Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Part II

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Childhood Physical Health

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Did you know that by age six children achieve over 90 percent of their adult brain volume? This means that a majority of early childhood development happens before a child enters their first elementary school classroom. In fact, during the early years of a child’s life, they develop functional skills such as comprehension, language, emotional regulation, and motor skills that act as a foundation for future learning.

When considering the topic of childhood physical health, brain development is influenced by many health-related factors, including nutrition, physical activity, toxic stress, and access to routine medical screenings and wellness exams. Because of this, it’s important for caregivers to create environments that support their child’s health.

To assist families in creating these environments, Trying Together developed family resources that explore ways to create and access safe, supportive early environments for young children.

Featured Resources

Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health

As children’s first teachers, parents and caregivers play a vital role in supporting their children’s healthy development. While it may sound like a big task, the first step is simple: incorporate developmentally appropriate activities into your daily routines! Read this post to learn more.

Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families

Did you know that children’s brain development is influenced by many health-related factors, including nutrition, physical activity, and toxic stress? Read this guide to learn how you can help create a supportive early environment for your young child.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early childhood development itself is an important determinant of health over a person’s lifetime. Read this post to learn how.

The Head Start Program and Its Benefits

Did you know that Head Start children have more access to health care and have improved physical health throughout their lifetime? To learn about the benefits of Head Start, read this post.

Exercise Together with Darnell Campbell

Are you looking for simple but effective exercises to get your family up and moving? Watch this video from Darnell Campbell to learn four exercises your family can do right at home.

Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators and Families

The Recess Advocacy Team compiled a list of resources for educators and families to make sure play and physical activity are a part of children’s’ days and serve as a foundation for their learning, growth, and development. Visit this post to view the list.

Childhood Physical Health: Resources

Trying Together compiled a list of organizations, tools, and resources that share information or provide services related to childhood physical health. To view the list, visit this post.