October 4, 2021 Transitioning from Home to Child Care Support the Transition to Child Care Starting child care can be a difficult transition for children and caregivers alike. While child care has numerous benefits, including access to highly skilled educators who are trained to support your child’s development, it takes trust to let someone educate and care for your child without you. During this transition, your child may express discomfort or fear. That is totally natural. Adjusting to a new environment and schedule and building relationships with new caregivers takes time. However, with the right support and preparation, you can ensure that your child’s transition to child care is successful which, in turn, will reduce your own worries and anxiety. What are the benefits of child care? Although the transition to child care can be scary, this new early learning environment actually offers many benefits to both you and your child, including (but not limited to): opportunities for children to build and practice their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills right under the guidance of highly skilled early childhood educators, opportunities for children to play and socialize with other children and adults, which can help build self-confidence skills, lifelong friendships, and more, more structure and routine in each day, which helps children sleep better, eat healthier, and support children’s overall well-being, exposure to a variety of play, art, music, art, and other child-led activities, a smoother transition to kindergarten thanks to increased practice making transitions between home, and activities and other classroom skills, the ability for parents and caregivers to return to work which helps to stabilize financial security and ensures that families can continue to advance their careers, access to a reliable set of educators who provide child care on a consistent basis, no questions asked or additional schedules to be considered, the addition of much needed alone time for parents and caregivers to complete tasks, errands, chores, recreational activities, self-care, and more, and opportunities for parents and caregivers to grow their personal support networks by building relationships with other caregivers, educators, and more. To learn more, view these resources from ABC Academy and The Gardner School. How can you support your child’s transition to child care? To prepare your child for their transition to child care, consider: visiting the child care program before their first day to familiarize them with the environment and educators; some programs offer a phased transition approach; talk to your child about child care, including what it will look like, how it will be different from home, where you will go, and when you will come back; ask your child how they are feeling and validate their experience; be kind to yourself as well but try to set a strong, confident example for your child during drop-off; read books or watch tv episodes together where the main character is starting child care or the first day of school; work together to brainstorm strategies your child can use when they are feeling sad, angry, anxious, or unsure in their new environment; some children bring a comfort item with them to help soothe them during the transition; and ask for a copy of the child care schedule in advance and start practicing it at home before the official start of child care. Learn More For information on how to find, choose, and afford high-quality child care, check out our printable family guide. If you live or work in Allegheny County, visit Allegheny Child Care to find a high-quality child care program near you. To learn more strategies, view the following resources: 7 Tips to Ease the Transition Into Child Care, HiMama 6 ways to help ease your child’s transition to daycare, Motherly How to Help a Toddler Adjust to Daycare: 8 Tips for Parents & Teachers, Wonderschool
How to Make Routines More Playful Add playfulness to your family routines! Life as the parent or caregiver of a young child can be hectic. From feeding and bathing to transportation and education, every day is packed with different responsibilities, tasks, and opportunities. Because of that, routines play a vital role in caring for a child. However, have you considered how playful your routines are? Why is play important? Your family likely participates in several routines throughout the day whether you know it or not. Tasks such as waking up, going to sleep, and even eating breakfast require a list of steps that need to be followed. While completing those steps is important, it is equally important to ask yourself, “Are these interactions developmentally appropriate for my child.” As you know, children thrive when they have opportunities to play. In fact, play is the primary way that children learn important cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. Adding play into your daily routines is not only developmentally appropriate, but it also supports your child’s long-term success and well-being. For tips on how to make routines more playful, continue reading below. How does play fit into my routines? When you think of the word “play”, what do you imagine? Do you imagine your child sitting on the floor with toys, running around the yard, or taking turns during a game? While all of those moments certainly are play, you can actually incorporate playful moments into every part of your daily routine, including things like: bath time or hygiene-oriented tasks, dressing and undressing, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and traveling from one place to another. Any time is the perfect time for play, and you can support your child’s growth and development by adding unscripted, child-led moments of play into your family life. How can I make my routines more playful? Consider using the following strategies to make your routines more playful: 1. Challenge your child to get from one place to another in creative ways. Challenge them to move like a certain animal, hop on one leg, roll, walk in slow motion, run as fast as they can, or create their very own movement! 2. Turn dressing into a fashion show by adding music and asking them to walk the runway once they are dressed. Describe their outfit in a fun way as they walk, and even try walking the runway yourself! 3. When you are asking your child to do something, sing it to them instead. Try different tones, pitches, speeds, volume levels, and more to make it interesting or funny. 4. Try out something new during bath time. Use your child’s wet, soapy hair to give them a cool or funny new hairstyle. Give them a mirror so they can see it themselves! Create a playlist of your child’s favorite sing-along songs and host your own bath time musical! You can even bring in prop toys for an extra effect. Try dimming the lights and adding flameless candles for a relaxing change of scenery. You can even add calming music! Have your own spa day! Add bubbles to the bath, give each other facials or massages, do each other’s nails, make cucumber water, and relax! You can also find child-safe bath bombs and fizzies to add to the water. Get washable bathtub finger paint and let your child’s imagination run free! Bring in different waterproof items (or items that you do not mind getting wet) and let your child experiment by dropping them in the water! Do they sink or float? How fast do they move through the water? What would happen if they dropped it from higher up or lower down?. 5. Make grocery shopping more fun and engaging! Play I-Spy and see who can find something first! Talk with your child about what they see, hear, smell, feel, or taste. Tell stories as you go. Start with an opening line of “Once upon a time. . .” or “Long, long ago . . .” and have your child fill in the blanks! Continue the story with “then what happened?” or other prompting questions. Have your child sound out different words they see. Assign your child to coupon duty! Cut out your coupons in advance and ask them to look around for the items as you go. Set a budget and work with your child to find the best deals! If your child is older, you could even have them add up the prices as you go to see if you are under or over budget. 6. Invite your child to cook or bake with you. Ask your child if they would be your sous chef, aka second in command. Dress up as chefs or put on your special aprons! Assign your sous chef developmentally appropriate tasks such as cracking an egg into the bowl, mixing, measuring, counting, pouring, and more! Do not be afraid to make a mess. See how a flour handprint would look on a shirt or hand towel. Let your child decorate or arrange the food on the plate! 7. Turn chores into challenges! Set a timer and challenge your child to finish the task before time is up. Or sing a familiar song for the same effect! Make chores more fun by adding handheld objects like tongs, spatulas, or oven mitts. Challenge them to complete the task using only those items! Hide a stuffed animal in a pile of laundry and see who can find it first. But you have to fold the laundry as you go! Or make a sock puppet who assigns funny tasks or tries to match the wrong socks together. Host a scavenger hunt by making a list of items that need to be collected/picked up. Put on music during the chore. Every time the music stops, everyone has to freeze! Whoever moves first has to do two push-ups or pick up two items! 8. Talk with your child to brainstorm other fun ways your family can be more playful. Learn More For more information, see the following resources: Five Essentials to Meaningful Play, NAEYC 10 Playful Solutions For Morning & Evening Routines, Positive Parenting Connection 9 Ways to Make Household Chores Fun, Scholastic How to make grocery shopping with kids fun, Focus on the Family Tips and Tricks to Make Bath Time Fun, Kids Kandoo 100 Simple Ideas for Parents to be Playful and Silly with Kids, A Fine Parent
Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide (ECLKC) Your child’s transition to kindergarten! The transition to kindergarten is a big moment for children and caregivers alike! You may be feeling proud and excited, or sad and uncertain, about the changes that this transition will bring. Know that your experience and emotions are welcome and valid and that with a bit of preparation, your family can be ready for the first day! Your Child is Going to Kindergarten To help children and caregivers prepare for kindergarten, the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) created a family resource entitled, “Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Making the Move Together.” What is included? The resource includes recommended tasks for the months leading up to and the first week of kindergarten, including: when to talk with your child’s current educator, ask about kindergarten transition activities, and learn more about the new school; when to arrange a school visit with your child, what to do when you are there, what to bring with you, and what to ask; how you can prepare and key things to consider during summer, the week before school, and the night before school; and things you can do during the first week to make the transition easier. This resource is available online and as a printable PDF. Learn More To view more kindergarten transitions strategies from ECLKC, visit the Head Start website. For additional tips, see our Kindergarten Transition Family Guide.
Transitions, Routines, and Rituals: What are They and Why Do They Matter? Learn how routines and rituals can help. From the moment a child is born, they experience a significant change in their environment or experience, also known as a transition. After leaving the womb, they take their first breath and begin feeding, no longer relying on the placenta for oxygen or nutrients. While this transition is significant, early childhood is filled with many others. To support families in navigating transitions, Trying Together developed the following family resource. It includes information on transitions, routines, rituals, and strategies families can use to help their children work through changes in routine successfully. Download this resource as a PDF in English and Spanish. What is a transition? In early childhood, the term “transition” refers to situations in which children need to move from one environment, activity, or experience to another. Common transitions include: shifting from a state of energized excitement to a state of sleepy calm for bed, moving from home-based parental care or child care to kindergarten, moving to a new house, neighborhood, or state, and losing a loved one through death, divorce, or separation. It can be hard for young children to navigate these transitions, especially when they include things they are not familiar with. Although it may not always seem like it, children crave consistency. In fact, they thrive when they have it. So it is understandable that when something changes their day-to-day experience or challenges them to switch from something they like to something they do not like, they are going to resist or feel hesitant. These transitions often include multiple steps as well, which can confuse or overwhelm children in the moment. That is why it is important to talk to children about the transition before it happens. That way, they know what to expect and have time to prepare. What support can families offer during transitions? Families can navigate and work through transitions together by: creating a consistent family schedule that includes routines and rituals, describing what the transition will look like and how it may feel, asking your child how they are feeling and what they want to know, using vocal visual timers to let children know when a transition is coming, offering children choices when possible to give them a sense of control, adding playfulness to your transition through song, dance, rhymes, or movement, and teaching children mindfulness strategies like belly breathing or mindful coloring. What are routines and rituals? One way to add consistency into your child’s life is through a family schedule. These schedules typically consist of several routines throughout the day, such as morning routines, bedtime routines, and everything in between. They are made up of individual action steps that need to be followed to complete a larger goal, such as getting ready for bed, taking a bath, or going to school. These routines are critical to a child’s wellbeing, and it is important that their daily schedule remains as consistent as possible each day. However, another element to consider is the addition of rituals. While rituals are similar to routines, the difference between them is the intention behind the action. For example, if your goal is to simply get ready for bed, you might bathe your child, change them into pajamas, brush their teeth, and tuck them into bed. That would be considered their nighttime routine. A nighttime ritual, on the other hand, adds meaning to daily actions by fully focusing on the experience and fostering a sense of belonging. For example, bathing before bed could include a simple play activity while in the bath followed by a gentle baby massage and attentive, loving interactions as you change them into their pajamas. Instead of focusing on completing the action, rituals focus on the connection between caregiver and child. Why are family rituals important? According to the Evergreen Psychotherapy Center, children from families with meaningful rituals do better academically and socially. In fact, in addition to enhancing a child’s sense of belonging, family routines and rituals: improve emotional self-control and reduce stress, increase trust, comfort, and a sense of security, reinforce family stability and identity, and strengthen caregiver-child relationships. Examples include family mealtime, cultural traditions, morning snuggles, a special handshake during drop-off, and more. To learn more, visit: bit.ly/evergreen-center or bit.ly/rituals-au Questions to Consider Does my family have a consistent schedule or routine? How am I preparing my child for this transition? How can I make sure my child feels safe, loved, heard, and valued? Am I allowing space for my child to express their feelings, thoughts, and opinions? How can I incorporate mindfulness into our daily lives? Additional Resources Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series Developmentally Appropriate Parenting is a family resource content series developed by Trying Together as an effort to empower caregivers to create high-quality experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. To learn more, visit: tryingtogether.org/parenting-resources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website features information on building family routines, creating rules, communicating with children, and more. To learn more, visit the CDC website: bit.ly/cdc-routines Raising Children Network The Raising Children Network website features articles on family rituals, routines, and more with content specific to children at every age level. To learn more, visit: bit.ly/rituals-au Montessori in Real Life Montessori in Real Life has a great blog piece on tackling transitions with a toddler. Additionally, their website features blog posts on transitioning from naptime to quiet time, creating a daily rhythm, and more. To learn more, visit: bit.ly/toddler-transitions
Kindergarten Transition: A Guide for Families How to navigate kindergarten transition. The transition to kindergarten marks the beginning of a new era of parenting and childhood that includes longer school days, new relationships, and new family routines. To support families in navigating this transition successfully, Trying Together developed the Kindergarten Transition Guide for Families. Readers will learn why kindergarten transition matters, about common steps to prepare for, and strategies that can help. Download this resource as a PDF in English and Spanish. What is Kindergarten Transition? Kindergarten Transition describes the critical period in which children shift from primarily learning at home or in an early learning program to entering a kindergarten classroom. It can include the series of months leading up to and after a child’s first day. Why does it matter? A successful transition to kindergarten leads to better long-term outcomes, including: higher ratings of social-emotional competence, reduced stress at the beginning of the school year, and an increased likelihood of forming new relationships, improved academic growth in kindergarten, including an increased likelihood of reading on grade-level by third grade and higher high school graduation rates, and an increase in family involvement over the year. At what age do children start kindergarten? If you live in Pennsylvania and your child is five, or will be five by the start of the school year, it is time to register them for kindergarten! School year start dates vary from mid-August to September depending on the school district. How to Register 1. Identify which school your child will attend for kindergarten. Use Google to search for “kindergarten registration” followed by your town, city, or borough name. Visit each school’s website to view their student outcomes, calendars, enrollment data, and more. If you live in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, Greene, or Westmoreland County, visit Trying Together’s Kindergarten Transition page to access a list of school districts, websites, and deadlines. If you live in the Pittsburgh Public School District, you can use their online tool to search for schools by grade range or your address. 2. Register your child for kindergarten. Complete the enrollment form. Depending on the school, this could be completed through a paper form, online form, or over the phone. You must provide proof of your child’s age (birth certificate), two current proof of residency documents (lease, deed, utility bills, etc.), and a copy of your child’s immunization records. Prepare these documents before enrolling. Some school districts open kindergarten registration as early as February and offer family events in March or April. The earlier you register your child, the better. Make sure your child has plenty of time to adjust to the new setting. What supports a successful kindergarten transition? Although the transition to kindergarten will look different for each school, family, and child, there are three key elements that support a successful transition: a child who knows what to expect, has practiced school-day routines, can express their worries and feelings openly, and has access to individualized support as needed, families who build relationships with school staff, participate in family engagement events, and proactively prepare their child for the transition to kindergarten, and school staff who welcome students and families through multiple methods (events, emails, phone calls, etc.), communicate regularly with families, and work to ensure families are prepared for the transition to kindergarten. What can families do? As a parent or caregiver, there is a lot you can do to help your child prepare for kindergarten. Set up a day for your child to visit the school, their classroom, and the playground before the first day. This will help them feel prepared. If you register for kindergarten early, many school districts hold community events for incoming kindergarten students and their families in the spring (such as literacy or math nights) and summer (orientation or kindergarten camp) prior to the new school year. Practice school routines at home (morning and nighttime routines, songs, using a lunch tray, walking in line, following a schedule, bathroom breaks, etc.). Start these routines early! Do not wait until one week before school starts. Practice skills such as dressing, undressing, tying shoes, and hand-washing to help them feel more confident using these skills at school. Teach conversation starters that your child can use to introduce themselves, make friends, ask questions, or assert a need. “Hi, my name is _____.” “I like _____. What do you like?” “Do you want to play?” Read books about kindergarten together before and after school begins. Ask your child what they are most excited about, if they are worried about anything, and if they have any questions. Let your child know that kindergarten is a place to have fun and make new friends and that you are excited to hear stories about their day at pickup. Relate this transition to a familiar experience they had such as child care, pre-kindergarten, or the first time they stayed at someone else’s house. If your child is anxious, validate their emotions and ask about their worries. Share a story about a time you were anxious and how you got through it. Send a list of your child’s allergies and medications to your school’s nurse and your child’s teacher before school starts. Label all of your child’s school items (backpack, pencil case, lunch boxes, etc.) with their name and your phone number. Create a pickup and dropoff plan and practice it, including who is and who is not allowed to pick them up at school. Choose a safe adult password. If the school allows, send your child to school with a comfort object. They may only get to see it at rest time but having it can help make them feel more comfortable. At dropoff, reassure your child that you will pick them up at a specific time and share your goodbyes. Lingering for too long can make it more difficult. Try to be positive. What might schools offer? An Open House event that includes a tour of the school, a meet-and-greet with the teachers, an overview of school expectations, and the curriculum. A Kindergarten Orientation Packet with information on school procedures, classroom rules, parent expectations, daily schedules, needed supplies, contact information, the curriculum, preparation tips, and more. An opportunity for new students to ride the bus before the first day of school. Discussions on services your child will receive through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) if they require one. If your child has an IEP prior to kindergarten, these conversations must begin in February before the school year begins. Regular communication (email, phone, text) to provide updates, discuss your child’s interests and needs, and share resources or opportunities. If you speak a language other than English, you have the right to an interpreter and materials written in your home language (registration information, report cards, policies and procedures, parent handbooks, special education services, etc. ). School-wide activities that provide opportunities for children and families to socialize. If the school is hosting an in-person event for families, ask them if child care and/or transportation services are being offered (if you need them). For more examples, view this handout from the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. Additional Resources The Hi5! Partnership The Hi5! Partnership shares kindergarten registration deadlines, kindergarten transition information, and more with families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Family Engagement Toolkit To reinforce parents and early learning professionals in their work to create strong partnerships, Trying Together created a Family Engagement Toolkit. View the toolkit to access relationship-building strategies, resources, and more. Individual Education Plans (IEP) For information on Individual Education Plans and the transition from early intervention services in pre-kindergarten programs to kindergarten, view these resources: A Family Guide to Inclusive Early Learning in Pennsylvania: bit.ly/iep-family-guide Answers to Frequently Asked Questions: bit.ly/ei-faqs Early Intervention Transition: bit.ly/ei-transition Support for Limited English Proficient Families The United States Department of Justice and Department of Education created a fact sheet that answers common questions about the rights of families with limited English proficiency. The document is available in Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Cambodian, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and English. National Association for the Education of Young Children The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website features articles on kindergarten transition, school readiness, and more.
Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Part IX Transitions & Routines From the moment a child is born, they experience a significant change in their environment or experience, also known as a transition. During early childhood, children experience a wide range of transitions, such as starting child care or kindergarten, welcoming a new family member, losing a loved one, and more. To navigate these transitions successfully, they need some help. To help guide families in navigating childhood transitions, Trying Together published resources on routines, rituals, kindergarten transition, family schedules, incorporating play, and more! Featured Resources Transitions, Routines, & Rituals: What are They and Why Do They Matter? This printable and online resource includes information on transitions, routines, rituals, and strategies families can use to help their children work through changes in routine successfully. Kindergarten Transition: A Guide for Families To support families in navigating the transition to kindergarten successfully, Trying Together developed the Kindergarten Transition Guide for Families. Readers will learn why kindergarten transition matters, about common steps to prepare for, and strategies that can help. Create Your Family Schedule Every family is unique, so create a schedule that works for yours. It can be as loose or as firm as you need. The best type of schedule is a schedule that meets your family’s needs. To get started, check out our How to Create a Family Schedule resource and work together as a family. Transitioning from Home to Child Care The transition to child care can be difficult for children and caregivers alike. Learn how your family can manage it together. How to Make Routines More Playful Children thrive when they have opportunities to play. Read this post to learn eight ways to make your routines more playful. Common Transitions and Routines for Children Although life changes can be difficult, families can help their children prepare and cope. Read this post to learn how to approach common transitions. Children’s Books That Talk About Transitions Are you looking for children’s books that talk about common childhood transitions? Check out this booklist to find books that talk about going to school, loss, changing family dynamics, and more. Your Child Is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide The transition to kindergarten is a big moment for children and caregivers alike! You may be feeling proud and excited, or sad and uncertain, about the changes that this transition will bring. With a bit of preparation, your family can be ready for the first day! Learn more. Addressing Challenging Behaviors Challenging behaviors can manifest when children are overwhelmed. Read this post to learn strategies to address them. Transitions and Routines: Family Resources Are you looking for resources on family transitions and routines? Check out this list to view children’s books, routine templates, and more! More Information To stay up-to-date on available resources, follow Trying Together on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to receive our newsletter.
April 23, 2021 Art Activities that Encourage Social-Emotional Development Play helps to build social-emotional skills. When children practice social-emotional skills, they gain access to a toolkit of strategies that help them build and maintain relationships; recognize, cope with, and express their emotions; collaborate effectively with others; and more. To encourage the social-emotional development of your young child, add opportunities for art and creative expression into your daily routines! Activity Lists Children naturally explore and practice social-emotional skills during play, and creative art activities are a great way to introduce your child to new topics in a non-threatening, playful way. In addition to exploring social-emotional skills, creative art activities also provide children with opportunities to build their confidence, problem solve, explore their creativity, and more! For activity ideas to get you started, view the resource lists below! Hands-On Activities 5 Art Activities For Social Emotional Learning, Better Kids Art Activities for Social Emotional Learning, Pathway 2 Success 50 Activities that Support Social-Emotional Learning, The Art of Education University Mindful Art Activities for Kids, Empowering Education Online Games and Resources Online Coloring Games, PBS Kids Online Teamwork Games, PBS Kids Online Music Games, PBS Kids
Social-Emotional Development: Family Resources Support your child’s development. Social-emotional skills play an important role in the lives of parents, caregivers, and children. If you are interested in learning about social-emotional development, activities, tools, and more, check out our list of resources below. Social-Emotional Development Developing Social-Emotional Skills, ZERO TO THREE Building Social and Emotional Skills at Home, NAEYC List of Developmental Milestones, CDC Milestone Tracker App, CDC Helping Kids Express Their Emotions, PBS Kids for Parents Emotions & Self-Awareness, PBS Kids for Parents Social Skills, PBS Kids for Parents How to Help Your Child Develop Empathy, ZERO TO THREE How Children Really Learn Empathy, Janet Lansbury Being The Person Our Children Confide In, Janet Lansbury No Angry Kids – Fostering Emotional Literacy In Our Children, Janet Lansbury Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Episodes, Fred Rogers Productions How Technology Affects Kids’ Social Emotional Learning, Common Sense Media Self-Esteem and Confidence Developing Self-Esteem in the Early Years, ZERO TO THREE Empowering a Passive or “Shy” Child, Janet Lansbury Nurturing Your Child’s Independence, PBS Kids for Parents Most Effective Ways to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves, PBS Kids for Parents 12 Tips for Raising Confident Kids, Child Mind Institute Your Child’s Self-Esteem, KidsHealth Challenging Emotions and Behaviors Guidance and Challenging Behaviors, NAEYC Understanding and Responding to Children Who Bite, NAEYC Responding to Your Child’s Bite, CSEFEL Tantrums, Defiance, Aggression – Oh My!, ZERO TO THREE I Said I Want the Red Bowl! Responding to Toddlers’ Irrational Behavior, ZERO TO THREE Helping Young Children Channel Their Aggression, ZERO TO THREE Managing Emotions as Parents, PBS Kids for Parents How to Be a Less Anxious Parent and Enjoy Your Child, Janet Lansbury 5 Ways to Help Kids Build Resilience, PBS Kids for Parents Family Guides and Tip Sheets Mindfulness for Children Guide, New York Times How to Get Help for Your Child (English & Spanish), CDC How to Help Your Child Understand and Label Emotions, TACSEI How to Help Your Child Recognize & Understand Sadness, TACSEI How to Help Your Child Recognize & Understand Anger, TACSEI Teaching Your Child About Feelings from Birth to Age 2, CSEFEL Mindfulness Toolkit, Transforming Education Trauma-Informed SEL Toolkit, Transforming Education A Parent’s Resource Guide to Social and Emotional Learning, Edutopia Social And Emotional Learning Activities For Families And Educators Let’s Talk About Feelings, Child Care Aware of America Activities for Children Using Emojis With Kids to Express Feelings, PBS Kids for Parents 10+ Social Emotional Activities for Home, Pathway 2 Success 5 Art Activities For Social Emotional Learning, Better Kids Art Activities for Social Emotional Learning, Pathway 2 Success 50 Activities that Support Social-Emotional Learning, The Art of Education University 5 Easy Social Emotional Learning Activities For Kids To Do At Home, Better Kids Mindful Art Activities for Kids, Empowering Education Online Coloring Games, PBS Kids Online Teamwork Games, PBS Kids Online Music Games, PBS Kids Meditation Apps for Kids, Common Sense Media 17 Apps to Help Kids Stay Focused, Common Sense Media Best for Character Development, Common Sense Media MotherCould Instagram Account Self Care 11 Simple Self-Care Habits for Kids, PBS Kids for Parents A Guide to Self-Care for Parents: Why Making Time For Yourself Matters, Waterford Importance of Self-Care: Why Parents Need Time Out to Recharge, HealthyChildren 25 Simple Self-Care Tools for Parents, Psychology Today Self-Care for Parents, PBS Kids Support Services Jeremiah’s Place Jeremiah’s Place provides a safe haven of respite, health, renewal, and support for children and families during times of crisis. Services are provided for free and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Family Resources of Pennsylvania Parenting Warmline This is a free, confidential hotline for parents and caregivers with non-medical parenting concerns and questions. Their main number is 412.641.4546, or you can email help@familyresources.org to access support. If you live in Allegheny County, call 1.877.927.6596. If you live outside of Allegheny County, call 1.800.641.4546. PA 2.1.1 Southwest (Call 2.1.1 or text your zip code to 898.211.) PA 2.1.1. Southwest provides access to an extensive list of resources for families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Specialists can provide referrals to human needs resources, physical and mental health resources, child care programs, and more. Pennsylvania Family Support Programs Family Centers in Allegheny County SAMHSA National Helpline (1.800.662.4357) This is a free, confidential information service for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Helpline (866.342.6892), Optum National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) NAMI National HelpLine Warmline Directory, NAMI SEL and Mental Health Resources for COVID-19, SEL4US Single Mom Defined Facebook Group Developmental Concerns Free “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Materials, CDC Concerned About Your Child’s Development?, CDC “Concerned About Your Child’s Development?” in ASL, CDC Developmental Milestones, CDC Developmental Quizzes, TEIS Early Intervention Early Learning GPS, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Early Intervention What is “Early Intervention”?, CDC Early Intervention, Pennsylvania Department of Education Early Intervention, Peal Center Early Intervention Parent Information, The Early Learning Institute (TELI) CONNECT Helpline: The CONNECT Helpline assists families in locating resources and providing information regarding child development for children ages birth to age five. Call 1.800.692.7288, email help@connectpa.net, or submit this online form. The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers If you live in Allegheny County, call 412.885.6000. If you live outside of Allegheny County, call 1.800.692.7299. TEIS Early Intervention Call 412.271.8347, text INFO to 412.543.8398, or email info@teisinc.com. Achieva Early Intervention Early Intervention Specialists Early Intervention Program, Pittsburgh Public Schools COVID-19 How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Virus Anxiety Resources
Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families About From the moment a parent or caregiver meets their child, they experience a shift in their daily lives, expectations, and roles. Navigating these changes can be difficult, but as many caregivers have said: “The experience of watching your child learn, develop, and grow is well worth it.” To support families, Trying Together developed the following guide on navigating emotions as a parent or caregiver. Although the strategies and support services included will not eliminate the challenges families face entirely, they can help make the journey a little easier. Strategies for Navigating Difficult Emotions Stay In Tune With Your Emotions Recognize that it is natural to experience difficult emotions. There is no shame in feeling angry, sad, or upset. However, it does matter what you do with those emotions. Take 10 minutes to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. You can do this silently or by writing your reflections in a journal. Think through the following questions: How am I feeling today? Why am I feeling this way? Did something specific cause this feeling? Is this feeling temporary or have I felt this way for a long time? Have I told anyone about this feeling? Why or why not? Where am I holding those feelings in my body? Am I tensing my shoulders? Clenching my jaw? Overthinking? How am I interacting with others? Are my emotions impacting my interactions? What can I do to relax, cope with this feeling, or get into a better headspace? Who can I reach out to for support? What time should I reach out to them? What am I grateful for today? What am I proud of? Managing Emotions In The Moment Take a pause before you respond to someone or a situation. When we experience big emotions, those emotions can influence our reactions. Taking a moment allows you to recognize how you are feeling and implement strategies to cope. Inhale slow, deep breaths through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. Rather than breathing into your chest cavity, imagine that you are breathing into your stomach. Place your hands on your stomach and feel it rise and fall. This will decrease your heart rate, slow your breathing, and make you more present in your body. Take a moment to observe the situation without the influence of your emotions. What is happening? What could have caused this situation? How is someone feeling? What did someone say or do? Finding the answers to these questions can help you identify what steps to take to resolve the situation. Focus your mind on something specific, like the feel of your shirt or the scent of something in the area. This can help to keep you grounded in the moment. See this Mindfulness Guide from the New York Times for more mindfulness ideas. Managing Daily Stress Managing stress looks different for everyone, so find a method that works for you. Start off by identifying what causes you stress on a daily basis and brainstorm ways to either eliminate or reduce that stress. If you have many tasks or activities to keep track of, create a daily, weekly, and/or monthly calendar to list your upcoming engagements. Make this calendar easily accessible in your home or consider using a phone calendar. Add notes around your house that remind you to take a deep breath, drink some water, and relax your body. Those little reminders can help you get into the practice of using these strategies on a regular basis. Know your limits and set boundaries. If you are feeling overwhelmed, let the people around you know and say no to things that you cannot take on at that moment. Ask for Support When You Need It Ask if a friend, family member, or loved one would be able to take over caregiving responsibilities for a period of time, even if it is only for 10 minutes. Having some time alone can help you process your emotions and give you time to refresh your mind. If no one is available at home, consider using a crisis child care center such as Jeremiah’s Place for temporary respite care. Reach out to a loved one, family member, or trusted person to let them know what you are struggling with. Never feel as if you have to suffer alone. When you feel uncomfortable sharing with a loved one, reach out to the Family Resources of Pennsylvania Parenting Warmline at 412.641.4546. Join a support group such as Fathers Trying Together, Single Mom Defined, or Women’s Rap. Reach out to your local Family Support Center to access a range of services, including parent support groups, parenting skills programs, family activities, and more. If you live in Pennsylvania and need help accessing mental health services, call 2.1.1 or text your zip code to 898.211 to talk with a resource specialist for free. For individuals outside of Pennsylvania, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1.800.662.4357. Prioritize Self-Care Take time to identify what makes you feel better in difficult situations. Do you like taking a warm bath? Drinking a cup of hot tea? Taking a short walk? Identify the things that help you recharge and schedule time for them into your daily schedule. If you need a place to start, check out these Self-Care Planning Resources from the University of Buffalo School of Social Work. Create joyful moments by trying something new. You can try a new food combination, a new scented candle, hairstyle, or activity. The best part about this is that you can include your child in these things as well. Take time to be playful and creative together. Take Time to Celebrate When surrounded by stress, it can be easy to focus on the bad. Escape this cycle by taking time to celebrate your personal or parenting wins, or identify what you are thankful for that day. Whether it is a funny joke that you told earlier in the day or simply getting a meal on the table, celebrate those wins. Resources Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series Developmentally Appropriate Parenting is a family resource content series developed by Trying Together as an effort to empower caregivers to create high-quality experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. Family Resources of Pennsylvania Parenting Warmline The Family Resources of Pennsylvania Parenting Warmline is a free, confidential hotline for parents and caregivers with non-medical parenting concerns and questions. If you live in Allegheny County, call 1.877.927.6596. If you live outside of Allegheny County, call 1.800.641.4546. PA 2.1.1 Southwest PA 2.1.1 Southwest provides access to an extensive list of resources for families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Specialists provide referrals to human needs resources, physical and mental health resources, child care programs, and more. For more information, call 2.1.1 or visit their website. SAMHSA National Helpline SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential information service (available in English and Spanish) for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Jeremiah’s Place Jeremiah’s Place is Pittsburgh’s only crisis child care center that provides a safe haven of respite, health, renewal, and support for children and families during times of crisis. Services are provided for free and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hello Baby Hello Baby supports parents with newborn children in Allegheny County by making it quick and easy to find local resources. Print This Resource Download this resource as a printable PDF document (English)(Español).
Strategies to Support Social-Emotional Development: A Guide for Families About From infancy through adulthood, social-emotional skills are intertwined with every aspect of our daily lives. These skills enable us to communicate our needs, wants, and ideas; build relationships; communicate emotions; and handle conflict effectively. To assist families in understanding the importance of social-emotional development, Trying Together created a family guide. Continue reading to explore the meaning of social-emotional development and strategies caregivers can use at home to support their child’s development. What is Social-Emotional Development? Social-Emotional Development is the process of learning mental and behavioral patterns that impact a person’s ability to work through social and emotional situations. These patterns can be broken down into individual skills such as: building and maintaining positive relationships; working productively in a team; recognizing, coping with, and empathizing with emotions; resolving conflicts with others; and building confidence in oneself and others. In addition to the skills listed above, there are several others. To view lists of social-emotional skills, view the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Developmental Milestones resource. When are Social-Emotional Skills Developed? Because social-emotional skills are introduced in early childhood, a child’s early relationships and experiences play influential roles in determining which social-emotional patterns they develop. While these patterns can be difficult to break, individuals continue to develop and fine-tune their social-emotional skills throughout adulthood. If a child regularly screams during difficult situations, they may develop a long-term pattern of responding to tense situations with an outburst of anger. While caregivers should not demand their children to withhold their natural emotional responses, teaching children strategies to express and cope with their emotions effectively can help. Caregivers should strive to create a safe, nurturing environment in which children feel safe in expressing their thoughts and emotions. Strategies for Caregivers If you find yourself struggling with your own social-emotional responses as a caregiver, these strategies can guide you in further developing your toolkit and modeling these strategies. Children practice social-emotional skills during play. Provide your child with opportunities to play independently, with caregivers, and with children. Include different types of play, such as nature play, imaginative play, cooperative play, etc. When your child is experiencing a big emotion, avoid saying “calm down” or “don’t be sad/mad.” This teaches children that certain emotions are “bad” and should not be expressed or shared. Instead, help them recognize, name, and work through what they are feeling. Examples: “When Mya took your toy, you started crying. It must have been hard for her to take that toy from you. How are you feeling? Did you feel sad?” “I see that Juan stepped on your favorite shirt. It doesn’t feel nice when someone steps on something you like, huh? How did you feel when that happened?” Explore different emotion/feeling words together so your child can better identify and express what they are feeling. No matter what age your child is, have back and forth interactions with them. Make eye contact with your child and show them different facial expressions. If a baby coos at you, reciprocate that interaction with your own sound, a smile, or whatever feels right in the moment. If a toddler shows you something, pay attention and ask questions about it. If your child is having a hard time writing letters or adding numbers, empathize with what your child may be feeling (anger, frustration, sadness, shame), help them recognize those emotions, and help them practice the task at hand. Model the social-emotional skills you would like your child to develop. If you would like your child to share with others, make sure they see you sharing with others. If you would like them to wait for their turn, show them situations where you are waiting patiently (in a grocery store, to use the restroom, etc.) Talk through situations where you are practicing a social-emotional skill in front of your child. Think of it as narrating the situation and the thoughts you have about sharing your favorite snack, resolving a conflict, etc. Create a safe space in your home where your child can go to relax. While children should feel safe to come to you with their emotions, they also need a place to go to process their emotions alone. Add their favorite items in their safe space. Children should never be forced to go to their safe space. Practice mindfulness techniques with your child. Tell them that it is okay to take a pause to process their feelings and help them practice this skill. They can take a few deep breaths, drink some water, count to five, or hug a stuffed animal. See this Mindfulness Guide from the New York Times for more mindfulness ideas. Do not solve all of your child’s problems. To develop independence and self-confidence, children need to work through their challenges independently (reaching a toy that is too far away, resolving a conflict, etc.). If the situation is unsafe, step in. But if it involves lower levels of risk, give your child a chance to solve the issue. Help children share their ideas and opinions. One way to encourage respect and shared decision-making is by introducing the concept of voting. If a decision needs to be made about a shared experience (play, snack, etc.), have children share their ideas and vote to decide the outcome. Ideas that do not win can be incorporated during the next play session. Praising children for their effort, not the outcome. This builds their self-confidence, persistence, and resiliency to challenges or failure. You communicate that their effort matters and, regardless of the outcome, you are proud of them. Resources If you are interested in learning more about social-emotional development and other early childhood topics, consider utilizing the resources listed below. Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series Developmentally Appropriate Parenting is a family resource content series developed by Trying Together as an effort to empower caregivers to create high-quality experiences at the earliest stages of their child’s life. ZERO TO THREE ZERO TO THREE works to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. Visit their website to access their online resources to learn more about empathy development, self-esteem, developing social-emotional skills, and more. NAEYC The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age eight, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. Their website includes resources on building social-emotional skills at home, working through challenging behaviors, and more. Fred Rogers Productions In the television series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Fred Rogers explores several social-emotional skills such as empathy, imagination, self-esteem, and self-control. Watch recordings of the episodes on the Fred Rogers Productions website. Print This Resource Download this resource as a printable PDF document (English)(Español).
