January 5, 2026 Thriving Kids Podcast Episode Focuses on Building Kindness and Resilience In today’s complex world, it is more difficult than ever to raise children who are kind, resilient, and prepared to handle life’s challenges. From navigating big feelings and social stress to constantly evolving technology and the growing need for independence, helping children to build coping skills, stay connected, and develop confidence requires patience, practice, and repeated conversations from caregivers. Learn More In the latest Thriving Kids podcast, Dave Anderson, PhD – the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education – joins Melinda Wenner Moyer, an award-winning journalist and the author of “Hello Cruel World: Science-Backed Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.” The podcast’s discussion focuses on how to support children in building the core skills needed to thrive in realistic and sustainable ways without falling into fear-based or perfection-driven parenting. Some of the topics discussed include: How listening – not lecturing – can strengthen the parent-child connection Why caregivers should have ongoing conversations with children about tech, media, and money What it looks like to be an “autonomy-supportive” caregiver and why it matters The Child Mind Institute has recommended other strategies for raising confident and independent children: Shift away from fix-it mode: When children are young, the job is to be fixers and protectors, but somewhere along the way, caregivers’ job changes to become consultants, rather than fix all of a child’s problems for them. Embrace scaffolding: This term describes the consultant role, in which caregivers offer support and encourage children to decide how they want to tackle challenges on their own. While caregivers cannot protect children from life’s trials, they can give them tools to self-advocate and solve problems for themselves, helping them to develop the grit they need to survive and succeed. Teach children that it’s OK to fail: Children will make poor choices, and that’s OK. When they make the wrong decision, guide them to think about what went wrong and why, so they can make a different choice next time. Caregivers who swoop in and solve their problems for them prevent children from growing. For more information, listen to the latest Thriving Kids podcast episode.
December Recalls on Children’s Products Below is a list of December recalls from the following federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn More Willy Pete’s Chocolate Company recalled its chocolate bars due to almonds not being declared in the ingredients statement. The statement incorrectly identified macadamia nuts as present in the product. HydroJug recalled its 14-ounce children’s sport tumblers due to the choking risk posed. The rivets on the handle can come loose, causing it to detach and pose a choking hazard for children. Casaottima recalled its 13-drawer dressers due to the serious risk of injury or death they pose from tipping over. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in a child’s injury or death. The Little Pea Shop recalled its crib bumpers, which violate a federal crib bumper ban because they can obstruct an infant’s breathing, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to suffocation. Cubimana recalled its building toy sets due to the risk they pose of serious injury or death from battery ingestion. The battery compartment within the LED light piece contains button cell batteries that can be easily accessed by children. When swallowed, the batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death. KTEBO recalled its writing tablet toys due to the risk posed of battery ingestion by children. The screw used to secure the battery compartment on the toys does not remain attached as required. If a child accesses the button cell batteries, they can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, or death if ingested. Primark recalled its Little Bear 2-pack soother clips due to the risks posed of choking or laceration. The wooden button on the soother clips can come off, exposing a sharp screw, which can lead to choking or lacerations. SKCAIHT recalled its children’s costumes, which pose a risk of exposure to Phthalate. The costumes contain a prohibited phthalate, which is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects. Uuoeebb recalled its infant walkers due to the risks posed to children of serious injury or death from falling or entrapment. The walkers can fit through a standard doorway and fail to stop at the edge of a step, posing a deadly fall hazard. They also have leg openings that can allow the child to slip down until its head can become entrapped. YCXXKJ recalled its baby bath seats due to the drowning risk posed to children. The seats are unstable and can tip over while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to drowning. Luyuan recalled its youth ATVs because their mechanical suspension does not comply with safety requirements, posing a crash hazard. Additionally, the handlebars pose a laceration hazard if the child rider’s body or head strikes the handlebars at high speed. Pacific Cycle recalled its Schwinn Ovation Bicycle Child Carriers because the buckles securing the restraints around a child can release during use, posing a fall hazard. Furnulem recalled its 8-drawer dressers due to the risk of serious injury or death to children if the dressers tip over. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in injury or death to children. 17 Stories Furniture recalled its 18-drawer dressers due to the risk of serious injury or death posed to children from tip-over and entrapment hazards. The dressers are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing in tip-over and entrapment hazards. Plantimex recalled its Mamisan Lidocaine Ointment containers due to risks posed to children of child poisoning. The ointment contains lidocaine, but is not in child-resistant packaging, posing a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if swallowed by young children. Feel the Beard recalled its Minoxidil beard growth serum bottles due to the risk of child poisoning. The serum contains minoxidil, but it is not in child-resistant packaging. This poses a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if young children swallow the contents. KKL Fabric recalled its 9-drawer dressers because they are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in injuries or death to children. SereneLife Home recalled its above-ground pools, 48 inches and taller, due to drowning hazards posed to children. The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool and posing a drowning hazard. Blue Wave recalled its above-ground pools, 48 inches and taller, due to drowning hazards posed to children. The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool and posing a drowning hazard. Meaicezli recalled its play purse sets due to the risk of serious injury death posed to children by battery ingestion. The toy cell phone contains button cell batteries and the toy tablet contains a lithium coin battery that can be easily accessed by children. When swallowed, the batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns, and death.
January 2, 2026 Tickets Available for MOYC Celebration This spring, Trying Together will host Celebrating Together, a special evening for early childhood educators and all who support them. Scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at Rivers Casino, this celebration will include a new VIP Reception followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. Get your tickets now to be part of this evening of celebration and fun! Learn More Trying Together recognizes April as Month of the Young Child as a way to uplift the incredible work of early childhood educators. In 2025, nearly 800 educators and supports came together at the Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. This year, Trying Together is excited to unveil Celebrating Together – a reimagined event that will include a new VIP reception to present the inaugural Governor Josh Shapiro Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy, followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner. The VIP reception will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails/mocktails, and networking opportunities. The dinner will include food stations, music, register-to-win opportunities, photo booths, and other activities. See full details and purchase tickets. For more information, contact special events manager Gabby Lisella at gabby@tryingtogether.org or 412-204-6415, or by visiting the event’s website. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can purchase full-color advertisements to appear in the 2026 Celebrating Together program book. It is also possible to honor an early childhood educator by adding their name to the Recognition List in the program book. To sponsor the VIP reception or dinner, view Trying Together’s MOYC Sponsor Sheet. For more information, contact assistant director of development Kerry Chapman at kerry@tryingtogether.org or 412-206-1053.
Allegheny County Announces New Out-of-School-Time Programs Dashboard The Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives (DCI) has created a new Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs Dashboard to explore the locations of OST programs in the county. Learn More The interactive tool, which was developed in partnership with RAND and made possible with funding from the McElhattan Foundation, is intended to make data and information supporting children more available. The tool allows users to explore the locations of OST programs throughout Allegheny County and relate these to other features, such as schools, public transportation, youth population, and community needs. Using the Tool The tool’s filters are available using selectors on the website’s top right-hand corner that display programs based on certain features, such as their location on school property, program type, by community level of need, and/or municipality. The tool’s Select a School District Boundary feature helps to focus the map and display both OST programs and schools within the district’s boundary. The map’s More Tools menu provides additional features that allow users to search the map by address, toggle feature layers, and change the basemap. Map Popups show more information based on the selected layer – for example, OST Programs, Community Need Index, and Youth Population provide detailed, unique information when visualized in the Layers tool. All filters can be reset by selecting the Reset Arrow on the bottom right that appears after a filter is applied. Selecting the reset button returns the dashboard to its default settings and position. To search for out-of-school-time programs in your community, check out the OST Programs Dashboard.
December 30, 2025 Resources for January Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for January observances. Month-Long Observances INTERNATIONAL CREATIVITY MONTH Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together Supporting Social-Emotional Development Through Play: A Guide for Families, Trying Together How Bluey Showcases Play, Creativity, and Emotional Learning for Children… and Adults, Playful Pittsburgh The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh “Sound” Activities, Buzzword NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH Youth Mentoring, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Coaching & Mentoring, Trying Together Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Trying Together NATIONAL HOBBY MONTH 5 Reasons Why You Should Revisit Your Childhood Hobby as an Adult, Fortune Well 5 Advantages That Hobbies Bring to a Child’s Development, City Magazine Ways to Play During Winter, Playful Pittsburgh The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh SELF-LOVE MONTH Self-Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together 50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff, Trying Together The Power of Self-Love, Psychology Today Week-Long Observances NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together National Storytelling Week 2026, National Literacy Trust Day Observances JANUARY 2 IS MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION DAY “Brave” Activities, Buzzword Encouraging Positive Racial Identity in Young Children, Trying Together Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children, Bright Horizons The Cheer, Lindsey Gurk JANUARY 3 IS INTERNATIONAL MIND-BODY WELLNESS DAY Mindfulness for Children, Trying Together Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh Social-Emotional Learning and Play Intersecting, Playful Pittsburgh Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh JANUARY 17 IS KID INVENTORS DAY “Plan” Activities, Buzzword “Geometric” Activities, Buzzword JANUARY 19 IS MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work, Trying Together Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers, Kids Care Club 2026 King Holiday, The King Center JANUARY 21 IS NATIONAL HUGGING DAY The Transformative Power of Hugging in Child Development, Meaningful Beginnings Respecting Your Child’s Boundaries, Trying Together “Friendship” Activities, Buzzword JANUARY 24 IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION Supporting the Work of Early Childhood, Trying Together Early Learning PA, Trying Together Roadmap to Understanding Child Development, Trying Together Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword JANUARY 24 IS NATIONAL COMPLIMENT DAY 6 Essential Tips for Raising Complimentary Children, Baby Steps “Thankful” Activities, Buzzword “Welcome” Activities, Buzzword JANUARY 26 IS INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY Community and Family Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy “Metamorphosis” Activities, Buzzword “Migrate” Activities, Buzzword “Bloom” Activities, Buzzword JANUARY 28 IS NATIONAL LEGO DAY 10 Incredible Benefits of Playing with Lego®, Children’s Wellness Centre Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play, Playful Pittsburgh “Plan” Activities, Buzzword JANUARY 29 IS NATIONAL PUZZLE DAY 10 Puzzle Activities for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Babies That Promote Learning, Speak.Play.Love Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh JANUARY 31 IS INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together “Sound” Activities, Buzzword Benefits of Art & Art History for Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
December 29, 2025 Child Mind Institute Resources Focus on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Children It is not uncommon for some children to take part in such nervous habits as pulling hair, biting nails and picking skin – but plucking hair to the point where there are bald spots or picking at skin until it bleeds can be signs of a disorder. In such cases, children might need treatment because they can’t control their actions. Learn More The Child Mind Institute has released a new series of resources on body-focused disorders – or what experts call body-focused repetitive behaviors. These can include trichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation (skin picking), which are related to obsessive compulsive disorder but don’t usually start until after puberty. Children often take part in such habits as a way to cope with anxiety or negative emotions. Pulling their hair or picking their skin might give a temporary sense of relief, which is why they continue to do it. Unlike other habits – such as cutting or self-injury – children who pick skin or pull hair are not deliberately trying to hurt themselves. Below are several articles from the Child Mind Institute on body-focused repetitive behaviors. What is Trichotillomania? What is Excoriation, or Skin Picking? Does My Baby Have Trichotillomania? Help for Cutting or Other Self-Injury Treatment for Hair Pulling, Skin Picking What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Child Mind Institute Provides Resources to Combat Academic Anxiety School plays a large role in the lives of children as it is the source of learning and development, and the place where they will meet many of their friends. But for some children, school can be a principal source of stress that, for some, can turn into serious anxiety. Learn More The Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources on how to combat academic anxiety, whether a child is losing sleep, avoiding school, or melting down over homework. Anxiety can undermine both a child’s performance and affect their well-being. The resources examine anxiety that is triggered by school which can, in turn, result in a difficulty in concentrating in school. Such issues can be caused by generalized anxiety disorder or an obsessive perfectionism that can be a sign of OCD. The Child Mind Institute’s resources cover everything from how to help children with test anxiety and when stomachaches or headaches can be a symptom of anxiety to ways that caregivers can handle situations when children are being too hard on themselves. The resources include: Academic Anxiety: When School Stress Becomes Too Much How Does Anxiety Affect Kids in School? Tips for Beating Test Anxiety What Does OCD Look Like in the Classroom? Anxious Stomaches and Headaches How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves When to Push Your Children
December 23, 2025 Report: Only 44% of Third Graders in PPS Schools Found to Be Proficient in Reading Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is renewing a literacy push after only 44% of third graders were found to be proficient in reading at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Learn More PPS blamed the falling reading scores on state exams on “inconsistent implementation,” and district leaders said they will focus on aligning practices with the science of reading – the body of research that emphasizes systemic phonics instruction. Testing found that only 44% of third graders were proficient in reading at the end of the most recent school year, down from 46% the previous year. During a recent presentation of the district’s Pennsylvania System of School Assessment results, PPS superintendent Wayne Walters said that teachers need more time for dedicated training on reading instruction. Reading Scores Reading scores have fallen for the past few years. Research shows that students who aren’t reading proficiently by the third grade are more likely to remain behind. Statewide, about 48.6% of third graders were considered proficient or advanced in reading. Third-grade reading score proficiency by school ranged from 16% to 60%, while advanced reading scores ranged from 0% to 36%. At several PPS schools, as much as 46% of students read at basic or below basic levels. Last year, PPS said it would place literacy coaches in district elementary schools, identifying and sharing best practices across locations, and differentiating instruction to address inequities. However, Walters said the district doesn’t have a coach for each school – therefore, some must split their time between schools. PPS assistant superintendent Shawn McNeil said some principals weren’t giving sufficient time to classroom observations and teacher planning time was often stretched thin. Additionally, he said educators weren’t reviewing data often enough or in a structured way. To ensure that district practices align with the science of reading, PPS plans in January to launch a training course that all K-3 teachers and principals must complete. It will also publish a science of reading playbook with tools that would support teachers and principals with practical guidance. To learn more, read 90.5 WESA’s story.
December 22, 2025 Pitt Seeking Caregivers of Young Children for Behavior and Sleep Difficulty Study The University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt + Me is calling for caregivers of children between the ages of 3 and 5 to take part in a study on behavior and sleep difficulties. Learn More The Optimizing Attention and Sleep Intervention Study (OASIS) is an eight-month study during which caregivers with children between ages 3 and 5 will take part in four to six behavior sessions that each run about an hour. The study will examine the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for preschool-aged children. Compensation will be provided. Locations for the study will be either at home or at a pediatrician’s office of choice. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of treatments for preschool-aged children with behavioral or sleep difficulties. All participating families will receive a parent behavioral intervention, with evidence-based strategies for improving disruptive behavior, from a licensed behavioral health clinician. The child will also continue to receive routine care provided by the pediatrician while participating in the study. After enrolling in the study, families will be assigned at random to receive one of two behavioral treatments. The behavioral health therapist will work with participants to identify areas of concern regarding a child’s behavior and teach strategies or skills to address the behavior. Participants will be asked to complete homework assignments between sessions as well as three questionnaires – before and after treatment and four months later – that cover family demographics, psychological factors such as depression or anxiety, and sleep. At various times, children will be asked to wear an actigraphy watch to monitor their sleep and caregivers will receive texts twice daily that ask about the child’s behavior and sleep. Eligibility To be eligible for the study, caregivers must: Be at least 18 years old Have children between ages 3-5 with behavioral or sleep difficulties Have children receiving care at one of the following CCP practices: Bass Wolfson Squirrel Hill, GIL East Liberty, GIL Murrysville, CCP Shenango, Bass Wolfson Cranberry, or CCP Neshannock Have children who have not had delays in their milestones or been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism or Down’s syndrome For more information on the study, visit the Pitt + Me website.
Communication is Key to Building Strong Relationships Between ECE Professionals and Caregivers Having a good relationship with caregivers is essential to an early childhood educator’s ability to guide a child’s development and success. A recent article by Brightwheel says that communication is the key to building strong relationships at preschools or child care centers. Learn More For many caregivers, Brightwheel writes, their child’s entry into preschool or a child care center will be the first time that they’ve trusted their child with someone other than family or friends. Therefore, it is important for early childhood education professionals to understand how to inform families about a program’s goals, their child’s progress, and daily activities. Effective communication is the means through which educators can build trust and create good relationships with caregivers. And establishing a respectful relationship is an essential component. To develop a respectful relationship, early childhood educators should gather the following information: Religious and cultural background, values, and beliefs Family dynamics and home arrangements Preferred languages Disabilities or health issues or concerns Learning styles Understanding communication preferences is also important. This can include knowing which days and times are best to reach caregivers and whether they prefer to communicate over the phone, through email, or in person. Educators should also communicate to caregivers the same information about themselves. Other effective means of communicating with caregivers include: Monthly newsletters that cover school-wide announcements, updates, or events Apps that help educators remain in touch with caregivers as well as track daily events and activities Social media pages that give caregivers a glimpse into daily activities Blogs that keep families up-to-date on current events in early childhood education For more information – including such topics as how to have difficult discussions and active listening – read Brightwheel’s article.
