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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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)
Parent Like A Librarian
Being a parent is a lot like being a librarian. A good librarian, like a good parent, provides you with the information to make your own choices and to follow your own interests. Listen now to learn what else good parents and librarians have in common.
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Why You Should Parent Like a Librarian (Offspring)
Sex, Drugs, & Rock 'N Roll
Parenting is part science and part art. That’s why Maryland Family Network recently partnered with the American Visionary Art Museum for their current exhibit, Parenting: An Art Without a Manual. While there may not be an official parenting manual, there are lots of tips that can help. Check out the exhibit at AVAM, and pick up some parenting tips at throughout our site.
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Parenting: An Art without a Manual (American Visionary Art Museum)
Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month
October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Being aware of safe sleep practices, and having the knowledge and resources to put these practices into place, can help to ensure that our little ones are getting the safest sleep possible. Sweet dreams.