Parenting Now Blog

Maybe you're feeling cooped up after spending rainy days indoors and two years' worth of pandemic-related closures. Maybe you're inspired by the bulbs blooming outside, new growth on shrubs and trees, or increased bird activity? Or perhaps your child is just bouncing off the walls and needs to move? Whatever the reason, it's a great ...

Your toddler is talking more, exploring more, and acting more independently. There are new and exciting things to experience, whether it is going to story time in the library, playing in the park, or planning a trip to see Grandpa! Along with new experiences and activities will, inevitably, come frustration, disappointment, anger, sadness, and other ...

It's not easy to shield your child from the use of strong language. They might hear it on TV, a YouTube video, video game, or from other peers or adults, and at some point your child might experiment with it. The language and words you use (and don't use) in your home can be thought ...

Many children go through phases of selective or picky eating. Toddlers, especially, will go through phases where former favorites are suddenly repulsive. These periods can be stressful for parents who worry about their toddler's health and nutrition, and can lead to power struggles that can make things worse. The toddler years are all about big ...

There are lots of reasons we read with our children-it helps grow their vocabulary and view of the world, and strengthens our connection with our child, which supports both learning and overall wellbeing. Books can broaden the imagination, introducing topics beyond our child's immediate world. Children also find affirmation in books - babies love seeing ...

As soon as babies are mobile, they start to explore their environment. When they become walkers, they graduate to being a toddler - and it's a whole new level of  wandering around. Wandering can occur on shopping trips, playgrounds, or on a walk through your neighborhood. In a blink of an eye, a toddler can ...

Ana Maria Dudley first came to the Family Resource Center in Cottage Grove in 1993. Since then, she has met countless families, enriching their lives with her warmth, grace, and spirit.  She has helped families navigate complex medical systems, find local resources such as WIC, food banks, housing, as well as shared her knowledge of ...

A new baby means some major changes for the entire family. Children's reactions can vary from being helpful with diapers or feedings to jealousy, acting out or regressing to baby-like behavior. Having toileting accidents or wanting to drink from a bottle are normal reactions to the stress of having a new baby. Love, reassurance and ...

Rain, rain and more rain, and yet you can still enjoy all of winter with your toddler. Maybe those early winter days of sweet indoor cuddling are gone as more chilly grey days arrive, but having a variety of indoor activities to keep your child busy and stimulated will make for a happy winter for all. You ...

  Life can present all kinds of stressful situations, ranging from mundane, everyday stresses like running late for work, or more extreme stressors like being chased by a wild animal. When you experience stress, you might get a headache or a churning stomach. You might snap at your kids, cry more easily, think negative or ...

Handpicked by the children's librarians at Eugene Public Library, here are their winter book recommendations! Give them a read! A Family is a Family is a Family, written by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng. When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are ...

  A close, nurturing, and responsive relationship is the single most important factor affecting our children's well-being. Nurturing touch is a part of that. Through your gentle stroke on their cheek or a warm embrace, your child learns about comfort, safety, security, and love. All babies need touch to survive and thrive, and the use ...