This past January, Children’s Institute hosted their bi-annual Community Update with a theme of ‘Coming Together.’
When working to support your child's social and emotional development, one of the most powerful things you can do is to help them understand the connection between cause and effect. Books are an excellent way to support this skill because we can look at the actions and emotions of characters to understand these connections, in a way that is safe, flexible, and objective for young people.
1. Get good information. It’s easy to let our minds run with the latest rumors popping up on social media, or listen to the talking heads speculate on cable news. Between video clips, memes, photo captions, and personal posts, we might see inaccurate information where ever we look. However, its most important during times of increased anxiety to make sure the information you are internalizing is high quality, timely, and well-informed. The same technology that enables rumors also empowers us with the ability to go right to the source for our updates, and although it may not be as fun as looking at memes on Facebook, it’s certainly more useful. We recommend following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal Department of Health, and your state Department of Health for the best information. Subscribe to updates and check in with official sources.
We are excited to share news about the new TRANSFORM Research Center at Mount Hope Family Center, one of Children’s Institute’s longstanding partners and community neighbors. Dr. Jody Todd Manly, Clinical Director at Mt Hope Family Center, explained that the new Center will provide guidance to providers around ensuring child wellness, provide the latest research to lawmakers, and support education structures for parents. While the TRANSFORM Center focuses primarily on preventing child abuse and neglect, this research also informs childcare for all young people.
January is National Mentoring Month in the US, and with the new year comes an excellent opportunity to begin, build, or grow positive mentoring relationships for youth in your schools and programs. For those who have read Homer’s Greek epic The Odyssey (possibly not since your own school days), Mentor is known as the close friend of Odysseus who is responsible for Telemachus, Odyssesus’ son, during his long voyage and the Trojan War. Perhaps a bit closer to our modern applications, a mentor is simply an experienced and trusted advisor, guide, or friend.