Dads Need Time, Too
It takes a lot to be a good dad - especially time. Yet while some employers recognize the importance of providing leave for men, most do not. Maryland can make the crucial time off dads need to bond with their babies the new normal. It’s time for a change. Listen here to see how we can make this happen.
Gender Stereotyping
Gender stereotyping plays a significant role in who our children believe they can become. But gender typecasting, often unintentional, is ingrained in our culture or family of origin and is too rarely questioned or resisted. Remember, what you say and do are the greatest influence on who your child will become.
Resources
What are gender roles and stereotypes? (Planned Parenthood)
How do I talk with my preschooler about identity? (Planned Parenthood)
How do I talk with my preschooler about identity? (Planned Parenthood)
Time To Care
We all need time to care - for new babies, for aging parents, for loved ones with health needs, or for healing ourselves. Yet many Americans can’t take time to care because we lack paid family leave. The United States is the only industrialized nation without paid family leave. The time for paid family leave is now.
MFN's Essay Contest
Each year Maryland Family Network holds an essay contest open to the parents served at our 25 Family Support Centers across the state. Here’s a quote from one of this year’s winners, who resides in Prince George's County and attends the Adelphi/Langley Park Family Support Center: "The Family Support Center is my second home…My daughter and I are living unforgettable moments, acquiring knowledge to…have a splendid future. This is like a gift that life has given me…Being here has changed my family’s life for the better." Listen now to hear the rest.
Sleeping Stats
New parents often expect their baby to start sleeping through the night by six months of age. However, a large percentage of healthy babies don’t reach that milestone by six months or even by 12 months. Listen now for more information on what may be keeping you and your baby up at night.
Resources
Birth Outcomes & Community Health
In 2017, the U.S. saw an increase in premature births for the third year in a row. Maryland’s preterm birth rates have followed this national trend. What can be done to combat our high infant mortality rate?
Resources
Born to Soon (March of Dimes)
Baltimore County program seeks to reverse poor birth outcomes in Cockeysville, Owings Mills (Baltimore Sun)
More babies in Maryland being born prematurely, according to March of Dimes (Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore County program seeks to reverse poor birth outcomes in Cockeysville, Owings Mills (Baltimore Sun)
More babies in Maryland being born prematurely, according to March of Dimes (Baltimore Sun)
Don't Go To Your Room!
"Go to your room!" Parents are often tempted to use this age-old strategy when a child is misbehaving or having trouble managing his emotions. But does it help?
Resources
The Science Of Baby Laughter
What makes a baby laugh? A comprehensive survey attempts to answer this very question. Whether tickling, peekaboo, or any other number of games or mishaps, a baby’s laughter is always a delight.
Resources
Racism And Early Childhood Mental Health
Racism and discrimination affect people in many different ways. This is just as true for children. The effects of racism and discrimination on children are long-lasting and can be devastating. Teaching children to respect others and appreciate both our commonalities and our differences are key to becoming the egalitarian nation we profess to be.
Resources
Racism Can Affect Your Mental Health From As Early As Childhood (Refinery29)
Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Well-Being During Adolescence: A Meta-Analytic Review (American Psychological Association)
Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Well-Being During Adolescence: A Meta-Analytic Review (American Psychological Association)