Healthy Families/DHD#10

10/08/2025

💖

Thanks, Curejoy Kids

10/08/2025

Please share your story about your experience with GSC and/or your home visitor!

We need families to share their stories!! Please take a moment and support us by sharing your stories for lawmakers to hear!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQEZvHYDPTbnEGZH53c68BWxlY91dGfWqbkRmYanPYIfcQSw/viewform?fbclid=IwVERFWANSVhhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtuHRTbEll7qvWoWqrw5-s9fHpADx91n8Fi2Sy6xZEFf4wAB8JuOACsnv9b__aem_n1xGtazTqLP1FbcpR2gUEA

09/23/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16csrRVyhj/

09/23/2025

09/22/2025

Nurturing Communication Skills for Young Children Including Those with Autism

“In the same way that a child can’t run without first learning to sit up, stand, and take their first steps, there’s a predictable sequence that has to happen before social communication skills like language can develop,” explains Dr. Cynthia Martin at the Child Mind Institute. She calls these early social building blocks “precursors to talk.” These skills are essential for communication and for many kinds of interaction and engagement as children grow. This article thoughtfully lays out ways in which families and professionals can build these foundational skills, with emphasis on what that process might look like for young children on the autism spectrum.

Learn more here:
https://childmind.org/article/teaching-communication-in-kids-with-autism/

09/22/2025

Next week is all about dinosaurs! We’ll share 3 adorable dinosaur stories that will make you smile. Plus everyone will go home with 2 dinosaur surprises. Let’s read Lake City:)

09/22/2025

Instead of asking “How was your day?” try switching things up with alternative questions to spark more meaningful conversations. You might ask, “What made you laugh today?” or “What's one thing you hope happens tomorrow?” These kinds of questions invite children to reflect and share details instead of giving one-word answers. Small changes in how we ask can open big doors to connection. Try it out and see how your child responds—you might be surprised at what they share!



Source: Mind and Child

09/22/2025

Please give a warm welcome to Denise, one of our amazing Home Visitors with the Healthy Families Program! She'll be taking over our Instagram Stories feed to share more about herself and all that Healthy Families America has to offer. Say hello in the comments below! If you have any questions, drop them below too!

09/15/2025

DYK that 1 in 6 Americans experience foodborne illness every year.

Follow these safety tips to keep you and your family safe during National Food Safety Education Month!

To learn more about food safety: www.fda.gov/food/resources-you-food/consumer

09/15/2025

Responding to Your Child’s Injuries with Care

When your child gets hurt, it’s natural to feel alarmed, frustrated, or even scared. But the way we respond can leave a lasting imprint on how they see themselves.

Phrases like, “I told you to be careful,” or “You’re a big kid, there’s no reason to cry,” may come from a place of concern—but they often carry an undercurrent of shame. This kind of language can make children doubt their feelings, question their abilities, or feel guilty for expressing pain or fear.

Hearing “You know better than to play on the stairs” can shape their inner voice into one that criticizes mistakes instead of encouraging learning. Over time, this can affect their confidence, risk-taking, and even willingness to share emotions openly.

Instead, try validating their experience first: “Ouch, that must have hurt! I’m here with you.” Then, guide them gently: “Let’s figure out how to stay safe next time.” This approach communicates both empathy and boundaries without shaming.

By responding with calm, reassurance, and understanding, you help your child develop healthy self-talk, resilience, and confidence. Every injury is also an opportunity to teach empathy, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.



ParentsTogether