Talking to Children about Germs, COVID-19, and Practicing Proper Hygiene
With the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many children may have questions about the virus or germs in general. What are Germs? Germs are everywhere! They are small and can enter our bodies without us knowing. Some germs can live on surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, countertops) for a short period of time. Once they …
Thrive Online Parenting Programs
Parenting is a complex responsibility that requires large amounts of emotional labor. It can be exciting, but stressful, and managing emotions can be difficult. The Thrive Initiative can help! The online Thrive Initiative parenting programs are based on science and seek to strengthen positive parenting skills, teach parents strategies for managing stress in themselves and …
Emotional Impact of Food Allergies on Parents and Children
Food allergies can be frightening, and they are becoming more prevalent especially in children. Supporting children who have food allergies and learning new ways to help families manage these allergies has become vital as currently 32 million people in the United States suffer with food allergies, and 5.6 million are children.2 Food allergies are increasing. …
Safe Sleep for Baby
People sleep in many different positions. As people get older, they discover their preferred sleep positions. However, there is only one sleep position that is considered the safest for infants and babies under 1-year-old – on his or her back. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, more commonly known as SIDS, is an unexplained death that occurs …
Opioids and Teens
Prescription drug misuse, which includes opioid use, is one of the fastest growing drug problems in the United States.1 In 2016, 3.6% of adolescents, ages 12 to 17, reported misusing opioids over the past year.1 Fortunately, opioid use among teens appears to be decreasing but still poses a serious threat.4 According to the 2018 National …
How to Give More Autonomy to Children as They Age
Children begin to declare their independence while they are still infants! They will do all they can to communicate and claim their autonomy as the years fly by. Understanding your child’s need for independence, determining when your child is ready for more independence, or having the parental confidence to raise an independent child can be …
Military Family Appreciation Month
According to the Department of Defense (DoD), there are over 1.3 million active duty Service members serving in the four Military branches and more than 802,000 selected Reservists serving in the six DoD and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components. Serving alongside the active duty and selected Reservists are their families. These families include over …
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and is, therefore, dedicated to recognizing the impact and harm that bullying can have on children of all ages. Within the United States, approximately 1 in 3 students say they have been bullied at school.2 Bullying can happen in many locations and contexts.2 Children who experience bullying are likely …