The Family Center Connections May 2022

The Family Center Connections: May 2022

Heart to Heart

What is going on with my kids?! I must admit I have questioned my sanity and my parenting skills a lot lately. This loss of confidence happens to me every now and again, when I feel "out of sync" with my children. And then a little voice in the back of my brain reminds me to check on child development. Many times the behaviors that are driving me a little crazy end up being the result of my child hitting a new developmental milestone-like the struggles with my eight year old in the morning as she worries more about her outfits and fitting in with her friends. I am thankful my kids are right where they should be, it's just my mom heart is a little slow to accept the new signs of growing up. What is cool about watching our little ones grow is that most things are pretty predictable when we remember to check in with the science. Also, there are lots of ways to get them on track when we feel like they might not be meeting milestones yet. This month I'll share some resources for you to check-in with your child's development during those times you might start to feel out of sync or have concerns.

-Nicole

The Family Center Director

Learn more about me here

Check out our next Online Parent Cafe:

Tuesday May 17, 2022

10:00-12:00

Meet the Cafe!

Join us on May 26th at 10:00 at The Family Center. Have some coffee and learn a little more about Parent Cafes.

Location:

The Family Center

871 Stanley Ave Chambersburg PA 17201

Healthy Connections

Make the most of check-ups for your little one.

The early years are important. The new version of CDC’s FREE Milestone Tracker app helps busy parents remember the details of their child’s development to share at their next appointment. Track your child’s milestones using simple checklists on your mobile phone so the information you need is right at your fingertips when you need it. You know your child best. Talk with the doctor about how your child is developing, share their milestone summary and any concerns you might have.

Healthy Development

Every child is different, but milestones help us to track with our children's growth and development. We have listed some helpful resources below.

Was your baby born early? Measuring Premature babies' development is a little different- sometimes up to age 2. Learn more here!

Check out CDC Developmental Milestone Resources for Families which includes resources, checklists and ways to request free books for your family based on your child's age.

Wondering about your child's development?

At First Start, our families and staff use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to monitor children's development. Easter Seals offers this service online for free! You can try it yourself here.

Healthy Events in Our Community

Preschool Registration

In the first five years of life, experiences and relationships stimulate children's development, creating millions of connections in their brains.

Early childhood education builds the foundation for success in school and in life. It supports your child in their physical, social, and emotional development, while building skills in language, literacy, and thinking (cognitive). Learn more by visiting www.firststartpartnerships.org

Preschool Registration

All local school districts are accepting applications and making appointments for the 2022-23 school year for children who will be five years of age before September 1, 2022.

Chambersburg Area School District

Tuscarora School District

Waynesboro Area School District

Greencastle-Antrim School District

Stay tuned!

We will work with our schools to let you know when registration begins for Greencastle.