Children are born movers and shakers. Starting in infancy, babies wiggle and squirm in an effort to move their bodies through space, grab onto things, and explore the world. Giving your baby lots of opportunities to manipulate and explore encourages a curiosity and mastery that lays a strong foundation for love of learning and moving. …
Have you held a newly born baby recently? Wondered, “What are you thinking? What’s happening inside your mind?” That brain is born with 100 billion neurons – each with 2,500 synapses. And, in a nurturing, safe and connected environment – blooming to some 15,000 synapses per neuron by 2 and 3 years. We all understand …
It may not be “lions and tigers and bears,” but even happy and secure kids have fears or anxiety at different stages and ages of childhood. Some amount of fear is normal and needed. Fear can protect us from danger and keep us safe. Parents can help their children learn how to respond to and …
A global pandemic, protests, rioting, school closures, and now wildfires—2020 is shaping up to be a very challenging year for parents and children! No doubt kids have questions about what they are hearing and seeing on the news, as well as experiencing first-hand. It’s not always easy to talk about “scary things” with kids (what’s …
Talking to Kids About Wildfires and Other Scary Things Read More »
For families looking for updates on the wildfires, information on air quality and how to best protect children from its negative health effects, use the resources below. We will continue to update this list as the situation progresses: • Searchable list of local resources for families in Lane County, including financial assistance, help lines, basic …
Wildfire Safety Information and Resources for Families Read More »
Each child is born with a unique “temperament.” Temperament is the way we approach and respond to the world. Some children warm up quickly in social situations, while others are more cautious. Children can also be persistent or easily agitated, or easy going, jumping right in to explore their world. Your role as a parent …
We are several months into COVID-19 and, unfortunately, it’s looking like we are in it for the long haul. Perhaps, your family has already established a plan for keeping safe and healthy during COVID-19, or maybe now, under new regulations that mandate the use of facial coverings in public, you are having to come up …
As an infant, did your child excitedly try new foods, only to become more selective as they entered their toddler years? Some parents jump to label their child a “picky eater” if they: Don’t want to sit at the table to eat Play with their food Are fussy about what they eat Refuse to try …
After six weeks of physical distancing, many of us are feeling the effects of social isolation. This is especially true for parents who were already experiencing postpartum anxiety and depression brought on by isolation, lack of support from family or friends, as well as the stress of caring for a baby. For 40 years, Parenting …
As a parent, you were likely not prepared for your kiddos to be out of school a week earlier than expected—not to mention the entire month of April. With playdates out of the question, libraries closed, rainy days, and other activities canceled, your family is likely spending A LOT of time at home together. However, …
Can’t we all just get along?! Steps to minimize conflict among siblings Read More »