As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher!
Ready ... Set ... Grow!
December 2018
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Upcoming Events
     

Dad and Me wll be at the Children's Holiday Festival this month,
Friday, December 14, 5:30-8:00pm. Come look for our activity table. Hope to see you there! (Our regular Dad and Me outings will continue in January, stay tuned for a flyer, but save the date, Saturday, January 26.)



Ongoing Events:

Grandparent Cafe
Second Wednesday of each month.
9:30-11:30am
Call for location, 223-1624, x204.
Third Wednesday each month, 6:00-7:30pm. 
Sophia's Well, 270 A Hanford Street, Sutter Creek. 
Call 256-3691 or 257-1092 for more information.  

Toddler Playgroups
Back in action!
All Playgroups run from 9:30-11:30am on the following weekdays at the given locations:
Mondays - Camanche 
Camanche Lake Community Center, 4240 North Camanche Parkway North
Tuesdays - Jackson  
First 5 Amador  , 975 Broadway
Wednesdays - Ione
Memorial Hall,  207 South Amador Street
Thursdays - Pine Grove
Upcountry Community Center , 19386 Highway 88

 
Helping Children (and parents!)
Cope with Holiday Stress
 
Whatever your special holiday, the holiday season can cause stress in young children. Children respond to stress in their own ways: crying, tantrums, clinging, excessive energy, temporary regression such as thumb sucking and many other ways.

These tips can help reduce stressful situations!
  • Establish predictable routines. Eat regular meals. Make sure children get enough sleep. Plan for rest times.
  • Take time to explain the day's activities. Children need to know what is going to happen.
  • Prepare ahead for a hectic day. Plan for snacks. Quick, take-along snacks such as crackers, veggies, and fruit require no refrigeration and can be shared when shopping lines are long or hunger makes tempers flare.
  • Slow down. If the family is always rushing, cut back on the number of planned activities or schedule them over several days.
  • Allow time for children and you to play and move. Most shopping activities are boring to children. Allow them time to use some of their endless energy!
  • Set a good example! Avoid overextending yourself by trying to do too much. Plan quiet times and "get away" activities for yourself.
  • Share humor in difficult situations. Take a "step back" and relax. Breathe.
  • Express positive appreciation for cooperative behavior. Provide LOTS AND LOTS OF HUGS!
  • Discuss any changes in routine. Plan ahead if you are expecting guests. Put away breakable or "special things."
  • Let your children share in planning how to make your guests comfortable.
 
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dadandme
Dad and Me Every Month!

Celebrate being a dad (or uncle, or grandpa...) every month at  our D ad and Me outings, held at fun venues around the county!

This month we will have an activity table at First 5 Amador's Children's Holiday Festival. Come by and say hello!

Next month we will be back to one of our fun outings, so save the date, Saturday, January 26, 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Look for the flyer soon! 

Save the fourth Saturday of every month for more outings held at fun venues around the county. Story time, a snack and a free book are provided each month!



How can you give kids the best start in life?  


... by taking your children to well-child and dental check ups and also, by doing an "ASQ."
 
The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) is a way to make sure you are "on track." The screening tools are designed  to be completed by parents or primary caregivers, that encourage parent-caregiver involvement. 

Each questionnaire can be completed in 10-20 minutes, and is divided into five areas: Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social. 

The benefit for all children and families is so that parents/caregivers know which areas they can focus on at home with their children.
 

For more information, please call First 5 Amador at 257-1092. 
              
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Get Involved! 

Would you like to improve the quality of care you offer to children in your family child care home, preschool setting, or other early learning environment?

Give us a call at First 5 and find out about the many resources (and incentives!) available to you, (209) 257-1092.


Healthy QUICK TIPS of the MONTH
 


Reindeer Food!
  • 4 cups oat cereal or Cheerios
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup diced dried apricots
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup chopped pretzels
  • tbsp. butter, melted (optional)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a 2-quart sealable plastic bag, seal and shake until mixed.  Purchase small plastic bags with holiday decorations.  Write the name of one of Santa's reindeer on each bag and fill with snack-sized portions for kids to enjoy 



Happy Snacking!

Self Care Tip of the Month for Busy Parents

Have you ever felt that taking care of yourself comes last? Many parents feel guilty when making time to take care of themselves because they think they should prioritize their family, job, and everything else before taking time for themselves. By the time everyone is fed, teeth are brushed, homework is done, bills are paid, and dishes are done, you may feel that you don't have much energy left for taking care of yourself. You are not alone in feeling this way. 

These tips can be done even if you only have 5 minutes to spare!

For Your Mind:
Focus on breathing. Lie down or sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth. You can also say (out loud or silently) a positive statement such as, "I am calm."


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Thank you to  Yolo Kids for sharing these fabulous tips!

One day, California's success 
will be measured by the 
well-being of its youngest children.



Calling all children 0 to 5 years of age.
Join Amador's favorite reading club!
Get free books for your children!

Currently 825  Amador kids are receiving books! 

Imagination Library Logo
Sign your child up today and start receiving one free book every
 month from the Imagination Library! This is a free program, paid for by First 5 Amador and donations from local individuals and service organizations locally. Books are available to all Amador County children aged 0-4 (from birth until their 5th birthday).
 
All you have to do is read to your child!   

     
For more information click HERE.

 
It's Our Job as Adults to Keep Kids Safe

Stay up to date on all the news and information about keeping our kids safe from abuse and neglect. Sign up for the Amador Child Abuse Prevention Council's monthly e-newsletter HERE!
First 5 Amador | (209) 257-1092 | www.first5amador.com

PO Box 815 / 975 Broadway | Jackson, CA 95642
 
First 5 Amador supports and designs programs for children 0-5 years old and their Families.
For more information call us at (209) 257-1092, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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