Supporting Families at this Crucial Time

After a recent ExchangeEveryDay posting, Alice Honig, a well-known expert in the early childhood field, and the author of a number of books about supporting families, was kind enough to write with these words of wisdom:

“Some of your readers may want to look at the chapter of my 1979 NAEYC book, Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education. Some of the suggestions could be helpful for care providers if they have worries about partnerships with parents that are proving bewildering or worrisome.” Alice went on to add: “You might also want to quote my urgent pleas on page 2 of a book I donated to NAEYC called Secure Relationships: Nurturing Infant Toddler Relationships in Early Care Settings.

I had written: ‘Touch is special. Touch is crucial!’ Research shows that toddlers who have died without loving touch had fewer brain connections at autopsy. Awesome the power of healing and loving touch!” Thank you, Alice.

Another resource we’d like to share comes from a program for families called “Tinkergarten.” Co-Founder Meghan Fitzgerald wrote this:

“I wanted to share that our team at Tinkergarten is launching two new free resources to help families thrive this fall—a more uncertain and unsettling one than any of us could have ever imagined. 

1. A Fall Family PLAYbook – Last week, we launched a guide to thriving this fall, organized into four “steps,” loaded up with linked resources to make life easier on parents of kids ages 2 to 8. Families can access this free resource at tinkergarten.com/playbook.
   
   
2. Tinkergarten Play Breaks – This week, we’re kicking off a new, free content series. Each week, we'll send families a set of "play breaks" – quick, easy ways to weave outdoor play into their child’s day, no matter what learning looks like for their family. Play Break ideas are designed for four age groups (babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school aged kids).

And finally, in an article that’s part of the Exchange Resource, Engaging Families in Early Childhood Programs, author Donna King shares quotes from families who explain what helped them feel connected to their children’s programs:

“I believe that a large part of feeling that you belong starts with the feeling of being accepted for who you are. I never felt judged and I never felt that my children were being judged. – Paula, parent”

And, “The feeling that you are welcome and respected – celebrated, even - happens in layers and deepens over time. – Susan, parent”

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