Dad Jokes Deliver More Than Fun!

It’s an old adage that laughter is the best medicine. But increasingly, parents are finding out that laughter can be a key element in the development of young and older children. That’s why comedy – in the most general sense, actions intended to cause laughter – can be a useful tool for parents to raise their kids in an intentional and positive way.

Good Hygiene Practices for Health and Happiness

Your preschooler insists on wearing that Marlins jersey for the third day (and night) straight. Your teenager neglects to wash her greasy locks for an eternal week. Your third grader loves to extract worms in the dirt and then dig into the granola mix. With a supervisory spirit, parents instill good hygiene practices in their children from preschool to high school, from flossing teeth to getting good sleep. A hygienic lifestyle will reduce germ exposure and foster a lifetime of good health, confidence, and well-being.

Autism Awareness Month Highlights Challenges & Resources Available for Families

April marks another Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, acceptance, and advocacy for a condition often referred to as a “silent disability.” Unlike visible physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests through differences in communication, behavior, and sensory processing, often making it misunderstood by society.

Warning Signs of Human Trafficking & How to Prevent It

Human trafficking involves forced exploitation through threats or manipulation. Children in vulnerable situations are at higher risk.

What is human trafficking? Human trafficking is often thought of as forcing people into sex work. However, it can take many different forms. This includes anytime a person is forced or pressured into work or is sexually exploited. Children cannot give consent. They are victims of trafficking if they are engaged in any type of sex work. Traffickers may pressure people in different ways. They may use physical violence. They may threaten to withhold pay. They may try to make their victims dependent on drugs or alcohol. They can then pressure the victim to work in exchange for these substances.

The Trust Launches More Summer Camp Choices Campaign for 3rd Year

With summer just around the corner, parents are busy looking for ways to plan fulfilling, unforgettable and educational summer experiences for their children. Fortunately, there are plenty of no- or low-cost options provided by The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. But searching through the options for the right one can be a daunting task.

Looking for an summer camp program for your child? Check out the More Summer Camp Choices page for hundreds of free and low-cost 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. 

Do you like what you are reading in this month's Parenting Our Children Newsletter? Let us know with comments, suggestions and more at MyStories@TheChildrensTrust.org