LET'S TALK ABOUT POTTY TRAINING! | |
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Let’s talk about POTTY TIME! Introduce your child to things related to potty time by going on a fun potty-themed scavenger hunt together! Search your home for things like toilet paper, hand soap, and big kid underwear. At the end of the game ask your little one, “What do all the things that we found have in common?”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Stack 10 or more blocks
- Controls strong emotions in an appropriate manner most of the time
- Recognizes name and as many as 10 letters
- Uses numbers to compare, knows the purpose of standard measuring tools
- Demonstrates knowledge of characteristics of living things (pretends to feed a baby doll or animal, puts baby doll to sleep, etc.)
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
BROCCOLI SOUP
40 Minutes 8 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen and it is a great way to bond. Ask your child to name the colors of the vegetables. Let them measure the ingredients and pour it in the bowl.
Ingredients:
1 large onion
1 large potato
1 medium carrot
2 large broccoli crowns
1 medium stalk celery
1 clove garlic
1½ teaspoons canola oil
1 whole bay leaf
1 cup low-fat milk
2 (14½-ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 ounce low-fat cheddar cheese
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Rinse and peel onion, potato, and carrot. Rinse broccoli and celery. Peel garlic.
- Dice onion and celery. Slice potato and carrots into thin slices. Cut broccoli florets away from the stem. Slice stems thinly. Mince garlic.
- Grate cheese.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add celery and onion. Cook until soft and lightly golden brown, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and stir. Cook about 30 seconds more.
- Add potato, carrot, broccoli stems, bay leaf, milk, and broth to pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until veggies are soft, about
- 15 minutes. Add broccoli florets in the last 10 minutes.
- Remove and discard bay leaf. In a blender, puree about half the soup. Return blended soup to pot.
- Add cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer to melt the cheese, 2–3 minutes.
View full recipe: BROCCOLI SOUP
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POTTY TRAINING: A MILESTONE FOR YOUR CHILD & FAMILY
Maggie Dwan
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Potty training is a big milestone for both children and families. It builds confidence, encourages independence, and strengthens family bonds. With family support, children feel more motivated to succeed. So, how do you know when it’s time to start?
Signs Your Child May Be Ready:
Fewer wet diapers: Staying dry for longer periods.
Can undress themselves: Pulling down pants on their own.
Curiosity about others: Interest in family bathroom routines.
Predictable bathroom times: Regular bowel movement schedule.
Expressing interest: Saying, “I want to try the potty!”
How Families Can Support Potty Training
Potty training is a family effort. Here’s how families can stay engaged:
- Model the behavior: Children learn by watching family routines.
- Praise and encourage: Celebrate small wins and avoid punishment.
- Stay consistent: Caregivers, grandparents, and daycare should all follow the same potty routines.
- Let kids participate: Involve them by letting them pick out a potty seat or fun underwear.
Fun Family Activities for Potty Training
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Read Together: Books like “Potty” by Leslie Patricelli can spark interest.
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Potty Progress Chart: Add stickers to track successes.
- Sing a Potty Song: Make up a song to keep it fun and playful.
Need More Support?
Check out these helpful resources:
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7 Tips to Turn Screen Time into Quality Family Time
PBS For Parents
| “Children think of their favorite media characters as people who become trusted friends,” says Sandra Calberty and Melissa Richards in new research supported by the National Science Foundation. Young children are especially likely to have emotional responses to situations they see on the screen. According to Common Sense Media, those under 8-years-old “can’t distinguish between fact and fantasy, so they may process a made-up situation the same way they would a real one.” | |
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS
The Saginaw Family YMCA
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Mission Nutrition Community Events
FREE Youth Meals
Monday through Friday 4p-6p
Saturdays Noon – 2p
Visit website to learn more and for FREE food giveaways at THE SAGINAW FAMILY YMCA.
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FOOD DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
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Saturday, January 4, 11, 18 & 25 ·10am – 12pm - Old Town Christian Outreach
Saturday, January 4, 11 2025·10:00am – 12:00pm - United Together Lupus Foundation, 804 S Hamilton St, Saginaw
Saturday, January 18, 2025·9:00 – 11:00am - Freeland Lions Club, 710 Powley Dr, Freeland
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BREASTFEEDING AND SAFE SLEEP
MI Health & Human Services
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Breastfeeding has many benefits. It also works together with safe sleep to reduce your baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related infant death. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are fed human milk exclusively for six months and continuing to 2 years or beyond (with foods added at about six months). Families can also keep baby safe during sleep by following the infant safe sleep guidelines. The resources below will help you learn more about breastfeeding and safe sleep and find support.
Learn more: BREASTFEEDING AND SAFE SLEEP.
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LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Great Start Saginaw
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Little Free Libraries are book-sharing boxes where free book exchanges take place. Anyone can take a book or bring a book to share. Our boxes inspire a love of reading, build community, and spark creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges.
Visit any of our locations:
CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region
1311 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw
East Side Soup Kitchen
940 East Genesee Avenue, Saginaw
Merrill Elementary
345 West Alice Street, Merrill
New Beginnings Teen Cafe
2602 East Genesee Avenue, Saginaw
Roethke Park
249 North Miller Road, Saginaw
Learn more: LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
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Families with children between the ages of two and five months residing in Saginaw County can complete a FREE Ages and Stages developmental screening or a social-emotional screening. Screenings take ten minutes to complete, and the results are back within a week. Results tell parents what to expect at each stage of development. Often times, early diagnosis can help give a child the best opportunity to reach their potential.
Learn more: AGES & STAGES QUESTIONNAIRES
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One out of every 169 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the U.S., and that rate is two times higher for Black expectant parents.
The link between fetal movement and a healthy baby is clear, but research continues to uncover more about the importance of tracking baby’s movements. Count the Kicks uses the latest research to help achieve our mission.
Count the Kicks provides free, evidence-based resources for expectant parents to stay informed and monitor their baby’s well-being.
Learn more about: COUNT THE KICKS
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GREAT LAKES BAY HEALTH CENTER | |
FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
January 7 - RELAX - Alternatives to Anger for Parents and Caregivers
January 14 - How Soon is too Soon? When to Teach your Children Money Habits for Life
January 21 - Positive Discipline
January 28 - Potty Training Pointers
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Kinship Caregiver Webinar Series - January 2025
Fridays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Online Parent Talk System Series-January-February 2025
Mondays 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Online Kinship Caregiver classes: Talking With Kids About Race
January 8, 2025 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents Webinar Series - January 2025
Thursdays, 11:30am-1pm
Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - January-February 2025
Thursdays, January 16, 2025 - February 13, 2025 7:30pm-9:00pm ET
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | |
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WHERE INNOVATION FLOWS
We're on a mission to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Locate STEM events: STEM PIPELINE CALENDAR
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January 4 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Saginaw
DATE: First Saturday at 9 AM – 12 PM
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
Learn more: KIDS WORKSHOP
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January 4 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw
DATE: January 4 at 10 AM - 12 PM
Lowe's is kicking off the New Year with a FREE kids' construction hat and collectible badge. Round up the family to learn about what's coming for DIY-U Kids Workshops. Children will love building, creating, and earning badges--it’s a hands-on adventure your mini-builder won’t want to miss!
Learn More & Register: LOWES
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January 4 - Family Fun Day | | |
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WHERE: Thomas Township Nature Center & Preserve, Saginaw
DATE: 1st Saturday of the Month, 10 AM - 2 PM
Family Fun Days: usually the first Saturday of the month from 10-2 pm. Family Fun Days are similar to F.U.N. nights. There are six or so stations based on a theme. There are science/STEM activities, a craft or two, a coloring station, and a snack. Families go through the activities and participate where they’d like. All are welcome.
Learn More: FAMILY FUN DAY
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: January 4 at 12 - 1 PM
Lego Club for kids of all ages. No registration required. Just come to enjoy time with other Lego Enthusiasts. We have 30 minutes of free build, then a 30 minute challenge build. Snack provided.
Learn More: LEGO CLUB
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January 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Free Saturdays @ Saginaw Art Museum | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays at 12 - 5 PM
In an effort to increase accessibility to the museum, we have extended our regular hours to include Saturday afternoons Noon-5pm starting this week, for FREE! We look forward to welcoming you and yours into our gem of a museum to explore our collection, exhibitions, and gardens.
Learn More: FREE SATURDAYS
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January 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth
DATE:
Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM & 11 AM
Children ages 0-7 can bring along an adult friend and meet in the community room. Join Mrs. Emmons as we explore stories, songs, crafts, and rhymes. No registration required, just drop in!
Mondays Babies 0-2 @ 9:30 AM
Mondays Multi-Age @ 11:00 AM
Tuesdays Multi-Age @ 9:30 AM
Tuesdays Preschool Age @ 11:00 AM
Learn more: STORY TIME
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January 6, 13 - Kids Zone - Craft Night | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: Monday at 6:30
Join us Mondays starting in November for our new Kids Zone program! Every Monday at 6:30 pm we will have a different program for elementary-aged kids! All kids are invited; children under 7 need an adult helper.
January 6: Craft Night
January 13: Game and Puzzle Night
Learn More: KIDS ZONE
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January 7, 14, 21 & 28 - Toddler Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: January 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10:30 AM
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, finger plays, learning activities, crafts and more! Activities are aimed at toddlers aged 18 months - 3 years old, but this storytime is open to all ages.
Learn More: TODDLER STORYTIME
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January 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Story Hour (age 3-4) | | |
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Join Janet Godfrey with your 3 or 4 year old child for stories and a snack. Pre-Registration is required.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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January 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Story Hour | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Saginaw
DATE: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM
Have fun with stories as Miss Cindy reads and discusses each story. We also sing songs, learn rhymes and fingerplays and make crafts. We promote early literacy by teaching the Ready to Read Michigan skills during each story hour
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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January 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Families United in Nature | |
January 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, &23 - Bookmobile Stop | |
Riders can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services. | |
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Friendship Senior Center
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Edgewood Assisted Living
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Maplewood Manor
Thursday, January 9, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Pinewood Manor
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Robin Glen
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Elmwood Manor
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Carrollton Middle School
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
5:30pm - 7:00pm
First Ward Community Center
Thursday, January 16, 2025
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Saginaw ISD Transitions Center
Friday, January 17, 2025
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Davenport Manor
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Independence Village (Wescourt)
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ambassador Arms Apartments
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Rosien Towers
Thursday, January 23, 2025
10:00am - 11:00pm
Wellspring Assisted Living
Thursday, January 23, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
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January 9, 16, 23, & 30 - Miss Beth's Boombox | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: January 9, 16, 23, & 30, 10:30 AM
Join us for a new, interactive, storytime on Thursdays starting in November! Wear comfy clothes and get ready to move and groove with Miss Beth as we sing, dance, jump, crawl, stretch, and wiggle during Miss Beth's Boombox! This program is for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with a loving adult.
Learn More: MISS BETH'S BOOMBOX
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January 9, 16, 23, & 30 - Little Acorns Preschool Group | |
January 9, 16, 23, & 30 - Story Hour (age 5-8) | | |
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: Thursdays at 6 PM
Stories, Crafts, food and fun for 5 to 8 years old. Join with Bethany and James every Thursday during the school year except for holidays. Children must be pre-registered and Story Hour fills up fast so be sure to call or step in to see if we have any openings.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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January 11, 18, & 25 - Family Storytimes | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays at 10:30 AM
We are inviting children and their families to our storytime for 30 minutes of read-aloud stories, songs, fingerplays and fun. A theme-related craft project is included for fun and fine motor skills practice. Stories and content are prepared for children ages 3-5, but all children are welcome.
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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January 11 - Studio Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: January 11, 12:15 PM
Calling all young museum goers! Join us every second Saturday this fall for Studio Storytime. We will listen to a story and create an art project, with a new theme each time. The program is geared towards ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Studio Storytime is in partnership with Public Libraries of Saginaw.
Learn More: STUDIO STORYTIME
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: January 11, 1-4 PM
Come make the studio space your own and turn one of your ideas into a reality! Drop-in between 1pm-4pm on the Second Saturday of the month June-August for unguided art making. We have plenty of materials for you to access, like yarn, fabric, markers, colored pencils, and more. Open Studio is open to all: kids, adults, and anyone new to art. Saginaw Art Museum’s studio space is a great place to try out art materials and take a little creation home with you. If you are stuck, no worries! We will have volunteers or staff present to help you get inspired.
Learn More: OPEN STUDIO
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January 11 & 25 - Community Youth Day | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw
DATE: January 11 and 25, 11:30 AM
Learn more: COMMUNITY YOUTH DAY
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January 16 - Preschool Story Time: Snow | |
January 16 - Play Dough Party | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: First Thursday of each month at 5:30-6:30pm (Exception: January 16th instead of the 2nd)
Check out all the awesome play dough toys at the library’s Play Dough Party! Make play dough pizza and ice cream, give a play dough haircut, make play dough puppets, and much more!
Family event for kids of all ages, must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn more: PLAY DOUGH PARTY
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January 21 & 28 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Tuesdays at 9 AM – 12 PM
Preschool Story Time at the library for kids ages 2-5 and their adult helper! We will read stories, sing songs, use the felt board, do a craft and other fun activities for kids!
**Please register to attend so we know how to set up the space and plan the craft supplies.
Call (989) 642-8621.
Learn more: STORY TIME
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January 22 - Will it Waffle? | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: January 22, 5:30 PM
Will it waffle? Or will it fall apart? Join us at the library for a waffle making competition! Choose from a variety of ingredients to make sweet and savory waffles for yourselves and the judges! The team that scores the highest will win a prize! Registration is required to attend. Call or visit the library to sign up your family or group. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.
Learn more: WILL IT WAFFLE?
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January 24 & 31 - Jam & Play to Learn | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Fridays at 10 - 11:30 AM
Jumping Jammers and Play to Learn are now back-to-back on Fridays at 10:00-11:30am! Feel free to join us for one or both programs! For kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
The first half-hour will be Jumping Jammers, with interactive song and dance and a chance for kids to explore and play with various musical instruments!
For the last hour we will pull out the library's toy carts full of hands-on fun for Play to Learn playgroup! Let your child play, learn, and interact with other children while you socialize with the other caregivers! (If you are coming only for Play to Learn, please arrive around 10:30am).
Learn more: JUMPING JAMMERS
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January 25 - Hands On History | | |
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WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: January 25, 10:30 AM
Learn more: HANDS ON HISTORY
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January 29 - Lunar New Year Party | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us on Lunar New Year - January 29 - to welcome in the Year of the Snake with puppets, various crafts, snacks and more! You'll even get to decorate a snake section to go on our bulletin board! All ages are welcome; children under 7 need an adult helper.
Learn More: LUNAR NEW YEAR
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January 29 - February 2 - 2025 Zehnder's Snowfest | | |
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WHERE: Downtown Frankenmuth
DATE: January 29 - February 2
Zehnder’s Snowfest has been host to one of the top snow and ice sculpting events in North America for the past 33 years. Visitors have enjoyed larger-than-life snow sculptures and beautifully detailed ice carvings each year. In addition, Zehnder’s Snowfest has entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo, and children’s activities.
Learn More & view schedule: ZEHNDER'S SNOWFEST
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | | | | |
