Ring in
the New Year with the ABCs of Child Development:
Tips for boosting your child’s growth and brain development
First 5 Nevada County
The New Year is a time for renewal and an opportunity to make a fresh
start. While young children can’t set their own goals, parents and
caregivers can resolve to focus on fostering their children’s healthy
growth and development. Infants start learning and exploring from the day
they are born – and 90 percent of their brains develop in their first
five years! As your child’s first teacher, you play an important
role in helping him or her grow up to be healthy and ready to learn.
First 5 Nevada County offers a few tips to help parents and caregivers
foster healthy child development as we ring in the New Year.
Start a Conversation
Develop your infant’s language skills by talking
with him or her often. Not only is language the foundation for your child’s
thinking and communication skills, it also helps to nurture bonds of love
and trust between parent and child.
- Encourage your baby to make sounds and be sure
to respond.
- Talk, sing and rhyme to your infant – it helps him or
her learn new words.
- Read daily to your baby and repeat stories to stimulate
language and listening.
Make the Most of Teachable Moments
Whether you’re running errands
or driving to school, make the most of opportunities all day to teach toddlers
and preschoolers new lessons.
- Involve
your child in activities like shopping at the supermarket – learn
shapes when choosing fruits and vegetables in the produce section.
- Point
to signs and traffic lights to teach words and colors while you’re
driving.
- Guide your child to say “please” and “thank
you” when
asking for help at the library or checking out books.
Encourage Curiosity and Creativity
Being curious is important because it’s
how children learn new ideas. By asking questions and finding answers,
kids discover ways to solve problems and how the world works.
- Ask your toddler
questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer – this
fosters thinking and communication skills.
- Play with your child and encourage
imagination.
- Try new activities, like gardening or cooking, to stimulate
children’s
minds.
For more information about healthy child development and information
on First 5 Nevada County programs, call (530) 265-0611 x 223 or visit www.first5nevco.org.
Friendships
Formed in Early Parenting Classes Run Deep
by Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, CLE of Chamberlin Childbirth
“You all are so fantastically lucky,” our Mommie and Me instructor
spoke softly to us. She looked at us with love in her eyes as we sat with
our little ‘nurslings’ as Julie, one new mother affectionately
called our nursing babies. Our eyes were sleepily dazed and our hearts
so open to experiencing a kind of love we’d never known before.
Sitting cross legged, stretching when we weren’t attending to our
babies, we felt a special camaraderie that we didn’t know then was
just the beginning. Today, we are mothers of almost teenagers, bonded together
forever because of a special time we spent together in the beginning.
An email went around this morning announcing the birth of our Mommie and
Me instructor's second grandchild, all of us fondly remembering how our
friendships began in class. Expressions of gratitude and love for one another
and the sheer joy for our instructor flowed as we were called back to the
precious time of holding our new babies.
Now we see what our instructor saw in us so many years ago. And we love
her for giving us the gift of friendship with one another and setting a
tone for loving and seeing our babies and children in a way that nurtured
our souls. We were so lucky.
Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, CLE of Chamberlin Childbirth serves our
community with various nurturing and empowering classes and services.
For more info. visit: www.chamberlinchildbirth.com (530)
477-5442 chamberlinchildbirth@gmail.com or
on Facebook at Chamberlin Childbirth for special updates.
Caramel Corn
with Salted Peanuts
contributed by Wendy
Van Wagner
This recipe is courtesy of the Orangette
blog, it is a beautifully written
blog and always has something tasty and new to try out in your kitchen
lab! Try making it as a family and then bagging the corn up to give to
friends!
Caramel Corn with Salted Peanuts
- 1 (3½-ounce) package plain (unbuttered
natural flavor) microwave popcorn, or about 10 cups fresh popcorn popped
by any method, lightly salted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup lightly salted peanuts, roughly chopped
Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment
paper.
If using microwave popcorn, pop the popcorn according to the package instructions.
Coat a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray, and dump the popcorn
into the bowl, taking care to pick out and discard any unpopped kernels.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter,
salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Continue to simmer, whisking often, until the mixture reads 250°F on
a candy thermometer, about 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately remove the pan from
the heat, and whisk in the baking soda and vanilla. Quickly pour the hot
caramel over the popcorn. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the caramel
into the popcorn, taking care to distribute it as evenly as you can. Stir
in the peanuts, and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour, stirring and turning the popcorn with a spatula every
20 minutes. Remove from the oven, and place on a cooling rack for 20 minutes.
Gently break up the popcorn, and serve.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days (or thereabouts).
Yield: about 10 cups
As always, In the Kitchen has great cooking classes this winter, check
them out at www.wendyvanwagner.com
Separating
from Baby for the First Time Since Birth
by Gayle Peterson, LCSW, PhD
QUESTION: I am a young mother of a four-month-old girl. I have not gone
out without her since her birth because I am nursing. Family and friends
are starting to tell me that staying with her all the time is not healthy
for her or me, yet I feel no need to leave her. I will be starting university
in the fall and think I will have a hard time leaving her, but I don't
think it will be overwhelming, since I really trust the baby-sitter. Is
it really so unhealthy to be with her all day?
ANSWER: Being with your baby at this age is not only
completely natural, but definitely healthy! You are enjoying it and you
are aware that you will be separating from her in the not too distant future
in order to finish your education. This represents a natural evolution
of your mother-infant relationship. You will separate from her as is necessary
for your development, while taking care to place her with someone you trust.
There
really are no hard and fast rules about when it is healthy or unhealthy
to separate from your baby for the first time. It is all a matter of the
individual mother-child fit. There is no reason to artificially force a
separation. If you are happy to be with her, she is best off with you!
The entire first year of a child's life is a crucial period. It is during
this time that your daughter forms the foundation for establishing basic
trust. This will be the early blueprint for all other relationships. In
fact, her ability to form lasting and rewarding relationships depends on
the amount of emotional security she has established in her primary relationship
with you. The more you intuit and meet her needs now, the more secure she
will be in the future. Being with her assures the best possibility for
secure attachment. Your time with her is precious and valuable to your
bonding and future mother-daughter relationship. You acquire knowledge
about her- what she likes, dislikes, what scares her or makes her laugh!
You are sharing a very special time of bonding with your daughter at this
age. The more time you feel comfortable and happy spending with her, the
more you will get to know who this little being really is! Do not let others
interfere with your very healthy maternal instinct. Trust your feelings.
You know your baby better than anyone.
And remember that as your daughter's mother, you are someone who cares
deeply about her and is committed to her best interests. This sets you
apart from others who will care for her. It is through your watchful eye
that others are hired to caretake her because you know her needs and because
you are the one who will oversee her development for the next 18 years.
The more you can be with her now, the better! Do not feel guilty for your
attachment. Let your instincts and feelings be your guide. You are in the
best position to know what is right for your child.
Gayle Peterson, LCSW, PhD practices in Nevada City. She is a member of
BEPE (Birth and Early Parenting Educators). She can be reached for appointments
at (530) 346-2534. Visit her web site: www.MakingHealthyFamilies.com for
information and discussing this topic on Dr. Gayle’s facebook page
for empowering parents.
Mindful Parenting
Tips: Tulum’s Top Ten 2010 Resolutions
by Tulum Dothee,
Oakhaven Montessori
- Speak to your child as if he were a dear friend. Stoop down,
make eye and physical contact, speak slowly. Say it once, make it
count.
- Teach your children manners by saying it for them rather than
asking them to use the magic word. As you serve say “Thank
you Mama!”. When your child demands service say, “May
I have some juice please Papa?”
- Ask, Tell, Respond, Act:
Ask once: “Please put your activity away.” Back
off and wait. If needed:
Tell once: “This goes right here.” Hand her the
toy and pat the shelf.
Respond: “OK Mama, I’m putting it away!.” (Say
it for her.) If needed:
Act: “Let’s do it together!” Do it with joy.
(Even if she doesn’t help.)
- Listen. Do not fix or try to change feelings. Ask
questions to help the child explore her experiences and come to her own
conclusions.
- Model healthy interactions with your spouse and other adults. Speak
lovingly and respectfully.
- Children express what we repress. When your child acts
up, look inside yourself first. Clean up your act, resolve your
feelings, mend fences.
- Prep your child for the day and upcoming events. Tell him
the plan, how things will work and how we, as people, act under those
circumstances. “When
we go to the park, this is how we act...”
- Recognize that when you want to make your child do something
you are in a power struggle. Try “Oops, I’m trying
to get my way, I’m going to go do something to help myself feel
better and then come back to try again.”
- Save shouting for emergencies only.
- Set up special days. Assign each member of your family at
least one special day per week. Make it the same day each week. On
your special day, you are in charge and get to decide on everything and
settle all disputes.
EVERYONE WANTS TO BE HEARD AND FEEL SPECIAL!
Improve one area a week and before you know it your family life will be
more peaceful.
Tulum Dothee is a credentialed and certified educator and counselor,
with 30+ years experience teaching and working with families. For more
information visit her web site at www.oakhavenmontessori.com.
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Articles
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January Events
January 14
Breastfeeding Support Group
Grand Opening of the Milk and Honey Cafe!
Join us Thursday January 14th from 12:30-2:30 at In The Kitchen,
648 Zion St. Nevada City. We are a group of mothers providing support,
encouragement, resources, education and friendship for breastfeeding mothers,
babies, pregnant women and families. A lactation consultant will be present
during our weekly drop in hours. Connect with other breastfeeding moms,
learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, find encouragement, share your
joys, questions and concerns. Tea, coffee and a snack provided. Email heatherhuntdc@gmail.com or
call (530) 414-8282 for more information.
January 15-17
The 8th annual WIld & Scenic Film Festival
The 8th annual Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Nevada City promises
to be another grand celebration with film, speakers, workshops, and special events.
The 2010 festival will be featuring a "food" theme , highlighting and
celebrating the local, fresh, wild, and organic movements, while at the same
time celebrating the efforts of Nevada County's local growers and producers. Tickets
and schedules available on-line at: wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
January 23
Snow Carnival
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, 10:30 am.Come participate in a day of events
for kids, match time race, a sled pull, bounce house, ice cream and more.
Phone: (530) 587-9444
skitahoedonner.com
January 24
Skiing for Schools
Discount Lift Tickets for Boreal Mountain Resort, $25 lift tickets available
the week prior at Porter's Sports
exined.org
February
Events
February 5
Soul Street Dance Company
North Tahoe High School Theater, 6:00 pm, youthful, masculine, high-energy breakin',
poppin' n' lockin, Brazilian copoeira - eclectic hip-hop moves and music for
all ages.
artsfortheschools.org
February 6
Peace. Love. Swap. Kid's Swap
The peace. love. swap. mission is to keep gently used baby, kid, and maternity
items out of our landfills, and to donate to local charities by hosting
fun, affordable, family friendly swaps where moms and dads can exchange
their unwanted and/or outgrown items with other local parents.How do the
swaps work? Clean out your kids' closets, and bring all your gently used
stuff that you want to get rid of! Bring as much or as little as you want
(ages 0-14) & maternity~ and
take what you want~ as much or as little as you want. Time: 8:30 - 11:30
a.m. at Gold Country Gymnastics.
Phone: 913-6848
February
6
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Held at the Doris Foley Historical Library,
211 N. Pine Street, Nevada City. Most books cost between 25¢ and $3.00,
You'll find a great selection of children's
paperback and hardback books. 9 am to 3 pm. Phone: 265-7050
friendsofthenevadacountylibraries.org
February
12
The Emerald Ball
The Center for the Arts and PAG present
Valentines Weekend In OZ. The Emerald Ball. 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
$20 Adults, $8 Children 12 and under. Come in costume and get $2 off.
A fundraiser for the Center and PAG
thecenterforthearts.org
Ongoing Events
Baby & Me
Join in for songs, playtime, and discussion while getting to know other parents
and babies. Join an existing group now. Birth to 12 months. Weekday mornings
at the Grass Valley Methodist Church in downtown Grass Valley. FREE to first-time
participants, sliding scale fee up to $50 for 10 sessions for subsequent groups.
Phone: Meg 913-2745
e-mail: meg@first5nevco.org
first5nevco.org/programs.cfm
Toddler & Me
Join in for songs and playtime in a preschool setting while getting to
know other parents and toddlers. We are creating new groups now for children
12 to 36 months. Monday mornings at the T.K. McAteer Family Resource
Center in Nevada City. FREE to first-time participants, sliding scale
fee up to $50 for 10 sessions for subsequent groups.
Phone: Samie 265-0611 x223
e-mail: samie@first5nevco.org
first5nevco.org/programs.cfm
Early Pregnancy Consultation
Mention the First 5 Newsletter to receive 50% off. Now only $27.50. For
women in their first or second trimester. Consultations scheduled regularly.
Call to schedule: 477-5442
chamberlinchildbirth.com
Hope in Nevada County Food Distribution
A food distribution will be held at the Grass Valley Elks Lodge the 2nd
Monday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We focus on families with
young children, seniors and the disabled but we don't turn any one in need
of assistance with food away. All we require is that you sign in and take
only what you can use. We offer a wide variety of foods and have offered
such items as fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken, breads, canned goods
and staples.
Phone: 263-4753
P.L.A.Y. Groups (Parenting, Learning, Activities, Year-Round)
You can participate by dropping in any time. Just take a child development activity sheet and enjoy fun activities with your child. Sierra Nevada Children's Services. For more information contact Cindy at: 272-8866 x 203
Family Music with Todd
Wees - Truckee
Children birth to 4 and their parents enjoy this freewheeling sing and
dance-along with local musician, songwriter and singer, Todd Wees. Classes
offered on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. See him in action at http://www.toddwees.com/
Toddler Gym Time - Truckee
Toddlers, 1-3 years old, and their parents enjoy free play in the big gym
with an array of exciting developmental equipment. Have fun,
meet new friends and build new skills. Ongoing classes follow the school
schedule. Wednesdays, 10-Noon. Call 587-2513 Ext 110 or email ruth@truckeefrc.org for information.
“Baby and Me” - Truckee
These popular classes provide education, support, informal discussion and
interactive fun for parents and non-ambulatory infants, 3 months to 1
year old. The series of 7 classes is $84.00. Call 587-2513 Ext 110 or
email ruth@truckeefrc.org for information.
"Loving Solutions" -
Truckee
For parents of children ages five to ten years. This 7-week series will
provide education and tips to help parents build their skills through
easy techniques. Parents will gain practical and emotional support from
a trained facilitator and fellow parents and they will be able to start
using tools at home after the first session! See flyer and class description.
Series begins Thursday, January 21, evenings 5:30-7:30. Child care is
available. $125 per family, workbook and materials included.
Looking for
Child Care?
Sierra Nevada Children's Services is our local child care resource
and
referral agency. When you go in to meet with a family support specialist,
you can ask to look through the child care referral binder, which profiles
many family and
center-based child care facilities in our community and lets you compare the early
childhood education backgrounds of the providers, hours of operation, rates,
and much more. Whether you are seeking subsidized care or just looking
for
a good match for childcare, this binder is a great new resource. SNCS is located
at 256 Buena Vista Street in Grass
Valley, and can be reached at (530) 272-8866 or sncs.org.
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