First Five Years | Maryland Family Network

The First Five Years is a weekly radio program presented by Maryland Family Network and airing on WEAA 88.9 FM. The program was previously on WYPR 88.1 FM. The series is focused on the extraordinary developmental period from birth to age five. The First Five Years highlights the challenges and opportunities related to nurturing young children and helping them build a solid foundation for success in school and in life. This program is made possible in part by M&T Charitable Foundation.

young woman with red super heros kit smiling

Mommy Brain

As a mom, do you ever feel like a superhero? Well, it’s possible that pregnancy and childbirth may be giving you Super Mommy Brain! Listen now.

Resources

What Happens to a Woman’s Brain When She Becomes a Mother (The Atlantic)
Does Having a Baby Really Make It Harder to Concentrate? (Our American Stories)

Childcare provider and three young children at the drawing table

Provider's Paychecks

Many of the professionals entrusted to care for our children are severely underpaid and relying on public assistance to make ends meet. They deserve better.

Resources

Trends in Child Care (MFN)
The State of Early Childhood Workforce (Center for the Study of Child Care Employment)

young family coloring easter eggs in kitchen

What To Look For

It’s time to make the hardest choice a new parent can make: selecting a child care provider. Find out if you’re ready.

Resources

Choosing Child Care (MFN)
Choosing Child Care for Children with Special Needs (MFN)

2016 us presidential elections map concept isolated on white background

What Unites U.S.

Americans just can’t find common ground any more. It seems we’re split down party lines and the division is only getting wider. Except on one issue. Listen now to find out what unites us.

Resources

A Divided Electorate is United On Early Childhood Education (First Five Years Fund)

Medicaid

Medicaid Expansion

A mother’s lack of health care coverage can have a devastating impact on her children. Find out how.

Resources

Medicaid Expansion Helps Kids by Helping Moms Get Care for Maternal Depression (Center for Law and Social Policy)

Stable housing is imperative - parents worry, with child

Unstable Housing

We need to make home sweet home a reality for more families. Find out why.

Resources

Safe, Stable Homes Lead to Healthier Children and Families for Baltimore (Children's Healthwatch)
Reduce Poverty by Improving Housing Stability (Urban Institute)
The Family Options Study (HUD)

caucasian grandmother carrying her small latin granddaughter

Great News For Grandparents

Spending time with your grandchildren could be good for your brain. Learn more.

Resources

Babysitting Grandkids Could Lower Risk for Alzheimer’s (Alzheimers.net)
Study Boosts Grandparent-Grandchild Ties (Boston College Chronicle)

family with baby relaxing on outdoor garden swing seat

The Happiness Gap

Have you heard of the happiness gap? Listen now and find out why American parents are less happy than others.

Resources

Why Parents in the U.S. Have the Biggest ‘Happiness Gap’ (Huffington Post)
Americans Work More Than Anyone (ABC News)

cropped image of doctor performing ultrasound on pregnant woman in clinic

Raise The Wage. Raise Healthy Kids.

One way to lower the number of infant deaths in U.S. is by raising the minimum wage. Listen now and learn the difference a dollar can make.

Resources

Boost Minimum Wage and Babies Benefit: Study (Health Day)
The Effect of an Increased Minimum Wage on Infant Mortality and Birth Weight (American Journal of Public Health )

Fatherhood

Make Room For Daddy

Fatherhood is more of a priority for men than ever before. Find out what employers can do to strengthen families and the workplace at the same time.

Resources

Six Facts About American Fathers (Pew Research Center)
Updating the Organization MAN: An Examination of Involved Fathering in the Workplace (Academy of Management)