October 2023


Parenting
Our
Children

Careful with Cartoons

Watch out for edgy shows unsuitable for children

From snarky insults to curse-fests to mockery of religious devotion, many satirical --or simply crude-- adult-oriented cartoons in the TV universe contain content that's not healthy for impressionable children. So parents vigilantly research and screen any questionable cartoons and censor on the side of caution to protect their innocence--regardless of whether your child's 8-year-old friend at soccer camp loves South Park.

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Starting Children on Road to Self-Care Early

Tips on teaching physical and emotional wellness

As protectors and guardians of our children, parents get used to taking care of all aspects of their kids’ lives. But as we all know, one day the parents will have to release the responsibility of caring for their children to the children themselves. That’s why teaching them to take care of themselves is one of the most important skills we can impart to them. 


Luckily, today we know so much more about what self-care means that we can start our children on a positive path toward it from an early age. How to take care of themselves physically remains among the most important things to teach children, but today’s parents can also make major inroads into helping children care for themselves mentally and emotionally. 

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The Children's Trust Empowers Families in Need

Public Benefits Enrollment and FNSP initiatives to provide assistance

The most recent census data shows that nearly half of Miami-Dade's children reside in impoverished or low-income households, with even higher poverty rates among single-parent households in those areas. Many of these families qualify for benefits, including nutrition and housing assistance, insurance coverage, home energy benefits, low-cost or no-cost after-school and summer programs, and more. Even so, many of those in need are not taking advantage of the resources available to them because of a lack of awareness, limited family literacy, language barriers, immigration status, excessive paperwork, or other obstacles..  

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Spooky Symphony Returns to Provide Delightfully Frightful Music

Orchestras perform for 14th Year on Oct. 29

What is it about scary music that makes the hair on your arm and neck stand? Whether it’s the theme song for Jaws, Halloween or Friday the 13th, certain music makes us want to hide under the sheets. And yet, somehow, we all enjoy it. That’s the idea that always inspired the Spooky Symphony and as the Halloween concert enters its 14th year, the adrenaline certain songs evoke in us always has us craving more. 


With Halloween just around the corner, Miami-Dade County is gearing up for a spine-tingling and enchanting celebration. The Children's Trust once again presents the Spooky Symphony, a one-hour free musical extravaganza that promises to be an exciting, imaginative and fun-filled experience for the whole family.

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Book of the Month: A Day with No Words Teaches Hope and Challenges for those with Disabilities

The book A Day with No Words is a powerful reminder that our words and actions can deeply affect those around us. The book centers around the experience of a young autistic boy who visits the park with his mother. 


Loud voices of others often sound like storms for him while soft voice are like “freshly whipped cream.” When the boy hugs tress and spins barefoot, other kids and parents at the park, give him cold stares and further isolate him. His mother reacts accordingly and defends him. Author Tiffany Hammond is autistic and is raising two autistic boys. She advocates for autistic children through her website and in her first picture book she reminds readers that even if someone speaks or acts in different ways, they still hear what is being said. The message for young readers to have patience and be respectful toward others, including those who are different. 


A Day with No Words is one of Miami-Dade Public Library’s monthly Staff Picks, which this month focuses on children with special needs or disabilities as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Read more about A Day with No Words and other Staff Picks from the Miami-Dade County Library System at www.mdpls.org/staff-picks. To sign up for The Children’s Trust Book Club to receive a free monthly book for registered children from 0-5 years old, text “READ” to 786. 460.CLUB (2582). 


Parent Resources

Looking for an after-school program for your child? The Children's Trust funds different programs that stress engaging, active and educational after-school programs.

The Children’s Trust Parent Club offers FREE, countywide workshops on relevant topics about raising children that are successful, healthy, and happy. 

After-School Programs
Register  for Parent Club

To learn more visit TheChildrensTrust.org or call 211.
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