The American Family Life Magazine is designed as an “Infotainment” format combining family news, education, entertainment, lifestyle information, student participation, expert interviews, Arts, sports, travel, health, financial education, and compelling family stories.

The timing and selection of topics may vary depending on the season, holidays, current events, special occasions, and audience interests.

American Family Life gives students, parents, grandparents, experts, and community members the information and opportunity to explore important subjects, ask questions, express opinions, and make informed lifestyle choices.

Students may also participate as interviewers, reporters, commentators, presenters, and contributors throughout the magazine program.

Family News & Current Events

Today’s Family News

American Family Life presents news and current events that directly affect students, parents, grandparents, and families.

Topics may include:

• Education news

• New legislation

• School policies

• Family-related government decisions

• Student safety

• Sports

• Entertainment

• Technology

• Community organizations

• Issues affecting schools and families

• Important local, national, and international developments

Possible discussion topics include school policies, security cameras, school nutrition, student schedules, community organizations, and changes in education legislation.

Students and parents are encouraged to suggest stories and issues they believe should be investigated or presented on American Family Life.

Family Entertainment

Movies, Music, Reviews & Performances

The Family Entertainment section explores the many ways families can enjoy entertainment and spend quality time together.

Features may include:

• Movie reviews

• Celebrity interviews

• Restaurant reviews

• CD and music reviews

• Gaming reviews and tips

• Concert reviews

• Backstage interviews

• New products and services

• Family-friendly activities

• Places to visit

• Music

• Singing

• Dancing

• Poetry

• Theatre

• Student performances

Students may also present speeches, papers, dramatic readings, comedy, satire, skits, or other creative presentations about issues that matter to them.

Spiritual Issues

Understanding Different Perspectives

American Family Life explores spiritual and religious beliefs from an educational and cultural perspective.

The segment may include conversations with:

• Religious scholars

• Students

• Motivational speakers

• Community leaders

• Representatives of different faith traditions

The program may also visit churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of worship to help viewers understand different spiritual experiences and beliefs.

American Family Life is not a faith-based program.

Family Stories

Real Stories From Real Families

Family Stories highlights interesting, compelling, heartwarming, and meaningful experiences involving:

• Parents

• Grandparents

• Children

• Siblings

• Relatives

• Friends

• Family travel

• Family history

• Health experiences

• Education

• Life challenges

• Family achievements

Viewers are encouraged to share stories that may inspire, educate, or connect with other families.

Grandparents & Grandchildren

Stories, Memories & Wisdom

This segment celebrates the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

Topics may include:

• Favorite family memories

• Grandparents’ life experiences

• Family history

• Travel with grandparents

• Hobbies and traditions

• Words of wisdom

• Technology and computers

• Health issues

• Financial concerns

• Alzheimer’s awareness

• Intergenerational relationships

Students may interview grandparents about the experiences and lessons they would like to share with the next generation.

International Family & School News

Learning From Families Around the World

American Family Life explores how families, students, parents, and schools in other countries live, learn, work, and participate in their communities.

The segment provides an opportunity to compare international experiences with life in the United States and discover ideas that families and communities can learn from one another.

Who’s Zooming Who?

Investigating Family & Community Issues

Who’s Zooming Who? focuses on situations in which individuals or families may feel that they are not being treated fairly or that an important problem is not being resolved.

Stories may involve:

• Schools

• Teachers

• Administrators

• Government

• Businesses

• Community organizations

• Family disputes

• Consumer concerns

• Public services

The segment examines the who, what, when, where, how, and why behind an issue and explores possible solutions.

Ask the Mechanic

Practical Automotive Advice

Ask the Mechanic provides families and students with practical information about vehicle care and maintenance.

Topics include:

• Tire pressure

• Air vs. nitrogen

• Oil changes

• Types of motor oil

• Antifreeze

• Fluid levels

• Transmission maintenance

• Vehicle lights

• Wiper blades

• Car repairs

• Regular maintenance

• Waxing and vehicle care

• Fuel and gas mileage

The goal is to help viewers understand basic vehicle maintenance and make smarter automotive decisions.

Make-A-Wish

Fulfilling Dreams

The Make-A-Wish segment highlights people and families who have an extraordinary dream or wish.

Viewers may submit stories about someone who deserves:

• A special meeting

• A special trip

• A family reunion

• A meaningful experience

• Support during a difficult time

The program may also highlight charitable organizations and opportunities for young people to help other children and families.

Book Reviews

“Books That Change People’s Lives”

American Family Life reviews books covering education, parenting, relationships, health, personal development, family life, college, sports, and teenage experiences.

Potential titles and subjects include:

• The Public School Curriculum Revolution

• Taste Berries for Teens

• Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II

• The Grieving Teen

• The Wonder of Girls

• New Parent Power!

• Children Are From Heaven

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

• Life Strategies for Teens

• Sports injuries

• College preparation and education

Students and parents may participate in reviews together to provide different perspectives.

The program also encourages students to suggest books and authors they would like to discuss or interview.

Family Home & Garden

Improving the Family Home

Family Home & Garden provides practical information about improving, maintaining, repairing, cleaning, remodeling, and organizing the home.

Topics may include:

• Home repairs

• Cleaning

• Gardening

• Remodeling

• Maintenance

• Organization

• Family projects

Word Power

Words for Everyday Life

Word Power introduces viewers to interesting and useful words while improving vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and communication skills.

Features may include:

• Definitions

• Proper pronunciation

• Correct spelling

• Commonly confused words

• Commonly misspelled words

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Word origins

• Etymology

• Words appearing in current events

Example:

Congratulations vs. Congradulations

Each co-host may be assigned a word to research and present.

Outstanding Person of the Week

Celebrating People Who Make a Difference

The Outstanding Person of the Week recognizes individuals who make meaningful contributions to their families, schools, professions, or communities.

Honorees may include:

• Students

• Teachers

• Parents

• Police officers

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Mentors

• Volunteers

• Community leaders

• Other individuals making a positive difference

Travel Segment

Explore, Learn & Discover

The Travel Segment introduces students and families to destinations, attractions, activities, and travel experiences.

Each feature may explore:

• Where to go

• What to see

• What not to miss

• Costs

• Travel distance

• Transportation

• Trip duration

• Family-friendly activities

• Student-friendly attractions

Potential destinations and activities include:

• Kennedy Space Center

• Museums

• Theme parks

• Nature attractions

• Fishing

• Camping

• Photography

• Hunting

• Canoeing

• Kayaking

• Hiking

• Yellowstone National Park

• Other local, national, and international destinations

Fascinating Food Facts

Food & Nutrition Tips

This short educational feature presents interesting facts about food, cooking, nutrition, and everyday safety.

Topics may include:

• Food safety

• Propane safety

• Grilling safety

• Soybeans

• Fruits and vegetables

• Vitamins and minerals

• Fiber

• Herbs and spices

• Olive oil

• Food labeling

• Food expiration dates

• Healthy food choices

Fun facts may also explore the origins of ingredients, such as the fact that vanilla comes from an orchid.

Family Cooking

Cooking Together as a Family

Family Cooking brings students, parents, and professional chefs together to prepare meals and learn practical kitchen skills.

Featured topics may include:

• Homemade pizza

• Soybean meals

• Stir-fry

• Vegetarian meals

• Homemade bread

• Measuring ingredients

• Knife safety

• Ethnic cooking

• Soups

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

• Salad dressings

• Desserts

• Chocolate desserts

• Herbs

• Spices

• Buying fresh food

• Salad oils

• Cookies

• Smoothies

• Homemade salsa

The segment emphasizes safe preparation, practical cooking skills, healthy choices, and the enjoyment of preparing food together.

Family Financial Matters

Understanding Money & Making Smart Choices

Family Financial Matters helps students and families understand everyday financial decisions.

Topics may include:

• Buying and maintaining a car

• College tuition savings

• 529 college savings plans

• Student employment

• Starting a business

• Investing

• Checking accounts

• Mutual funds

• Credit cards

• Financial planning

• Business etiquette

• Consumer products

• Technology purchases

The goal is to give families practical financial information they can use to make informed decisions.

Quote of the Day

Words Worth Remembering

The Quote of the Day presents a timely or meaningful quotation connected to the season, holidays, current events, family life, education, or personal growth.

Viewers and co-hosts may also submit favorite quotations and words of wisdom.

Fact of the Day

Learn Something New

Fact of the Day presents short, interesting facts connected to current events, education, science, history, family life, health, culture, and other subjects.

Thought of the Day

A Moment to Think

Thought of the Day presents a short reflection based on current events, family life, seasons, holidays, statistics, or meaningful life experiences.

The segment encourages viewers to think about how an idea or message relates to their own lives.

Sports Segment

Celebrating Student Athletes

The Sports Segment recognizes outstanding student athletes while exploring sports-related issues and opportunities.

Topics may include:

• Student athlete recognition

• Professional sports

• Recreational sports

• Alternative activities

• Sports injuries

• Sports supplements

• Steroid awareness

• Life after sports

• Age-appropriate participation

• Ballet and other performance activities

• Football

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Interviews with sports personalities

The program also examines questions such as how sports should be played safely and whether certain sports have become unnecessarily violent.

Career Perspectives

Preparing for the Future

Career Perspectives helps students think about their future careers and educational paths.

Topics may include:

• Jobs for students

• Career exploration

• “What do I want to be when I grow up?”

• Workplace experiences

• Job responsibilities

• Education requirements

• Career earnings

• Apprenticeships

• Technical schools

• Sales

• Armed services

• Alternative paths to traditional college

• Business opportunities

• Life-management skills

• Professional development

Students may also visit professionals at work and interview them about their careers.

You Are What You Eat!

Health, Diet & Exercise

This segment focuses on everyday health, nutrition, exercise, recreation, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Topics may include:

• Diet and exercise

• Drinking water

• Hydration

• Dehydration

• Sun protection

• Sunscreen

• Food expiration dates

• Healthy eating

• Olive oil

• Food pyramids

• Vitamins and minerals

• Nutrition news

• Physical activity

Viewers are encouraged to suggest health and nutrition topics they would like the program to research.

Family Medical News

Health Information for Families

Family Medical News explores important medical and wellness topics affecting families.

Potential subjects include:

• Mental health

• Stress

• Depression

• Phobias

• Coping skills

• Childhood health

• Acne

• Hair loss

• Laser eye surgery

• CPR

• Heart health

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Other major medical developments

The program may also visit nonprofit organizations and community groups involved in medical education, awareness, research, and support.

College Life

Getting In, Getting Through & Getting Out

The College Life segment provides practical information about preparing for and succeeding in college.

Topics may include:

• College admissions

• Financial planning

• 529 plans

• Federal student aid

• FAFSA

• Scholarships

• Student loans

• SAT and ACT

• Graduate and professional school

• Study skills

• Writing skills

• Computers

• Jobs

• Credit cards

• Dating

• Binge drinking

• Fraternities and sororities

• Hazing

• Academic integrity

• Cheating

• Plagiarism

• College survival skills

The goal is to help students understand the challenges and opportunities associated with higher education.

Élan: Fashion & Style

Student Fashion & Personal Style

Élan explores current fashion and personal presentation.

Topics may include:

• Current fashions

• Color coordination

• Proper fit

• Hair

• Makeup

• Personal style

• Fashion on a budget

The segment encourages students to develop confidence and personal expression while making practical choices.

Relationship Advice

Love, Friendship & Communication

Relationship Advice provides perspectives from students, parents, experts, and viewers on relationships at different stages of life.

Topics may include:

• Friendship

• Dating

• Dating etiquette

• Meeting someone special

• Rejection

• Ending relationships

• Setting personal boundaries

• Time and money in relationships

• Communication

• Respect

• Expectations

• Difficult relationship situations

Questions may be submitted through email, letters, and other audience feedback.

Pet News & Stories

Pets Are Part of the Family

Pet News & Stories explores the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of having a pet.

Topics include:

• Choosing a pet

• Feeding

• Walking

• Training

• Grooming

• Veterinary care

• Vaccinations

• Pet safety

• Cleaning up after pets

• Pet transportation

• Advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership

• Favorite family pet stories

Students and families are encouraged to share their own pet experiences.

High School Issues

Supporting Students in School

The High School Issues segment explores challenges and opportunities affecting students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

Topics may include:

• Reading skills

• Writing skills

• Homework

• Tutoring

• Study skills

• Test-taking

• Standardized testing

• Dress codes

• School discipline

• Conflict resolution

• Anger management

• Peer counseling

• Learning differences

• Internet tutoring

• Educational technology

• Dual enrollment

• GED opportunities

• Career training

The program encourages students to discover their interests, understand their learning styles, and develop effective educational strategies.

Celebrity Interviews

Meet People Who Inspire Success

American Family Life interviews local, national, and visiting personalities who have interesting stories to tell.

Potential guests may include:

• Mayors

• Government officials

• Entrepreneurs

• Business leaders

• Athletes

• Artists

• Entertainers

• Community leaders

• Other prominent personalities

Interviews explore what motivated guests, how they achieved success, what challenges they faced, and what lessons they can share with students and families.

Talent Showcase

Oeuvre: Celebrating Student Creativity

Oeuvre provides students with an opportunity to showcase original talent.

Submissions may include:

• Singing

• Acting

• Dancing

• Musical groups

• Instrumental performances

• Artwork

• Cartoons

• Drawings

• Poetry

• Comedy

• Choir

• Jazz ensembles

• Orchestras

• Other creative performances

Students may submit videos, CDs, artwork, or other approved forms of creative work.

Science & Emotional Wellness

Science Reports

Science Reports explore scientific subjects and practical issues affecting families.

The segment may also include psychological and emotional wellness topics such as:

• Managing emotions

• Coping skills

• Stress

• Personal development

• Understanding behavior

• Emotional resilience

Anything Goes!

Open Opportunity for Creativity

Anything Goes provides an open platform for students, families, experts, and community members to present ideas, stories, performances, or subjects that do not fit neatly into another category.

The goal is to encourage creativity, participation, and meaningful conversation.

Commentary

Opinions That Matter

The Commentary section provides a platform for thoughtful opinions about social, political, educational, and family-related issues.

Students may also present editorials based on:

• Research

• Papers

• Speeches

• Personal experiences

• Community issues

• Current events

The program encourages respectful discussion and informed opinions.

Viewer Feedback

Letters, Emails & Recorded Statements

American Family Life welcomes feedback from its audience.

Viewer contributions may include:

• Letters

• Emails

• Recorded statements

• Questions

• Suggestions

• Positive feedback

• Constructive criticism

• Opinions about program topics

Selected comments may be presented during the program when relevant.

Viewers are encouraged to share what they like about the program and suggest topics they would like to see covered.

Editorial Comments

Your Voice Matters

Editorial Comments provide an opportunity for students and viewers to express their opinions about issues affecting families and communities.

Topics may include:

• Education

• Social issues

• Family matters

• Community concerns

• Current events

• Public policy

• Student experiences

The program encourages thoughtful, informed, and respectful discussion.

Etiquette & Protocol

Everyday Skills for Life

Etiquette and Protocol helps students and families understand appropriate behavior in social, educational, professional, and everyday situations.

Topics may include:

• Social etiquette

• Dining etiquette

• Dating etiquette

• Professional behavior

• Communication

• Respect

• Personal presentation

• Appropriate social interaction

Family Financial Planning

Financial education may cover:

• College planning

• Credit cards

• Automobile expenses

• Saving

• Investing

• Student employment

• Business opportunities

• Family budgeting

• Consumer decisions

The objective is to help young people develop responsible financial habits.

Social Organizations & Community Programs

American Family Life highlights organizations and programs that support students, families, education, mentoring, Arts, sports, and community development.

Potential organizations and initiatives include:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters

• Mentoring programs

• Arts mentoring

• Sports mentoring

• Student volunteer programs

• Career academies

• Community service programs

• Student safety programs

The program explores how individuals can become involved and how young people can help other young people.

Public Service Announcements

PSAs may address important issues affecting students, families, and communities.

Potential topics include:

• Bullying prevention

• Mentoring

• Student safety

• Arts education

• Volunteerism

• Health awareness

• Educational opportunities

• Career development

• Community service

• Positive decision-making

The program emphasizes finding solutions whenever a story focuses on a problem.

The Arts & Community

Supporting Arts Education

American Family Life encourages individuals and organizations to support Arts education in their communities.

The program highlights opportunities for young people to participate in:

• Music

• Theatre

• Dance

• Visual Arts

• Poetry

• Writing

• Performance

• Creative media

Students may also submit original work for possible inclusion on the American Family Life website and program.

Student Participation

Every Student Can Contribute

All student co-hosts are encouraged to participate as:

Interviewers • Reporters • Commentators • Presenters • Performers • Researchers

Students may choose subjects that interest them and develop presentations, interviews, reports, editorials, performances, or other creative projects.

The program’s emphasis is on giving students knowledge, information, skills, confidence, and opportunities to make informed choices.

Music & Visual Presentation

Music may be used throughout the program when appropriate to enhance each feature.

American Family Life encourages the use of original student-created music whenever possible, while appropriate classical or other musical selections may also be used.

Program graphics, captions, logos, transitions, and visual elements may change depending on the subject and presentation.

Important research-related information and program taglines may appear on screen when appropriate.

Online Participation

The American Family Life website provides opportunities for viewers and students to participate beyond the television program.

Online features may include:

• Student Arts submissions

• Music

• Singing

• Acting

• Dancing

• Artwork

• Poetry

• Comedy

• Instrumental performances

• Student biographies

• Host photographs

• Host biographies

• Program information

• Viewer feedback

• Questions and comments

Students may submit approved creative work through the website or other designated submission methods.

Production & Accessibility

American Family Life is designed to incorporate professional production, visual transitions, program credits, music, natural sounds, and other presentation elements.

The program also recognizes the importance of accessibility and may incorporate closed captions for viewers who are hearing impaired.

Credits may appear at the conclusion of the program and during selected outtake or closing sequences.

Advertising & Sponsorship

American Family Life provides opportunities for organizations and businesses to support the program through sponsorship and advertising.

Potential advertising formats may include:

• Television advertising

• Movie theatre advertising

• Billboard advertising

• Digital advertising

• Sponsored segments

• Public service announcements

• Product placement

Sponsors may support educational, family, Arts, sports, health, community, and lifestyle programming.

Reference & Learning Resources

American Family Life may work with educational, production, research, community, and media resources to develop programming.

The magazine format is designed to remain flexible so that new resources, experts, organizations, current events, and educational materials can be incorporated as the program develops.

Our Mission

American Family Life focuses on parents and students, with an emphasis on providing knowledge, information, skills, and positive opportunities.

When the program identifies a problem, the goal is also to explore possible solutions.

Through education, family participation, community involvement, and “The Arts,” American Family Life seeks to help students and families make informed decisions and develop positive paths forward.

Contact Information

Email

attorneywoodiethomas@gmail.com

Cell Phone

561-339-2900

American Family Life

“Perception Is Reality”

Family Is the HEART of all cultures.

These are the stories of your life!