Howard County's Office of Children and Families Celebrates the Role of Parents as Teachers | | |
November 8 is National Parents as Teachers Day, an opportunity for the Office of Children and Families (OCF) to recognize the important role Howard County parents and caregivers play as their child’s first and most influential teachers. Pictured, OCF's Parents as Teachers (PAT) Team partners with families by providing personalized home visits for families to learn and grow together. Parent Educators celebrate each family’s strengths while helping parents better understand their child’s development and feel confident in supporting their learning. If your family could use extra support as you navigate your child’s growth and development, join us for the PAT Open House on November 4 at OCF's offices in Columbia.
Ask the Parent Educator: Parents as Teachers Open House
November 4, 10:30 a.m. - noon | 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046
Learn more about the Parents as Teachers Home Visiting Program in this interactive session designed to support parents and caregivers of young children (ages 0 to five) with practical guidance, encouragement and evidence-based parenting strategies. Open discussions will enable families to connect directly with experienced Parent Educators while engaging in parent-child activities. Whether you are seeking advice on everyday challenges or looking to strengthen your parenting toolkit, the Open House provides a safe, judgment-free space to ask questions, share experiences and learn from others. For more information about the PAT program, call 410-313-1940 or email OCF at children@howardcountymd.gov.
| | Upcoming Virtual and In-Person Parent Workshops | |
|
Did you know? Children may respond to divorce with anxiety, withdrawal, acting out, or changes in behavior. These reactions are common, and parents can help children feel safe and supported by acknowledging these feelings, maintaining consistent routines, reassuring them that the divorce is not their fault, and avoiding negative comments about the other parent. Read How to Help Kids Through Divorce - Child Mind Institute to learn more, or join us for the first two workshops, below.
Building Parenting Plans to Create Calm During the Holidays
November 4, 7 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Learn practical strategies to create parenting plans that cover day-to-day routines while also addressing how to create clarity around the holidays to minimize conflict.
Co-Parenting Through Conflict: Putting Your Child First
November 10, 1 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Conflict between co-parents can take a toll on both parents and children. Learn practical strategies to manage anger, reduce stress and build a healthier, child-focused relationship. Risa Garon, Gina DeLeonardis and Cortland Jones of the National Family Resiliency Center will help families navigate challenging transitions.
Growing Up Safe: Nurturing Body Boundaries in Early Childhood
November 16, 6:30 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Learn how to weave the concepts of body autonomy and personal boundaries into everyday moments like diaper changes, tickle games and saying goodbye to relatives in a way that feels safe, warm and empowering for your child. Get practical tools, comforting reassurance, and children's book recommendations to continue the conversation at home.
Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors
November 19, 1 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Discover a proven, research-based approach to better understand your child’s behavior and what influences it. Learn practical tools to prevent challenging behaviors—and handle them calmly when they do occur. Ask questions, gain ready-to-use strategies and leave feeling more confident in your parenting. For parents of children ages 2–8.
Welcome to Parenthood: Connecting to Howard County Resources
November 30, 1:00 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Becoming a parent is a big transition and knowing what support is available can make all the difference. Explore the services available in Howard County, learn where to go for trusted information and how to access local support systems that can help you feel more confident and connected in your parenting journey.
Navigating Howard County Housing Resources
December 3, 6:30 p.m. | Free virtual workshop
Are you looking for affordable housing in Howard County, having issues with your landlord or looking for ways to pay down your debt? This session guides you through resources and support available in the county. Learn about housing options, consumer rights, financial assistance programs, including eviction prevention, and how to access the right agency for your specific needs.
View the full schedule of November family workshops. If you have questions, contact Lisa Rhodes at lrhodes@howardcountymd.gov.
| | News to Use for Howard County Families | |
| |
Are you ready for Parent/Teacher conferences?
As you prepare to meet with your child's teacher this month, take the time to organize your thoughts and ask yourself some questions in advance.
- What information should you share with your child's teacher?
- How often should you reach out to your child's teacher?
- What if you don’t agree on one or more matters?
- How should you handle disagreements with your child's teacher?
Learn more about building collaboration and navigating disagreements from How to Work Well With Your Child’s Teacher - Child Mind Institute.
| | |
Small Children, Big Feelings: Helping your Child and Yourself when Behaviors Feel Challenging
November 4, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Parents Place of Maryland (PPMD)
Free Virtual Workshop (via Zoom) | Register for Small Children, Big Feelings
Gain a deeper understanding of behavior and learn positive, practical strategies to support your child and yourself.
Tips for Traveling with Children this Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is the busiest time of year for travel for families. Child Mind Institute provides a list of ways to make flights and road trips easier for children with autism, anxiety and other challenges. Read up on these ideas from doing a test run, packing favorite snacks to relaxing technology rules.
| | Fall Fun with the Family Support Center | |
| |
FSC in Fall: Hayrides, Pumpkins and Trunk or Treat!
OCF's Family Support Center (FSC) hosted its first Trunk or Treat event October 22, bringing children, families, and community partners together for a fun-filled celebration! More than 20 vendors from community agencies and local businesses decorated trunks and tables to welcome over 100 participants. From the adorable costumes to the beautiful weather, it was a wonderful day filled with festive fun and community connection!
| |
Pictured, OCF staff had a wonderful time visiting Larriland Farm in October. With beautiful weather and plenty of fall fun, children enjoyed a hayride, picked pumpkins and explored the farm. It was a memorable day filled with opportunities for families to learn, connect, and make lasting memories together. Join us for the next drop-in playgroup to check out what's coming up!
Drop-In Play Group | November 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Register for the Playgroup
Children and their families are invited to explore and play at our Family Support Center! Parents must stay with their children. This is a great opportunity to get to know what the FSC can offer your child, while meeting new friends and networking with other parents.
| |
Five Questions to Ask Before Your Child's Playdate
Playdates are a wonderful way for children to build friendships, develop social skills and experience new environments. But before your child visits another home, have a quick conversation with the other parent to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all.
Here are five important questions to ask:
-
Who will be supervising the children? Find out which adults or caregivers will be home, especially for sleepovers. If you are uncomfortable with the arrangements, consider a “lateover” or “sleepunder” instead, where your child enjoys the evening and comes home before bedtime.
-
Are there swimming pools or trampolines? Ask about supervision and safety measures. Children should always have close adult supervision around water, and trampoline use should be carefully supervised, with one child jumping at a time.
-
Are there firearms in the home? If there is a gun in the home, ask how it is stored. Firearms should be unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored separately and securely. If you are uncomfortable with the arrangements, consider hosting the playdate at your home instead.
-
What are your rules about screens and media? Families may have different rules about movies, television, and video games. Share your preferences and make sure the other parent knows what content you are comfortable with your child viewing.
-
Are there pets in the home? Ask what pets are present and whether they are comfortable around children. If your child is nervous or allergic to animals, be sure to let the other parent know ahead of time.
These conversations may feel awkward, but asking questions is an important part of keeping children safe. Learn more.
| | Join the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and our community partners for free health screenings, fitness demos and community resources designed to support men and boys. The Health and Wellness Fair will be held at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, in Columbia, 21044. Admission is free and registration is not required. For more information, view the event flier in English/Spanish or contact Ovan Shortt at 410-313-1453 (voice/relay) or oshortt@howardcountymd.gov. | |
| Family-Friendly Events in Howard County | |
|
Howard County Native American Heritage Month Celebration
November 7, noon – 3 p.m. | Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
This celebration will highlight traditional and contemporary artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of native communities in Maryland and beyond.
Howard County Drone Show
November 7, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Columbia Lakefront
Howard County Recreation and Parks and the Columbia Association invite you to the county's first drone show to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the USA. Free.
| |
Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival
November 14 & 15, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship
Enjoy the annual Fall festival with live animals, fiber sales, FREE demos and seminars. Free admission and parking.
Tree Lighting and Ice Rink Opening
November 20, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Merriweather District
Ring in the holiday season in the Merriweather District with live music, festive performances, cocoa and holiday fun for the kids. Tree lighting countdown begins at 7 p.m.
Pumpkin Palooza | Howard County
November 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Howard County Library System, Miller Branch
Held in in partnership with Howard County Department of Public Works, Pumpkin Palooza offers games, activities, crafts and food for all ages. Ask a Master Gardener for composting, growing gourds and harvesting tips, and bring your sunken pumpkins to be composted!
Holiday Train Garden
November 27 - January 3 | Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum.
This holiday season, enjoy train models set up throughout the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, including our year-round exhibit in the Freight House. Available during normal business hours. For all ages.
| | | | |
