Parenting Now Blog

Ask any home visitor or parenting educator what the hardest part of their job is, and "goal setting" comes up more often than you'd expect. Not because it isn't important — it's a lot like planting a seed, simple but powerful, with outcomes that can grow far beyond that first conversation — but because it's ...

Do you have a favorite routine in your day?  Perhaps it’s your morning coffee…or sitting down with a good book after a long day at work.  Maybe your favorite routine is just sitting back and doing nothing. During the very few precious minutes you get during the day when somebody is not asking you for ...

September often brings a fresh start for families. As children return to school and begin new routines, many families also sign up for sports, clubs, and activities. These experiences can be a wonderful way for children to build friendships, learn new skills, and discover what they enjoy. Sports provide children with opportunities to develop coordination, ...

Sometimes being a parent can feel a little weird. You might find yourself standing in the produce section, talking out loud about strawberries to a child who is far too young to answer you. Or maybe you catch yourself explaining why you chose the yellow bell pepper instead of the red one. And suddenly you ...

August is a wonderful time for families to slow down, enjoy the last weeks of summer, and make space for creativity. Whether your child loves drawing, music, dancing, building, storytelling, or imaginative play, creative activities give children opportunities to explore their interests while building important skills. Creativity is more than just making art — it ...

Summer can bring exciting new experiences for children — from day camps and summer programs to visits with relatives and time with new caregivers. While these activities can be fun and enriching, some children may find it challenging to separate from their parents or caregivers at drop-off time. It’s common for children to cling, cry, ...

When is the Perinatal Period? From pregnancy through the baby’s first year of life. Who can be affected by PMAD’s? Mom’s, Dad’s, Birthing People and even adoptive parents PMAD’s are the number one complication with pregnancy and birth, so let’s talk about it and see how some of the offerings at Parenting Now can support ...

As summer begins and social gatherings increase, many parents face tough questions about teen drinking. With parties, graduations, and vacations in full swing, now is the perfect time to equip yourself with strategies to guide your teen toward healthy choices. Why This Conversation Matters ● Brain Development: Alcohol can harm the developing adolescent brain, affecting ...

  As nature bursts into bloom this spring, your baby is blossoming too! The first year is a magical time of rapid growth and discovery. This month, we’re sharing simple, research-backed ways to support your infant’s development through everyday interactions and play. Why the First Year Matters Your baby’s brain forms over a million neural ...

As spring blooms, so do the ever-changing trends that captivate our teenagers—from fashion and music to social media challenges and peer group dynamics. While it’s natural for teens to explore their identities, parents often grapple with how to set boundaries without stifling their independence. This month, we’re sharing strategies to help you guide your teen ...

Rough weather is a great time to explore rough and tumble play. Cold, dark weather can really dampen your parenting. Children still need challenges and a way to use their large motor skills, even when playgrounds are drenched and dreary. One activity that can be done inside that is intensive, challenging, and requires large amounts ...

March 2026 Blog Post: Teaching Preschoolers to Play Peacefully Spring is a time of growth—not just for flowers, but for our children’s social skills too! As preschoolers spend more time playing together, disagreements and rough behavior can blossom alongside the daffodils. This month, we’re focusing on helping young children navigate conflicts, share toys, and express ...