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Indoor Crafts For Rainy Days

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Guest blog by Kalina Glover Moresi

The winter months can be challenging for restless toddlers. The weather has most families inside, which can make it difficult to keep your child entertained on those cold, rainy days.

If you’re feeling in a rut, here are some ideas to engage your child and have some crafty fun together!

Paper SnowflakesMaterials:

  • White paper – computer paper is the easiest

  • Scissors

Instructions:

  • Fold the paper in a simple way. Young kids can make beautiful snowflakes with a piece of paper folded into fourths.

  • With adult supervision cut the paper on the edges and in funny directions.

  • Open the paper up to see your fun and festive snowflake!

Paper Hearts

Materials:

  • Colored Paper

  • Markers or crayons if you want

  • Scissors

Instructions:

  • Fold paper in half

  • Draw half a heart shape on the piece of paper where the fold part of paper is.

  • Cut out on the line

  • Ask your children what they are thankful for and decorate your house with all the hearts.

Kool-Aid Soft Dough:

Materials:

  • 2 mixing bowls

  • 1 cup of salt

  • 1 cup of water

  • 2 cups of flour

  • 1/3 cup of oil

  • 1 package of Kool-Aid

Instructions:

  • Together with your child, measure and pour the flour and salt into the first bowl and mix.

  • Pour the oil, water and Kool-Aid into the second bowl and mix thoroughly.

  • Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and mix and squish until you have soft dough.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now! Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now! please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Preparing Your Toddler for a New Sibling

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Toddler hugging a pregnant parent's belly while sitting together on the couch

A new baby means some major changes for the entire family. Children’s reactions can vary from being helpful with diapers or feedings to jealousy, acting out, or regressing to baby-like behavior. Having toileting accidents or wanting to drink from a bottle are normal reactions to the stress of having a new baby. Love, reassurance, and patience go a long way in helping your child adjust. Preparing your child for the new baby will help get their bond off to a good start. It is important to set the stage for a good bond between siblings because their relationship is a lifelong one. They can understand themselves and the world through each other’s eyes throughout their lives. Here are some steps you can take to help ease this big life change.

Before Baby Arrives

Talk about babies: Three to four months before the baby is due, talk to your toddler about the arrival of their new brother or sister. After the big talk, discuss all things newborn: that they sleep a lot, cry, cannot play or crawl (yet!), and need lots of gentle snuggles. Use this time to share stories about when your other child was born or when they were a baby. You might share their baby book with them if you have one. Share pictures of them as a baby, share the story of their birth and talk about how much they have grown.

There are many books you can check out of the library for toddlers and young children about the arrival of a new brother or sister. Some books about welcoming a new family member can even be customized for your child. 

Get your toddler involved: Another way to soothe new-baby worries is to get your child involved. 

  • Let them feel the baby kick

  • Make a present for the baby together

  • Come up with a list of baby names and nicknames

  • Let them help decorate the new baby’s space

  • Make or buy “big brother” and “little sister” t-shirts

  • Let your toddler pick out a special baby blanket or newborn outfit for the baby to wear

Plan ahead for “big changes”: A new baby can throw everyone’s routine for a loop. If your toddler has “big changes” coming up—such as moving to their own room, starting daycare, or moving out of their crib—try to work on them ahead of the new baby’s arrival. Rather than pointing out that the changes are because of the baby, point to their own growth: “You’re a big girl now, so it’s time for you to sleep in a big girl’s bed.”

Now That Baby is Here

When you are ready, have your child meet their new sibling. Talk ahead of time and make a plan with them about what to expect. Some kids enjoy making cards and small gifts to bring along if your baby is born at a hospital or birth center. Prepare your toddler for the quiet hospital environment and what they might experience. It’s not unusual for a child to be quiet or distant when first visiting a hospital— if offered, a sibling tour of the hospital ahead of time can help set the stage for the birth. 

When the time comes, they will interact when they are ready. Many families find that giving their toddler a “baby” of their own to care for helps ease the transition. They can practice feeding, burping and cuddling their baby doll just like you will be caring for their new sibling. Once home, give the new baby over to your co-parent or another family member so you can spend some extra time with your toddler, and provide extra snuggles if they are open to it. Schedule a special time each day to play with your toddler, and add it into their routine. Although a new baby can throw the family routine out of whack, try to keep your toddler’s routine as close to normal as possible. This includes sticking to regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and other activities. Toddlers are natural-born helpers and involving them in baby care is a great way to spend extra time together and encourage the sibling bond.

Here are some “special helper” ideas:

  • Getting diapers or blankets

  • Checking on the baby (practice tiptoeing quietly)

  • Singing songs to the baby (share songs they enjoyed as a baby)

  • Picking out a new outfit for the baby

  • Looking at board books together

New Challenges

The parent/child relationship changes when a new baby enters the picture, and children need time to adjust. Some children may feel resentment toward the new baby—sharing a parent is hard! As you get used to being a parent again, you may also have some mixed feelings. You may feel torn between spending time with one or the other of them, or feel guilty when you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to give your toddler the attention you were able to before the new baby’s arrival. It takes time and patience to find a new normal, so be gentle with yourself, just as you are gentle with your toddler.

Talking with your child about their feelings goes a long way in helping them work through their emotions. You might hear, “I don’t like the baby,” or “Can we take her back to the hospital?” If this happens, tell them you understand how they feel and agree that it’s not always easy to have a baby around. But follow this up with what you do love about the baby and what’s hard for you as the parent (such as night feedings). Kids love stories, so reading stories about children who are also having mixed feelings about their brother or sister will let them know that it’s okay to feel this way. Your child might need a little extra time to get used to the idea of sharing family time. A little planning—and patience—will go a long way to help make the introduction of your new bundle of joy easier on the whole family.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Winter Fun and Safety

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Parent and two children laughing together inside an indoor blanket fort

Rain, rain and more rain, and yet you can still enjoy all of winter with your toddler. Maybe those early winter days of sweet indoor cuddling are gone as more chilly grey days arrive, but having a variety of indoor activities to keep your child busy and stimulated will make for a happy winter for all.  You don’t need fancy or expensive toys. There are lots of fun and safe playthings you can find with everyday objects in your home:

  • Create a simple scavenger hunt. Place three red objects around the room — a red apple, a red cup and red toy fire truck. Your child will love exploring and finding the objects and will learn about colors (shapes or sizes) too.

  • Use empty egg cartons and make long trains with them. Try decorating them.

  • Make a simple bread dough (or buy some pre-made) and create interesting shaped breads to bake. Then eat your work!

  • Make music! Tambourines or shakers work, as do wooden spoons and pots.

  • Make pretend snow.

  • Build an inside fort or tent to cozy up in.

  • Use toilet paper rolls to make binoculars 

Winter Safety

If your child is busy with fun activities, they are less likely to get into mischief. Of course, even if your child is occupied, it’s still critical to take general safety precautions like keeping knives, sharp objects, and medicine out of reach. There are extra winter safety issues to be aware of too:

  • Never put space heaters in a child’s room or where they are sleeping. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters.

  • Winter can mean more open flames in your home. Whether it’s a kerosene lamp, a fireplace, candles or other open flames, make sure they are well out of reach of children – remember toddlers are very resourceful when trying to get to something that sparkles or glows.

  • Don’t use electric blankets or heating pads with young children, and if you have an infant, use sleeping sacks or warm sleepers instead of blankets in sleeping areas.

Out and About

Even when it’s cold or rainy, it’s still a good idea to get out of the house with your little one. Sometimes just stepping out the front door is enough to change a mood. Between rainstorms, kick a ball back and forth, or encourage your toddler to throw the ball across the yard, retrieve it, and throw it again. If you really want to enjoy the outdoors with your child, Mt. Pisgah has fun, interactive stations where kids can learn about nature. Hedricks Park is a fun place to look at native flowers and trees, or just run around in the big, open grassy area. Your neighborhood park is a great place to look for worms in puddles, or watch the wind blow leaves.When you do head outdoors, be sure to: 

  • Dress your child in layers. A good rule of thumb is to dress babies and young children in one more layer than an adult is wearing.

  • Make sure places on your child’s body that can get particularly cold or damp are covered — hands and feet, head and ears.

  • Don’t overdress! Children can get sweaty and overheated, causing problems like skin irritations.

  • If you are outside for an extended period, check if layers need to come off or on.

  • If it’s frightfully cold, avoid taking your child, especially infants, outside as much as possible.

  • Do not put your child in a winter coat or snowsuit while buckled in their car seat. Instead, put an extra blanket over the straps if it is especially cold outside.

  • Strings or scarves can get caught and strangle small children, so choose other warm items to wear.

  • Use sunscreen for babies over six months of age; we can still get burned on cloudy or cold days.

  • Keep them hydrated; offer warm drinks and water often. We lose moisture through our breath.

Winter doesn’t have to be filled with weariness or worry! There are lots of exciting and safe things to do indoors and outdoors and around town, too. You might even miss winter when it’s over – especially if you remember to let yourself join your child in jumping in puddles.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now! Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Setting Parenting Goals For The New Year

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Parent reading a book together with a child on the couch

It’s a time-honored tradition to set goals for yourself for the New year. For some, it’s reducing sugar intake; for others, it is spending more time in nature. But what if this year you tried setting parenting goals for yourself?

Your parenting goals could be a behavior you want to change in yourself, such as practicing being “present” at the moment, or a family goal of spending more time together, cutting down screen time, etc. To make a change that will stick, it’s best to start small with goals that are realistic and achievable. The key is to make sure you are successful. Make a list of two or three clear goals. Here are some ideas:

Carve out time for yourself

When you are on an airplane, you know that in case of an emergency you put on your own oxygen mask and then help your child put on their mask. The fact is that taking care of your needs means you are better able to take care of your child’s needs. Not only will you be nurturing yourself, but practicing self-care will also help you be a better parent and model for your child that you are important as well.

Having trouble thinking about what kinds of things you need to do to care for yourself? Think about what you do for your child – you make sure they eat right, sleep enough, play, express their emotions and creativity, and so much more. You can do the same kinds of things for yourself. Here are some other ideas to meet your self-care needs:

  • Spend time in nature. It’s proven to help reduce anxiety and stress. There are a lot of great Lane County spots – walk to Delta Ponds and look for herons and turtles. Even a walk in the park or sitting on a bench by the river will help to renew you and bring you into your body so you can be more present with your child. Sound overwhelming? Walk outside your door and look at the sky, watch the wind blow the trees, or appreciate your neighbor’s garden.

  • Parenting brings a lot of joy, but it also brings stress and challenges. Having friends to talk with, play with, cry and laugh with is an essential part of self-care. Parenting groups are a great place to create new friendships with other parents, often with children in the same age range as your child. Reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen in a while by sending a quick text or call.

  • Use exercise as a way to reduce stress, as well as have fun and improve your mood and physical health. Exercise has proven mood-boosting properties, and there are lots of fun ways to get the heart-rate going, including a family dance party, soccer game, or running challenges.

Make it a priority every day to spend a little time on you – you’re worth it! 

Read more with your child

There are so many benefits to reading with your child—and it’s never too early or too late to start! Reading to your baby will help develop their language skills, even before they can talk! It’s a great way to cuddle, connect, and calm down together. Toddlers benefit from reading time—especially if it’s their favorite book over and over again—because it helps them to deepen their understanding of cause and effect, recognize patterns, and build their vocabulary. Children can begin to see the world from another’s perspective through books, building a foundation for empathy. Older children also benefit from reading with their caregivers. Even if your school-aged child can read independently, they will appreciate being read to or sharing their reading skills with you. Reading with your older child is a wonderful way to sneak in some one-on-one time together. When you enjoy reading together, those warm feelings you have together nurture your relationship. Reading a longer chapter book together every evening is something you both will look forward to in your day. You could make a goal to build reading time into your family’s daily routine, or if you already read with your child every night before bed, your goal could be increasing the number of books you read together per night, or adding an additional reading time into your day. For example, reading 3 books after lunch, before rest time or after school pickup. 

Be more present

“Presence” is the concept of being alert and focused on the current moment, rather than looking ahead to the future, or distracting yourself from the moment with other thoughts or activities. Being present with our children is a great way to meet their emotional needs.We can think of being present with our children by picturing opening our arms to them, either to encourage them to explore or to welcome them back. Children need both of these things, and they learn to be independent by first knowing they have you to always be there for them.Some experts say with 15 minutes of your fully focused attention children will feel satisfied and independent for the next half hour or so. If a work email needs to get sent ASAP but your toddler is struggling to play independently, try reading books with him for 15 minutes first, then try getting your work done again. You can think of the positive time and attention you are giving your children as “money in the bank,” or positive connection you can count on as a buffer for when you need to be away from them. Other ways to feel and be more present, include:

  • Putting down your phone, tablet or other device, and putting them out of sight.

  • Kneel down to talk to your toddler or young child at eye-level. It’s scary to always be looking up at people towering over you. When you talk with them on their level, they feel safe.

  • Take 5 minutes every day to just breathe, meditate, stretch—whatever it is that clears and calms your head.

Can’t go wrong with a focus on family

The great thing about setting parenting goals is that you can’t really do it wrong. Just the simple act of intending to set parenting goals to improve your skills as a parent, spend more time together with your family, or change the way you interact with your children, shows just how much you love them. Here’s to a great year in 2022!

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: Let’s Keep Families Healthy and Schools Open

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Parent comforting a masked child while a health worker gives a vaccine

by Jeanne Savage MDChief Medical Officer, Trillium Community Health Plan

As a physician and a parent, I know firsthand that making decisions about vaccinations for your child can be difficult. It’s important to do your research. It’s important to consult with trusted healthcare professionals, including your child’s practitioner. And it’s important to feel confident that you are making the best choice for your child and your family based on the available facts.

That includes COVID-19 vaccinations. The virus remains a very real threat here in Oregon, where cases are on the rise, hundreds of people are hospitalized, and victims continue to die from it. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 26,000 children under the age of 10 have tested positive for COVID-19 and at least 245 have been hospitalized.

In November 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that children ages 5 to 11 get vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. Earlier, the CDC recommended vaccinations for children ages 12-15. In advance of making these recommendations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC carefully reviewed safety data from the clinical trials and authorized the COVID-19 vaccines after measuring the benefits and risks. COVID-19 vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. In the clinical trials, children experienced mild side effects – most commonly a sore arm – similar to the side effects seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for kids. In short, the COVID-19 vaccine for kids is safe and highly effective.

I understand that your child’s health and well-being is your top priority. As the pandemic continues to last far longer than we all hoped it would, there are compelling reasons to consider COVID-19 vaccination for your child. For instance, vaccinating children ages 5 years and older will not only protect them but can also help protect other members of your family, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting extremely ill if they are infected. And as we know, opportunities for in-person learning and social experiences are key to improving your children’s education and mental health. Getting your child vaccinated can help them stay in school and safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

As a health partner to Oregon residents and the members we serve, Trillium Community Health Plan (Trillium) actively partners with our provider network to help our members, their families, and their communities stay healthy. We have implemented a coordinated outreach plan to connect members with vaccination sites, address vaccine hesitancy through education, and remove barriers to vaccine access. Trillium staff meet regularly with providers, state and local governments, and community-based organizations to support vaccination opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other underserved populations. We are here to help our communities connect to care.

As we enter the winter season, we’ll all be spending more time indoors where it is easier for the COVID-19 virus to spread. As new variants emerge, it’s more important than ever to protect our children and our communities by building strong immune systems against the virus. Let’s work together to help keep families healthy and schools open. Talk to your child’s doctor about the COVID vaccine today.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Visitors During the Holiday Season

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Family members embracing and exchanging a gift during a holiday visit

With many adults vaccinated and children ages 5 and up now eligible for their COVID-19 vaccination, families are looking forward to reuniting with family and friends this holiday season after a long stretch of social distancing. But while you may be excited to have Grandma over for a New Year’s fest, your child may have some concerns about it.

It’s completely normal for some children to be worried about having visitors over. To children, there is no safer place in the entire world than their home. Letting someone in, regardless of how well they know them, can sometimes set off alarm bells in a child. The social distancing that began in March 2020 was a first for many where we did not gather with friends or family in groups, or if we did, it was rare and with precautions. Think about what percentage of your child’s life has happened since then – for a three-year-old, this is how it has been for half their life. No wonder this change can cause some discomfort!

If this is happening in your home, first, pay attention to your own concerns or worries and manage those. Your child will pick up on your calmness and will help them manage his own stress and worry.

Knowing the signs to look for, as well as ways to help your child work through their feelings, can go a long way in building up your child’s social-emotional skills when it comes to having visitors over.

What’s so scary about having visitors over?

There are a number of reasons your child might act nervous before guests arrive or behave differently when guests are over, especially if it has not been a regular occurrence:

  • Lack of practice about how to behave with friends in their own space

  • They don’t know or remember how to ask for what they need/want from peers

  • They don’t know or remember how to join in play

  • They don’t know how to respond to peers when there is conflict

  • They want all their parent’s attention

  • They get bored or restless when they don’t have their parent’s attention

  • They have an unmet physical needs like hunger or rest

  • They had a negative experience the last time visitors came over, such as a playmate who took their favorite toys and refused to take turns.

  • A recent bout of illness can also lead to anxious behavior in other areas of a child’s life, such as having visitors over.

The tell-tale signs

Have you noticed that your child acts differently when visitors come to your home? You may notice your child:

  • Being overly loud or silly

  • Showing off/demanding your attention

  • Refusing to play or share toys with a playmate

  • Excessive teasing of a sibling or playmate

  • Whining

Learning complex social skills—such as greeting visitors, talking politely, getting your attention politely, and entertaining friends—is something that takes time, patience, and practice. When you know visitors will be coming over, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Try to plan visits around your child’s usual sleep and meal times so they are not tired or hungry when visitors arrive.

  • Practice or role-play manners you would like to see with guests, i.e. saying please and thank you or asking their friend to decide what to play. Start with a shorter amount of time for guests, then build up as they get reacquainted with expectations

  • Tell your child who is coming over and the reason for the visit — “Your Great Grandma is coming over tonight to celebrate New Year’s Eve with us.”

  • Let your child know what to expect; what will happen when guests are there.

  • Plan some activities for your child to do while guests are visiting, ideally something your child can manage on their own, such as soft dough, coloring books, or building blocks. Some children need more guidance when it comes to play, especially when playing with a new friend or in a new situation. Save yourself a lot of interruptions by planning some activities and setting them up before your guests arrive. You can also think of things your child might like to show their visitor.

  • Check-in on your child from time to time. Notice when your child is playing well with another child or on their own and show your approval to your child. A quick hug can send the message that you are still thinking about your child even while in the other room visiting with Great Grandma. 

Having visitors over can be a fun time for your child to mix with others–both adults and other children. With a little practice and guidance, your child will look forward to having friends and family over for visits. We will all build up those social-emotional muscles and connect with others comfortably again.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

All Parents Benefit From Parenting Education

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Parent and toddler laughing together while taking a selfie at home

According to the National Parenting Education Network, “Loving may be instinctual, but skills are developed. Even before becoming a parent and throughout your journey, you can continually learn skills and gain insights. These empower relationships, support growth and development, and create family well-being, even during difficult transitions.”As parents, we can all benefit from parenting education, no matter your culture, family background, location or financial status. Parenting education programs often start by supporting you to think about your values. What kind of parent do you want to be? What are the wishes or hopes you have for your child? What are you already doing that is supporting these goals? What else could you do? Parenting programs also focus on helping you think about parenting practices and behaviors, such as:

  • Developing and practicing positive discipline techniques

  • Learning what is reasonable to expect your child to do based on age

  • Developmental milestones

  • Promoting positive play and interaction between parents and children

  • Locating and accessing community services and supports

You can also learn about your child’s temperament, which will help you choose strategies that will work best for them. Through a parenting education program, you can learn about the needs of your children, as well as your own needs as a parent, including:

  • How to best support children of different ages and stages of development

  • Developing strong and healthy relationships with your children

  • Activities for every stage of development that help children become healthy and successful physically, emotionally, socially, and academically

  • Healthy ways to cope with the stress of parenting

  • The importance of caring for yourself in order to be the parent you want to be

In turn, children:

  • Feel confident and safe

  • Build strong relationships

  • Are emotionally stable

  • Are more successful in school

  • Decrease their chance of

    • substance abuse

    • teen pregnancy 

    • dropping out of school

In Lane County, parenting education programs are offered in a variety of settings: in-person classes and workshops, online, individual counseling sessions, facilitated groups, or home visits. A parenting program, such as Triple P Online (TPOL), offers parents the opportunity to receive support and education from the comforts of home on their own schedule. Triple P Online is an online course for parents and caregivers of children ages 2-12, comprising 12 modules introducing different skills to help families thrive. Information is delivered in video format with activities to customize the program to your family. Group-based parenting education, led by a professional Parenting Educator, is another way to receive support. Parenting groups, such as those offered at Parenting Now, can help reduce feelings of isolation by connecting you with families who have similar-aged children. During a parenting group, you might, for example, learn you are not the only one having a hard time getting your child to sleep or being able to find someone for a playdate. Individualized parent support programs, such as Healthy Families Lane County, can begin before your baby is born until your child is 2 years old, and will support you to set your family up for success as well as connect you with community resources, answering questions like:

  • Where can I get support with infant feeding?

  • Who can I contact with concerns about my baby’s development?

  • How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?

  • How do we integrate this new baby into our family?

Many local resources—including counseling services, help with basic needs, and more—can be found at Parenting Now’s Resources for Families website. For a list of family-friendly activities and other parenting classes, visit the LaneKids’s website. When you can reduce isolation and get more support, resources and information, your stress as a parent goes down. Parenting education programs support parents by equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to handle parenting challenges and build strong relationships with their kids. Parenting education, in whatever form you choose, supports you to be the parent you want to be so your family will thrive. 

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Helping Toddlers Play Cooperatively

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From refusing to share toys to making hurtful comments, it’s important to teach children the importance of playing cooperatively and getting along with others. Teaching these skills early on in toddlerhood can help your child during a time when they are striving for independence and testing their limits.

Toddlers can sometimes fight or become physically out of frustration or anger when things do not go their way. It’s their way of communicating. Young children need to be shown how to play cooperatively with others, take turns, and problem-solve in healthy ways.

Before they play with others, toddlers play next to or near each other. When they are in the same space, toddlers can slyly watch each other and eventually will copy each other and interact minimally. You might see one take a toy from another, and in that case, you can calmly model taking turns. This is the first step in learning to play with others.

The next step is establishing some rules for playing with others. This will help them feel safe and secure, and begin to instill a sense that the world can be fair, and there is plenty for everyone.  Decide on two or three simple rules for playing with friends and discuss them with your child. Ideally, the rules should tell your child what to do rather than what not to do. This could include:

  • Be gentle.

  • Take turns.

  • Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

  • Use your polite words, like “please, and thank you.” 

Remember to make the rules short and easy to remember. It’s also important to give young kids the opportunity to practice these rules and playing skills with you in a supportive, safe environment. Start by playing these games with your child to show them how to take turns. Activities that promote sharing, cooperation, and taking turns are great for building healthy play skills. Ideas include:

  • Kicking the ball back and forth

  • Hide and seek

  • Age-appropriate board games that involve taking turns for those over 3 years old

  • Building with blocks (first, you put on a block, then me)

Encourage desirable behavior

When you see your child playing cooperatively with a friend, sibling, or even yourself, give them praise: “I’m noticing the two of you building the train tracks together. You are playing very gently with your little brother, Dillon. You can be proud of yourselves for playing so well together!” Talk to the kids and ask questions about what they are doing: “You two are building a great castle there, how many towers will it have?”At first, it can be helpful to step in and help children solve problems before any fighting occurs. When possible, keep an eye on your child while they play but try not to hover over them. If you notice that your child is having a hard time sharing or taking turns, you can help by giving your child some words to use: “Issac, it sounds like you want to play with the truck now. You could say to your friend, “I would like a turn with the truck. Can you please give it to me?”  Or you may need to help decide who can play with a toy first: “Girls, you can both play with these toys by taking turns. Who is going to have the first turn?” Let each child go first at different times. Offering play ideas for the child waiting their turn can also help in these moments. “Sally, while you wait for the red shovel, you can choose to play with the sand sifter or green shovel.”Once you’ve supported the kids to play together within the rules, try stepping back. You may be surprised! 

Manage fighting when you see it

Act quickly when you see children fighting with each other over a toy or arguing. Step in and be clear and firm in your tone but not angry. Remember, your child is not purposefully misbehaving. You can use these moments to teach your child about feelings and healthy ways to express their anger or frustration.

When we can identify and name our feelings, our mind can calm. When you acknowledge how they are feeling, they will feel heard and seen. After they feel heard, they can move to the thinking part of their brain to problem solve. Soon you will hear them taking turns on their own, and then you will see interactive play: they will start listening to each other’s ideas and negotiating how the play will unfold. You may need to step in from time to time, especially when feelings become heated. Remember, it takes time to learn the life skills of cooperation and getting along together, and they learn these skills through relationships developed in play.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Mealtime Tips for Toddlers

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Mealtime with a toddler can be busy, messy, and chaotic while they are learning how to eat independently. As toddlers’ tastes mature and their skills develop, so does their interest in trying a wider variety of foods that they can feed themselves. Toddlers can learn to eat what the rest of the family eats. It just takes some preparation, creativity, and patience. If your family eats many spicy foods, offer your toddler a more mild version until their taste buds get used to it. For soup, some families serve the solid parts and the liquid part separately to increase the likelihood of their toddler consuming more nutrition. You don’t need to make a separate meal for your toddler, but you can present it to them in a way they can be more successful with it.

Successful mealtimes

  1. Set regular mealtimes

    Set up a predictable mealtime routine for your toddler, with your usual meals plus a couple of snacks in between. Toddlers typically need to eat 6 times a day. By limiting snacks and drinks to particular times, your toddler will be more hungry for meals, so they may eat more of the healthy foods you have prepared for them. They are also learning to recognize how “hungry” and “full” feel in their body. 

  2. Eat meals together

    Toddlers learn a great deal about eating and mealtime through watching others. When possible, eat meals together as a family at a table. Not only is it a chance to model healthy eating habits, but an opportunity to give your child positive attention. We learn social skills and manners during meals, as well as independent eating skills. Remember toddlers are watching and listening to everything you do and say!

  3. Expect a mess

    It can be hard to stay calm when your toddler is dropping peas on the floor. Think about how they are learning about how the world works; gravity is so predictable, right? They may “play” with their food; this is their way of exploring it. We learn to tolerate a variety of textures and temperatures through repeated exposure. Remember that it is through trial and error that toddlers learn how to eat without help. Think of how they tell you they are done with the meal. Many families teach their toddlers the sign for “all done.” It is important to respect when your toddler lets you know, so they can recognize how it feels when their body tells them that they are full and that they learn to stop eating. This is part of learning good eating habits.

  4. Prep ahead

    Have everything ready before you bring your child to the highchair or table. This avoids having a hungry child waiting impatiently or getting restless. If possible use a high chair or booster seat at the table and unbreakable plates and cups. You may also want to use spoons and forks, especially for young children that are sized for them, soft to their mouths, and not a choking hazard. Remember to have napkins or wash clothes at the ready!

  5. Introduce one food at a time

    Toddlers can be choosy about what they eat, but it’s important that they eat a variety of different foods. Slowly introduce your child to new foods by letting them try one new food at a time. Too many new foods at once can feel overwhelming to a toddler. Start with small amounts of the new food along with the food you know your toddler enjoys eating. If your toddler tries the new food, make a big celebration of it. With foods, they dislike, try introducing them again in a couple of weeks. It may take many tries for your toddler to like a particular food. The trick is to not make a big deal about it, calmly remove it, and try again another time. It’s OK for your toddler to not like something–the goal is for your child to eventually eat a wide variety of foods, similar to what the rest of the family eats. 

  6. Encourage the behavior you’d like to see

    Notice and give specific praise when your child uses a spoon, sits still in their seat, or tries a new food: “Makayla, look at you using your spoon! You are such a big girl! You can be proud of yourself!”If your toddler starts to throw food, calmly tell them that if they are done, you can take the food away. Then calmly remove the food. If they indicate they want the food back, you can offer the food again. You could use a phrase like, “Food is for eating, not for throwing. You can have your peas again once your body has calmed down.” 

  7. Parenting requires patience

    Learning how to eat, waiting patiently for a meal, table manners—these skills take time to grasp and lots of patience from you, as a parent. Just remember that the season of messy meals, having upsets over “foods that are touching,” choosing playtime over mealtime, is short-lived. Soak up these moments—as messy as they may be. 

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

Bedwetting Relapse – Causes and Ways To Support Your Child

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Victoria’s daughter, Olivia, has been able to stay dry overnight ever since she was successfully potty trained when she was two and a half.

But, recently, since starting first grade at a new school, Olivia has wet the bed a few times per week. When children go through periods of transitions, change or stress—such as a big move, changing schools, or loss of a family member—they can experience what’s called “secondary enuresis.” This means that a child who once was able to control their bladder overnight for a period of at least 6 months is now unable to stay dry overnight.

While children eventually grow out of bedwetting, there are things you can do now to support your child through their bedwetting relapse.

First, reassure your child

Let your child know that you are on their side while you work through this challenge together. They may be embarrassed or ashamed, and your reaction can make all the difference. Tell them you love them and you will figure this out together. 

Then, identify the cause

Bedwetting is usually the result of a lack of bladder control, but it can also be genetic, so if you or your partner wet the bed as a child, chances are your child may, too. Bedwetting can also be caused by certain medical conditions, so it is important to talk with your child’s pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical causes. In Olivia’s case, her bedwetting started when she experienced changes to her routine (going back to school after a year of distance learning) and felt the stress of starting a new school.

Take a moment to check in with your child. See if you can uncover what’s causing your child distress. What are they worried about? What is hard for them now? If they are sleeping deeply after joining a soccer team, they just don’t wake up when their bladder is full, and it may be a matter of adjusting to the new activity. It could be anything from conflict with friends; a bully at school; concern about an upcoming exam or performance; a new sibling at home; or the loss of a family pet.

Set your child up for success

In addition, you can also support your child by making some adjustments to their bedtime routine and bedroom setup:

  • Make sure your child’s bed is easy to get in and out of.

  • Avoid flannel pajamas and heavy bedding—it’s harder to feel when they are wet.

  • Use a nightlight so your child can move through their room easier at night.

  • Put a nightlight in the bathroom so the way there is well lit.

  • Protect the mattress with a waterproof undersheet.

  • Have a second set of clean sheets nearby if they need to be changed, or make the bed with two sets of sheets with an additional waterproof undersheet between the sets.

  • Avoid using overnight diapers for children over 3 years old. These are embarrassing and may cause harm to their self-esteem.

  • Avoid caffeine, sugar, and juice, especially in the evening hours.

  • Increase fluid intake in the earlier part of the day. A good goal is 40% of their fluid in the morning, 40% in the afternoon, and 20% in the evening.

  • Ask your child to use the bathroom at the beginning of the bedtime routine and then again right before going to sleep. Even if they don’t feel like they need to go, they can make sure their bladder is empty.

Olivia’s mom made sure to have a clean set of sheets and pajamas ready to go each night so that when Olivia did have an accident, Victoria could swap out the sheets quickly and change her daughter into clean pajamas. Making the accident “not a big deal” helped Oliva feel less embarrassed by her bedwetting and reduced stress on everyone in the family.

Your child will especially benefit from some extra compassion and patience during this time in their life. If you have concerns about your child’s health and development, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s pediatrician.

This article is brought to you by Parenting Now Parenting Educators and authors Amanda Bedortha, Claire Davis and Lynne Swartz, and consultant Jay Thompson. Parenting Now offers parenting groups and drop-in programs for families with children 0-8, and is passionate about happy, healthy families. For more information about Parenting Now, please visit their website or contact us at info@parentingnow.org.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of your own home!

If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page. A staff person from Parenting Now will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.

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