Parenting Now Blog

Many of us have loosened our screen time rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you're looking to get your family's media usage back on track or start a new media plan for your family, you're in the right place. Now that the world is opening up, and more alternative activities are available for you and ...

Spring is a special time of year for new growth, warmer weather and adventures! Here are some fun springtime activities to do with your children. Cloud painting Take the afternoon with your child and go look at clouds. It's a great way for you to get out of the house and look at different cloud ...

Growing up involves learning many new and complex skills such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, cleaning up after yourself, managing school work, and strategies for problem solving. There are many ways you can support your child to learn and build these skills. Here are some ideas: Set a good example (all ages) Our children don't ...

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 ...