February 2019
The Children_s Trust Parenting Our Children Newsletter Header
Young girl holding up a paper valentine heart.
Kid Crushes
10 tips every parent needs
By Denise Yearian

The age of romantic awareness varies tremendously from one child to another. For some, feelings of attraction start in late elementary school; for others, it's not until high school. But regardless of how old your kids are and whether or not they've already expressed interest in someone else or even begun dating, parents should always be prepared to proactively communicate what a healthy relationship looks like. Here's how:

1. Set the stage. Take your child's relationships seriously. Attractions are normal and will only increase as they grow. Remember, the way they view and conduct romances now paves the way for future dating relationships. 

Photo: yanadjan/stock.adobe.com
Bright red_ orange and green sign reading Black History Month.
Unsung Heroes of Black History
5 pioneering men and women of color
Written by Elisa Chemayne Agostinho

Inspire your children - and yourself - with these amazing stories of greatness.

Alice Coachman Before Simone Biles, Venus and Serena Williams, and Miami's very own Brianna Rollins, there was Alice Coachman, the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal - for any country. Coachman leapt 5 feet, 6 1/8 inches to set a new Olympic high jump record and take home the gold for the United States in 1948. It was an even more stunning achievement given the fact that she grew up in the segregated South, where she was barred from training on athletic fields and as a child began practicing by running and jumping barefoot down dirt roads and over rags tied together into ropes. Coachman landed another first - that of a black woman endorsing a global brand - when Coca-Cola signed her on as a spokesperson in 1952.
Photo: terryleewhite/stock.adobe.com
Smiling young boy.
All Smiles
Boost your kids' dental health!
By Malia Jacobson

If your child is sporting a cavity or two, they're not alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, far surpassing other ailments. In fact, it's four times more common than childhood obesity, five times more common than asthma and 20 times more common than diabetes. And some children are especially prone to cavities. 
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To find programs and services for children and families_ please visit www.thechildrenstrust.org 2-1-1 Funded by The Children_s Trust. Do you have parenting questions_ Dial 211 24 hours a day_ 7 days a week. Operated in English_ Spanish and Creole.
Little boy holding his hand over his mouth.
Dental Drama
Chips, knockouts and other tooth troubles
By Malia Jacobson

Keeping kids' smiles healthy takes more than brushing twice daily and regular dental checkups (which should begin around 18 months). In addition to the normal loss of baby teeth and a cavity or two, many children will experience some type of tooth-related trauma - like a chipped tooth or one that suddenly turns grey - at some point. While childhood dental issues like these are common, experts warn against ignoring them, because problems with baby teeth can affect the developing permanent teeth below.
Photo: asierromero/stock.adobe.com
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