As COVID-19 restrictions slowly begin to ease up, many of us are venturing into public spaces. Those public spaces, however, look far from normal. As grownups, we know we're required to wear face coverings for safety and health reasons. But it's unsettling---especially when we're used to small moments of connection we make through a friendly smile. If it's strange for us, what does a child think? And how do we answer their questions? Below find tips from Rebecca Parlakian, senior director of programs at Zero to Three. See original article. For toddlers, it’s important to answer only the questions they ask. Avoid sharing "too much" information that might be confusing (e.g., what does contagious mean). Some common questions might be: Is the mask a costume? (No, sometimes people wear masks when they are sick or to help keep them safe so they won’t get sick.)Can the person still talk? (Yes. The mask covers their mouth, but they can still talk. Just like if I put my hand over my … [Read more...]

Our children are struggling right now. But how that struggle looks is different at different ages. Toddlers to Teens: How to Help Kids Cope with Stress from COVID-19 from Healthline provides some common responses children and teens are having to COVID-19, as well as some helpful parenting tools.  Younger children may be regressing and are in need of age-appropriate explanations about what’s going on.Depression among teenagers may be on the rise as a result of physical distancing and missing events.Online counselors and therapists are providing telehealth appointments in a format that’s far more comfortable to the younger generation than parents may realize. If you and your child would like some additional support coping, please reach out to our behavioral health team at 888-355-5433. Coping strategies: for kids of every age When we feel overwhelmed by our emotions it can be easy to start to think unhelpful thoughts and use unhelpful behaviors. Add in the additional … [Read more...]

Raising or taking care of children can be stressful. As parents or caregivers, we can feel stressed when we're worried about paying the rent or worried about a sick family member or when our child is having a tantrum. We may try to protect our child from the stress we're feeling, but children are very sensitive to our emotional states. If we are feeling stressed, most likely our child is also feeling that stress. They might not know why you are stressed or why they feel stressed, but they feel the stress. This doesn’t mean you need to share every detail with your child about what is stressing you out, but it does give you a chance to tell them you are feeling stressed and to show them what you do to feel better and calmer.   Manage your stress first The best way to help your child manage their stress or other big feelings is for you to manage your stress or big feelings first. Have you ever been on a plane or watched a movie where the flight attendants remind caregivers … [Read more...]

In times of crisis and calm, babies rely on an accurate Census. On National Baby Day—May 2—join us as we remind families to count all babies and young children in the 2020 Census. Excerpted from Count All Kids census initiative led by ZERO to THREE Haven't taken the census yet? It's quick (5 minutes or less) and confidential. Click to take online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by phone, call (844) 330-2020.   Why is taking the census so important?  The 2020 Census will help decide how much money communities will get for schools, child care and early learning, health insurance and medical care, early intervention and home visiting programs, food assistance, foster care, housing assistance, and public transportation. As the government responds to health and economic crises like COVID-19, an accurate Census also ensures that babies and families are included in emergency plans. Young children are historically undercounted in the Census. In 2010, we … [Read more...]

Messy sensory-play is important for young children, giving them endless ways to develop and learn. It helps them to develop and improve their gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and concentration. Little ones use all their senses to discover and explore their environment, and develop their imagination, creative thinking, and ability to problem solve and experiment with solutions. Soft-as-a-Cloud Play-Dough Ingredients 2 cups cornstarch1 cup inexpensive hair conditioner1 or 2 drops liquid food coloring (optional) Instructions Place cornstarch in a large bowl.Mix in the hair conditioner with your hands.Tip: Scented conditioner will stay on your hands, so choose a scent you and your kids really enjoy---or opt for scent-free.As it comes together, it will be pliable and very, very smooth.If desired, add a drop or two of food coloring. Remember: Food coloring may discolor skin; it's nontoxic and will wash off soon, but be mindful of how much you use.Store in … [Read more...]