I once sat at the feet of a new mother who had given birth just days before. She looked exhausted and a bit scared as she passed her newborn baby around to the anxiously awaiting family members. I saw myself in her stare, remembering what it was like after my first child was born. Feelings …
The Yin-Yang of the 4th Trimester: My experience becoming a mother of two Read More »
Imagine two little 3-year-olds building a creation out of blocks. Just as she wants to take the last red block, another child snatches it away. Maddy’s reaction is to grab the block, shout “No!”, and start to cry loudly when the other child does not return the block. Escalating into anger and frustration, she throws …
Protective Factors for Families: Social and Emotional Competence of Children Read More »
Of all Five Protective Factors (aka Five Strengths), Social Connections is the strongest predictor of well-being. When we have positive, accessible connections with supportive others in our lives, we can ask them for help, find emotional support, and share parenting experiences and information. These positive experiences also build resilience and help support children’s social and …
Protective Factors for Families: Social Connections Read More »
It’s been a long day, and you’re running on empty. Everyone is hungry, and you’re trying to get dinner ready. Suddenly, your preschoolers get into a fight about a toy they both want to play with, and your baby starts to cry. What happens next? Parenting is both rewarding and challenging. The 2023 Stress …
Protective Factors for Families: Parental Resilience Read More »
You just got into your car, after finally getting your 3-year-old buckled into her car seat, and… the car won’t start. For some reason, the battery died, and now you fear being late for work, after dropping your child off at preschool. What would you do next? Everyone needs help sometimes! In this example, maybe …
Protective Factors for Families: Concrete Support in Times of Need Read More »
Parenting is a journey! Before a baby is born, parents-to-be often feel excitement that can oscillate between happy anticipation and anxiety about the unknown future. After the baby is born, a process of adaptation follows. In a way, parenting is a process of constant adaptation and readjustment. Especially in the early years, children develop so …
Protective Factors for Families: Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Read More »
Like a tree in a storm, families can be shaken by the many challenges that life brings. A storm can sometimes swoop in unexpectedly, causing the tree branches and leaves to wildly move back and forth. If the roots aren’t strong, the tree can be uprooted. If the trunk is dry, the tree can break. …
Imagine for a second you see the world through your baby’s eyes. It is gigantic, full of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. You don’t yet have words to describe the things you see. You may not know where you are or be able to differentiate faces. However, you do know that some people feel safer …
Social Emotional Development: Learning for Success Read More »
What type of bear has no teeth? A gummy bear! Making toothbrushing part of your child’s daily routine from the start not only helps to prevent painful problems like tooth decay but also forms healthy habits which can set them up for a lifetime of smiles. Children might not enjoy it, but there are ways …
It’s a new day. In the early morning hours, your phone alarm goes off with a pleasant ping. With sleep hanging heavy over your head, you unlock it without a second thought and check to see who texted you since you fell asleep. As you read and respond to the messages over a bowl of …
Change Starts with You: Building Healthy Screen Time Practices for Parents Read More »
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