Tag: Family

Screens are Here to Stay!

Getting our very first TV was a huge event: my sister and I could watch black-and-white shows, but only around bedtime. Fast forward a few decades, and now screens are everywhere (at work, in school, and at home; even in our bedrooms), available 24/7 and used for an endless variety of purposes. Right before the

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Bind Together During Hard Times: Family Stress and Coping Strategies

Every family deals with stress. This is normal and it is not always a bad thing. Families can experience stress when waiting for something exciting, like adding a new child to the family. This stress helps motivate preparation for the new baby. Stress can help us realize that something is wrong and it can help

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EAT, SLEEP, WAKE, REPEAT: The Importance of Routines in Childhood

Every morning is the same. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Get dressed. Brush your teeth. It may feel like you are in a cycle of doing the same thing every day, but according to zerotothree.org, having a daily routine for your child can help them build brain power and help support good mental health. For the free

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Strong Happy Families: The Strengthening Families Approach

In 2001, The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) began studying how education programs and early child care across the country could prevent child abuse and neglect and build healthy, happy families. They came up with an approach called Strengthening Families. Strengthening Families is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development,

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How to Support Your Child as a Single Parent

Being raised by a single parent is special but far from easy. I grew up in a single-parent household along with my younger brother. As a single mother, my mom did everything in her power to make sure my brother and I were happy and gave us the best life possible. As a child, I

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The Fundamentals of ‘Fun’ in Parenting

Parenting is not easy – but it can be fun! Amidst the sleepless nights, the tears and tantrums, and so many other demands, we can still infuse humor, joy, and playfulness. In fact, play and silliness can make those challenging moments lighter! Imagine getting out of the door in the morning. Just as you realize

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What is Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead, otherwise known as Día de los Muertos, is a celebration of life as people remember their ancestors. During this holiday, it is believed that past relatives return as spirits to the land of the living to spend time with their loved ones. Although this holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated

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The Importance of Grandparents

Growing up, I was fortunate to have my grandparents in my life. My relationship with each of them was as different as each of their personalities, from the grandpa who lived out of state but was a “snowbird” and traveled through Utah each fall and spring and treating us to dinner at a local buffet

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How to Explain Difficult Subjects to Young Children

We live in a time of political turmoil, disease, and natural disasters. At home, we may be enduring trials such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or mental illness. These difficult subjects are hard enough to talk about with other adults. Attempting to explain these events to children can be a daunting task.

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DIY Valentine’s Day Fine Motor Skills Craft

We use our fine motor skills every single day, from getting dressed to eating to writing. Fine motor skills require the control of small muscles in our hands. These muscles can be strengthened and improved each day. Not only are these important skills to develop for daily activities but they also include a host of other benefits such as

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