December 2020



A publication of the Howard County Office of Children and Families
Family Institute
Family Institute Online Workshops, New this month!
Visit the Family Institute's page for all offerings.
Nothing I Do Works:
A Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors
Tues., Dec. 8, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
FREE Online: Register here

Don't allow tantrums, power struggles or misbehavior make daily life difficult in your household. Learn how to help decrease negative behaviors from happening and what to do when they occur. Ask questions and learn skills and resources that you can use immediately to help you feel more confident in your parenting. For parents of children ages two to eight.
Worries, Concerns and Apprehensions
Wed., Dec. 16, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
FREE Online: Register here

In the early years, schoolwork, friends, reactions to negative experiences, or just the anticipation of something happening can overwhelm a child. In addition, the changes, stress and uncertainty of COVID has increased children's worries. Learn how to identify what is causing your child stress and techniques to teach strategies to help your child work through their worries. This interactive workshop allows time to ask questions. For parents of pre-k through elementary.
The Basics Howard County provides tips for parents to build on early learning skills. Learning math skills begins long before a child enters school. Each one of us is born to be a “math person.” Even babies can do simple math, such as noticing amounts and patterns. Toddlers love learning math concepts, such as comparing sizes and shapes. These concepts help them make sense of the world. You can help your child learn math as you play and talk during everyday moments. By building on their natural skills and interests, you will boost their confidence and understanding. For more ideas and information, visit our highlighted video, Count, Group and Compare. (Spanish video)
To receive more information specifically for your child's developmental stage up to the age of three, sign up for free Basics Insights text messaging here. (Available in English and Spanish) To learn more about The Basics Howard County, visit here or email children@howardcountymd.gov.
Family Time Live, The Basics
Howard County Library System is hosting interactive language and literacy-based activities to engage the whole family with children from birth to five. Activities complement the Basics Howard County principals for the healthy development of young children and their families.
Thursdays, December 3, 10, and 17 at 11:00 a.m. Register here.
Saturday, December 12 at 11:00 a.m. Register here.
What to Do When Your Child Won’t Listen to You 

Have you ever asked your child to do something and they ignore you or tell you no? This often leaves parents feeling frustrated and unsure what to do next. A proactive strategy to help is to use the words First/Then. To do this first give the direction (example: Put on your coat.) and then follow it with a motivator (example: Then we can take a walk outside.). This strategy is helpful because it allows the child to obtain what they want while also following your direction. But keep in mind that in order for this strategy to work the then statement must be something the child really wants to do. Adding visuals can be very helpful, especially for young children, when using First/Then. Click here for a printable version you can purchase for less than $4.

Monthly Challenge:
Start using “First/Then” this week to help your child follow difficult directions. 
Help spread holiday cheer this year by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift at one of three locations set up throughout the county, now through December 7. DCRS’ Office of Aging and Independence is collecting new gifts to help brighten the holidays for low-income seniors; ans it's Office of Children and Families is also gathering new gifts for families with children ages birth to five years old in need. The wish list for children and adults includes body lotion, body wash, deodorant, hair brushes, hair conditioner, scarves, shampoo, shaving cream, slipper socks, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletry gift sets, throw blankets and books/toys (ages zero to five). Financial donations are also being accepted. For more information, click here.
Every Kid Can Cook 
"Cooking with kids in not just about ingredients, recipes and cooking. It's about harnessing imagination, empowerment and creativity." -Guy Fieri 

Every Kid Can Cook is a non-profit organization that empowers kids to become culinary nutrition leaders in their community. During the free monthly cooking classes, children will learn how to cook healthy recipes independently, learn nutrition facts and re-make their favorite recipes a little healthier. Classes are designed for children ages 6-15 though anyone is encouraged to participate. Younger kids will need support from an adult or older sibling. Next free, monthly cooking class, Thursday, December 17, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. To learn more and get a ticket, visit here. For all future events, follow them on Facebook.

This infographic from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University explains in basic terms how racism gets "under the skin" and affects learning, behavior and lifelong health. According to extensive studies, the U.S. would save billions in health care costs alone. The value of realizing the potential contributions of so many people around the world who are impaired by, or die from, preventable chronic illnesses is enormous and the human costs are incalculable.
Click on this infographic to the right to learn more.
Wed., December 2, 1 p.m.
FREE Online: Register here to
attend and receive a link to replay
for later

Learn the most effective ways parents can use music to help their child learn more at school, improve self-confidence, and achieve life goals.
Sponsored by ADDitude.
In Our Own Voice with NAMI Howard County
Wed., December 9, 7 p.m. Register

This interactive presentation provides insight into what it’s like to live with mental illness, dispels stigma, and identifies opportunities for hope. Led by two adults living with mental health conditions, the session includes personal stories and opportunities for discussion. It is designed as a safe place to ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Hosted by HCLS.
Articles from Child Mind Institute

When kids pitch in, the whole family benefits.
Strategies to reduce conflict about staying safe.
Keeping your cool means better communication.
Tips for keeping the peace as we head into winter.
Help kids rise to the occasion and don't aim too high.
Howard County Library System
The Howard County Library System offers numerous learn from home resources for students and parents:

Bundle Bags now available
HCLS has started creating Bundle Bags for adults and children to assist in selecting materials. Each bundle contains 6 items based on a theme. Try a Board Book/Indestructibles Bundle for your infant or toddler or choose from three different Picture Book Bundles; ABC's, 123's, Shapes and Colors, Things that Go, as well as favorite storybook characters for your preschooler. Bundles are also available for beginning readers, school-aged children, teens and adults. For more information or to request a bundle for contactless pickup visit here.
COVID Resources Pages
To find resources to help during the COVID-19 crisis, Howard County Library System has provided a variety of pages to help direct to resources. Click on the links for topics of need: food; mental health issues; unemployment; housing and utilities; business resources. Also available is the general help site and updated COVID-19 pages.

Consumer Reports
With the use of your HCLS card, you can have free access to Consumer Reports Online and see the annual Holiday Gift Guide. Top products are tested in their lab, including air fryers, coffee makers, cookware, TVs, and vacuums. Articles share expert advice on choosing gifts at the right price. Also listed are the most discounted cars right now, five ways to save on large appliances, the best deals of the month, and helpful coronavirus tips to keep you and your loved ones healthier this winter.
Veggie Additions for Everyday Eats
Whether it’s a sandwich or wrap, vegetables make great additions to both. For extra flavor, try tomatoes, romaine lettuce or avocado on your next sandwich or wrap.
Recipe ideas from USDA:
Special Education Resources

Quarter 1 is Done. Let's Talk!
Thurs., December 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sponsored by SECAC and the Howard County Autism Society
Free to any parent with a child who has an IEP. Register here

Now that the first quarter is done, parents are invited to discuss what’s working and what isn’t for their student with an IEP. Information will be shared with the HCPSS Department of Special Education and Howard County Public School System leaders in efforts to advocate for families and students during the pandemic. Starter questions:
Does the Q1 report card/progress report reflect your child’s progress? Are you receiving correspondence from school? Is your child’s IEP fully implemented? Are the accommodations and supplementary aids provided? Do you need specific parent training?
What would you like to change (aside from getting kids back to school safely)?
Play & Learn, Virtual Parent Empowerment Series
Sponsored by Howard County Public School System Department of Special Education
Offered first and third Wednesday of each month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
December 2: Occupational Therapy
December 16: Mealtime
Contact fsrc@hcpss.org with any questions. Free; register here.
Howard County Recreation & Parks’ 48th annual Holiday Mart Juried Arts and Crafts Show. Support local and small businesses virtually this holiday season and shop online now here. On Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., people can video chat with crafters and artisans, place orders and find a variety of unique handmade items. For a sample of some of the crafts being sold, visit the Flickr Album.
Recreation & Parks 2021 Winter Activity Guide 
is online, with online registration for Howard County residents set to launch December 2 at 6:00 p.m. From family-friendly special events and programs to sports leagues and enriching classes for active adults, Recreation & Parks is offering something for everyone virtually and in-person this winter season. (Out-of-county online registration opens December 9.) For more information, click here. 

Take Home Nature Kits
This holiday season, bring the educational fun of Robinson Nature Center home with “Take Nature Home Holiday Kits.” Each educator-curated kit includes instructions and materials for fun, nature-inspired adventures. Winter 2020 kits include: North Pole Exploration with the Five Senses (geared toward three to five year olds); Tis’ the Sweet Season (for four to 10-year olds); and Nature’s Spa Kit (for 11 and older). Kits must be purchased by Sat. December 5, visit here or call 410-313-0400.
Howard County Behavioral Health Summit
The 2nd Curve: Staying Connected During the Pandemic recording here.
Upcoming webinars include:
The TeleHealth Trend: Navigating Healthcare Through Technology December 16
Dealing with Unrest: Understanding Yourself & Others January 13
Space is limited. Priority will be given in order to those who reserve a space. Register here
The Long Distance Grandparent
Tues, December 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Mental Health Association of Maryland will host Kerry Byrne, PhD, and founder of The Long Distant Grandparent, will provide practical, fun and meaningful ways to stay connected and nurture bonds between generations and how these strategies can positively impact mental health; no matter the distance. Participants will learn ideas they can start using immediately, making this a great opportunity to prepare for the holidays. 
Click on this farm guide that highlights agricultural (ag) businesses, new features, stories of local ag community, and showcases the work of Howard County's Farm to Table Restaurants.
Oakland Mills Online (OMO)

For families interested in community activities, OMO has many offerings. Options available: Toddler/Preschool Tuesdays; Wednesdays Academic Support; afternoon and evening clubs, groups & forums, learning teams and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, visit here.
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