What will I get my children this year for Valentine's Day?? 

We may not consider Valentine's Day a major holiday, but I think we all see the value in taking time to express our love and appreciation for others.

Anyone else fear they may fall short in celebrating this day with their children?  When my four children were younger I was plagued by the fear of 'mom failure' at times like this.  I would scan Pinterest to realize I wasn't artsy enough.  I looked at social media and was overwhelmed with the cost of what others were doing.  Desperation brought me to the realization that showing our children that we loved them could be both simple and inexpensive.  Some years our celebration was a trip to the Dollar Store,  pancakes with red and pink sprinkles, or a scavenger hunt that lead to a handmade card with a piece of candy taped to it.  I realized that my children weren't looking for expensive tokens of our love, but our time, words of affirmation, and hugs. 

Be released from external pressures that make you feel you aren't doing enough for your children because you can't go out to a fancy dinner or purchase a 6 foot teddy bear.  Those things pass with time,​ however,
the memory of how you made them feel will last forever.

Valentine's Day is just a few days away.  If you feel your creative juices are running low, I have a attached a link with some ideas I hope you find helpful.  In addition, we would love to hear any of your creative ideas that we can also pass along. 

https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/12-ways-make-child-feel-loved-valentines-day-every-day

And remember, this is a great time to teach your children the value of being a good friend, showing appreciation to their teachers, surprising the mailman/woman with a handmade card, or calling a grandparent just to say "I love you".  The gifts that build good character shape their little hearts and minds forever!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL OF OUR AMAZING FAMILIES!
IT IS A TRUE JOY TO DO LIFE WITH YOU. 



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​HOW DO YOUR CHILDREN SPEND THEIR TIME?
When I grew up, I played outside a lot. I had a swing set that I spent a lot of time on. I played with my cats and dogs. We had a front porch with a swing where I played with my dolls. My mom took me fishing. I played baseball with my brother. There was always something fun to do. As I became older, I rode my horse a lot. My cousins would come over and we would play board games. We also went swimming.
 
The article, Enjoying Screenless Entertainment (low-tech ways to pass time without complaints) gives suggestions for parents. (KC Parent magazine, December 2021 issue - see below)
Cari Ebert, a speech pathologist, also has a handout on ‘Establishing Healthy Screen Time Habits.’ Technology is here to stay; she encourages parents to find a balance. (cariebertseminars.com/free-downloads.html)
 
As a parent educator, with Parents as Teachers, I want you to consider having your children play with some old favorites (Hula Hoop, jump rope, Frisbee, Etch a Sketch, Mr. Potato Head, jacks, marbles, Lincoln logs, waffle blocks, wooden blocks, puzzles, and board games). Perhaps they would like to fly a kite, play Hopscotch, play Kick the Can, play ‘I Spy,’ build a fort, ride a balance bike, tricycle, or other bikes, go roller skating or ice skating, or sled down a hill. Play allows children to have fun. 

Credit to: Enjoying Screenless Entertainment, KC Parent magazine - December 2021 issues.
http://kcparent.com/kc-parent-magazine/kc-parent-magazine-december-2021/​
Also read...
cariebertseminars.com/free-downloads.html

As I begin to change gears from focusing on all the end of the year festivities to focusing on the year ahead, I have learned there is great knowledge in looking back and remembering the previous year.  Its my way of saying goodbye 2021 while still embracing memories and lessons learned.  

Before turning the page to 2022 lets take a minute to take stock of what challenges we faced this year.  What did they teach us about ourselves, our loved ones, our community?  How can these lessons help us as we move forward?  Let's reflect on which ideas, habits, and relationships held us back this year.  How can we lesson their presence in our daily lives, or let them go completely.  In addition, what ideas lessons,  and relationships moved us forward, giving us a better view of life and ourselves?  How do we increase their presence in our lives or make changes to keep moving in this positive direction? (actually take a minute to think on this)

Now let's look ahead to 2022!  Like of many others I look for a theme to claim for the upcoming year.  "It's all ln new 2022!" or "Be a better you in 2022!"  Would love to know your thoughts.

I think  most of us tend to create a list of New Years Resolutions.  To be completely honest, I succeed at some of mine and fail at others.  But I have learned over the years that it's okay!  The growth in my successes far out weights my failures.  With that in mind, it is time to start my list for 2022.

Go ahead...jot down some goals for the year ahead.  This doesn't have to be complicated.  There are plenty of resolutions that seem super small but can have a big impact on your life.

When it comes to setting goals there are a some key strategies that can be helpful. first, Identify your goal. Second, break it down into the exact steps you are going to take in order to achieve that goal. Next, plan for what speed bumps you will encounter. For example, if your New Years Resolution is to start exercising in the mornings, identify what usually prevents this from happening.  (getting children ready for school, bad weather, etc)  Now decide what steps you can take to make this easier.  Finally, track your progress, stay organized, and celebrate the wins along the way! One day of success is better than not doing it at all!I'm committed to learning from the year past, embracing grace for myself and others, and celebrating small successes in 2022.  Join me!!

There are so many wonderful resources in our Success by 6 Resource Library!  Click on the link below to discover wonderful new items for your children to enjoy in the month of December.  

DecemberSB6CheckOut

CALL TO CHECK OUT LEARNING MATERIALS
FOR YOUR CHILD/REN!

SKILLS FOR A LIFETIME!

ROSE HUERTA
816.316.5489
T-W-TH

10:00 AM- 3:00 PM 

While much of the Gratitude research is focused on adults, there are several studies that show that there is a direct link between gratitude and happiness in children by the time they are 5 years old.  Encouraging your little ones to say "Thank You" is a great place to start in the teaching and catching of gratitude, but TRUE GRATITUDE is actually much  more involved than just good manners.  According to researchers from UNC (University of North Carolina), gratitude consists of 4 parts.  

1. ​The act of Noticing the gifts/privileges that you have
2.  The act of Thinking about why/how you have received them
3. The act of reflecting on how you are Feeling about having those gifts/privileges.
4. Taking action and Doing something to show appreciation 

Visit this RESOURCE to discover questions you could be asking your children in order to help them develop a deeper sense of gratitude.  

The Children’s Mercy Hospital is working with our community partners to address needless injuries and violence taking place in the greater Kansas City area. Did you know that every day 20 children needlessly die from preventable injuries – and their deaths make up more deaths than all other diseases combined? Their family members are also dying and being hospitalized.
Across the country, some of the nation’s leading injury and violence prevention organizations will come together to raise awareness about the burden of injury and violence. They will join forces to push for change on the 2nd annual "National Injury Prevention Day." Please Join us at Charlie’s House to reduce the risk of firearm injury to children in and around your home.
Charlie’s House
2425 Charlotte Street
Kansas City, MO 64108Agenda
November 18, 2021

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.                                COVID-19 Pre-screening of all Participants
9:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.                   Charlie’s House Tour of Head Start Guest (reservation needed) – Tour reservations will be scheduled at 15 minute appointments

• Kansas City Mayor’s Proclamation for National Injury Prevention Day
• Missouri and Kansas Governor’s Proclamation for National Injury Prevention Day

• Pediatric Firearm Trauma in Greater KC Data – A Poster Presentation -  Kristyn Jeffries M.D.
• Stop the Bleed - Jordan Palmer & Jessica Giacone (MTS)
• Mothers in Charge - Latrice Murray & Tammy Kemp
• BE SMART for Kids - Ann Stepp, Everytown for Gun Safety
• Lock It for Love – Barb McNeil Grandparents Against Gun Violence
• Firearm Safety Storage – Charmainne Sanders, Community Interaction Officer, Kansas City Police Department
• Be ready for a unexpected injury – guests may receive a first aid kit.
• Shining a Green Light on Injury Prevention - On Thursday, November 18th, 2021, as the sun goes down across the nation, and a day of community outreach comes to a close, city landmarks will take on a new look.  Trauma Centers, businesses, bridges, government buildings and neighborhood homes will shine a green light.  Guests will have an opportunity to receive a green light bulb to help shine a green light in their neighborhood!

NIPD Partners

Be SMART – Every Town for Gun Safety
Charlie's House
Children’s Mercy Hospital
City of Kansas City Missouri
Grandparents Against Gun Violence
Johnson County KS Health Department
KCMO Health Department
KCMO Police Department
Lenita Johnson, IFCK
Mid America Head Start Association
Mid-West Trauma Society
Mothers in Charge
Nurture KC
Operation Breakthrough
Saint Luke’s Hospital
Samuel Rogers Health Center
Swope Health Services
YMCA of Greater Kansas City

For more information about Charlie's House please visit
www.charlieshouse.org
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October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. 
More than 1 out of 3 of sudden unexpected infant deaths that occur in the United States each year are from SIDS. Recent research also shows that unsafe bedding, such as soft or loose blankets in baby’s sleep area, remains a leading cause of infant death.  We dedicate October to inform you of the best sleep practices to keep your baby/child safe.


5 SIMPLE STEPS TO MAKE YOUR BABY SAFE TO SLEEP
1. PLACE YOUR BABY ON HIS OR HER BACK TO SLEEP ALONE.
2. PLACE OUR BABY IN A SAFETY-APPROVED CRIB, BASSINET, OR PROTABLE PLAY AREA WITH  A FIRM SLEEP SURFACE AND FITTED SHEET.
3. REMOVE ALL SOFT OBJECTS, TOYS, BLANKETS, BUMPER PADS AND PILLOWS FORM THE THE SLEEP AREA.
4. DRESS YOUR BABY IN A SLEEPER OR SLEEP SACKINSTEAD OF USING A BLAKET OR OTHER COVERING.
5. PUT YOUR BABY TO SLEEP ALONE IN A CRIB OR BASSINET.
BED SHARING IS DANGEROUS!

BELOW ARE SHORT VIDEO CLIPS BETTER ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF SAFE SLEEP AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE THIS FOR YOUR CHILD/REN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09kNXxYB_Ko

​(SPANISH)
​https://www.google.com/search?q=youtube+video+on+safe+sleep+for+your+baby+in+spanish&rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS917US921&ei=XJZtYdGyNcO5tQbUhpWoBQ&ved=0ahUKEwjR0OrcptTzAhXDXM0KHVRDBVUQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=youtube+video+on+safe+sleep+for+your+baby+in+spanish&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyBQghEKsCOgcIABBHELADOgUIIRCgAToICCEQFhAdEB5KBQg8EgExSgQIQRgAUIofWLo0YOg2aAFwAngAgAGJAogB8AuSAQUyLjcuMpgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz#kpvalbx=_vZZtYfqRGJv0tAaMk5GQCA16

Please contact your Parent as Teacher Educator if you would like more information, to ask questions, or request assistance in assuring your baby's environment is best practices for Safe Sleep!

Understanding Temper Tantrums

Temper tantrums can be extremely upsetting for parents to manage. It is important to remember that tantrums are a normal part of child development. The good news is that there are parenting behaviors that can help your child manage their tantrums. To learn more about how to survive tantrums gracefully, check out the article
“Top Tips For Surviving Tantrums”

https://healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/communication-discipline/Pages/Temper-Tantrums.aspx

If you have any further questions, or simply need to talk, please reach out to a
Parent as Teacher Educator at High Grove Early Childhood.  
We are here to encourage, help, educate, sympathize, and do life with you.

Let’s Play Outside!

Parents as Teachers recently hosted a fun opportunity for our families to gather at Winchester Park to play outside in the beautiful fall weather and connect with other families. It was a wonderful time to get to know each other and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine! There was lots of running, jumping, climbing, balancing, swinging, sliding, and laughing going on! We capped off the fun by enjoying some delicious popsicles together. It was a great time!
Did you know that playing outside lets your child use his/her large muscles and practice balance? It gives the brain practice putting together messages from different sources--muscles, senses, and balance. Another good thing is the stress release that comes from just being in nature. Your yard, neighborhood, playgrounds, and parks provide lots of hands-on experiences. These stimulate  your child’s senses as well as introduce them to science and math fun. Parents as Teachers would like to encourage you to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and get outside to play and enjoy nature with your child!

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