Helpful Resources to Help Prepare Children for Vaccinations. As we navigate through this pandemic we, as parents, are trying to learn and do the very best for our children every day. Things are changing on a daily basis when it comes to Covid, so that’s why we have to stay on top of the information [...]

Protecting your child's teeth Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear—typically around age 6 months. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers, often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. In some cases, [...]

Attainable Habits that lead to success The beginning of the school year marks a good time recommit to good habits, ones that can influence academic success. School gurus suggest a plethora of strategies, but we like this list because it’s short, attainable, and will promote lifelong success. No matter what school or work looks like [...]

Having to worry about a virus brings new levels of concern to expectant mothers Being pregnant is supposed to be filled with lots of joy and wonderful expectations! Of course there are things every expectant mother worries about, but having to worry about a virus that is causing a global pandemic brings a whole new [...]

Yes, social isolation can lead to loneliness which can affect one’s mental health and wellbeing for adults, but it can also affect children too. Children just might handle it differently. With our world dealing with the Pandemic/Covid-19 virus, social isolation and loneliness are becoming more prevalent, but there are ways to help your child get [...]

Considerations for use of face coverings with children Times continue to rapidly change with new information daily about the Covid-19 virus.  Face coverings for children are now being recommended. Wearing cloth face coverings reduces the chance of transmitting the virus through the spray of spit or respiratory droplets which happens when someone sneezes or coughs [...]

Teach your Children to Avoid ExposureThe CDC Recommends two main steps to take: Know how viruses are spread. Visit the CDC website for updates and additional information. Avoid being exposed to the virus by taking preventive steps. Preventive Steps: Clean and disinfect daily. Clean your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and [...]

Keep up the good fight against harmful UV rays. With spring and warmer days here, many families are spending more time outdoors. Walks around the neighborhood and backyard playtime are an easy go-to for variety of scene and exercise. While there’s nothing more fun than watching your kids play, the time in the sun can [...]

Children with Extra Time Children are never as occupied as they are during the school term, but this spring is like no other. Right now, school-aged children are in a bit of limbo, while school officials work hard to determine how to manage continued education during a worldwide pandemic. In the meantime, with all the [...]

Exercise and Your Wellbeing Chances are, you're working from home, and the kids are there too. As tempting as it is to hit the pantry for snacks, at some point your exercise regime needs a reboot. After all, our overall health has a big impact on our ability to care for our children.   Let's [...]

Small Changes Create Gains for Overall Health & Well-being MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH, and this year Mental Health America’s theme (4Mind4Body) focuses on small changes – both physically and mentally – to create gains for our overall health and wellbeing. No matter your state of wellbeing, all of us could benefit from small positive [...]

Know the Risks and Signs of Depression Although it is often difficult for parents of children under the age of five to accept, doctors now know it is possible for very young children to suffer from depression. Oftentimes, children who are depressed are thought to be shy, distant, lazy, stubborn, or defiant. Every child has [...]

Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One Holidays are a time for fellowship and friendship with those you love. However, for families dealing with the loss of a loved one, this time of year can also bring terrific sadness. There is no single right or wrong way to handle these difficult times. The key [...]

Teaching young children about hygiene and germs isn't always easy, but it's important! Why? Understanding the connection between germs and illness helps children comprehend the need for good hygiene practices. Less time missed from school or work because of sickness. Children develop care and concern for the health and welfare of those around them. A [...]

Our children bring us great joy. And yet there are times when parents experience anger and frustration. Parenting is tough and it is normal to feel angry at times. First, learning to recognize and being aware of these feelings then finding the most appropriate ways of responding are key to safe and effective parenting.

Maintain a Peaceful Home in the Midst of Chaos Today’s world is a complicated place. Day to day living can cause stress and anxiety. Because of the wide scope of media coverage we also know and worry about concerns around the globe. These pressures can seep into our home lives and cause tension and conflict. [...]

Parenting can be tough especially when two parents have different parenting styles. Have you ever thought about what kind of parent you are? Are you tough with high expectations? Do you believe that children should be allowed to “just be kids”? What do you think of as the “best” way to raise a child? There [...]

Have you ever had one of those days when you felt like every other parent has “it all together” but you? These feelings of inadequacy are common, especially with first time parents. Many of us have grown up with the notion that parents should be all-knowing, all- loving, and all-giving. However, no matter how great [...]

If your job ended and it wasn’t your choice, the experience of facing an uncertain future can be extremely stressful and frightening. You may be feeling out of control and helpless or perhaps even bitter with your former employer. All of these emotions are normal. How you handle these difficult days, however, can be a [...]

Disagreements between siblings have many causes which can include jealousy, competition, differences in temperament and developmental stages, illness, and daily stress. So, what's a parent to do when sparks are flying? Try monitoring the situation from a distance. Do not get involved unless there is danger to a person or property. If they come to you [...]

Parents want their children to be successful in school, but often the issue of homework gets in the way of that success. With a little creativity, parents can make the homework struggle easier. Ways that parents can help their children focus on homework: Help your child select an appropriate, comfortable place to do homework. Keep [...]

The Internet can be a wonderful resource! Children can get help with homework, find information about a hobby, download music, and keep in touch with friends and family through e-mail. However, the Internet also carries certain risks. As parents, we must stay informed and equipped to ensure our children’s safety. How can parents keep children […]

You may have heard the term “teachable moment” used. Parent educators and teachers often instruct parents to take advantage of “teachable moments”. But what exactly is a “teachable moment”, and how can you make the most of it? A “teachable moment” can happen almost anywhere and at any time. They are generally not planned learning [...]

At times, being a parent can be tough. There are challenges you never anticipated and days when you think you just aren’t cut out for the job. Don’t despair; all parents feel this way from time to time. Children can be very frustrating as they constantly push against boundaries and test limits. They don’t always [...]

All parents and their children will argue at some point. Back talk, whining, begging and arguing are some of the most frustrating behaviors to deal with as parents. But like most negative behaviors the best defense is a good offense. Learning to prepare ahead of time for arguments can be the simplest way to avoid [...]

Whining, an irritating blend of talking and crying, occurs in many children 2-4 years of age and can cause frustration or anger for almost any parent. During this developmental stage children’s language skills are rapidly improving; however, they still do not possess the vocabulary necessary to express themselves when they are tired, cranky, hungry, or [...]

Anger is a natural emotion experienced by everyone. Parents can play a positive role by helping children deal with angry feelings. Children see everything parents do and say so it is very important that parents model the appropriate methods of dealing with anger. Most children inappropriately display anger because they are not mature enough to [...]

Change during childhood is inevitable! As parents it is our responsibility to teach our children resiliency- the ability to rise above challenges and move forward with confidence. By following these tips we can help our children develop the coping strategies necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world: Introduce the concept of time: Because young children [...]

If you are a parent or around children for any length of time, you will observe conflict. Although it can be frustrating, it is actually helpful for children to experience disagreements. Some bickering and conflict in childhood helps children discover positive ways of resolving disagreements-an important skill throughout life. Following are some tips to help [...]

Since the beginning of time brothers and sisters have had their differences. Arguments ensue over major issues and, what seem to us, minor ones. Siblings who share a room are often tempted to draw a line down the middle to keep one another from touching their possessions or invading their space. As parents, we are [...]

If you are the proud parent of more than one child, you probably experience the sounds of sibling rivalry and conflict on a regular basis. (“Mom, he’s touching me!” “She’s wearing my sweater without asking!” “Get out of my room!”) Take comfort in the fact that this is typical behavior and yours are not the [...]

Parents want their children to be successful in school, but often the issue of homework gets in the way of that success. With a little creativity, parents can make the homework struggle easier. Ways that parents can help their children focus on homework: Help your child select an appropriate, comfortable place to do homework. Keep [...]

Very early in life children learn their actions, (e.g. crying, smiling), have an impact on the world and those around them. They also possess an inborn desire to assist others and affect their world. As toddlers, they imitate the actions of adults. They want to help and try very hard to do things for themselves. [...]

Parents want their children to grow into responsible, caring, capable adults. The foundation for these traits must be laid early if our children are to be prepared for adult life. Because no one is born knowing how to act responsibly, children must be taught these behaviors Being responsible includes learning to: Be honest and accept [...]

Parenting is a 24 hour a day job- no matter how we feel! Our days are filled with feeding, bathing, cleaning, diapers, laundry, errands, and more! So while we take care of our children, who takes care of us? Every parent feels stressed from time to time. Here are some helpful tips to ease the [...]