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February 2020
A publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families
Family Institute
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“Pairing people with diverse perspectives is fundamental to developing Idea Magnets. Likewise, creating an environment that pairs diverse settings and activities provides the backdrop for Idea Magnets to flourish.
" Idea Magnets, Mike Brown
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Do you have times of the day when your child struggles with being ready or doing what you need them to do? Children thrive with structure that includes predictability and consistency. Developing simple tools to provide this structure for them
minimizes conflicts and increases independence and self-confidence
. Attend to learn about the power of visual supports, how to introduce and use them effectively, and leave with a make-and-take tool to use in your own home.
Sign up today
before it sells out. ($10)
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Host a workshop at your school or organization. Contact us today.
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This valuable resource for parents, caregivers and agencies looking for information for families is now available. This guide includes sections on education, family fun, special needs resources, and financial assistance. A new highlight this year is the
Pathway to Success
. This graphic helps keep parents on track for making the most of a child's first five years.
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Making Healthy Eating Easier
It is easy to get overwhelmed and confused by all the nutrition information available. Help your family s
tay on track with your 2020 resolutions with this new app to help build healthy eating habits. The
Start Simple with MyPlate
a
pp
provides an easier way to p
i
ck simple daily food goals, see real-time progress and earn badges along the way. This FREE app can help you make positive changes to achieve healthier life goals.
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Child Mind Institute
Articles
Some kids need help learning to control their emotions and resist impulsive behavior.
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From getting to the root of the problem, to praising the positive,
and to not get caught up in always being fair, find ways to help with
the sibling bickering.
With the right support, children
can learn to change gears without whining and tantrums.
Tips on responding to difficult toddler behavior.
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Wednesday, February 12, 1 p.m.
Sign up for this free webinar and receive a replay link.
Learn why children and adults with ADHD should consider exercise as a supplement to therapy and medication, including the latest research on its powerful influence over the structure, function and development of the brain; the unique challenges of engaging in exercise when you have ADHD; and strategies for overcoming them.
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Stories can be such a great tool to help you dive deeper into a topic or strategy.
Sesame Street's digital storybook,
What We’re All About,
can help remind families of their values and rediscover what makes one special. Take a few moments to read it with your child, pausing after each page to reflect: 'What am I all about?'
Additional reading tips from Sesame Street:
Read aloud every day.
This is the single most impactful thing you can do to help your child learn and love to read.
Model magic.
Characters in stories can provide models for us. They might show us how to listen well, encourage others and solve problems. When reading, notice positive examples to share with families, or to emulate yourself.
Ask questions.
Asking questions while reading helps kids get involved and excited.
What comes next? What expression is on her face? What sound does a dog make?
Even simple questions like these help children make important connections.
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Thrive by Five
Kindergarten registration for fall happens in March, yet there is
so much parents can do every day to help their children from birth to age five be ready for that BIG day!
ReadyRosie
:
Discover activities and games that you can play with your child, from birth
through age five, that relate to everyday learning. Delivered by email or text, ReadyRosie demonstrates how to turn everyday activities into teachable moments. The best part is that they are modeled in short, two-minute videos so that parents and children can watch and then play and learn together. Howard County Government is providing
free
access to ReadyRosie for all Howard County families. Learn more and sign up
here.
Talk With Me Howard County
From the earliest moments when you repeat your baby’s sounds back to her or tell him how much he is loved, your baby is making important connections. Children who have parents talking with them are
put on a path towards better development.
Click here
so see short videos and learn more to make the most of the first two years.
Howard County Library System's
NEW
Birth to Kindergarten
page contains information about classes, educational materials, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, and other creative resources.
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In December, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence launched the
Age-Friendly Howard County initiative
;
and now the work has begun to move the initiative forward. To learn more and other information for the 50+ community, visit the
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HoCo Counts, 2020 Census
As required by our Constitution, every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States. For Howard County, this count is vital to understanding the updated picture of our community, the needs of all our residents and the future of our service to the public. We are a data-informed government, and the Census gives valuable insight into our needs for education, housing, transportation, healthcare and more.
In March, each county household will be receiving an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire, either online, by phone or by mail. Those who do not respond will receive follow up communications after April 1, including door-to-door outreach by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency.
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May 3-9 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Recognizing the importance of mental health awareness and the expressive power of artistic pursuits, Maryland’s First Lady, Mrs. Yumi Hogan, invites
children and youth to participate in a statewide art project.
Children and youth are asked to create artwork expressing something which makes them feel happy, healthy, and/or hopeful. A selection of artwork will be showcased in Annapolis at the First Lady’s Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display at Celebrating Through Art.
Download the Invitation;
d
eadline to submit is Friday, March 13, 2020.
Questions
:
Kirsten.Robb-McGrath@maryland.gov
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Howard County Recreation and Parks'
2020 Summer Camp Guide
registration for Howard County residents begins Wednesday, February 5 at 6:00 p.m. Other methods (phone, mail or in-person) for county residents beginning the next day. For non-Howard County residents, online registration begins February 12 at 6:00 p.m. and all other methods the following day.
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Guiding Good Choices
Four Tuesdays: March 10, 17, 24, and 31
(Parents are expected to attend all classes)
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia
Sponsored by HC DrugFree and the State's Attorney's Office , this
evidence-based, interactive prevention program provides the families of children age 9 - 14 with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs. T
he program is for parents.
Students are invited to attend the third session with their parents.
After completing the program, families will be able to:
· Influence their children to help prevent drug use and other risky behaviors
· Develop clear family guidelines and expectations about drug use
· Teach children how to stay out of trouble, keep their friends and still have a good time
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FREE Webinars from
Understood Organization
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Thursday, February 6, 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 20, 12:00 p.m.
Monday, February 24, 12:00 p.m.
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Going to be a Big Brother or Sister
February 8, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m., East Branch
Prepare for arrival of baby. Enjoy stories, activities and bring a doll or stuffed animal to practice holding a baby. Resources for parents too.
Building Emotional Connection with Your Children
February
27, 7:00- 8:30 p.m. Central Branch
Know the Risks of E Cigarettes and Vaping.
February 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., Savage
Learn more about the vaping and health impacts. Adults and teens invited.
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The Howard County Diaper Project
collects diapers and wipes for families in need and distributes them through its partnership with the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC).
What is needed? Disposable Diapers (especially sizes 3-6, including
pull-ups.)
Open packages accepted.
For more information, other locations and ideas to start your own diaper drive,
click,
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