Nightmares
Nightmares can be triggered by a number of things. It's important to take the time to listen and comfort your child as she experiences this important but sometimes scary milestone.
Resources
Children and Bedtime Fears and Nightmares (National Sleep Foundation)
Sleep Nightmares (Zero to Three)
Sleep Nightmares (Zero to Three)
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life, even for young children. It's especially common when children are separated from parents for the first time. But for some children the symptoms continue and may get worse. Find out what you need to look for to make sure your child's anxiety isn't interfering with her development and happiness.
Resources
The Anxious Child - Facts for Families (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Separation Anxiety (The Mayo Clinic)
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Children: Information for Parents (National Association of School Psychologists)
Separation Anxiety (The Mayo Clinic)
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in Children: Information for Parents (National Association of School Psychologists)
Transitioning To Kindergarten
It won't be long until your preschooler is ready to start kindergarten. This can be challenging for both children and parents. Start planning now to help make the transition a smooth one.
Resources
Transitioning to Kindergarten (NAEYC)
Terrific Transitions: Supporting Children's Transition to Kindergarten (SERVE Regional Educational Laboratory & the National Head Start Association)
12 Ways to Help a Child Make the Transition to Kindergarten (Harvard Medical School)
Terrific Transitions: Supporting Children's Transition to Kindergarten (SERVE Regional Educational Laboratory & the National Head Start Association)
12 Ways to Help a Child Make the Transition to Kindergarten (Harvard Medical School)
Social Competency
Parents want to help children grow up to feel confident and secure. But the markers of social competency in young children can be hard to spot. But there are signs to look for. Listen now to find out more.
Resources
What is the best way to assess young children's social competence? (Illinois Early Learning Project)
Development of Social-Emotional Skills (Zero to Three)
Helping Young Children Succeed: Strategies to Promote Early Childhood Social and Emotional Development (Zero to Three)
Development of Social-Emotional Skills (Zero to Three)
Helping Young Children Succeed: Strategies to Promote Early Childhood Social and Emotional Development (Zero to Three)
Routines
Ever wish you could take a break from the routine? Well, for very young children routines build a sense of security and self-confidence. They may also help children do better in school and be more successful adults.
Resources
Kids with Family Routines are Emotionally and Socially More Advanced (Huffington Post)
Family Routines and Social-Emotional School Readiness Among Preschool-Age Children (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics)
Love, Learning, and Routines (Zero to Three)
Family Routines and Social-Emotional School Readiness Among Preschool-Age Children (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics)
Love, Learning, and Routines (Zero to Three)
Maryland Excels
Do you want to know how your child care provider stacks up against others? The Maryland State Department of Education's Maryland EXCELS program can tell you just that. When a child care provider or public pre-K classroom enrolls in the EXCELS program, quality assurance specialists from MSDE verify that all the standards have been met. That means, in general, the more standards that are met, the better the care and education for our children.
Resources
Locate: Child Care
Reliable child care is just a phone call away. Take the time to make the right choice—the first five years last forever. Early childhood development occurs rapidly, so choosing a reliable care provider is critically important. LOCATE: Child Care, a FREE phone referral service, can help you make the right choice. Call one of our specialists who will take the time you need to: • discuss care preferences—program type, location, costs, more • search our database of child care programs in Maryland • provide options available in your neighborhood or near your workplace Call us right now at 877.261.0061 or explore LOCATE: Child Care for more information.
Resources
Choosing Child Care (Maryland Family Network—LOCATE: Child Care)
Choosing Child Care for Children with Special Needs (Maryland Family Network—LOCATE: Child Care)
Choosing Child Care for Children with Special Needs (Maryland Family Network—LOCATE: Child Care)
Picky Eaters
Got a picky eater at home? Relax. It's not uncommon for young children to turn down a new food up to 15 times before they even try it. Zero to Three has some ideas that may help around your dinner table.
Resources
Healthy Eating Strategies for Young Children (Zero to Three)
10 Tips for Picky Eaters (Mayo Clinic)
Feeding the Picky Eater: 17 Tips (Ask Dr. Sears)
10 Tips for Picky Eaters (Mayo Clinic)
Feeding the Picky Eater: 17 Tips (Ask Dr. Sears)
Get Moving
Young children are naturally active. So if we give them plenty of room and opportunity to move, they'll literally jump at the chance. Children who exercise are healthier physically and emotionally. Here are some ways to get kids moving.
Resources
Kids and Exercise (KidsHealth.org—Nemours Center for Children’s Health Media)
Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children (American Heart Association)
Seven Games to Get Kids Moving (Grandparents.com)
Recommendations for Physical Activity in Children (American Heart Association)
Seven Games to Get Kids Moving (Grandparents.com)
Family Disaster Preparedness
Young children have needs that we often take for granted when the sky is blue. But are you prepared for how to help them when disaster strikes? We have information about how your family can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature sends our way. A little planning now can save lives when disaster strikes.