Resources: Parents
Zero to Three: Developmental Milestones for Babies and Toddlers
This is an excellent research-based periodical with exceptional articles
for professionals and parents. In Judy’s work as an Early Intervention Specialist, this was her go to publication for the latest research. She often shared articles with her parent clients.
Recently they published a link for the CDC’s updated developmental milestones for infants and toddlers. This was the first update in over 20 years. It’s somewhat controversial among parents of children with developmental disabilities, as it impacts services their children are able to access through Early Intervention Programs, and whether insurance companies will continue paying for your children’s therapy needs in a timely manner.
The Center for Disease Control and Intervention also offers several resources for parents or professionals on topics related to children’s health and well being.
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move (crawling, walking, etc.).
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI offers a comprehensive, research-based resource guide to information on mental health issues for children, finding mental health care and support for home care or residential treatment. Parents learn what to look for and when to act.
Their website posts many helpful articles and stories on the NAMI blog. NAMI has a resource page on “How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health.” They provide guidance on communicating with young children up to teens with age appropriate activities to open a conversation.
Teachstone: CLASS Learning Community
The CLASS Learning Community is a community of teachers, observers, education leaders, and other educators dedicated to help every child reach their potential by measuring and improving classroom interactions. It’s a great way to connect with others in Early Education. To receive a chart listing books to promote emotional support, CLICK HERE.
Books for Toddlers
We start with babies and toddlers by giving them words to identify their feelings.
Here is a brief list of books parents can share with their little ones. I recommend
offering Board Books so littles can have hands on experiences with books without
worries about harming paper pages.
Lakeshore Learning Materials offers a Social – Emotional Board Book Collection that parents or Early Childhood Educators can order online.
You will also find books and age appropriate toys for children ages 0 – 14 years. Their merchandise is carefully designed to provide developmental purpose for children’s skills building. This site is great for Educators as well as families.
There are several options available to access literature designed to help kids manage anger, anxiety, worry and low mood. One such site offers a bundle of books geared to young children up to 8 years old, called Ten Kids Books Psychologists recommend in 2022. Check the link above to learn how to use books to help young children learn to manage big emotions. We all need such insight at times, even adults!
Some of you have heard of Slumberkins, a new collection of furry friends that come with books about emotional well- being for children.
This project was created by two dynamic women, a family therapist and a master teacher in Elementary Education and Special Education. Their passion for early emotional learning gives children the tools to express and understand their emotions.
This curriculum lays the groundwork for lifelong emotional wellness for our children, for use by parents and other caregivers of our children. Kudos to Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen!