Distracted Parenting
Distracted driving gets a lot of press. But what about distracted parenting? Learn what the impact can be on young children when mom or dad are distracted by smart phones, tablets and computers.
Resources
The Risks of Parenting While Plugged In (New York Times)
For the Children’s Sake, Put Down that Smartphone (NPR)
html" target="_blank">Patterns of Mobile Device User by Caregivers and Children During Meals in Fast Food Restaurants (American Academy of Pediatrics)
For the Children’s Sake, Put Down that Smartphone (NPR)
html" target="_blank">Patterns of Mobile Device User by Caregivers and Children During Meals in Fast Food Restaurants (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Meet Mr. Trufflepants
Listen now to meet Mr. Trufflepants—our imaginary friend. A child’s pretend friends can be a very healthy part of development and even help prepare her for success later in life.
Resources
Should You "Evict" Your Child’s Imaginary Friend? (Psychology Today)
Advantages of Imaginary Friends (The British Psychological Society)
Advantages of Imaginary Friends (The British Psychological Society)
Five Principles For Parenting
The Director of Columbia University’s Center for Toddler Development recently shared her Five Principles for Parenting with The Washington Post. Check out a recap of what she had to say.
Resources
5 Ways to Understand Toddlers (The Washington Post)
Barnard Center for Toddler Development (Columbia University)
Barnard Center for Toddler Development (Columbia University)
Fire Safety
Many families have a plan in case of a fire at home. But is your child care provider as ready as you are? Learn the right questions to ask to make sure.
Resources
Caring for Children in a Disaster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Choosing Child Care (Child Care Aware)
Early Childhood Regulations (Maryland State Department of Education)
Choosing Child Care (Child Care Aware)
Early Childhood Regulations (Maryland State Department of Education)
Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire!
Liar, liar, pants on fire! We’ve all heard this chant. But when does lying begin? And how do we teach children to not tell fibs?
Resources
When Children Lie (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Choosing Chores
Lots of parents want to instill in their children the values of hard work and teamwork. At home, the opportunity to practice this often involves chores that children- even little kids- can help with. But choosing the right chores, and the right messages, matters.
Resources
Why Children Need Chores (Wall Street Journal)
Age-Appropriate Chores for Children (The New York Times)
Age-Appropriate Chores for Children (The New York Times)
Happy Anniversary Head Start!
Head Start just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over 31 million children have benefitted from Head Start and Early Head Star to become business and community leaders, teachers, Members of Congress, athletes, Grammy-winning musicians, poets, and parents. But more work needs to be done to expand early learning opportunities like this to all families who need and want it.
Resources
Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grant Orientation (Margaret's Blog, Maryland Family Network)
Maryland Family Network’s Family Support Centers and Early Head Start (Maryland Family Network)
Maryland Head Start Association
Office of Head Start
Maryland Family Network’s Family Support Centers and Early Head Start (Maryland Family Network)
Maryland Head Start Association
Office of Head Start
Secondhand Smoke And Kids
Secondhand smoke can lead to multiple health complications. Adults have the option to walk away from smoke but children don’t always have that choice. Learn more about the risks to children who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
Resources
Secondhand Smoke (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Harm to Kids From Secondhand Smoke (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Protect Your Loved Ones From Secondhand Smoke (SmokeFree.Gov)
Harm to Kids From Secondhand Smoke (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Protect Your Loved Ones From Secondhand Smoke (SmokeFree.Gov)
Lead Poisoning
One in five children in the U.S. has unsafe levels of lead in his blood stream. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious problems for children. Know what to look for and how to avoid lead poisoning.
Resources
Reading Lasts A Lifetime
You may not get a paycheck, but if you’re a volunteer you’ve got a very important job. Especially if it involves helping young children learn how to read.
Resources
Read with Me (U.S. Department of Education)
Minnesota Reading Corps Evaluation (Corporation for National and Community Service)
Preschool Boosts Reading Skills Later (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
Baby Reading Milestones (PBS Parents)
Minnesota Reading Corps Evaluation (Corporation for National and Community Service)
Preschool Boosts Reading Skills Later (Oregon Public Broadcasting)
Baby Reading Milestones (PBS Parents)