When my young kids start fighting, the first thing I do is try to stay calm. It can be incredibly frustrating to hear them bickering, but I know that if I lose my temper, it will only escalate the situation. I take a deep breath and step in between them, making sure they are both…
Spending time with your kids is of paramount importance as it cultivates strong emotional bonds, fosters trust, and builds a foundation of love and support crucial for their development. Quality time invested in activities, conversations, and shared experiences creates a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued, heard, and understood. It presents opportunities for…
Indoor activities for toddlers are essential for their development and entertainment, especially when the weather keeps them cooped up inside. Here are three engaging options for parents and caregivers to keep their little ones happily occupied: Arts and Crafts: Set up a creative station with coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, and child-safe scissors. Encourage…
Child abuse is more than just physical abuse. Child abuse is considered when an adult is threatening or violent towards a child, including neglect. When it happens in the home, this is domestic violence, typically by someone who is either the child’s parent or caretaker. Nonetheless, there are situations when children are abused by other…
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people all around the world, and it’s a concern for parents to know whether their children are safe from the virus or not. While children are less likely to get severely ill from COVID-19, they can still catch the virus and potentially spread it to others. But what…
It’s that time of year again! The trees are decorated, the lights are twinkling, and holiday music is playing everywhere you go. For many people, the holidays are a time of happiness and celebration. But for some, the holidays can be a difficult time. If your child is feeling down during this holiday season, they…
Teaching self-control when self-control does not come naturally. It takes just a few minutes to see that in a room full of small children. The good news is that self-control or self-regulation is something we can teach and help cultivate from a young age. What is self-control, and how much does it matter? There are…
When your children complain that they are bored, it can be challenging to come up with fun activities to help them break out of their funk. Whether you work from home, are a stay-at-home parent, or work outside the house, you need practical ideas to keep your kids busy, particularly during the summer months. Otherwise, they may get too much…
According to the Mental Health Foundation, mental health problems affect around one in six children. They include depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder (a type of behavioral problem) and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives. Mental health matters. Taking care of our and our children’s mental health enables everyone to…
I2D2: Connecting Iowa’s Leaders with Accurate, Comprehensive, and Meaningful Data. During the past decade, advances in information technology have ignited a revolution in decision-making, from businesses to communities to government. Previously, decisions in these areas had been heavily influenced by factors other than empirical evidence, including personal experience or observation, instinct, hype, dogma, or beliefs.…