Rocky Mountain News.