Healthy Families/DHD#10

03/03/2026

Discover gentle ways to soothe a little one and deepen connections. Join experienced therapist Kaitlyn Verbanic of NurturedMi at the Great Lakes Children's Museum for a hands-on infant massage class.

Learn techniques to ease digestive issues, soothe growing pains, and promote healthy development. This session is hosted by Neighborhood Network partner Great Lakes Children's Museum.

Event Details:
When: Saturday, March 7 | 10 AM – 12 PM

Where: The Curiosity Place (Inside Grand Traverse Mall)

Who: Expecting parents and those with young infants.

Cost: Free for Museum members; free with admission for the public.

Space is limited to 10 adults. Advance registration is required—save a spot today!



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03/03/2026

Relationship, language and trust , all being taught while being held in loving arms. For a moment, all is right with the world.

Serve and return perfection! 🎾 If you want to light up your baby’s developing brain, think like a tennis star - and volley back and forth. Start by getting up close, face to face. Repeat their vocalizations. Mimic facial expressions. And importantly, allow for wait time. This “tennis pro” d...

02/25/2026

Emotions Need Connection, Not Correction

A child sits on the floor crying after being told it’s time to leave the playground.

The first instinct might be to correct the behavior, reminding them of the rules or rushing them along.

But beneath the tears is disappointment, not defiance.

Instead of correcting, the caregiver sits beside them and says, “You really wanted more time to play.”

The child’s sobs soften as they feel seen and understood.

A hand on the back and a calm presence help their nervous system settle.

Only after the child feels connected can they hear what comes next.

“Let’s take one last deep breath together, then we’ll go,” the caregiver offers.

The transition becomes smoother because the emotion was met with empathy first.

Connection creates safety, and safety allows cooperation to follow.

When emotions are honored instead of corrected, children learn they are not alone in their feelings.

02/25/2026

Looks like some goat fun for the family!

🐐💙 It’s Goat Social Week! 💙🐐

The countdown is on and we can’t wait to see you! Join us this Saturday for an afternoon full of fresh air, furry friends, and plenty of goat snuggles.

🗓 Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 12:00–3:00 PM
📍 5855 Cedar Run Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684-9683

Bring your friends, bring your family, and get ready for some fun with our happy, healthy goats. It’s going to be a great afternoon — we hope to see you there! 🐐✨

02/25/2026

Thank you for your message Jon.

12/22/2025

This back and forth between dad and baby is so sweet to watch. Literacy and love happening in front of us!

12/19/2025

We love ideas for a snowy day! Does anyone have any ideas to share as we head into the winter break.

Whether it gets snowy where you call home or stays warm, there are fun winter activities you can do with the little ones in your life!

Here are some cozy and active winter activity ideas:

❄️ Bundle up and make snow castles with recycled containers like reusable, rectangular baby wipe containers or sand castle supplies

📚Take a trip to your local library to check out your favorite seasonal books

🍿Build a pillow and blanket fort to watch your favorite movie or show in

☃️Make a snowman or snow animal together

11/25/2025

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is excited to offer new and expecting parents, as well as professionals who work with families across the state, the chance to attend a free virtual baby fair. The virtual events will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9am-11am and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 6pm-8pm.

To register for the event, please visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/virtual-baby-fair. At this free virtual baby fair, parents can learn how to be better prepared for their best adventure yet! They will have an opportunity to learn about available resources, important health and safety information and can ask experts questions.

If anyone is unable to attend the virtual Baby Fairs scheduled this winter, MDHHS invites you to explore their On-Demand Baby Fair – available online 24/7: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/virtual-baby-fair/virtual-baby-fair-ondemand.

11/25/2025

Did you know our team collaborates with Munson Healthcare and other healthcare providers for Healthy Futures? ✨

Healthy Futures is a free program for anyone who is pregnant or parenting an infant. While you’re pregnant, you will receive monthly newsletters that are tailored to your expected due date or your child's age. After your baby is born, home visits from our Healthy Futures nurses are offered to help with feeding, sleep, and other postpartum needs. 🌙

To learn more about the program, visit our website www.gtcountymi.gov/631/Healthy-Futures.

11/25/2025

Oh my, the amazing work that is happening here!

11/25/2025

You gotta love the wonder on this baby's face.

11/17/2025

Great Start Fun in December.

FREE Admission Days at COGNiTiON Science Center!

Cognition is welcoming families with Community Days, offering free admission to residents of surrounding counties on select dates! It’s a great chance for hands-on fun, learning, and exploration for kids and families.

All events run 1–5 PM at 232 N. Michigan Ave, Beulah

🗓️ Upcoming Dates:
• Nov 16 – Antrim & Kalkaska (This Sunday!)
• Nov 23 – Benzie
• Dec 7 – Leelanau
• Dec 14 – Grand Traverse
• Jan 11 – Manistee
• Jan 18 – Wexford & Missaukee

📣 Antrim and Kalkaska families – your day is THIS Sunday, Nov 16! Don’t miss out on this fun, free opportunity to visit Cognition!