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Resources

  • Sleep Wakeups
    Key Words: sleep, routine
    Description: A Q&A with some suggestions about what to do when training your older child to sleep through the night is waking up little siblings. HTML updated on 06/23/10
  • Basic Tools for Guiding Young Children's Behavior
    Key Words: discipline, rules, apologize
    Description: Some simple suggestions for how to better communicate with children to help them correct their behavior. HTML updated on 06/22/10
  • How You Can Participate in the Care of Your Baby in the NICU
    Key Words: Premature, Preemie
    Description: For parents who find themselves in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), learning how to take part in caring for their baby can be difficult. This article gives some tips on how to be involved. HTML updated on 06/21/10
  • Motor Activity and Self-Play
    Key Words: motor skills, development
    Description: Staying upright requires more than passing attention from 2-5-year-olds. Learn a little more about how this age group thinks and how their thought process is changing. HTML updated on 06/21/10
  • The Scrub Club
    Key Words: safety, sick, prevention
    Description: Teach your child the proper steps to hand washing through this interactive web site. The site provides interactive games for children ages 3-8. HTML updated on 06/03/10
  • Teaching Your Child to Cooperate with Requests
    Key Words: chores, listening skills, obey
    Description: Some ideas for what to do when your children won't respond to your requests. There are also guidelines for what you could expect from different ages. PDF - 3.45 MB updated on 05/27/10
  • Newborn Infants Learn While Asleep; Study May Lead to Later Disability Tests
    Key Words: brain, neural plasticity, learning
    Description: Researchers have found a basic form of learning found in infants that is not present in adults. The findings may also lead to developing tests to identify children with a higher risk for certain developmental disorders. HTML updated on 05/19/10
  • Applications for Child Care Benefits
    Key Words: financial help, benefits, childcare
    Description: By searching for "child care" in the search bar, you will find the Application for Child Care Benefits now available in Somali and Spanish, forms JFS 01138-S (Spanish) and JFS 01138-SO (Somali). HTML updated on 05/19/10
  • Mothers' Spanking of 3-Year-Old Children and Subsequent Risk of Children's Aggressive Behavior
    Key Words: discipline, spank, aggression
    Description: The goal of this study was to examine the association between the use of corporal punishment (CP) against 3-year-old children and subsequent aggressive behavior among those children. This journal article examines the findings of the research. HTML updated on 05/17/10
  • Emotional Development: Curiosity - The Fuel of Development
    Key Words: science, discovery, social skills
    Description: How can you encourage curiosity and learning in your child? HTML updated on 05/14/10
  • For Comfort, Mom's Voice Works as Well as a Hug
    Key Words: cortisol, oxytocin, relax
    Description: A recent study shows that girls under stress seemed to get the same comfort from talking remotely to their mother as those girls whose mother hugged them. HTML updated on 05/13/10
  • Which milk is best for growing bones?
    Key Words: calcium, iron, vitamin, formula, breastfeeding
    Description: A nutritionist explains the benefits of different types of milk for different ages. HTML updated on 05/17/10
  • Infant and Toddler Child Care Quality
    Key Words: home-based, center, sitter, nanny, childcare
    Description: In this report, the authors explain the predictors and quality indicators for quality child care in all types of nonmaternal settings. PDF - 597 kB updated on 05/13/10
  • The Pregnant Woman's Guide to Buckling Up
    Key Words: airbags, buckle up, booster
    Description: Answers to some commonly asked questions about wearing a seat belt when pregnant. PDF - 262 kB updated on 05/11/10
  • Parenting During and After Divorce
    Key Words: visitation, custody, anxiety, healthy
    Description: Here are some tips on how to parent through and after a divorce. HTML updated on 05/07/10
  • Do pool safety check before kids dive in
    Key Words: drowning, water
    Description: A quick article with safety tips on how to keep kids safe around the pool this summer. HTML updated on 05/03/10
  • Choking deaths are alarmingly high, new study says
    Key Words: safety hazard, safe toys, hospitalization, choke
    Description: A recent study shows that the average age for children treated for choking incidents is 3.5 years old. This article gives some quick facts about what causes choking incidents and how you can prevent them. HTML updated on 04/27/10
  • Child-Proofing Obesity
    Key Words: exercise, family history, socioeconomic factors
    Description: Learn about some important factors in childhood obesity, where U.S. kids have been, where we are now, and what we can do in the future to help combat obesity. HTML updated on 04/16/10
  • Ticks are on the move; learn how to avoid them
    Key Words: lyme disease, habitat
    Description: Learn how to avoid the ticks and all the troubles that come with them. HTML updated on 04/15/10
  • Chew on This: Responding to Toddlers Who Bite
    Key Words: teething, aggression, emotional
    Description: Learn about the reasons behind biting and how to respond to the behavior HTML updated on 04/12/10
  • What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know About Hyperthermia or Heat Stroke
    Key Words:heat stroke, hypothermia, safety tips
    Description: As summer heats up, here are some reminders about how to keep kids safe around cars. HTML updated on 04/07/10
  • Music offers many benefits for children
    Key Words:play, self-esteem, focus
    Description: Researchers explore how music can help children with their learning, creativity, coordination, self confidence, relaxation, and patience. HTML updated on 03/31/10
  • My baby has been teething for months now why haven't her teeth come in yet?
    Key Words:pain, teething ring, washcloth, cold
    Description: Here you will find some tips on how to ease the teething process and what you can expect. HTML updated on 03/31/10
  • Responding to Your Toddler's Questions About Differences
    Key Words: Social, Emotional, Development, sensitive, sensitivity, empathy
    Description: Asking questions about the people and things that fill their world is normal and healthy for toddlers. But what do you do when those questions can be hurtful to others (or embarrassing to you)? Read more for ideas on how to respond. HTML updated on 03/30/10
  • Coping with Aggression and Teaching Self-Control in the Early Years
    Key Words: Social, Emotional, Development, kick, bite, scream
    Description: A two page handout on teaching infants and toddlers self control and coping skills. PDF - 455 kB updated on 03/30/10
  • First Candle
    Key Words: crib, sleep, back, Kicks Count, grief, support
    Description: First Candle is a non-profit organization working to increase public participation and support in the fight against Stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). The site includes resources for parents and caregivers about reducing the risks associated with infant deaths. HTML updated on 03/17/10
  • Postpartum Support International
    Key Words: help, bonding, hurt, stress, new mom
    Description: Postpartum Support International is dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression. There is also information to educate family, friends, and healthcare providers so that moms and moms-to-be can get the support they need and recover. HTML updated on 03/17/10
  • UNC study: Obese 3-year-olds show early warning signs for possible future heart disease
    Key Words: risk factor, obesity, obese, fat, BMI, body mass index
    Description: A recent UNC study found that there is a link between elevated levels of inflammatory markers and increased risk for heart disease in children as young as three. This article goes into more detail and includes a video about the study. HTML updated on 03/04/10
  • Trust expert advice for infants' nutrition
    Key Words: Obesity, fear, breast feeding, food
    Description: This article discusses the risks that occur when parents alter the ratio of water to formula when making baby formula. It also addresses the caloric needs of babies. HTML updated on 03/17/10
  • Preparing a Child to Start School Is Ongoing Process
    Key Words: learn, social skills, play
    Description: This article gives some ideas for every-day activities that will encourage your child to adopt new behaviors that will prepare them for school. HTML updated on 03/04/10
  • Dramatic Play Prepares Kids for the "Real World"
    Key Words: large muscle play, fine motor skills, acting
    Description: Children are learning about their world when they play pretend, Mary Hughes says in this article. She explains what kinds of learning is taking place and how you can encourage it. HTML updated on 03/04/10
  • Food choking hazards and children: What parents need to know
    Key Words: bite size, choke
    Description: This article looks at the hazards that certain foods pose for young children and precautions you can take. HTML updated on 03/17/10
  • Relief of Choking in Children
    Key Words: action steps, choke
    Description: This article tells you what to do if you think a child is choking. HTML updated on 03/04/10
  • A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep
    Key Words: sudden infant death syndrome
    Description: This is a fact sheet about what SIDS is, how you can minimize the risk of it happening to your child, and answers to some common questions about SIDS. The Spanish version is available here. PDF - 378 kB updated on 02/17/10
  • What is the "Ahhh" game, and when should a baby learn it?
    Key Words: syrup of ipecac, charcoal
    Description: This article discusses what the "Ahhh" game is and how it can help you prevent your baby from choking. HTML updated on 02/10/10
  • text4baby
    Key Words: continuous help, technology
    Description: Text4baby provides pregnant women and new moms with information they need to take care of their health and give their babies the best possible start in life. Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY (or BEBE for Spanish) to 511411 will receive free SMS text messages each week, timed to their due date or baby's date of birth. HTML updated on 02/04/10
  • Breastfeeding offers variety of benefits for people in hard times
    Key Words: environment, ADA, statistics
    Description: The article takes a look at trends in breastfeeding throughout U.S. history as well as how breastfeeding has health benefits for both the mother and child and can save families money at the grocery store. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Parents should watch for frostnip or frostbite when kids play in cold weather
    Key Words: winter, wind-chill
    Description: In this article, learn how to treat frostnip and what the signs of frostbite are. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Help kids feel safe, secure after disasters
    Key Words: coping, devastation
    Description: In light of the earthquake in Haiti, this article gives tips on how to help children cope with the images and feel safe. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Don't let the television take control
    Key Words: statistics
    Description: This article is about the risks of letting children spend too much time in front of the TV and includes tips for how to keep television time under control. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Sparking children's curiosity
    Key Words: help, learn
    Description: Learn some tips on engaging children's curiosity. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Spoonful of medicine makes the measurements go daffy
    Key Words: medicine, statistics
    Description: Learn how using kitchen silverware to measure medicine doses can lead to under- or over-dosing. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • In New Year, Aim to Improve Eating Habits, Family Meals
    Key Words: portion size
    Description: Learn how to slowly introduce healthier foods to your family and how children benefit from family meals. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • A Healthy Diet Should be Full of Color
    Key Words: food pyramid
    Description: Here you will find tips on getting your kids to eat their fruits and vegetables! HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Grandparents can help children grieve
    Key Words: H1N1, flu, Relenza, antiviral
    Description: This article is for grandparents raising their grandchildren. It has information about how grandparents should help the child grieve and gives suggestions of some children's books that may help children cope with their new situation. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Children learn their part in swine flu prevention
    Key Words: elmo, sesame street, cough, H1N1, flu
    Description: This article looks at what children are learning about H1N1 flu prevention and who they are learning from. HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Opening and Mixing Tamiflu® Capsules with Liquids if Child Cannot Swallow Capsules
    Key Words: H1N1, flu, Relenza, antiviral
    Description: This document contains questions and answers about how to open and mix Tamiflu capsules if a child cannot swallow capsules. Tamiflu capsules may be opened and mixed with sweetened liquids, such as regular or sugar-free chocolate syrup and given that way. HTML updated on 11/05/09
  • Can the Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control?
    Key Words: self-regulation, following directions, executive function skills
    Description: This article explore the question: Can imaginary play teach children to control their impulses - and be better students? HTML updated on 02/03/10
  • Seasonal and H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents
    Key Words: flu, swine, prevention resource
    Description: A printable brochure of commonly asked questions about H1N1 and their answers. PDF - 780.84 kb updated on 10/06/09
  • Keep Infant Formulas and Baby Food Safe
    Key Words: safety, bacteria
    Description: Use these nine tips to make sure you're properly handling your baby's formula and other foods. HTML updated on 10/05/09
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Parent Portal
    Key Words: autism, chart, milestone, schedules, conditions, health
    Description: Here you will find a wealth of information from across all of CDC, covering everything from safety at home and the community to immunization schedules and developmental milestones. HTML updated on 09/14/09
  • Helping Your Child Learn History
    Key Words: geography
    Description: This booklet contains ideas for how to integrate history into your child's life. It contains ideas for activities to do and books to read with your child. HTML updated on 09/14/09
  • Harmony at Home Essential to Kids' Well-being
    Key Words: mental, safe, protect, loving, nurture
    Description: "A home environment where family members treat each other with respect and work through problems together protects children against emotional, psychological, learning and social problems later in life, according to family and child researchers."
    This article looks at causes of conflict in the home and offers suggestions on how to deal with it constructively. HTML updated on 08/17/09
  • Study Says Pregnant Women Are More Severely Impacted by Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus and Need Prompt Treatment with Antiviral Medication
    Key Words: swine flu, medical, medicine, health
    Description: A British study has found that the H1N1 virus has a more severe impact on pregnant women. This article links to more information for pregnant women and advises what pregnant women should do if they feel sick. HTML updated on 08/17/09
  • Brain Development: You can easily make a positive difference!
    Key Words: play, talking, interact, baby, newborn, smart
    Description: The brain is an amazing organ that allows each of us to think, feel, learn and act. It is exciting to know how experiences can have a positive impact on the developing brain -- and it is not complicated to understand!
    Join early brain development specialist and award winning author, Deborah McNelis, for an informative session to learn how you can make a positive difference in the connections made among your child's 100 billion brain cells.
    To access the webinar, you will need to sign up for a free account by clicking here.
    Brought to you by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. Streaming Audio - 1 hr. 5 min. updated on 08/06/09
  • Just in Time Parenting Podcasts 1st Year
    Key Words: play, talking, interact, baby, newborn, growing
    Description: Dr. Diana Del Campo at New Mexico State University has put together 48 3-5 minute podcasts about the different stages in the first 12 months of your baby's development. Streaming Audio - Varying updated on 08/06/09
  • How Children Can Enjoy the Summer Without Being Bugged
    Key Words: DEET, baby, protection, outdoors, outside, play, netting
    Description: Although written for an Arkansas audience, the advice for warding off ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes can be applied in Ohio, too. This article explains how to keep kids safe from bug bites, what bug repellents are safe for kids, and how to remove ticks. HTML updated on 08/06/09
  • Rate Your Child Care Program
    Key Words: child care, safety, survey, questionnaire, rate
    Description: Choosing who cares for your child is one of the most important and difficult decisions you'll ever have to make. To help you better judge quality when you're considering which child care program is right for your child, NACCRRA has created an easy-to-use checklist of 38 research-based questions you can use to evaluate child care programs. You can complete the form online, print it to discuss with providers, share and save the results.
    The checklist was derived from a NACCRRA booklet that explains why each question in the checklist is important and how it relates to the quality of care. All of the questions are based on research about what is important to your child's health, safety, and development. Once you complete the survey, you can also print out the booklet. HTML updated on 08/06/09
  • Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know
    Key Words: H1N1, Swine Flu, infectious, influenza
    Description: This article addresses the issues around breastfeeding if either the mother or child is sick. HTML updated on 08/06/09
  • Wonderful Low Cost Summer Activities for Kids and Families
    Key Words: play, games, fun, bored, cheap
    Description: Use some of these ideas to occupy summer days. Most activities have little or no cost. HTML updated on 06/16/09
  • Fruits, veggies make easy summer snacks
    Key Words: junk food, finger food, fresh
    Description: Discover ways to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your child's diet. This article gives tips on how to make snacks healthy and explains why fruits and vegetables are an important part of a child's diet. HTML updated on 06/16/09
  • Backyard Play Equipment and Lawnmowers Can Pose Dangers to Children
    Key Words: playground, mulch, lawn, mowing, equipment
    Description: This article highlights safety precautions to take if kids are playing in your backyard this summer. HTML updated on 06/16/09
  • Children At Risk in Hot Cars
    Key Words: summer safety, hyperthermia
    Description: This article explains why children overheat in cars more easily than adults. It also gives tips on how to keep your children safe and what to do if you see a child locked in a car. HTML updated on 06/16/09
  • Concerned About Development
    Key Words: Pediatrics, autism, disability, state resources, help
    Description: Parents can use the Child Development Tracker, among other resources at this site, to monitor the development of their child. The goal of this site is to recognize developmental delays earlier so that children can be treated earlier. HTML updated on 05/08/09
  • May 1 - COCA Maternal and Child Health Issues Call
    Key Words: influenza, 2009, infectious, disease
    Description: This is the audio file and transcript from a May 1 conference about the effect of the H1N1 Virus on Maternal and Child health. There is special attention given to attending to children with special healthcare needs. HTML - 8 MB; 103 KB updated on 08/06/09
  • H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers
    Key Words: influenza, 2009, infectious, disease
    Description: The CDC has put together this list of common questions from parents about the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu.) Find out how to prevent your child from getting the virus, what symptoms to look for, and what to do if you think your child has it. HTML updated on 08/06/09
  • What Pregnant Women Should Know About H1N1 (formerly called swine flu) Virus
    Key Words: influenza, 2009, infectious, disease
    Description: The CDC has put together this list of common questions from pregnant and nursing mothers about how the H1N1 virus might affect their children, how to keep from catching the virus, and what can be done if mothers think they have the virus.

    Translations available in Arabic, Russian, French, and Spanish. HTML updated on 11/05/09
  • Talking to Your Child about the New Flu
    Key Words: influenza, 2009, infectious, disease, swine flu
    Description: Learn how to talk to your child about the H1N1 virus, taking into consideration what they are most worried about. HTML updated on 08/06/09
  • Available Child Care Facilities Search
    Key Words: child care, licensing, information, research
    Description: Use this searchable database to find local child care facilities that fit the criteria you select. Narrow down facilities by age range, minimum required quality rating, county contracted, NAEYC Accredited, Child Care Food Program, and ELI. HTML updated on 04/01/09
  • Child Care Aware Parent Network
    Key Words: grandparents, child care, safety, social network, resource, pictures, state licensing
    Description: This robust web network has a wealth of information for parents and grandparents about how to select a good childcare provider, where highly rated providers are in your state, and what the licensing requirements are for your state. There is also the opportunity to share pictures of your kids, rate your child's program, and be alerted when there are new articles about childcare. HTML updated on 03/31/09
  • Bonding With Your Baby
    Key Words: Fussy, crying, soothe, growth
    Description: This one page tip sheet addresses how bonding happens and how you can promote attachment with your child during every day activities. PDF - 158 kB updated on 03/18/09
  • Bonding With Your Baby (Español)
    Key Words: Fussy, crying, soothe, growth
    Description: This Spanish one page tip sheet addresses how bonding happens and how you can promote attachment with your child during every day activities. PDF - 155 kB updated on 03/18/09
  • Dealing with Temper Tantrums
    Key Words: control, independence, routine, attention
    Description: This one page tip sheet addresses why toddlers throw temper tantrums, what you can do to prevent them, and how to address them once they start. PDF - 68 kB updated on 03/18/09
  • Dealing with Temper Tantrums (Español)
    Key Words: control, independence, routine, attention
    Description: This one page tip sheet addresses in Spanish why toddlers throw temper tantrums, what you can do to prevent them, and how to address them once they start. PDF - 136 kB updated on 03/18/09
  • Learn the Signs, Act Early
    Key Words: special needs, autism, prevention, parenting, health, development, disabilities
    Description: Learn the Signs, Act Early is a campaign organized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in an attempt to educate parents on the developmental milestones they should be looking for in their children. The web site is divided by age and milestones in play, speech, listening, and actions. The page is also available in Spanish. HTML updated on 03/05/09
  • Children & Disasters: Talking to Kids About the Economy
    Key Words: economy, stress, disaster preparedness, communication, family dynamics, money, job loss
    Description: This article includes a handout in both English and Spanish addressing how to deal with hard economic times while keeping your family healthy. Tips address what to say and what not to say and how to lessen the emotional impact on children. HTML updated on 03/05/09
  • Parent Training Modules
    Key Words: parenting, health, development, education
    Description: The Center for the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning has developed Parent Training Modules which provide information on how to encourage childrens social and emotional skills, understand their misbehavior, and use positive approaches to help children learn appropriate behavior. Also, the modules are designed to give parents general information on strategies that may be used with all children. The modules are available in pdf and Powerpoint formats. HTML updated on 03/05/09
  • Protect the Ones You Love: Child Injuries are Preventable
    Key Words: prevention, parenting, health
    Description: Protect the Ones You Love is a page dedicated to sharing information about how parents can provide safe environments for their children. Sections included are: Burns, Drownings, Falls, Road Traffic Injuries, and Poisonings. You can view fact sheets, podcasts, and other informative pages. HTML updated on 03/05/09
  • Shaken Baby Syndrome Materials
    Key Words: economy, stress, disaster preparedness, communication, family dynamics, money, job loss
    Description: The Ohio Department of Health has put together a Shaken Baby Syndrome program in reaction to the law passed in 2007 that required Shaken Baby injuries and deaths to be recorded. The law required that educational materials about SBS be distributed to new parents at medical offices, hospitals, and other early care centers. This site has a link to pdfs of these documents. HTML updated on 03/05/09
  • Vitamin D Essential to Bone Health in Infants and Children
    Key Words: health, Vitamin D, breastfeeding
    Description: This article is about the importance of vitamin D in infants and children. It explains how vitamin D works and how mothers and children can get their daily allotment. HTML updated on 08/06/09
  • Medical Home Tool Kit
    Key Words: special needs, emergency care form
    Description: This web page has links to checklists, care organizing tools, anticipatory guidelines, and other useful information for parents of children with special needs. One of the care organizing tools offered on the web site is a binder with forms to keep track of the varied medical information and appointments of special needs children. Many of these resources are available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese. HTML updated on 11/17/08
  • Literacy Toolkit: How to Select Quality Books
    Key Words:child development, literacy, preschool, toddler, infant, reading
    Description: This resource gives information about what makes books good for different age groups. It also includes information about how to select a culturally appropriate book as well as a book that promotes the child's self-image. HTML updated on 11/14/08
  • Literacy Toolkit: Handouts for Parents
    Key Words: reading, foreign, age appropriate
    Description: Here you can find information about how to make books relevant to children from infancy through 4-year-olds. These pdfs are provided in English and Spanish. There are also links to pages on how to enjoy reading aloud as well as a page with reading tips in 11 languages. HTML updated on 11/14/08
  • On the Go
    Key Words: teaching, learning, reading
    Description: The On the Go materials include 14 activities designed to be used outside the home - in the car, while walking, during bus rides, etc. The activities encourage early language and literacy development from birth through preschool. They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically. The materials are designed to encourage parents to interact with their children while they are On the Go to facilitate language, early literacy, and positive parent-child interactions. The 14 activities are accompanied by hints for each of the activities about how to modify them to meet the specific developmental needs of the child.
    * Includes Spanish, Somali, and Russian versions of activities. HTML updated on 08/07/09
  • Supporting Early Literacy in Natural Environments
    Key Words: language, literacy, development, activities, reading
    Description: These materials include 46 home and community activities for adults and children that encourage early language and literacy development. They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically. Each of the 46 activities includes three pages: 1) An activity description; 2) Hints for making the activity fun and developmentally appropriate; and 3) A brief self-evaluation form that cues parents and other caregivers to notice their children's skills, and also cue adults to examine and grow their own interactions with children. The materials are specifically designed to address the three key skills of 1) language development, 2) phonological awareness, and 3) general print awareness. Dr. Notari-Syverson and colleagues allow the materials to be reproduced and distributed as long as the materials are not sold.
    *Activities available in English and Spanish. HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • Early Literacy Activities
    Key Words: learning to read, development
    Description: These materials include 20 home and community activities for adults and children birth to three that encourage early language and literacy development. They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically. Each of the 20 activities include an activity description and hints for making the activity fun and developmentally appropriate. In addition to the activities, you can download an activity checklist that helps parents and caregivers notice their children's skills, and also cue adults to examine and grow their own interactions with children. The materials are specifically designed to address the three key skills of 1) language development, 2) sounds and rhythms, and 3) general book and print awareness.
    *Activities available in English and Spanish HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • Ohio's Help Me Grow
    Key Words: parenting, pregnancy, health, baby, development
    Description: This website provides information for parents and caregivers from pregnancy through age 3. Topics include nutrition, children with special needs, an infant hearing program and resources by county. Ohio Help Me Grow is a program run by the Ohio Department of Health with offices in each county. HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • Links Related to Children's Development
    Key Words: assistive technology mental health, autism, feeding, nutrition, child development, disability, deaf, hard of hearing, preemies, family advocacy, support, rare diseases, disorders, conditions, general disabilites, special education, health care, maternal, speech, language
    Description: This page breaks down helpful links by topic area. HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • Zero to Three
    Key Words: brain development, child care, child development, language, literacy, health, nutrition, play, sleep, school readiness, social emotional development, temperament, behavior
    Description: Here you'll find science-based information and tools designed to help parents and caregivers nurture their young children's development. HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • Parents as Teachers
    Key Words: listening, physical health, books, literacy, war trauma, writing, neurotoxins, sleeping, communication, child care providers, separation, anxiety
    Description: This website has parenting tips about your child's development. HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • "Top Ten" Tips for Choosing Childcare in Ohio
    Key Words: child care, top ten, daycare, day care
    Description: The Ohio Family Care Workgroup's "Top Ten" tips for parents choosing child care in Ohio. PDF - 104 KB updated on 08/21/08
  • Tufts University Child and Family Web Guide
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, education, learning, health, mental health, development, recreation, public policy
    Description: Resources vetted by Tufts University Experts about parenting and child development. HTML updated on 08/21/08
  • Adoption Events Around Ohio
    Events, Training, Meetings: Foster, adoptive & kinship parents and caregivers; Foster adoption support team; Families for Waiting Children; Adopt special-needs children from public foster care. HTML updated on 04/11/07
  • Parents Take on a Daunting, But Rewarding Job Description
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent
    Description: Parenting is the most critical job around. Take a look at this job description! PDF - 60 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Successful Parenting Isn't for the Feint at Heart
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, draining, emotional, patience, perspective, identity
    Description: Being a parent is a tough job and doing it successfully is even tougher. Find out what it takes to be a successful parent. PDF - 52 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Parenting Offers Daily Surprises - Spread the Word!
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, skills, time, energy
    Description: Check out these things that every parent should know. PDF - 57 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Tips for Sending Kids to Early Childhood Programs and School Ready to Learn
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent
    Description: A child's progress in school is affected by the condition the child is in when they arrive at school. Check out these tips for sending children to school ready to learn. PDF - 50 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Life in the Stands: Putting In Time for the Kids
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, activities, balance, events, extra-curricular
    Description: Through extra-curricular activities, children grow and their life skills develop. As a parent, you will end up in the concert hall, in the stands, and in the car to show your support confidence, and pride in your kids. PDF - 50 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Positive Thinking Bolsters Parenting Skills
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, encouragement, habits
    Description: Find out how positive thinking can bolster your parenting skills. (It's not just for the athletes!) PDF - 52 kB updated on 11/12/08
  • Step-Parents: There's More to Parenting Than Bloodlines
    Key Words: parenting, mom, dad, stepmom, stepdad, grandparent, independence
    Description: It takes more to be a parent than just creating your child. Learn about the roles and relationships of the step-parent. PDF - 48 kB updated on 11/12/08
  • Dads: It's the Little Things That Last a Lifetime
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, experiences, memories
    Description: For children, it's not the material gifts fathers give that have a lasting impact, it is the shared father-child experiences that mean the most. Check out these stories about lasting childhood memories of Dad. PDF - 53 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Admirable Dads: It's More Than Bringing Home the Bacon
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, job description, high-stress, good dad
    Description: Good fathers go beyond just providing financial support for their children. Take a look at what it means to be an admirable Dad. PDF - 55 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • A Father's Example Shows How To Be A Great Parent
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, relationship, parent, love, commitment
    Description: Author Karen Stephens shares the story of one father who sets a good example for us all. PDF - 52 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • What Makes a Grandparent? From the Mouths of Babes
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, child opinion, grandmother, grandfather, gifts
    Description: Find out what children think it means to be a grandparent and explore five gifts grandchildren receive as a result of a grandparent's involvement. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Grandparents Are Not All Created Equal
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, cycle, expectation
    Description: Sometimes grandparents aren't very grand at all. Explore what might be best for your child if their grandparent(s) are not up to the job. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • A Parenting Lesson: Children Teach Us to Relish the Present
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, learning, emotional response, realism
    Description: Author Karen Stephens illustrates the importance of living life in the present through the story of her student Michael. PDF - 52 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Family Life: Kids Need Parent Generalists, not Specialists
    Key Words: parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent, types of parents
    Description: Parents fall into two categories: specialist-parents and generalist-parents. Explore what each type is and why healthy child-raising demands a generalist-parent. PDF - 52 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Two Year Olds: In Search of Identity and Independence
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, normal, stubborn, exasperating
    Description: Two year olds are at a turning point in life. Learn about the transition from being a completely dependent infant to becoming a more independent toddler. PDF - 55 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Living With Two Year Olds: Tips for Survival
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, stubborn, stage
    Description: At age two children start to develop a sense of independence and individual identity. Learn some tips to survive the terrible twos. PDF - 49 kB updated on 11/12/08
  • Dealing with Separation Teaches Valuable Lessons
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, attachment, separation anxiety,
    Description: As a toddler, children will begin to learn how to separate while building self-sufficiency and independence skills. Explore thirteen tips to help your toddler cope with the tension of separation. PDF - 59 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • More Tips for Coping With Separation Anxiety: Part 2
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, separation anxiety
    Description: Toddlers begin to learn how to separate from their parents, which builds self-sufficiency and independence skills. Explore some tips to help your child cope with the tension of separation. PDF - 62 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Persistent Separation Problems Pose Tough Choices
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, separation anxiety
    Description: Toddlers begin to learn how to separate from their parents, which builds self-sufficiency and independence skills. Learn about what to do if those separation problems persist or are magnified beyond what is typically expected. PDF - 57 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Attachment and Bonding Are Important for Preschoolers
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, preschooler, attachment, self esteem
    Description: Whether a caregiver or parent of a young child, it is not a quality of time versus quantity of time balance; they need both. Learn some tips to help build the child-adult bond with your preschooler. PDF - 77 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Toilet Training: Signs That Indicate Prime Time for Potty Training
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, pee, tinkle, poop, BM, rite of passage, independence
    Description: Toilet training is a rite of passage for children. A child gains independence, self-reliance, and personal responsibility through toilet training. Discover the signs to know when the time is right. PDF - 48 kB updated on 11/12/08
  • Why Change? A Kid's Eye View of Toilet Training
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, diapers, family routines,
    Description: Kids face a major lifestyle change when moving from the convenience of a diaper to using the toilet. Take a kid's eye view of toilet training and some suggestions for parents to help kids make the adjustment. PDF - 50 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Ditchin' Diapers: Tips on Beginning Toilet Training
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, bathroom
    Description: Kids face a new world when leaving their diapers for the toilet. Learning some steps to beginning toilet training. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Toilet Training: Tips for Motivating Children
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, bathroom, potty chair
    Description: Kids face a major lifestyle change when moving from the convenience of a diaper to using the toilet and it's a choice they must make. Explore some tips to help motivate them to make the switch and which common practices to avoid. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Potty Shy: Flush Out Your Toddler's Fears
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, security, stability, literature
    Description: Children must make the choice to use the toilet. Discover how an atmosphere of security and stability provides ripe conditions for toilet training. PDF - 58 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Potty Struggles: Tips for Resistant Toddlers
    Key Words: toddler, twos, developmental issues, difficult, bathroom, potty chair
    Description: Children must make the choice to use the toilet instead of their diaper. Sometimes toddlers can be resistant to this transition. Learn how to deal with those power struggles. PDF - 56 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Biting Among Toddlers and Twos: Responses to Try
    Key Words: toddler, twos, biting, developmental issues, emotional, anger aggression, temperaments
    Description: Toddlers who bite can be motivated by a variety of reasons. Explore some of the causes of biting and some tips on how to respond. PDF - 95 kB updated on 11/12/08
  • Responsive Parenting Nurtures Infants' Secure Attachments
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, bonding
    Description: Children with strong attachments develop with a more optimistic view of the world and are more resilient when dealing with hardships. Explore these suggestions from parents and researchers to promote strong emotional bonds with children. PDF - 77 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • The Road to Good Self Esteem Begins in Childhood
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, self acceptance, self appreciation, self respect
    Description: Self esteem is important for a child to develop and will help them to become a well-adjusted, productive adult. Read about what self esteem really is and how to help children develop positive self esteem. PDF - 65 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Self Esteem and Confidence Grow From Early Success
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, developmental, physical achievement
    Description: Early development is key to building a child's self-esteem. Learn how to encourage your child's self esteem to grow while taking into account their individualism. PDF - 75 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Encouraging Words Build Children's Confidence
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, successes, failures, fear, competence
    Description: Confidence plays a significant role in the development of a child. Learn how to build children's confidence through encouraging words. PDF - 56 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Grandparents: The Bridge Between Generations
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, grandma, grandpa, grandfather, grandmother, grandkids, parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent
    Description: Grandparents can play a vital role in making the life of their grandkids better. Learn about the importance of grandparents and how they fit into the lives of their grandchildren. PDF - 56 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Creative Parenting: Simple Ways to Show Kids You Care
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, love, language, expression
    Description: Small deeds can show children they are loved and cared for as well as helping to build the parent child-bond and their self-esteem. Check out these suggestions for showing children that you care. PDF - 66 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • The New Baby: Prepare Kids for Siblings
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, adjustments, first-born, middle child
    Description: Are you preparing for your second child? The second child can bring lot of change to a family and confuse the soon to be older sibling. Learn how to prepare the oldest for the new addition to the family. PDF - 63 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Sibling Envy: Adjusting to the New Baby
    Key Words: attachment, self esteem, adjustments, first-born, middle child
    Description: It's human nature for the first-born to enjoy being mom and dad's only child, but when a new brother or sister comes into the picture adjustments have to be made. Learn ways parents can help their oldest know they are every bit as important and loved as their new brother or sister. PDF - 61 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Empathy Paves the Way to Children's Friendship Skills
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, ego, self-centered, compassion
    Description: The emotional development of children begins at an early stage. Explore how encouraging emotional development at a young age will lead to life-long social skills. PDF - 49 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Social Skills Children Need to Make and Keep Friends
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, empathy, best friends, forever
    Description: Within the first months of life, moms and dads lay the foundation for children to form successful relationships. Learn how parents can encourage the development of their child's social skills. PDF - 69 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Ways to Nurture Children's Friendship Skills
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, home, role of parents
    Description: Building and maintaining friendships are an important part of growing up. Learn the facts about social development and how parent's can encourage the growth of friendship skills in their child. PDF - 73 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Friendship Skills: Children's Books for Preschool to Age 8
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, literacy, reading, story
    Description: Learning how to build friendships are an important part of a child's development. Take a look at these books about friendship you and your child can share. PDF - 67 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Friendship Skills: Books for Children Ages 8 to 12
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, literacy, reading, story
    Description: Friendships are an important part of life. Take a look at these book titles about friendship you and your older child can share. PDF - 63 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Everyday Ways to Teach Children Manners and Social Skills
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, parents, role models, relationships
    Description: Children who develop polite manners will often have more opportunities to build their social skills (and self esteem!). Investigate how to instill respectful manners in a child. PDF - 77 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Help Kids by Role Modeling Respect for Diversity
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, racism, attitudes, stereotypes, parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent
    Description: Children often "inherit" their parents beliefs, attitudes, and feelings. When it comes to respect for diversity and respect for others, parents must be the model. PDF - 53 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Responding to Kids' Questions About Difference
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, appearance, embarrassing, observations, skin color, size, shape, ability
    Description: Children often speak their minds and ask questions about their curiosities. Learn how to deal with the uncomfortable moments and uncensored nature of childhood questions regarding differences. PDF - 78 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Tips For Teaching Kids to Respect and Enjoy Diversity
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity
    Description: Children need their parents and caregivers to be consistent and credible, especially as they develop a sense of respect for others. Learn about some Do's and Don'ts for teaching kids to respect and enjoy diversity. PDF - 79 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Multicultural Resources for Kids' Global Learning
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity
    Description: Children often adopt the beliefs, attitudes, and feelings of their parents. Learn about the factors that influence children's multicultural attitudes and some resources that are helpful for parents. PDF - 81 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Encourage Childrens' Positive Attitude Toward Those With Special Needs
    Key Words: friendship, social skills, manners, diversity
    Description: Most often children are simply curious about differences, without any thought if those difference are good or bad. Learning about differences as a family can be the best way to teach children about our differences. PDF - 76 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Fears Are a Normal Part of Children Growing Up
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, developmental, typical fears
    Description: Childhood fears are a normal part of growing up and conquering them help children gain self confidence and pride. Learn typical fears you can expect from young infants to school-aged children. PDF - 53 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Pitfalls to Sidestep When Responding to Childhood Fears
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, stressed, anxious, failure, emotional, social, overprotected, indulgent, school, popularity
    Description: Childhood fears can range from spiders to tests and from toilet training to dark closets. Parents must find a balance of understanding and encouragement to help their children overcome those fears. Try these suggestions when responding to childhood fears. PDF - 53 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Tips for Helping Kids Tangle With Developmental Fears
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, behavior, courage
    Description: Overcoming fears is a process that will teach children how to be courageous and self-confident. Discover some tips to help children deal with developmental fears. PDF - 59 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • More Strategies to Help Kids Cope With Fear
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war
    Description: Experiencing fear is a normal part of development for children. Each child is unique, so several different suggestions are offered for parents to help confront their child's fears. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • When Kids' Fears Need More Than a Parent's Help
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, rationale, family problems, troubles, phobias, counseling
    Description: Childhood fears can range from spiders to school tests and from toilet training to dark closets. Sometimes these fears go beyond what is considered a typical developmental fear. Read about some tips to discover which fears may not be developmental and how to deal them. PDF - 52 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Children's Books to Help Preschoolers Cope with Fear
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, security, safety, reading, failure, moving, new house, separation anxiety, love, bullies, teasing, monsters, naps, noises, school, doctors, hospital, dentist, crime, fire, bombing
    Description: One method of guidance to help kids sort out and cope with their fears is to read to them. Explore a list of suggested titles for many different sources of fear. PDF - 80 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • The Firing Line: Telling Kids About Death
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, memory
    Description: Facing death is an unpleasant part of life. Take a look at some points to remember when children must deal with death. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • The Great Beyond: Kids'Questions About Death
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, memories, tough questions
    Description: The mystery of death can bring especially challenging questions for parents. Explore some of the tough questions children may ask and read about how to respond in an accurate and sensitive way. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • A Time to Mourn: Helping Children Cope With Family Death
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, grief, sense of loss, mourning
    Description: Facing death is an unpleasant part of life that breaks into the protective shell of childhood. Dealing with grief can be a challenge at any age. Explore some constructive ways to deal with grief and help children face the reality of death. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Help for Children Coping With Death: Resources Within Your Reach
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, memories loss, sorrow, guilt
    Description: Explaining death or guiding a child through their painful experiences can be a scary challenge. Explore some ways to help children over-come grief. PDF - 61 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Helping Children Cope in the Wake of Tragedy or Disaster
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, over-stressed, times of crisis, terrorism, natural disasters, domestic violence, random street violence
    Description: Unpredicted or uncontrolled times of crisis are among the most stressful events for a parent. These situations can present quiet a challenge for parents and children alike. Learn about some tips to turn those challenging crisis's into teachable moments. PDF - 74 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Children Need Attentive Support During Wartime
    Key Words: fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, behavior, support
    Description: Children are aware of the tension and worry of wartime situations. Discover some constructive ways parents can provide support and structure when children need it most. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Brain Basics: Making the Most of Children's Minds
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, nurture, environment,
    Description: Did you know a child's brain works 2.5x's faster than an adults? There is more research than ever into the development of a child's brain. Learn about some simple, but keys ways to encourage the development of a child's mind. PDF - 75 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Beyond Brain Basics: Boosting Children's Potential
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, communication, responsive language, engaged play, imitation, literacy, learning style
    Description: While the foundation for good development rests on good health and nutrition, the role of the parent and caregiver can not be underestimated. Discover some simple activities parents and caregivers can do to create the right environment for healthy brain growth. PDF - 76 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Intelligence: IQ is Just One Measure of Smarts
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, music, bodily, logic, linguistic, natural, intrapersonal
    Description: An IQ score is not an accurate measurement of a child's development outside of academics. There are eight intelligences that are important to the development of a child. Explore what they are and what parents can do to support them. PDF - 73 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • 20 Ways to Encourage Childrens' Resourcefulness and Creativity
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, IQ, intelligence quotient, friendship, social skills, manners, diversity
    Description: The development of a child's intelligence goes beyond academics. Parents must strive to encourage intelligence in eight main disciplines. Learn what they are and how to help your child experience them. PDF - 64 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Brain Power: Music Builds It One Tune At a Time
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, comprehension, emotion
    Description: Children who have music training consistently score higher academically on tests of temporal reasoning from three year olds to the SAT. Learn about the importance of music development and how to introduce music to your child. PDF - 57 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Language Is a Powerful Influence on Children's Development
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, interaction, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, toddler, twos, developmental issues
    Description: The most powerful tool a person can have is a good command of language, and that starts at an early age. Learn how to develop a child's language skills by responsive parenting, consistent routines, and social interactions. PDF - 59 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Early Experiences Lay Foundation for Language Growth
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, communication, social attachments, spoken language, written language, early development, toddler, twos, developmental issues
    Description: Communication is one of the most important skills a child can master. Good communication skills start with a foundation that is built early in life. Read some ideas to encourage language development early in your child's life. PDF - 55 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Emotional Attachments Motivate Children's Language Mastery
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, listening, speaking, attachment, self esteem
    Description: Young children with healthy emotional attachments will push the development of language skills. Learn about how literacy can put a child's mind and heart to work. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Detect Speech and Language Problems, the Earlier the Better
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, early detection, problems, concerns, language, speech
    Description: The development of language skills are crucial to a child's overall development. Learn about common benchmarks for children at different ages and how to spot if a child has a speech or language problem. PDF - 59 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Creative Ways to Lead Kids to Reading and Writing
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, language, speech, written language, spelling
    Description: Written and spoken communication are two of the most important skills a child can master. Developing language takes alert observation and the ability to focus on small details, both of which children do well already. Learn some helpful tips to help build language skills. PDF - 76 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • That's a Great Idea! Teaching Kids to Problem Solve
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, identifying problems, writing, friendship, social skills, manners, diversity
    Description: It can take much less effort and be much easier for a caregiver to solve a child's problems. However, with some extra effort and communication, a teachable moment is created. Learn how to help children develop their problem solving skills. PDF - 198 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Child Abuse Breaks a Child's Brain As Well As Heart
    Key Words: learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, cope, anger, punishment, hitting, child abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse
    Description: Author Karen Stephens outlines why hitting is never an acceptable form of punishment. Go beyond the surface to tackle the punishment issue of spanking and how it's the parent's role to be a rational human being. PDF - 49 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Active Play is Key to Kids' Lifelong Health and Fitness
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, physical activity, play, diseases, obesity, prevention
    Description: Almost 90% of pediatricians believe adult life-style related diseases may be prevented through physical fitness in childhood. Explore some simple fitness strategies that are preventative, effective, and affordable (and fun!). PDF - 84 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Nutrition: Build Good Eating Habits to Side-Step Picky Eaters
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, nourished, development
    Description: Making sure kids are fed the right food and the right amount of food is crucial to their overall development. Learns some Do's and Don'ts for parents to lead their child to healthy eating habits. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Nutrient-filled Snacks Fuel Kids' Healthy Development
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, energy, snacks time
    Description: Kids need nutrients to fuel their boundless energy and snacks can provide that between meal times. Discover some recipes that are both nutritious and simple. PDF - 58 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Parents Can Help Kids Stay One Step Ahead of Germs
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, sick, childcare centers, people, illness,
    Description: On average, a child has 12 different cold or flu episodes a year. Help kids stay one step ahead of those nasty germs. PDF - 60 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Emergency and Routine Information to Leave for Babysitters
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse
    Description: When leaving your kids in the care of someone else, one of the keys is to be prepared by leaving any information they might need. Use this sheet to ensure your baby sitter has all the information they might need. PDF - 55 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Diligent Car Seat Safety Can Keep Kids Alive
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse
    Description: Injuries due to car accidents pose the greatest threat to children and the proper use of a child safety seat can greatly reduce the risk of injury and death in auto accidents. Read some tips to keep your child safe in the car. PDF - 52 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Prepare for Emergencies With Planning and First Aid Skills
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, injuries, natural disasters
    Description: Parents and caregivers are the front line of defense for the protection and prevention of the children under their care. Read about six concrete ways to get prepared for a home or auto emergency. PDF - 54 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Teach Fire Safety During the Preschool Years
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, firefighters, afraid, prevention
    Description: By the time kids reach age two, they are old enough to be taught fire survival skills. Learn about ways to prepare children in the event of a fire. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Safety and Accident Prevention Starts At Home
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse
    Description: Accidents and injuries will happen around the home when you have children. Learn how these incidents can be minimized by alert observation and taking steps to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Doctor Visits: Tips for Preparing Children
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, healthy habits, regular check-ups
    Description: Doctor visits are important to keep children and adults healthy, and so that children can see the importance of self-help in caring for one's body. Here are some tips to help calm anxiety about visiting the doctor's office. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Hospital and Emergency Room Visits: Tips for Preparing Children
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, doctor, nurse, magical thinking
    Description: Trips to the hospital or the doctor's office can be scary, especially for children. Learn some ways to help ease their anxiety and fears. PDF - 61 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Child Life Specialists Help Hospitalized Kids
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, fear, loss, illness, injury, emotion
    Description: Childhood is not always the promising experience we hope it will be. For children that go through hospitalizations and long-term health problems, a Child Life Specialist can provide help in sorting out confusion and dealing with children's social and emotional stress. PDF - 49 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Good Dental Health Begins in Early Childhood
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, dentist, working with children, dentist visit
    Description: Establishing good dental health habits are important for children in early childhood. Here are some suggestions to choosing the right dentist and helping your children establish great dental habits. PDF - 57 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • For Children's Sake, Prevent and Confront Child Abuse
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, crying, stress, anger, violence, parents, cycle, secrets, help
    Description: The pressure of parenting can be intense and trying, but should never lead to abuse. Learn about the consequences of child abuse and some tips on how to prevent abuse and ways to spot it. PDF - 48 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Specific Ways to Avoid Losing Your Cool With the Kids
    Key Words: health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, crying, violence, anger, irrational, fear, anxiety, stress
    Description: Parents must stop irrational angry before it produces harmful actions towards their children. Here are thirty-two alternatives to taking it out on your kids. PDF - 61 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Adequate Leisure-Time is Essential for Children
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, schedule, frantic pace, stress fatigue, emotional burn out, nature
    Description: There are countless opportunities for parents to enroll their child in after school activities. Parents must take caution in developing a "corporate" culture for their child by over scheduling. Learn how to avoid the trap and allow kids to mature as unique and relaxed individuals. PDF - 73 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Home Routines that Build Children's Literacy Skills
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, reading, writing, development, language, learning, brain development, literacy, creativity, learning
    Description: Healthy early childhood development is crucial to language and literacy competence later in life. Explore how simple tasks can be incorporated into everyday life to develop a child's reading, writing, and conversation skills. PDF - 67 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Block Play Activities for Home, Child Care, or School
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, blocks, homemade, recycling, creativity, industrious
    Description: Blocks are a versatile toy that expands a child's imagination and creativity, and have educational value. Parents can discover how to make a homemade set of blocks with their child. Suggestions for block play in the home and in the classroom are also included. PDF - 67 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Mind-Powered Toys: Batteries Not Required
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, imagination, interaction, pretend, performance, industrious
    Description: Not all toys that are fun require batteries. Those games that are powered by a child's mind are often more fun and more creative than anything advertised on the television. Learn some suggestions to opening up a child's imagination, with no batteries required! PDF - 72 kB updated on 12/20/06
  • There's More to Children's Block Play Than Meets the Eye
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, blocks, creativity, concepts, math, science, language, confidence, coordination, industrious
    Description: Block play provides children an experience that is both educational and fun. Take a few minutes and discover what block play is really all about. There might just be more than meets the eye. PDF - 63 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • 20 Ways to Encourage Childrens' Resourcefulness and Creativity
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, intelligence, industrious, ideas, experiment, thought, perfectionism
    Description: Discover twenty ways to help children develop a creative intelligence. Out of that creativity, children will learn how to be resourceful, use their instincts, and develop problem-solving skills. PDF - 64 kB updated on 12/20/06
  • Humor: No Joke, It's A Learning Tool for Kids
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, laughter, fun, imagination, communication, learning, brain development, literacy, creativity
    Description: Children laugh over 385 times a day more than adults. Discover how to capitalize on this unique talent and encourage creativity and expansion of their mind. PDF - 58 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Good Sleep and Bedtime Habits Nourish Kids
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse, habits, needs, nourishment, emotional overload, mental energy, physical
    Description: Sleep is nourishment for a growing body and up to 85% of children don't get enough sleep. Learn the consequences of a sleep deprived child and the recommended hours of sleep for a child by age group. PDF - 52 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Bedtime Tips to Build Good Sleep Habits
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, habits, needs, nourishment, emotional overload, mental energy, physical, health, nutrition, safety, hospitalization, preventing abuse
    Description: Sleep is something that is just like food and water: nourishment for a growing body. Find out about some tips to establishing a bedtime routine that works for your child. PDF - 49 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Tips for Helping Kids Beat the Bedtime Blues
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, poor sleep habits, naps, resistance, responsible, self-discipline
    Description: Children with good sleep habits tend to be easier to care for and the parent is responsible for helping to establish those good sleeping habits. Explore the real causes behind bedtime problems and some tips to beat those bedtime blues. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Nightmares, Storms, and Divided Families
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, bedtime, scary, unfamiliar, emotional conflict, coping
    Description: Children with good sleep habits tend to be easier to care for. The exceptions are often difficult decisions to make. What do you do during a bad dream? Or a severe thunderstorm? Learn about tackling these issues and establishing good habits in a single parent, partnered, or married household. PDF - 52 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Infant Crying, Preschoolers Getting Out of Bed, the Family Bed
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, mood, sleep, bedtime, habits, crib
    Description: Children with good sleep habits tend to be easier to care for. Learn the answers to some common questions aimed at tackling bedtime difficulties. PDF - 58 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Resuming Routines Helps Kids Rebound From the Holidays
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, holiday blues, stress, readjustment, schedule
    Description: The holidays introduce a frenzied pace to life and can easily break a family's daily routines. Take in some suggestions to tackling the difficulties of the holiday season. PDF - 47 kB updated on 12/20/06
  • Holiday Frenzy: Don't Let Stress Steal Your Spirit
    Key Words: family routines, play, leisure, crankiness, anxiety, demanding, tantrums, energy draining, balance
    Description: Keep stress, anxiety, whining, and crankiness from filling your holiday world. Read some suggestions for ensuring children (and even parents!) have a holiday filled with togetherness, warmth, and love. PDF - 57 kB updated on 12/20/06
  • Nature Connections for Kids in Cities and Suburbs
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, outdoors, gardens
    Description: Many adults attribute their connection with nature to their experiences as a child. Learn some practical suggestions for encouraging children to engage in the natural world, even in the midst of a city or suburb. PDF - 80 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Bird Watching Helps Children Become Nature-wise
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, outdoors, manners, identification
    Description: Children are fascinated by discovery, especially when it deals with nature. Here are some tips for taking a child bird watching. PDF - 62 kB updated on 12/20/06
  • Butterfly Garden Activities Stir Children's Sense of Wonder
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, net, flutterbys
    Description: Bufferflys provide children a unique connection with nature. Learn some butterfly basics and how to build your own butterfly garden. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Children Reap a Bushel of Benefits From Outdoor Gardening
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, family, hobby, energy
    Description: An outdoor garden not only provides fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers, but can be a sense of pride and accomplishment. Explore some tips to plant your own garden and develop your child's green thumb. PDF - 58 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Gardening With Children: Green Thumbs Grow Inside, Too!
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, hobby
    Description: Sometimes gardening in the city (or in the winter) is not possible outside, but don't take that as a limitation. Children can explore the art of gardening inside, too! From pineapple to green hairy monsters, learn what kind of fun can be dug up inside. PDF - 60 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Children Honor Mother Nature When Exploring Spring
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, exploration, five senses, observations
    Description: The beauty of spring brings about a sense of warmth, sunlight, and the return of animals. Exploring nature in the spring can be as simple as taking a walk or bird watching out the window. Enjoy the beauty of spring by learning about these suggestions and more. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Snow Activities Let Children Explore the Wonders of Weather
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, winter
    Description: If the temperature is above 20 degrees and there is snow on the ground, it's time to let your child experience the wonder of snow. Find out some simple suggestions to helping their play go beyond just snowmen. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Creative Ways for Kids to Enjoy Snow Play
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, winter
    Description: If the temperature is below freezing and the snow is falling, it's time to play in the snow. Discover some creative ways to enjoy the white stuff. PDF - 58 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Fall Offers Families A Variety of Sensory, Seasonal Fun
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, autumn, leaves, color change, family, adventure
    Description: The coming of Fall signifies cooler temperatures and changing colors, and the ability to discover and explore new things. Check out these suggestions for fall activities. PDF - 57 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Camping Brings Children Closer to Nature and Family
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, tents, science, nature, emotional bonds, memories
    Description: Camping is one of many ways to acquaint a child with nature. Read about how to use camping as a fun way to increase your child's connection with nature and science, while developing a unique emotional bond and creating lifelong memories. PDF - 72 kB updated on 12/20/06
  • Family Pets Help Children Develop Positive Traits, Values
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, dogs, cats, hamsters
    Description: Are you considering buying a pet? Discover some of the pros and cons to pet ownership and suggestions for examining all of the areas a pet might affect in your life. PDF - 78 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Teach Kids Caring and Safe Ways With Pets
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, pet etiquette
    Description: Owning a family pet offers the opportunity to teach children about the responsibilities of caring for a pet. Read about establishing ground rules with your child for playing with pets. PDF - 77 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Ways to Help Children Cope When a Family Pet Dies
    Key Words: nature connections, pets, fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, pet etiquette
    Description: Dealing with the death of a beloved pet can be difficult. Explore some suggestions for talking honestly and openly with a child when the family pet dies. PDF - 62 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Clear Expectations Help Kids Behave
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, positive, behavior, power struggle, patience
    Description: Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use more direct verbal guidance in place of negative, vague threats. By being a good role model and developing the art of communication, parents can set expectations and end the debate with their children sooner, rather than later. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Coping with Power Struggles Requires Patience and Resolve
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, responsibilities, emotional, expectations, consequences, love
    Description: Establishing clear expectations and enforcing the appropriate consequences is an act of love, despite what a child may tell you. Learn how to overcome these emotionally charged situations and not let your child distract you from the real issue at hand. PDF - 69 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Determining if a Child's Behavior is Normal
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, unanticipated, smooth sailing, stage of development, bedtime, toilet training
    Description: Parenting can get even tougher when your child acts in unexpected ways. Learn how to decide if this behavior is part of a developmental stage or is something to be concerned about. PDF - 68 kB updated on 12/21/06
  • Discover Unique Temperaments to Better Understand Children
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, type of child, unique, personality, sensory awareness, activity level, multiple children, adaptability, easy, slow-to-warm-up, difficult, spirited, attachment, self esteem
    Description: The development of a child's personality stems from parenting, as well as biology. Explore the ten variables to learn about your child's temperament and some suggestions on how to respond to them as a unique individual. PDF - 99 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Parenting Kids with Slow-to-Warm-Up Temperament
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, characteristics, slow-to-warm-up, easy, difficult, tendencies, intense, feeling, scaredy-cat, timid, shy, late bloomer, friendship, social skills, manners, diversity
    Description: The development of a child's personality stems from parenting, as well as biology. Explore the basics behind the tendencies of a slow-to-warm-up child and some suggestions on how to respond to them as a unique individual. PDF - 74 kB updated on 12/22/06
  • Parenting Tips: Just follow the ABCs
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, ABCs, parenting tips, behavior, doctor, dentist
    Description: Twenty six tips for parents to think about. PDF - 75 kB updated on 12/19/06
  • Parents are Powerful Role Models for Children
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, attachment, self esteem, characterizations, like father like son, like mother like daughter, mimic, parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent
    Description: Children have an ability to distinguish between adults who practice what they preach and those that don't. Find out why parents are the most important role model and how behaviors are passed from one generation to another. PDF - 60 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Praise: Like Sugar, It Should Be Sprinkled, Not Poured
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, encouragement, self-pride, rewards, trust, self-motivation, self-discipline, lazy, uninspired, sportsmanship attachment, self esteem
    Description: Positive support of a child is an essential part of their development, but pouring it on can have negative effects. Learn the basics of when and how to praise a child for a job well done. PDF - 66 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Reliable and Predictable Dicsipline: Tips for Enforcing Consequences
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, self-talk, negative, positive, attitude, guidelines
    Description: Learn how to get away from counter-productive, negative statements about your parenting abilities. Explore these fifteen suggestions for enforcing the consequences you set. PDF - 58 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Responding When Children Test Rules for Behavior
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, rules, consequences, behavior, challenge, freedom, dependence, authority
    Description: All children test the limits of their parents. Learn more about this parent-child separation ritual and tips to establish rules in a clear, firm, and respectful manner. PDF - 56 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Self Help Skills and Chores Build Children's Identity and Confidence
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, attachment, self esteem, apprenticeship, adulthood, personal identity, skills, development, independence, toddler, twos, developmental issues, family routines, play, leisure
    Description: The development that occurs throughout childhood offers a preparation for the freedoms and responsibilities of adulthood. Parents are integral in encouraging the development of skills that will make children develop independence and the skill of self-help. PDF - 85 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Strategies for Parenting Children with Difficult Temperament
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, characteristics, easy, difficult, tendencies, intense, feeling, spirited child, power struggles, challenging child, discipline, guidance, temperament
    Description: The development of a child's personality comes from both biology and parenting. Learn the basics behind the tendencies of a difficult or spirited child and some suggestions on how to respond to them as a unique individual. PDF - 86 kB updated on 12/19/06
  • Teaching Children to Resolve Conflict Respectfully
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, fighting, bickering, character, interpreting emotion, problem solving, friendship, social skills, manners, diversity, manners, diversity
    Description: Explore why conflict resolution can be a part of everyday life and why it takes an important role even at an early age. Some helpful tips and tools are included to help parents start putting conflict resolution techniques to practice. PDF - 73 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • The Fundamentals: 7 Steps to Well-Behaved Kids
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, behavior, prevention, misbehaving, consequences
    Description: No kid is perfect and sometimes good days seem few and far between. The best way to good behavior might be to remember the old adage of "saying what you mean and meaning what you say". Take these seven steps to getting on the path to well-behaved children. PDF - 143 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • When Parents Disagree on How to Discipline
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, disagreement, center of conflict, trust, security, stability, communication, lack of
    Description:Disciplining a child can be difficult, especially when there are two parents that don't agree on the action to take. Learn Dr. Connor Walters's suggestions for dealing with a discipline conflict between parents, before and during the conflict. PDF - 82 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Parent-Child Care Partnerships: Team Building Steps to Take
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, teamwork, provider

    Description:Child care providers play an important role in the development of the children they watch. Good child care does not happen by accident and takes work from the providers as well as the parent. Find out some steps to take to build your parent-childcare partnership. PDF - 52 kB updated on 12/19/06

  • Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, partnership, guardian, success, listen, school, plan of action

    Description:Parent-Teacher relationships are an important part of the development of a child at any age- preschool through high school. Learn how to make the most of this relationship through some tips to prepare for the parent-teacher conference. PDF - 80 kB updated on 12/19/06

  • Tips for Keeping Family Life Balanced
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, whirlwind, busy, time, social

    Description: Raising a family in the midst of the world's constant demand for our energy can be very difficult. Check out some ways to prioritize your activities and make sure that your life has work, family, and social balance. PDF - 69 kB updated on 01/02/07

  • Parenting Stress: Find Creative Ways to Cope
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, child-rearing, stressful, relief, individual, time, parenting: on being a mom, dad, or grandparent

    Description: Raising children can be just as draining as it is exhilarating, as rewarding as it is stressful. Learn about some creative ways to cope with the stress, frustration, and energy loss associated with raising a family. PDF - 60 kB updated on 02/27/07

  • Routines: Start Mornings Off on the Right Foot
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, starting the day, waking-up, rituals, organization, family routines, play, leisure

    Description: Getting the kids up and moving for school in the morning can be tough. Smooth out the process by establishing a morning routine for yourself and your kids. PDF - 65 kB updated on 02/27/07

  • Child Care: Kids' Experiences Count Most
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, worker, daycare, preschool, caregiver

    Description: To often we are distracted by the appearance, the catchy slogan, or the sparkling new technology at a daycare center. Does this really make good childcare? Find out the most important factor that determines whether your child is getting the experience they deserve. PDF - 50 kB updated on 01/02/07

  • Child Care Teachers: Good Training Equals Quality
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, development, supervisors, preschool, daycare, rating

    Description: There is a difference between those who teach and those who simply supervisor children, and the difference is often training. Learn about the impact a trained teacher can make and how to choose the appropriate child care center. PDF - 49 kB updated on 12/19/06

  • Child Care: What's Best for Baby?
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, daycare, caregiver, babies, staff size, cooperation, health, safety, routines

    Description: The effort put into finding good childcare can be rewarding for you and your child. The consequences of bad child care can hurt at any age, particularly infants. Learn six key areas to look at when visiting and determining which child care center is best for your child. PDF - 55 kB updated on 12/19/06

  • Quality Child Care is Critical to Infants' Secure Attachments
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, baby, babies, caregiver, teacher, relationship, development, attachment, self esteem
    Description: The ability of an infant to trust their caregiver is key to healthy development. It is in the child's best interest to choose a childcare center or caregiver that promotes a healthy secure attachment relationship. Learn four key areas to look at when visiting and determining which childcare center is best for your child. PDF - 73 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Infant Child Care: Heed These Warning Signs
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, baby, daycare, caregiver, babies, staff size, cooperation, health, safety, routines, teacher, relationship, development

    Description: Just as important as it is to know what to look for in a good childcare center, it is just as important to know the warning signs when substandard care is being given. Discover some warning signs for poor infant childcare. PDF - 55 kB updated on 12/19/06

  • Good Child Care: Tips for Toddlers and Twos
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, daycare, caregiver, staff size, cooperation, health, safety, routines, teacher, relationship, development issues, toddler, twos, developmental issues
    Description: The effort put into finding good childcare can be rewarding for you and your child. The development of toddlers are much different than those of infants and therefore the criteria for choosing a new center changes. Learn seven areas to look at when choosing a center for your toddler. PDF - 54 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Quality Counts: Keys to Good Preschool Programs
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, daycare, caregiver, staff size, cooperation, health, safety, routines, teacher, relationship, development

    Description: The quality of a child's care, whether at home or at preschool, makes a big impact on their development. Learn how to look at the key factors of a preschool program. PDF - 55 kB updated on 01/02/07

  • Child Care: What's Best for Big Kids?
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, daycare, caregiver, staff size, cooperation, health, safety, routines, teacher, relationship, development, school age

    Description: Often parent work schedules and kid's school schedules don't align, but resist the temptation to leave your school-age child home alone. Learn about the improving after school programs and several key points to help choose the right program. PDF - 54 kB updated on 01/02/07

  • Choosing Child Care: Questions Parents Should Ask
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, daycare, caregiver, staff size, cooperation, health, safety, routines, teacher, relationship, development

    Description: Find out the specific questions parents should be asking when deciding on a childcare center for their children. PDF - 54 kB updated on 12/19/06

  • Adjustment: Life Changes are "Teachable Moments" for Kids
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, overwhelmed, temperament, school, vacation
    Description: Life adjustments can be tough for anyone, especially for children. The reaction parents have under such changes establishes a behavioral pattern for their children. Explore ways to use the good, the bad, and the unexpected changes that occur in everyday life into teachable moments for children. PDF - 50 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Ways to Teach Children Positive Coping Skills During Life Changes
    Key Words: child care, work issues, life issues, fears, anxiety related to death, tragedy, or war, helpless, insecure, guilt, compassion, school events
    Description: Life changes can make children and adults feel insecure and helpless. Learn some tips for parents to overcome those insecurities and help them and their child tackle the changes together. PDF - 50 kB updated on 01/02/07
  • Back Talk: Responding to Kids' Disrespect
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, power struggles, name calling, mouthy, lippy, smart aleck, positive discipline
    Description: Backtalk: a topic every parent faces and the world seems to encourage. Learn how praising positive behavior and keeping emotionally driven battles to a minimum will end the power struggle for who gets the last word. PDF - 54 kB updated on 12/18/06
  • Careful Choice of Words Protects Self Esteem
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, attachment, self esteem, language, threatening, praise, confidence, attachment
    Description: "Sticks and stones may break may bones, but words will never hurt me" may be a common saying, but is it really true? Explore how careful choices of words can protect your child's self-esteem and encourage the development of a healthier relationship. PDF - 56 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Clear, Consistent Consequences Motivate Cooperative Behavior
    Key Words: discipline, guidance, temperament, positive, behavior, power struggle, patience
    Description: Learn how to encouraging appropriate behavior through clear and consistent consequences. By motivating cooperative behavior, a child can learn self-control and develop the skills to interact respectfully with others, benefiting them now and into their adulthood. PDF - 55 kB updated on 02/27/07
  • Child Care in Ohio
    Key Words: day care, liscensing, inspection report
    Description: Online database of available childcare facilities in Ohio. Includes map-based search. HTML updated on 11/16/08
  • ODMH Kids News: Building Ohio's Future
    Key Words: ohio kids news
    Description: This newsletter is published every two months with news and resources related to children's mental health issues. HTML updated on 11/16/08
  • Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families
    Key Words: LATCH, rear-facing, forward-facing
    Description: Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families provides caregivers with information on how to use car safety seats and seat belts correctly. There are installation tips and answers to frequently asked questions about car-seat child safety. HTML updated on 11/16/08
  • Parent Central
    Parent Central provides resources and information about issues affecting children and families. Members can sign up to receive emails or visit the site to learn about opportunities to voice comments and concerns to decision makers. HTML updated on 05/01/08
  • Operation Child Care - National Guard and Reserve Members
    Operation Child Care provides a minimum of four hours of free volunteer child care services to National Guard and Reserve Members returning home from Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom for two weeks of R&R leave. HTML updated on 03/29/06
  • Ohio's Infant and Toddler Guidelines
    Ohio's Infant and Toddler Guidelines provide parents, providers and policy makers with an awareness of developmental milestones to broaden knowledge of how young children progress through infancy and where they stand developmentally. PDF - 1.17 MB updated on 05/01/08
  • Terrific Transitions
    This Web site provides information and resources for families, professionals, and community partnerships to use as they address children's transitions into kindergarten. HTML updated on 03/28/06
  • Healthy Kids, Healthy Care
    This Web site is for parents of children who attend child care programs. Topics: caregiver, cleanliness, emotional, habits, safety, illness, chronic conditions, special needs HTML updated on 03/28/06
  • Learning and Growing Together
    Online scenarios and resources for families such as child development information; ways to enhance early learning for reading, writing and mathematics; and guides for parents about school. HTML updated on 06/18/08
  • Connect Me Ohio
    This Web site is for Ohio consumers, caregivers and providers who are looking for up-to-date information about programs and services for people with disabilities, regardless of age or location. HTML updated on 03/28/06
  • Child Care Ohio - Information and online search for child care in Ohio
    Resources and information to help parents in their search for child care and early education options in Ohio. Includes Links to Ohio's Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency online child care provider databases, the most comprehensive, up-to-date, early care and education databases in Ohio. HTML updated on 04/26/05
  • OAEYC 2008 Conference Highlight Newsletter
    Information on the Conference, which was held April 3-5, 2008. PDF - 5.46 mB updated on 06/18/08
  • AMBER Alert Plan
    The AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • 5 Steps to Choosing Quality Care
    Checklist for Evaluating a Child Care Provider:
    1. Look, 2. Listen, 3. Count, 4. Ask, 5. Be Informed HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • Checklist for Evaluating a Child Care Provider
    Checklist of important points that can help measure the quality of a child care home or center. HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • Types of Child Care
    Choosing Quality Care is important, no matter which kind of provider you decide upon. Please review Five Steps to Finding Quality Child Care, or learn more about accreditation for child care programs. HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • Regulated Child Care in Ohio
    Homes and centers caring for more than 6 children must be licensed by the state. Family child care homes caring for 6 or fewer children (Type B homes) are not regulated. HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • If you still can't find quality child care?
    What to do if you're having trouble finding child care to match your needs. HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • Child Care Accreditation
    Accredited homes and centers voluntarily measure up to national standards of quality that have been established by national child care organizations. HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • Parent Academy (Reading, Conditions for Learning, and Academic Content Standards)
    The Ohio Department of Education is offering a free two hour workshop for parents about the best learning conditions for children. Workshops about reading and academic content standards are currently being revised. HTML updated on 06/18/08
  • Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council
    In fall 2002, the Ohio Department of Education formed a Parent Advisory Council to provide a much needed connection between Ohio parents, their children and the Department. HTML updated on 06/18/08
  • High Risk People Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine
    Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine? - All Children Aged 6-23 months HTML updated on 05/01/08
  • Affording Child Care
    Parents who are working or in school can apply for help to pay for their child care in the county where they live by contacting the county department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS). HTML updated on 03/16/05
  • Child Care Center Directory
    The Child Care Center Directory is categorized by county and maintained in PDF format (requires the Acrobat Reader to view). Click on the desired county for a listing of child care centers in that area. HTML updated on 05/01/08
  • Choosing Child Care: A Ten Step Guide
    A Parent's Guide to Choosing Child Care PDF updated on 05/01/08
  • Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders
    This booklet contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding the treatment of children with mental disorders. PDF updated on 05/01/08
  • Extra Help For Student Success
    Under NCLB, low-income students in schools that do not meet state standards in reading and math for three consecutive years are eligible to receive supplemental educational services such as free tutoring. PDF updated on 03/16/05
  • Families Home Page - Ohio Department of Education
    This Web site includes programs and opportunities to help parents get involved in their child's education, information on Ohio's education system, resources for helping children succeed in school, and links to other Web sites that have additional resources. HTML updated on 06/18/08
  • Reach out and Read
    Key Words: literacy, doctor
    Description: Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a program that promotes early literacy by bringing new books and advice about the importance of reading aloud into the pediatric exam room. HTML updated on 08/07/09
  • Family TLC
    This Web site includes family activities - games, sports, crafts, music, cooking, nature and more - sorted by the age of your child. Find parenting tips, articles on child development and hundreds of new age-appropriate child activities each month. HTML updated on 09/29/04
  • Health E-Hints
    This site will request that you sign up to receive an email newsletter issue of Health E-Hints. The newsletter is free and is designed to provide you with customized health information in the most convenient, accessible way possible - delivered directly to your desktop via email. HTML updated on 09/29/04
  • BabyCenter - online newsletter for new and expectant parents
    This web site archives the BabyCenter newsletter. Users can search the site or find articles by topic. Online bulletin boards are available for parents, as well as a store with products for parents and children. HTML updated on 09/29/04
  • Human Development and Family Science Extension
    Parenting, Family Life, Young Children are just a few of the areas on this Web site developed by the Human Development and Family Science Extension of the College of Human Ecology at The Ohio State University. HTML updated on 09/29/04
  • Positive Parenting newsletter
    January 2002-January 2004 issues of Positive Parenting are online in pdf format. Unfortunately, the newsletter has been discontinued. More research-based parenting information can be found online at http://www.cyfernet.org HTML updated on 09/29/04
  • Children, Youth and Families Education and Research network
    Key Words: special needs, autism, ideas, activities, development, delays
    Description: CYFERnet's Web site brings together the best, children, youth and family resources of all the public land-grant universities in the country. Materials are carefully reviewed by college and university faculty.
    Special Needs categories include:
    - Behavioral Delays
    - Cognitive Delays
    - Mental Illness
    - Physical Delays
    - Social-Emotional Delays
    - Speech and Language Delays
    - Vision and Hearing Delays
    - Laws and Public Policy
    - Record Keeping HTML updated on 08/07/09
  • Early Childhood Quality Network Web Site
    Key Words: childhood, literacy, health, infants, toddlers
    Description:An early childhood resource web site. HTML updated on 08/07/09