kids – Page 2 – United Way of Lane County Testing

Helping Toddlers Play Cooperatively

Posted on December 15, 2021 - 7:11 pm by Early Childhood Hub

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

Posted on December 15, 2021 - 1:15 am by Early Childhood Hub

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

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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.”
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.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Bedwetting Relapse – Causes and Ways To Support Your Child

Posted on December 8, 2021 - 1:25 am by Early Childhood Hub

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.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

2021 Winter Holiday Resource List

Posted on November 24, 2021 - 8:32 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Food Boxes

Food distribution centers are uncertain if they will be providing holiday-type food.

Food for Lane County Food Pantries
Call for nearest food box distribution site: (541) 343-2822
Eugene/Springfield Food Pantry Directory• Rural Food Pantry Directory
Burrito Brigade
Phone: (541) 632-3239
Food Pantry Hours: Monday – Thursday 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: You can pick up a free food box at Sonrise Christian Church, 1300 Irvington Drive Eugene, OR 97404.
Go onto website to sign up for a 5-minute food box pick-up slot. Registration for the week opens on Sunday evening, so please check the website. Please fill out the form to signup for food box delivery.
Questions? Email: info@burritobrigade.org or call 541-632-3239.
Catholic Community Services
Phone: (541) 345-3628
Food Pantry Hours: The Food Pantry is open to the public on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Regular office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Except Thursdays, we close at 3:30.
Locations:
Eugene Site: 1464 West 6th Avenue, Eugene
Springfield Site: 1025 G Street, Springfield
COVID-19 Response: Pre-made bags of food are available.
Community Food for Creswell
Phone: (541) 870-2252
Location: Cobalt Building, 364 Cobalt Lane, off N. 5th/N. Harvey Rd., Creswell
Food Pantry Hours: Every Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving). Income-eligible customers may receive fresh produce, canned and packaged foods, as well as frozen meat each week as needed. Grab and Go Meal Boxes are also available at the Food Pantry. Covid-19 Care Bags are also available with masks, hand sanitizer, and information on vaccinations.
COVID-19 Response: We ask that our customers form a vehicle line that begins at our entrance at 364 Cobalt Lane and runs eastward to First Street. Our staff will provide instruction regarding entrance to the parking lot, hands-free intake, and food loading while customers remain in their vehicle. We will be wearing face masks or shields and sanitizing our hands frequently.
Cottage Grove Community Sharing Holiday Food Box
Phone: (541) 942-2176
Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove
Office Hours: Mondays 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Food-Box Distribution Hours: December 20th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Applications Available: Nov 1st – Nov 24th. Applications are required for the annual Holiday Food Box and Tree of Joy programs. Proof of income will be needed! Pay stubs or award letters for social security will be accepted. A self-attestation paper can be provided to those with no income. Delivery of food boxes will be available as well. Applications are available online, by calling 541-942-2176, or filled out in person at the location listed above.
Junction City Local Aid
Phone: (541) 998-3992
Location: 210 E 6th Avenue, Junction City
Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursdays 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., and last Saturday of each month 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
COVID-19 Response: We offer hand sanitizer for our guests to use. Our staff and volunteers follow food handling best practices, including frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Maintaining a safe environment in our pantry is of the utmost importance. This is why we must ask all clients who are ill to please stay home (even if they don’t have COVID-19). Folks can arrange in advance for an authorized representative to pick up their monthly or weekly food items for them. Just give us a call and we can help you make the necessary arrangements.
St. Matthews Episcopal Church – Food Distribution
Phone: (541) 689-4010
Location: 4110 River Rd, Eugene
Food Pantry Hours: November 20th and December 18th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Starting in January, they will resume with the last Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
In response to COVID-19: Everyone must maintain 6-feet of distance from each other. PRAY BiG Pantry is now operating a shopping style pantry. Masks are required. Physical distancing strictly enforced. Sorry-no use of the restroom.
Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
Food Box: Love Project Food Pantry takes applications for a Drive Through/No Contact distribution of food boxes. More details on the location and time of distribution are available on the applications.
Applications: Available December 1st. Pick-up at Rays Food Place or Banner Bank (same parking lot) 25013 OR-126, Veneta, 97487
Food Box Pick Up Date: December 18th

Holiday Meal Sites

Junction City Moose Lodge #2238
Phone: (541) 998-1164
Location: 427 Front St., Junction City
The Lodge is partnering with other local organizations for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner and other holiday activities. Call 541-998-1164 for information or visit their Facebook page for updates.
Veneta/Elmira Kiwanis Holiday Food Box and To-Go Meals
Phone: (541) 935-4555 Ext. 100
Location and Hours: To-Go Meals will be provided at the Fern Ridge Service Center at 25035 West Broadway, Veneta on Wednesday, November 24th between 2:00 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Holiday Gift Programs

1. S.A.N.T.A. Project (Sharing Among Neighbors Toy Appeal)

Phone: (541) 935-3282

Location: Veneta Elementary Gymnasium, 88131 Territorial Hwy, Veneta

No application is required. Participants must live in the Fern Ridge Area and proof of child’s age is required.Call for more details or visit their Facebook group for information on eligibility and requirements:

Distribution Time: Saturday December 11th at 9:00 a.m.

2. Cottage Grove Tree of Joy

Phone: (541) 942-2176

Location: 1440 Birch Ave., Cottage Grove

Starting November 1st – 24th, applications will be taken for the annual Tree of Joy program. Applications for Tree of Joy are in-person paper only at our office.

3. Toys for Tots

Want to volunteer? Please register on the website or contact us at EugeneT4T@usmc.mil.

Requirements: Toys for children up to age 13. Requirements: Proof of Lane County residency, proof that the child lives with you, and proof of child’s age is needed. We strongly suggest you do not bring children with you. Tickets are issued to minimize the wait time but are not required to receive toys on the dates of the distribution.

Acceptable Documents:For Parents: Local photo ID or photo ID with local mail (to show Lane County residency)

For Children: The first sheet of a medical card showing both the parent’s and child’s names, IRS tax forms, Renter’s Agreements, ODHS paperwork that includes both the parents and child’s name(s), any other legal document that includes the names of the parent(s) and the child’s name(s) and date of birth(s).

Eugene/Springfield

Tickets Distribution Site: 2525 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Eugene from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 17thToy Distribution Site: 3106 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, OR

Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th
- Toy Distribution from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Oakridge

Toy Distribution Site: Oakridge Fire Station, 47592 OR-58, Oakridge

Tickets will be issued at the distribution site until December 10th.
- Toy Distribution from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th

Cottage Grove

Toy Distribution Site: Cottage Grove Fire Station, 233 E Harrison Ave.

No tickets issued for this distribution.
- Toy Distribution from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th

Florence

Toy Distribution Site: 2625 US – 101 Florence, OR

No tickets issued for this distribution
- Toy Distribution from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4th

Please contact the organizations listed here to verify the information and obtain any updates.

This list was compiled by Community Partnership Coordinators: Maritza Herrera maritza.y.herrera@dhsoha.state.or.us and Tricia Merrick TRICIA.L.MERRICK@dhsoha.state.or.us. Updates? Please contact them at their email addresses.(Revised 11/21)

Guest Blog: Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season

Posted on November 20, 2021 - 12:48 am by Early Childhood Hub

Parent and child laughing together while rolling out holiday cookie dough

This was adapted from a Parent Chat presented by Krista Jo Swanson and Cathy Hyslop, Early Childhood CARES Behavior/Autism Consultants. A recording is available at this link https://uoregon.zoom.us/rec/share/uilhk2lh1ElWe_caNbp9Uu2PUD9jQ8cRvltMzLKek6jmAAUDTBaLOW2jwyTfE8MY.mS4zhDV2BykA5XSo , enter passcode Zr9v$#0f when prompted.

Holidays can be stressful for adults and children. Changes in routines, sensory overload, managing expectations (others’ or our own), and traveling can all contribute to holiday stress. Experts from Early Childhood CARES share tips on ways to manage your child’s (and your own) stress during the holiday season.

Routines

Young children usually need consistent routines and often the holidays bring anything but that! Think about your current routines. How do they change during the holidays? As much as possible, maintain your regular, daily routines like bedtime, playtime, and mealtime, so your child has some consistency, even when traveling. If routines will be disrupted, identify them early. Consider practicing flexibility at home before the changes occur. You can do that by making small changes in your current routine to see how your child responds. If it’s difficult, do it more often in very small steps.

Sensory Overload

Sensory input is something that impacts our senses, like lights, movement or noises. One input on its own may not be too much, but as we spend more time around sounds, lights, or hubbub, they can stack up and become overwhelming. This is sensory overload. Get to know your child’s sensory responses. Tune in to how your child responds to sensory inputs throughout their day. Then practice sensory calming activities before you go on outings. Bring along tools for helping your child meet their sensory needs like head phones, blankets, chewies, favorite toys, or bubbles.

Family Expectations

Share your needs with family and friends who are visiting. Before a visit, let guests know when they can arrive and when you need them to leave. Share your child’s sensory needs, and let people know if/when they need to keep the noise level down.Ask for help with cooking or have a potluck instead of making everything yourself. Reduce meal time stress and clean-up by serving food in ready-to-store containers or using disposable plates and silverware. If you like setting a fancy table, ask your guests for help cleaning up and washing dishes.

Expectations for yourself

Remember that your child is likely to pick up on your mood. If you are stressed because company’s coming or you haven’t finished shopping, your child may react strongly, which only adds to your stress.

If money or gift-giving expectations cause stress, think about other ways to celebrate by creating new family traditions, such as:

Bake holiday cookies together. Let your child do the mixing or pour on the sprinkles.
Take winter walks, a holiday bus tour or a drive to look at the lights and decorations.
Have special toys, music, and books that you bring out just during the holidays.
Share stories and photos of favorite holidays from past years.

Travel and staying over

If possible, spread out holiday visits instead of having one giant get-together. Talk with friends and family ahead of time to let them know what your child needs to have a good visit. Ask the host family to have a room or space for your child to take a break, if they need one. When you arrive, visit that space first and help your child get settled. Let your family know doing this step first will help you make the most of your visit. Taking frequent outdoor breaks can also help, if weather allows.

Your Home and Decorations

From adding decorations to moving furniture to make room for guests, these changes can also cause stress for children. Think about what’s really important for you, and what you can let go.

If decorations are important to you but cause stress:

Decorate with child-friendly items like soft toys and pillows.
Use pipe cleaners to hang ornaments on trees.
Let your child remove child-friendly decorations from the tree (or other display) whenever they want. Keep a container nearby to put them in.
Keep fancier decorations high up and out of reach, or don’t use them (for now) to eliminate any temptation to climb.
Give your child their own decorations that they can play with.
Don’t make any changes at all! If having to put up/take down/deal with decorations causes too much stress, it’s ok to skip it this year.

Final Thoughts

It’s OK if things don’t go as planned.

Take a break/nap with your child if you need one.

Don’t try to keep up with friends or family that make all their gifts from scratch and seem to do everything perfectly. Your life if not theirs.

Celebrate what you can do.

Make arrangements to have a break from parenting and practice self-care, at the holidays and year-round!

Don’t overload yourself with your own expectations and commitments. Find time to enjoy yourself and family – no matter what happens.

Early Childhood CARES provides early intervention and early childhood special education to infants, toddlers and preschool age children in Lane County. All services are free of charge to eligible children. Visit https://earlychildhoodcares.uoregon.edu/ to learn more.

Understanding Your Child’s After-School Meltdown

Posted on November 4, 2021 - 11:22 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Big transitions and new routines, like starting school, take a lot—physically and emotionally—out of kids. During this transitional stage of either starting school for the first time or returning from a long period away from the classroom, your child might feel extra tired and emotional—especially after school. This is sometimes known as the “after-school meltdown.”

While many children get used to the new routine after a few weeks, you can still support your child and build your relationship with them now as they adjust to this transition.

What causes after-school meltdowns?

Preschoolers and young children are still learning to manage their “big” feelings, both at home and in school. There are a number of reasons your child might feel extra emotional after school:

Your child is still adjusting to being away from you during the day. They may be experiencing homesickness, a longing for familiar environments, and predictable interactions. Making friends takes time and energy. Learning the give and take of interacting with peers is a skill they are still learning.

Your child is overtired from the busy day, or is adjusting to a new nap (or lack thereof) schedule.

Your child really needs to move their body after sitting in the classroom most of the day. Sometimes this energy comes out in a meltdown.

School is packed with physical and mental activities, and children have little autonomy over what or when they do them.

Just moving from one activity to another is hard for many children, especially if they are really enjoying what they are doing. They may be learning that they finish sooner than their classmates and need to wait patiently, or that they typically don’t finish what they are working on before being asked to move to the next activity. These are skills that take time and focus to learn.

Being expected to wait turns and share with fellow classmates. Especially if they are your first or only child, they are used to having more control and choice about what and how long they do an activity.

Being told “No” by teachers. Ideally, teachers explain why they are limiting an activity, but remember teachers are managing many active children at the same time and may not have focus to do so every time. This may feel abrupt or slighting to your child, so this adds another feeling to process from their day.

They are getting used to a new adult in authority who may communicate in a slightly different way from you. They are learning a new set of expectations and rules.

Not knowing how to ask for the things they need while at school. They are still learning to recognize what they need, put it into words, and be brave or assertive to ask in a way that is likely to result in success. They may need to wait to get what they need when they are not used to waiting.

Feeling extra hungry or tired at school. Remember, school is structured for the average child. Your child may be used to snacking when they want or zoning out with a book or screen when they are tired.

Addressing meltdowns when they happen

The goal is to get your child into a calm state of mind, while also allowing them to express their feelings.

Find a comfortable spot to sit with your child.

Offer hugs, back rubs, hold hands—whatever touch is most comforting for your child.

Acknowledge your child’s feelings: “It must be frustrating to wait to play. Let’s calm our feelings and think of a solution together.”

A breathing exercise may help: breathe in as if smelling a flower, breath out as if blowing out a candle.

Ask your child if they would like to read a book, sing a song, or draw a picture together as a way of calming down.

Offer lots of specific praise to your child. “You must be so proud of yourself for all the new things you are doing like…(list)”

If your child needs to eat or rest, you can give choices that keep you next to them. “Let’s get some lunch and then sit down together. Would you like to put the peanut butter or the jelly on your bread? Do you want milk or water with your lunch?” If they need to move their body, offer a game of catch or kick a ball back and forth. A walk in nature will calm and refresh both of you.

Once you recognize that your child is sensitive to after-school meltdowns, there are strategies you can use to help minimize them, including packing extra snacks for school and after-school; setting an early bedtime that includes a routine that emphasizes connection, such as stories, cuddles and music; offering a calm environment at home.

More time together

If your child is experiencing after-school meltdowns, it may just be that your child needs more quality time together with you when they get home. Carve out time each day to pay special one-on-one attention to your child. Adjusting to a new routine and school takes time. But knowing that you are waiting for them at the end of the school day with a big smile and open arms, goes a long way in making your child feel safe, secure, and loved.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Pediatricians: Your partner in your child’s good health!

Posted on October 15, 2021 - 12:02 am by Early Childhood Hub

Editor’s note: From time to time we like to feature guest blogs written by local parents and community partners. This blog was written by Mark Buchholz, MD, FAAP, a Pediatrician and Associate Medical Director at PacificSource Community Solutions. Mark is also a father of three (pictured above), and loves watching their volleyball games.

Being a parent is amazing, and it can also be difficult. When it comes to your child’s health, there are websites, books, well-meaning friends and family, social media, and so much more to guide you, and, at times, confuse you. One of your biggest cheerleaders and friends in supporting your child is their Pediatrician. We are here to help you and understand the challenges we are all facing.The daily challenges of the last year and a half have made it hard for many of us to make time for the things that don’t seem urgent, like taking your child to see their doctor, unless they were sick. Or maybe you’ve thought that doctors are so busy with COVID-19 that it would be better to skip your annual well-child visit. Whatever the reason, I want to let you know that we, your Pediatricians, really want to see your child, especially for a well-child visit.Well-child visits give us the chance to create a positive relationship with your kiddo. They will see and feel that they are being cared for when they are well, not just during what may be a scary visit when they aren’t feeling well. Seeing your child, and you, during a well-child visit gives us the chance to support you as a parent in keeping track of how your child is growing and hitting important developmental milestones. In the well-child visit, we can talk about how to keep your child safe as they grow and develop. We can keep your child on track for important childhood immunizations that protect them and others.Depending on the age of your child, the Pediatrician will talk with you during the well-child visit and screen your child for any concerns related to:

Vision
Hearing
Spinal health
Social interaction
Home safety
Physical activity
Nutrition

Visiting with a child when they are well also helps us examine the whole child, instead of focusing on an illness. We can see more of their physical, social and emotional health. We can have fun with them, learn about what they like, and see their personality!Pediatricians see the challenges of parenting during a pandemic, and we want to help you and your children stay happy and healthy. Please take a minute to schedule your child’s well-visit today. Your friendly, family-focused Pediatrician will be happy to see your child and you!

-Mark Buchholz MD, FAAPPediatrician; Associate Medical Director-Medicaid, PacificSource Community Solutions

If you need help finding a local Pediatrician, call the number on your health insurance card and someone can help you find a provider.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

2021 Lane County Pumpkin Patch Guide

Posted on October 5, 2021 - 4:12 am by Early Childhood Hub

The changing leaves aren’t the only things reminding us that fall has arrived. Oregon is a little more on the orange side this season, as pumpkins pop up everywhere from grocery stores to road-side stands to neighborhood front porches. Although you can find great pumpkins outside of your nearest supermarket, the best way to get pumpkins with your family is picking them straight from the patch!While many farms have scaled back their usual fall fun and are implementing Covid social distancing guidelines, they still are open for business! Taking your family out to one of the local farms for a day of pumpkin picking and family bonding is a great way to get your pumpkin fix for the season while enjoying a fun, educational day outside together.We have put together a list of Lane County farms – where your family can go to get a fresh taste of farm life and welcome the fall season!

A&M Family Farms

October Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm Thursday – SundayFamily Fun: Pumpkin patch, farm stand with meat and produce, incredible cinnamon rolls and baked goods, snack shack, photo ops, goats to feed, self guided farm tour.Location: 84735 Parkway Road, Pleasant Hill, 97455Contact: (541)214-9127, www.amfamfarms.com; facebook.com/amfamfarms

Bush’s Fern View Farms

October Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm daily

Family Fun: October finds our farm busy with our u-pick pumpkin patch and hay maze.

Location: 90536 Territorial Hwy, Junction City, 97448

Contact: (541) 935-6362, facebook.com/BushsFernViewFarms

Detering Orchards

October Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm* daily

*U-Pick closes one hour earlier

Family Fun: Pre-picked and u-pick pumpkin patch. Every weekend of the month enjoy Tractor Rides, Cow Train Rides, Apple Blaster, Treasure Mining, Mechanical Bull, Corn Maze, Animal Corral, and Playground!

Special Events: Apple Daze – Detering Orchards’ fall harvest celebration, every weekend in October!

Location: 30946 Wyatt Drive, Harrisburg, 97446

Contact: 541-995-6341, deteringorchards.com and facebook.com/DeteringOrchards

Groundwork Organics

October Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday – Sunday

Family Fun: Pre-picked pumpkins.

Location: 91360 River Road, Junction City, 97448

Contact: (541) 654-4941, groundworkorganics.com

Harry’s Berries and Pumpkin Patch

October Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm Thursday – SaturdayLocation: 90876 Coburg Rd, Eugene, 97408Contact: (541) 799-6468, facebook.com/HarrysBerriesandPumpkinPatch

Hentze Family Farm

October Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm Friday – Sunday

Family Fun: U-pick pumpkin patch opens later in October (either the weekend of the 9th or 16th, call to confirm). Picked pumpkins for sale.

Special Events: Octoberfest Weekend happens October 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th. Tractor-drawn hay wagon rides and hay maze.

Location: 30045 Hentze Lane, Junction City, 97448

Contact: 541-998-8944, hentzefamilyfarm.com, facebook.com/hentzefamilyfarm

Herrick Farms

October Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily

Family Fun: Pumpkins for sale. Pumpkin patch rides on weekends, starting October 9th for $1 per person.

Location: 88088 Millican Rd, Springfield, 97478

Contact: (541) 741-1046, facebook.com/Herrick-Farms

Hollyaire Farms

October Hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm Friday – SundayFamily Fun: Pumpkin patch and produce for sale.Location: 30747 Lone Pine Dr, Junction City, 97448Contact: (541) 972-2264, facebook.com/Hollyaire-Farm-264962137504056/

Johnson Family Farms

October Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm* Monday – Saturday

11:00am – 4:00pm* Sunday

*U-Pick closes one hour earlier

Family Fun: In October Walt’s Wild Wagon Ride runs throughout the week (from 10am-5pm) where you can throw pumpkins at scarecrows and targets ($8/person). Free indoor hay maze. Pumpkins for purchase.

Location: 89733 Armitage Rd, Eugene, 97408

Contact: 541-343-9594, johnsonfarmseugene.com, facebook.com/JohnsonFarmsEugene

Mahaffy Ranch

October Hours: 12-6 Monday-Thursday10-6 Friday-SundaySpecial Events: 2021 Harvest Festival includes U-Pick Pumpkin Patches, River view Hay Ride, Corn Cannon, Corn Maze, Covered Maze, Farm Animals, Cider Barn, Snack Shack and more!Cost: See ticket page for activity pricing, and food page for food pricing. Pumpkin Patches, Harvest Market, Cider Barn and Snack Shack do not require tickets for entry.Location: 10362 Hwy 241, Coos Bay, OR 97420Contact: (541) 269-3900; www.mahaffyranch.com; www.facebook.com/mahaffyranch

My Brothers’ Farm

October Hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm Saturdays10:00am – 2:00pm Sunday October 17 and 24Special Events: Fall Festival Sunday October 17 and 24. Easy walk on a gravel road, members of the My Brothers’ Farm team will be there to greet you. Throw apples to the pigs, view the bison, stop by the pumpkin patch and take home a pumpkin! The farm-stand will be open for purchases. Looking forward to seeing you!Location: 84674 Cloverdale Rd, Creswell, 97426Contact: (541) 632-3071, www.mybrothersfarm.com; www.facebook.com/mybrothersfarm

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm

October Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm daily

Family Fun: Autumn Harvest Days Oct. 1 –Oct 31! Family friendly corn maze (reserve tickets ahead of time here). Shop our farm store for gifts and unique decorating items. Visit the Witch’s Brew for a hauntingly good drink. Local vendors with food, fresh local produce, and flowers. U-pick pumpkin patch.Cost: Corn Maze – Adults (13+) $10.00, Children (4-12) $7.50, Ages 3 and under are FREE. Purchase tickets here.

Location: 36777 Wheeler Road, Pleasant Hill, 97455

Contact: 541-746-5161, northernlightschristmastreefarm.com; facebook.com/northernlightschristmastreefarm/

Shady Oaks Plants and Produce

October Hours: 10:00am – 5:30pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays)

Family Fun: Pumpkins, hay maze and farm animals. U-pick pumpkin patch opens later in October (call farm for current information).

Location: 77380 Highway 99, Cottage Grove, 97424

Contact: (541) 942-5004, facebook.com/ShadyOaksPlantsandProduce, my-site-shadyoaks.square.site

Thistledown Farm

October Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm daily

Family Fun: Lane County’s largest pumpkin patch! The walk-up patch is open every day of the week. Horse-drawn ride to another patch available on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4:30pm).

Cost: Horse-drawn ride: $4.50 per person.

Location: 91455 River Road Junction City, 97448

Contact: 541-689-2019, thistledownfarm.net; facebook.com/thistledownfarmOregon

No matter which pumpkin patch you decide to explore with your family this year, you are sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience with your little ones. These local farms are a great place to teach your children about the exciting harvest season and to let them help you pick some fresh produce for the family to enjoy later. So pull on your favorite fall sweater and get outdoors with your family for an unforgettable day of fun at the farm this month!

Before you go call or check their website to confirm their hours and to find out what produce is available for u-pick. Check the LaneKids Activity Calendar for special events at the farm. Keep in mind it might be crowded on weekends and during special events.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that when visiting pumpkin patches or orchards, people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking fruit, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing

Supporting Your Child’s Re-Entry To School

Posted on September 25, 2021 - 1:00 am by Early Childhood Hub

Parent kneeling to hug a child goodbye outside a school entrance

After a fun-filled summer, Lane County children are going back to school in early September. For some, it’s their first time away from home. Whether your child is entering kindergarten for the first time or going into elementary school, children of all ages are likely to experience separation anxiety from their caregivers as they transition into a new routine. Children also may be anxious about meeting new friends, adjusting to a new teacher, and in general getting used to their new routine. Going from being home all summer to returning to or starting school takes lots of energy, physically and emotionally.

As a parent, although you are probably looking forward to a few hours without your children, you also might have your own separation anxiety. It will be an adjustment for you to have your children away from you during the day. But there are some beneficial things you can do to help smooth the transition for both of you.

Preventing Separation Anxiety

Prep your child ahead of time

Don’t wait until Monday morning to spring on your kindergartener that it’s a “school day!” Talk about it with your child ahead of time when the opportunity presents itself. A child’s anxiety can be reduced by knowing what to expect.

Have your child pick out their “school clothes for tomorrow”

Pick out after-school snacks with you at the grocery store

Remind your child that they need to “go to bed early because tomorrow is a school day”

Talk about what is coming up in the week: any special plans or activities?

If your child is a visual learner, consider having a calendar that shows which days are school days and which are no-school days. Use a magnet, sticker, or item of your child’s choice to move along the days of the week.

Keep mornings smooth and unrushed

Feeling rushed can kick anyone’s anxiety into high gear. But children especially can feel overwhelmed when we rush them out the door in the morning. When possible, try to keep your morning routines smooth and unrushed so your child can feel calm as they head off to school. Doing some of these things the night before can help mornings feel less chaotic:

Lay out your child’s clothes for the morning

Prep breakfast the night before, i.e. pour the cereal in the bowl and set it at the table

Put backpacks, jackets, and shoes by the door

Sign any papers that need to go back to the school and place them in your child’s backpack

Have a specific place to put things that need to go out the door in the morning

Pack your child’s lunchbox with just the dry goods, or put it in the refrigerator to be ready to grab in the morning

Keep school drop-off simple

It can be hard to leave your child at school when they are upset and clinging to you, but a loving, simple “hug and goodbye” allows your child, with the help of their teacher, to find what helps calm them. When it is time to leave, remind your child where you are going and when you will return. You are helping your child build resilience by giving them the opportunity to work through hard feelings and then come out okay. At the end of the day let them know how proud they can be of themselves for adjusting so well to being at their new school.

Try to link the time of your return with something your child will understand — “Lamar, I will pick you up from school after your class has finished story time.”

Spend quality time together

During the next few weeks as your child adjusts to being at school, he may need extra support and attention from you at home. Make time after school or when you return to home to check in with your child about their day; talk about what went well or what was fun at school; and find a special activity you can do together like read some books, make an after-school snack, go to the park. They may need some time to release some of their energy physically at the end of the day, so tossing the ball around or playing tag may be in order. By spending fun time together, you are reinforcing the bond you have together, building your positive relationship. A little one-on-one time with you will go a long way in helping your child feel safe and connected even when they are away from you at school.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

Bending The Truth: Why Kids Lie and How to Respond

Posted on September 13, 2021 - 11:50 pm by Early Childhood Hub

Children, of all ages, lie for a variety of reasons. In fact, it is so common that a study from the University of Waterloo found that 96 percent of young children lie at some point. Children are trying to figure out how to act in the world, the difference between real and pretend, and how to deal with conflict. Their developmental stage plays a role in how and why children lie, and being aware of this can help us, as adults, respond to lies in a calm, understanding way.ToddlersUntil about three years old, toddlers who lie are generally:

Engaged in fantasy play

denying misbehavior that they think will “magically” go away if they lie about doing it

Making an honest mistake about what’s happening

Are worried about upsetting or disappointing a parent

Are starting to realize you don’t know everything, and that gives them some wiggle room for the truth

Really don’t remember the whole story (selective recall)

Pre-SchoolPreschoolers know the difference between truths and lies, but wanting to please their caregivers sometimes trumps telling the truth.

Young children are figuring out the difference between real and pretend. Sometimes, we encourage “pretend” like when we talk about the tooth fairy. While encouraging imagination is important, your child may sometimes get confused about what is real and not.

They may want to make the story more exciting – their imagination is working overtime

They may wish they hadn’t done what they did, so they say they didn’t do it (impulse control)

Elementary and middle schoolAs kids get older, their understanding of lying gets clearer but the reasons behind lying become more complex. Older children are also capable of coming up with more advanced lies—and sound sincere when telling it. They may rehearse it in their head enough that they are starting to really believe it. They have more words and are starting to understand how others think.

Embarrassment or fear of mistakes
- Your child may not know how to handle making a mistake and lie to cover it up. They may fear getting in trouble or don’t want to disappoint you. Sometimes they feel worried about the lie itself and create more lies.

Avoidance
- Whether it’s chores or homework, sometimes children lie to avoid something they don’t want to do.

To be “Cool”
- For many kids, making friends and fitting in is challenging. They may lie to impress other kids or fit in.
- They may tell a “white lie” to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.

For Attention
- Your child may want to seek attention with a lie or even want to see how you react. “We saw two lions in the park today” sounds more interesting that we walked by a cat on the way to the park. You might respond by saying something like, “That’s a great story! You have a good imagination.” This will encourage imagination without encouraging the lie.

Fear of Punishment
- Your child may lie if they worry the truth will bring a punishment. Children who are bullied or abused may lie for fear they will be treated worse if “they tell.”

How you can respond:

For toddlers and preschoolers, encourage imagination and help your child start to distinguish between real and pretend. For example, you and your child can pretend to be firefighters and then later go to your local fire station to meet a real firefighter.

Prompt them to tell the whole story.

Give your child positive feedback when they tell the truth. Give them opportunities to distinguish between real and not real.

Praise your child for owning up to the truth.

Create clear rules about lying and be consistent about keeping them.

Be a good role model! Be honest about your mistakes.

If your child is trying to fit in, find ways to raise their self-esteem. Help them come up with concrete things they can do about the situation.

Give unconditional love. Let your child know that even when they make mistakes, you still love them.

Emphasize the importance of honesty in your family.

There is a balance between feeling bad, guilty, or shameful about being caught in a lie and then moving to take responsibility to fix it. When a child tells an untruth for whatever reason, call attention to it in a matter-of-fact way and give the child the opportunity to tell the truth.