Parenthood: The Early Years

Parenthood: The Early Years

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Grow Care EnrichDiscover Share

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Tips to help your child develop and grow at each stage in their early years

CareChecklists and tips on choosing child care and preschool

EnrichTips to safely use electronics as tools to enrich experiences

Discover

ShareTips they didn’t tell you on parenthood shared through a virtual tip jar

Tips to help discover new things together and enjoy travel experiences

Grow

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A joint publication from

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Parenthood: The Early YearsGROW . CARE . ENRICH . DISCOVER . SHARE

GrowInfant

0-6 months

Learning

Talk frequently to your child. Your words are their developing reference for language.

Read to your child using animated pitch in your voice. This is how children can learn conversation and tone.

Around three months, build their coordination and strength with age appropriate toys or simple, safe household items like plastic cups. Let them feel books and textured pages.

Singing and music can be entertaining, soothing and informative for your child. See what music and sounds your baby responds to.

By 5 or 6 months, babies will start to imitate the sounds of speech to try talking for themselves!

During your well-baby checkups, ask for a hearing screening.

Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly minute by minute! They are learning and developing with you through sound, smell, touch, movement, emotions and hearing.

Safety Tip: Practice car seat installation before the ride home from the hospital.

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During the first of half of a baby’s first year, they figure out how to roll front to back and now they’re ready to crawl. Time to baby proof the house and provide some food fuel for all the energy needed to explore surroundings and build strength!

How to Deal

Crying is communication from your baby telling you they are hungry, wet, uncomfortable, or needs your attention. Being attentive to your baby’s cries is not spoiling, it’s listening to their needs.

If crying is excessive and unable to be resolved, it can be colic. Colic can pass within 3 weeks and usually occurs if your child is 5 months. It is a condition of over-stimulation or gas, but it doesn’t affect the child’s long-term health.

Reduce the potential for gas by removing gas-producing foods from the baby’s diet. Soothe the baby with gentle movements like a stomach rub.

Baby blues, also known as postpartum depression (PPD), can occur after birth, causing appetite changes, exhaustion, and other emotions such as disconnection from the child or grief. Watch for the signs within yourself and know there are resources to help. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Safety Tip: Protect your child’s small, developing lungs from second hand smoke contact.

Support their neck when holding them and never leave them alone on a raised surface, around collections of water or near small objects that they can pick up and choke on.

Eating & Healthy Weight

Slowly introduce solid foods after turning six months of age. Swallowing is key to determining if your baby is ready. Foods can become a choking hazard. Determine whether your baby is strong enough to eat on their own with your doctor or by seeing if your baby can sit up comfortably in a high chair.

Key foods to incorporate are appropriately sized proteins, vegetables and fruits.

Try one new food per week after doing transitional meals with breast milk and rice cereal. This allows time to notice reaction to food allergies. Transition into soft finger foods like bread, crackers or cereal and also introduce them to the sippy cup during this age.

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7-12 months

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Children can self regulate their calorie intake. Once they stop or lose interest, they are full. See your doctor about determining and managing an appropriate weight for your baby, but do not encourage your baby to overeat.

Honey Microwaved Foods

Expired Baby Food Peanut Butter Raisins Popcorn

Carrots Nuts Apples Grapes Pineapple Juice

Hot Dogs Chips Hard Candy Raw Fruits & VegetablesSwordfish, Shark, Mackerel, Tile Fish

Why?May cause heat Injury

Why?Drink only

pasteurized juices which have gone through a bacteria-

killing process

Why?These fish are high inMercury

Why? Citrus can

cause irritation to

skin or upset stomachWhy?

Citrus can cause

irritation to skin or upset

stomach

Orange Juice

Learning

Your baby is almost ready to talk. Talk, read and sing to your child. Be more descriptive about your immediate surroundings and activities pointing out colors, objects and sound associations. Use simple and specific language. Keep it fun so that they associate learning positively.

How to Deal

At 10 months, your child is ready to understand limits and process the concept of cause and effect. Use these lessons in behavior as teaching and learning methods. This learning process will not call for

SeedsSalted, Seasoned FoodUnpasteurized Juices

discipline, nor should they be considered as intentional annoyances to you.

Around this age, your baby will not remember warnings, but start incorporating the use of “No” so that they can understand what it means and distract them from behavior you want to change.

Model behavior you want your child to understand and reciprocate using your tone, temper and purposeful reactions. What you show them is what they will remember to do themselves. Explain why you are setting the limit to help them learn what it all means. Reward positive behavior you want to encourage.

CAUTION! These foods can be difficult for your baby to swallow or unsafe to eat:

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Food

Fat calories are key during this period. Healthy fat is provided through whole milk if your child is ready to transition from breast milk. Consult with your healthcare provider about this transition.

They may become quite the food critic as they learn their preferences which can always change or be very exclusive. Try to keep a well-balanced meal plan to accompany their rocky road of food selections. Around their first birthday, their appetite could shrink due to a slow growth rate.

Oral Health

By their first birthday, take your child to the dentist! At your appointment, you will learn about how to protect your child’s growing teeth including use of fluoride, toothpastes and best oral health practices. It’s also time to start weaning children off their bottles. While bottle use is comforting, it can cause problems for their growing teeth. Tooth decay occurs when liquids with sugars (including milk) are left gathered around the teeth of children, which creates a bacteria that eats away at the teeth. Start brushing your child’s teeth before they go to bed to remove sugars or foods that can cause decay.

Watered down juices, cheese, yogurt, fruit and vegetables are recommended over chips, crackers and cereal.

Toddler

1-2 years old

Look how big they’ve grown! This is a transitional period from baby to toddler that comes with lots of changes and development.

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Safety Tips:

• Reevaluate barricades and barriers to make sure they are age appropriate for their growing capacity to walk around and grab things as they explore. Barricade children from collections of water or pools and items in the water that may attract them.

• Reduce exposure to direct sun and apply sunscreen when necessary.

• Keep potentially poisonous materials out of reach and out of sight.

• Check playgrounds before you play in them for hidden dangers in the slide, sand, walkways and swings.

Learning

You might notice that you’ve created a “mini me” as they will want to do what they see you do. Describe what you are doing so they can understand your actions.

They’ll begin to use 20 or more words in small combinations at this age.

How to Deal

The trend of setting limits and your toddler testing those limits will continue. Use distractions from unfavorable behavior and reinforce the concept of “No”. They are even more capable at this age to explore and take in their surroundings, while gaining a sense of self and testing your leadership as a parent.

Do you taste food before you give it to your child?

Make sure you use separate utensils. Transferring bacteria from your mouth to your child’s mouth can be bad for their

teeth.


Toilet Training

Patience is key to this process. Your child will indicate when they are ready to learn. Have your child go with a same-sex parent to the bathroom. As the same-sex parent uses the restroom, ask the child if they want to try.

If interest is shown, purchase a child-sized potty and have them practice sitting. Then have them try without the diaper. Make sure their feet are secured on the ground so that their bowel movements can pass properly.

Learning

By age 3, your child should know at least 1,000 words. You may notice they are repeating words you are using, so choose your words wisely! All the words they process are building their vocabulary through talking, reading and singing with you.

Allow time for your child to process what you are saying.

How to Deal

Temper tantrums or extreme behavior can be at an all time high during this age. Be clear, firm and consistent in setting your limits, explaining why their behavior is unacceptable and rewarding them when they are respecting the rules you’ve set out.

Mentally, your child is still working on remembering rules and limits, let alone understanding their environments.

Your toddler’s development has come a long way! Your child is running, climbing, jumping and becoming their own individual. They are learning more about themselves and determining their relationships with other people. This time period can get challenging, but understand it is their learning process.

If you’re noticing some developmental delays or response delays, now is a good time to screen for disabilities, especially in the autism spectrum. Document behaviors and consult with your doctor about your concerns.

2-3 years old


Preschooler

3-5 years old

Health

Continue to introduce new foods every week for your child to try. Encourage healthy options and learn about hidden sugars in foods.

Maintain yearly checkups with your doctor to track their development. If there are noticeable delays in their development, make sure you document and discuss these with your healthcare provider.

Vision and hearing screenings are strongly encouraged at this age. A child’s vision should be 20/40 or better, or improving to 20/30 by age five. This can be the answer to some developmental bumps and will also set them up for success in preschool.

Learning

Create an enriching learning environment at home and while you are out. Consistently point out letters, words, colors, shapes, and objects.This is also a good time to take children to

Motor skills are still improving in your child, allowing them to balance and make large movements on their own. While their hand coordination is still kicking in, this is a good time to practice tying shoelaces, throwing balls and coloring to strengthen their development.

learning environments like zoos or museums. See the Discover section of Parenthood: The Early Years

Some fundamental learning supplies include large crayons and drawing paper for younger toddlers. Paints, markers, tape and crayons can be provided for older toddlers.

Television and electronics will have programming and apps that attract your children with educational content. See the Enrich section of Parenthood: The Early Years

Playing with others and preparing for preschool

Your child will benefit from playing with others, as social skills will play out in their future time in preschool and kindergarten. When you need to correct social behavior, use it as a teaching moment, not as a disciplinary action.

How to Deal

Children will continue to test the limits you set for them as they get more independently able to experience new things. Ensure consistency with co-parents, family and guardians to be clear with the child on what they should and shouldn’t do.

RESOURCESGet the Free Kit for New Parents 1 (800) KIDS-025 FOR ENGLISH KITS1 (800) 50-NINOS FOR SPANISH KITS


CareParenthood: The Early Years

CHECKLISTS: ü GETTING YOUR SEARCH STARTED ü SEARCHING FOR INFANT/TODDLER CARE ü SEARCHING FOR PRESCHOOL CARE ü AFTER VISIT

This resource guide includes tips, checklists and vital information to help you find quality child care to help parents ask the right questions, locate the right resources and ultimately, find the best possible care for their children.

#first5yearsParenthood: The Early Years CARE: Page 1 of 5

Whether you work full-time or part-time or just need an occasional caregiver, quality child care is a necessity for both you and your child. While no one can replace a loving parent, an excellent child care provider can enrich your child’s life and give you peace of mind that your child is in good hands.

For some, choosing quality child care is simple—a favorite family member offers to care for your child. For others, the search turns into a series of phone calls, questions and visits to child care providers. In other words, you might spend a great deal of time searching for the right caregiver.


Choosing Quality CareCare

• California Resource & Referral: Free information including up-to-date list of child care providers in community; details on providers such as languages spoken, age groups of children served, and hours available; assistance in planning for future child care needs; and referrals to local services for children. Link: http://www.rrnetwork.org/

• Choosing Quality Child Care: Details of what to look for when choosing care including points to consider and questions to ask during a visit provided by the California Department of Education. Link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/caqchoosecare.asp

• The First Days: What to expect the first days at a new child care and separation/adjustment strategies provided by the California Department of Education. Link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/caqfirstdays.asp

• You Make the Difference: Tips for creating a positive experience and details on Family-School Partnership Act provided by the California Department of Education Link: http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/caqdifference.asp

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GETTING YOUR SEARCH STARTED

Determine what your needs are first. Trust your own instincts-You know best the right child care arrangement, the one that meets your needs so that you can keep on working, learning, parenting and smiling.

o Write down what you want from your child care provider. Think about what your child may also want.

o Talk to the staff at your local resource and referral agency, read parenting publications, and ask trusted friends or co-workers for references on child care providers and programs.

o Think about what you can afford. Check into any child care financial assistance through the State or your employer. What will your monthly budget allow?

o Call caregiver and ask about staff-to-child ratios, costs, the learning opportunities offered, and whether the provider is licensed. Remember, there may be times in the day when a child care provider is unable to speak with you because she is caring for children. You may be asked to call back at a certain time or to stop by and visit.


Take this with you!

Save these checklists where you can

reference them for your next childcare orpreschool visit.

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SEARCHING FOR INFANT/TODDLER CAREWhen looking for quality care for infants and toddlers, look for a provider who seems to enjoy your child by talking and interacting with her in a warm, friendly way. It is important that your little one is included in activities but stays safe when around older children. Keep these questions in mind when looking for quality infant and toddler care:

o Does the provider keep a clean diaper changing area which can be disinfected after every diaper change?

o Does she wash her hands after every diaper change and between diaper changes?

o What are the sleeping arrangements? Where are cribs located?

o What experience has the provider had with infants and toddlers?

o Who supplies the diapers? Formula? Baby food?

o How is your infant fed? Is she held and cuddled with every bottle feeding? Fed on her own schedule?

o Does the provider encourage you to bring breast milk and stop in throughout the day to breast-feed your baby?

o Is there a special outside play area for infants and toddlers?

o What are the ages of the other children?

o What is the provider’s plan for dealing with separation and attachment issues which happen during the first years of life?

o Does the provider ask you what your child likes and needs?

o Does the provider read, sing, and provide toys that are appropriate for your child’s age?


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SEARCHING FOR PRESCHOOL CARE

Preschoolers need room to run, jump, climb, and socialize. Look for a provider that can expose your child to books, toys, art, music, and “share time,” which will help him prepare for school without pushing him too much. Keep these questions in mind when looking for quality preschool care:

o What is the preschool’s daily schedule?

o Do the providers interact with the children and stay close to observe them?

o Do the providers get down to the level of the child? Is eye contact being made?

o Do the children respond in a positive way to the providers?

o Do you see smiles exchanged?

o With regard to art projects, does the provider believe that process or product is the more important?

o Are there creative materials for pretending so that the children can use their imagination at all times?

o How much climbing, running, or jumping will the children have each day?

o Is correct language used?

o When are books used? Is there a regular story time?

o Is there a balance between active and quiet play?

o Is there child-sized equipment?

o Are toys stored within easy reach of the children, or must they always ask an adult?

o How is toilet training handled?

o Are children required to take a nap?

o Are children encouraged to help with cleanup?


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AFTER VISIT

o Review the caregiver’s written policies and procedures. Determine when the program is closed and what the policy is for late pickup or illness.

o Check references. Talk with other parents who have children in the program.

o When you have narrowed down your choices, contact two important agencies that will help check on the past history of providers: your local Community Care Licensing, and/or TrustLine. Link: http://www.trustline.org

o Trust your own instincts. You know best the right child care arrangement, the one that meets your needs so that you can keep on working, learning, parenting and smiling.

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Enrich



Enrich

THE FACTS: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting children’s screen time to less than one to two hours a day, and it discourages any screen-media exposure for children under age 2.

Safety measures, tips and resources to help parents diffuse the electronic kryptonite and use modern inventions as a tool to aid in enrichment.

ELECTRONICS & ENRICHMENTThe first five years of a child’s life are among the most critical in terms of development. Help them get the most out of experiences to create a strong foundation for learning and success in school.

Here are some ideas:

Under 2 Unplugged: Let’s play instead! Create a pretend phone or tablet and make beeping, buzzing sounds with your child. Cut a hole in a box and talk about silly things or make up a song. This will help children start to develop early language skills. An infant’s vocabulary is directly

related to the amount of time parents spend talking to them.

Digital Learning Moments: Interact with your child as they use devices. Observe, listen and ask questions as they navigate a game or watch a short video. Parents may also want to be present in case inappropriate advertisements pop up on free applications. Use digital devices to enhance the ABC’s, 123’s and colors. Trace virtual letters, point out things that start with letters like A for apple tree, count how many monkeys there are in a game or listen and mimic the sounds animals make or play a color keyboard.

Healthy Habits: Having a tough time introducing daily tooth brushing, healthy snacking or bath time? There’s a free app or video for that. Watch a favorite character living healthy or find a silly song about a healthy habit.

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SAFETY FIRST

Kids shouldn’t chew on electronics, which can contain more than 40 hazardous chemicals and heavy metals. This can include chlorine, arsenic, mercury, chromium, cadmium, lead, the respective markers for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PDBE) flame retardants and other unsafe substances.

Product safety information includes warnings on exposure to radio frequency energy, which is energy that radiates from products like cellphones, television, broadcast radio, microwaves, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

A recent UCLA study found children at higher risk of headaches if they used cellphones or if their mothers used cellphones while pregnant with them.

Consumer safety advocates suggest limiting time, disengaging cellular and Wi-Fi functions and creating distance from devices. It is not advisable to place units on the lap or near head.

With the influx and constant changes in technology more research needs to be done on electronics and effects on young children.

. Overheating

. Overcharging

. Applying Large Amounts of pressure to the device

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

ELECTRONICS IN MODERATION

Families should aim for a balance of tech-free time together with moderate amounts ofscreen time.

Here are some ideas on moderation:

Set a limit: Kids are more likely to go with the flow if a rule is set prior to electronic use. Use limits children will understand. For an example, say “we’re only going to use this device for” one game, two silly songs or until the timer goes off. Giving a warning that time is almost up will also help ease the transition to ending the time. Have a plan: Let your child know ahead of time what they will be doing after spending time with electronics. Do they need to clean up toys? Does the family have to visit a friend or shop for groceries? Will it be snack time? Letting them know the plan will keep them focused.

Share safety: This is kryptonite you’re dealing with. Be prepared to let your kids know that devices need to “sleep” or be turned off after a while to cool or re-charge. Sharing the dangers can help children understand that electronics are for “sometimes” use, not all the time.

Sources of a Smartphone Battery Malfunction, Explode or Short3

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DiscoverParenthood: The Early Years


DiscoverTraveling can expand your child’s learning experience. Whether it’s a long road trip, a day at the zoo, or a “staycation”, take advantage of the opportunity for them to learn and explore.

ROAD TRIPS

Pack a variety of options that can occupy your child. Don’t rely solely on tablets and electronics. Refrain from providing sugary foods and drinks. It may cause them to get anxious and antsy to burn off energy they’ve gained. Try packing snacks that won’t spoil such as pretzels, bread, and grapes or plan to pack a small cooler for cheese and sliced apples.

Consider the length of time of your road trip. Have ideas and activities according to that length of time to keep your child occupied. For example, they can use their electronics for 20 minutes, they can play with toys or books for 30 minutes, you can stop at a tourist spot for bathroom breaks and snacks, and do a few sing-a-long songs with you for another 10 minutes. If your trip was an hour long, you’ve managed to keep them engaged and learning most of the time (that is, if they’ve managed to stay awake!).

For an element of fun, pack a trip bag that they can spend time going through on their own. These are mini packages containing an activity or small new toy to keep them busy. Just opening the trip bag will be a source of excitement.

Do not leave your child in the car alone. Make sure you have sunscreen applied and shade to protect them from the UV rays of the sun.

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AIRPLANESTraveling through the airport and being on an airplane can create a lot of anxiety. Take advantage of all the courtesies provided, including early check-ins, family restrooms, car seats and more. Call all of the services and stops included on your trip to see what courtesies they have available for infants and children. Plan simple and coordinated methods to stay together, identify each other and to maneuver through the airport.

Learn and explore with a picture using stickers to place where the wheels are or where the luggage goes on the airplane. If not too short of a flight, visit with the steward on the exciting places the plane can go. Draw a picture of where you are going. For example, if they’re visiting grandparents, they can draw their grandparent’s house. If they’re going to San Francisco, they can draw the city’s big red bridge.

Passengers on airplanes will expect children to be uncomfortable and upset or very curious and active. It eases passengers that an effort is shown from their parents to encourage their children to be calm and respectful within reason. Prepare to distract and pay close attention to their moods to keep them engaged and focused.

BUSES

Like airplanes, the movement restriction can be difficult to manage with a toddler who wants to run and play. Use the surroundings on the bus to explore and learn by pointing out stops, scenery, or safety signs.

Bring along stickers that they can add to a travel book that mark what they spot on the road. Use colorful labels for stickers you don’t have and spell them out with your toddler. Watch children’s videos and songs about buses to hype up the fun about their trip.

Have a beverage ready for your child when the plane takes off to account for the elevation change.


BOATSBoat rides can be a fun way for children to experience the water. Find an area where you can bring out crayons and paper to draw fish and outdoor scenes. This is also a great opportunity to read and learn about sea life, Potter the Otter or boats.

If you are going on a cruise, call ahead for recommendations and courtesies for families with children. You might be separated from your luggage before you are able to enjoy activities like swimming, so be sure to place swimsuits in a carry-on rather than your luggage.

Potty training restrictions and strict use of swim diapers are also to be considered for swimming on cruise ships. It’s recommended that children are ages 3 and up to fully take advantage of their experiences and entertainment on cruise ships.

TRAINSAt least a day or two before you take off, read books to them about the adventure you are about to take. For example, read a story to them about trains or about their favorite character going on a trip.

Traveling by train can provide conveniences in terms of having room to move throughout the cabin and tables on which to color on, read and play games. The room to move about can be great for your curious and eager little one.

As with other traveling methods, call ahead and see what courtesies are provided for you and your family unit that you can use. If the meals provided are not appropriate for your child, consider packing food accordingly. While riding, you will have an opportunity to point out your surroundings with your child as a learning experience.

STAYCATION

Take a look at what your city has to offer. See if there’s a festival or a farmer’s market coming up. Local sports games are also great activities for children to visit. Often there are games and activities there for children to enjoy too.

Sometimes, there’s nothing like home! Turn your house into a getaway for a day. Blankets and drawing paper can go a long way for this idea, and even invite them in on building the concept (without them even knowing it!). For example, let’s say you want to create a safari camping trip. Before you unveil this plan, ask your child

to draw elements like a picture of the sun, an animal, and a fire. When you set up your safari camping trip, use their drawings in your set design to create a nice surprise.

Exaggerate some everyday activities like watching a movie. Dress up with them and create activities around the theme of their movie including coloring or craft activities, song performances, and cooking snacks for the movie debut. If possible, see if you can watch the movie in your backyard for a change of environment.


MUSEUMS

Museums often have toddler-friendly spaces and features in their museum. Spend some time there so that your child’s desire to explore can be met with sights, textures, objects and sounds.

Call ahead for special exhibits, discounts, and accommodations for you and your child.

ZOOS

Around the ages of 2-3, take your child to the zoo. The variety of sounds and sights unique to the zoo can be an enriching learning experience.

Count how many animals you’ve visited today and keep track in an activity book or with photos for the day.

PARKS

Go beyond the playground! Check your nearest Parks and Recreation Department for activities for tots and families. The park is a great place to exercise in the grass area by playing a game. Try some of your own favorite games from your childhood or bring a colorful mat or blanket for some outdoor learning activity.

Most cities have even joined an effort of making their parks smoke-free for families and their children to enjoy. Take safety precautions at parks by checking the sand and playground set for hidden dangers like glass, needles or cleanliness.

BEACHES & LAKES

Water safety is key! Always keep your eye on your children around water. Also apply sunscreen to your child’s sensitive skin to protect from the sunrays. Bring a fun beach or fish story to read to your child while they take a break.

This will be more of a great time for them to exercise and build their motor skills by playing in the sand and with the water waves. Use simple objects like beach towels and buckets to make up activities.

Research US Coast Guard approved safety products for children so that they are safe around water. Never leave any child out of sight around water. Children drown without a sound!

Activity Bag Checklist

StickersCrayonsLabels Drawing PaperThemed BooksNotecardsSmall ToySnack


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PREGNANCYIf this is your first child, rest as much as you can. As soon as baby comes, sleepless nights will be regular. Before the baby arrives, try to map out a plan for rest and relief. Split household chores. Talk to friends and family about helping you with other children or other major responsibilities. Click here(http://www.growinghealthyminds.org/materials/preparing_for_baby.pdf) for a checklist on preparing for baby.

FIRST DAYS AFTER BIRTH

Babies cry to communicate. Stay calm and ask yourself these questions: Is it a wet diaper? Is it hunger? Is your baby gassy? Is your child tired? Or is your baby overstimulated? Click here for tips on comforting a crying baby and chart on how much babies should cry (http://www.growinghealthyminds.org/materials/crying.pdf).

BREASTFEEDING

Working and pumping isn’t easy. Have a plan and start pumping extra before returning to work.

In the end, your hard work will pay off by providing nutrition for baby and helping you shed pregnancy pounds. Click here(http://www.growinghealthyminds.org/materials/breastfeeding.pdf) for tips on breastfeeding.

GETTING TO SLEEPSleep is important for everyone’s sake. Establishing a routine is key, even as early as 6-months of age. Click here (http://www.growinghealthyminds.org/materials/bedtime_problems.pdf) for tips on coping with bedtime for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

TOILET TRAININGLearning to use the toilet doesn’t happen overnight. Patience is the secret to success. Click here (http://www.growinghealthyminds.org/materials/toilet_training.pdf ) for signs your child is ready and tips on teaching.

BEHAVIOR TIPSShocking as it might seem, kids lie and it’s normal. Try not to overreact. It may encourage them to lie again. Click here (http://www.growinghealthyminds.org/materials/lying.pdf) for tips on teaching a child to tell the truth.


ShareTips They Didn’t Tell You

HEALTHY HABITSYour child will model themselves after you. Whatever you do, your kids will mimic.

Do you have a tip to share?4

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From the beginning of time, new parents have received advice whether they want it or not. We’ve all been there. Mom, dad, grandma, auntie, cousins, friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses-everyone provides their thoughts on pregnancy, those first days after birth, getting baby to sleep, teething, toilet training and more once a pregnancy is announced.

But what about the tips they didn’t tell you? You know the ones you discover by chance, in the midst of a parent meltdown or when it’s all too late.

“What are your best tips they didn’t tell you?”

For instance, your co-workers share checklists of diaper supplies, but forget

to impart how squirmy your bundle of joy will be and ideas to keep them

occupied while you’re performing diaper duty. Funny disguises, diaper

changing only toys, clown noses, noisemaker, travel wipe holder and old wallets all work long enough to diaper.

Three ways to share:

E-mailContribute to our virtual tip jar by emailing us your best tips related to issues parents could face in the early years of parenthood to [email protected] with the subject line:

Parent Tip. All participants will receive a free book.

Tweet or PostHash tag your tip on Twitter or Facebook using #first5years and join the discussion!

Tag UsTag @First5Riverside or

@First5SanBernardino on Facebook

Tips will be shared through the Parenthood: The Early Years campaign, a joint effort between First 5 Riverside and First 5 San Bernardino to create exciting solutions, hands-on experiences and resources for real issues parents face today.

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About First 5The Children and Families Commission (First 5 California County Commissions) were

created in December 1998 in order to realize the benefits of Proposition 10 (California Children and Families Act) for the county’s youngest

residents and their families. The act created a system of programs for the purpose of promoting, supporting, and improving the early development of

children from the prenatal stage to five years of age.

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www.youtube.com/user/First5Riverside

www.rccfc.org/blog

www.facebook.com/first5sb

www.twitter.com/f5sb

TEXT FIRST5SB to 22828 to sign upfor our e-mail list or visit our website to sign up!

www.first5riverside.org800-266-3880

www.first5sanbernardino.org888-9-FIRST-5

San Bernardino County Children & Families Commission

Date post:	22-Jul-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	parenthood-the-early-years
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Parenthood: The Early Years

Documents