Whereas, We look to parents in protecting and teaching their children the importance of honesty, respect, education, empathy, service, and determination; and,

Whereas, Parents who nurture, love and guide their children help them develop into healthy, loving, responsible, and contributing citizens; and,

Whereas, Research suggests that one of the strongest deterrents to teen alcohol use is when parents are actively involved in their teenagers' lives; and,

Whereas, Informed parenting adds stability and strength to the lives of our children and also helps to reduce social problems such as substance abuse, school failure, teenage pregnancy, violence, and crime; and,

Whereas, Providing and promoting parenting education and resources for the development of parenting skills will greatly contribute toward improving the quality of life for Michigan families; and,

Whereas, Establishing March as Parenting Awareness Month provides an opportunity to reflect and celebrate individuals who have embraced the challenge of parenthood;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2009 Parenting Awareness Month in Michigan.  I encourage all parents of this state to take this opportunity to promote parenting education, to join parenting networks, and to become more involved in their teenagers' lives as they are the future.