The Office of Children and Families (OCF) offers support to Howard County families and children in a variety of ways.
OCF's October family workshops connect parents to information and supports to address challenging behaviors, find a healthy nutrition/activity balance, help new moms bond with their infants and support a father's role in childhood development. Plus, learn how to make fun DIY toys!
Don't miss the grand opening of Howard County's first Family Support Center. Join us for tours of the center and activities the week of October 16 and learn more about support for families with children age 0 to 5.
And remember, our CARE Center staff works with families to discuss concerns you may have about your child, identify their needs and help you find solutions. Visit us online to view recordings of past workshops, like Finding Quality Child Care. For assistance, information and referrals, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273).
Here's what parents say about our workshops:
"This was awesome. I look forward to participating in another one of your workshops in the near future." - Nesa
|
|
October Parent Workshops
View the full October workshop descriptions online.
Healthy children through nutrition and physical activity
October 12, 7:30 p.m. / Online workshop / Register
Learn how to choose healthy snacks, meals and beverages for children and discuss common eating concerns such as picky eaters or refusal to eat. Explore nutrition labels, healthy eating on a budget and the importance of exercise and keeping kids active. Free.
Los conceptos básicos para los niños
El Programa Lo Básico del condado de Howard proporciona información para ayudar a los padres a aprender a aprovechar al máximo estos primeros cinco años. Sintonice para obtener más información sobre los cinco pilares de las interacciones exitosas y cómo registrarse y compartir el programa gratuito de mensajería de texto Los Principios Basicos.
Positive Solutions for Families
October 25 / November 1, 8, 29 / 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Address challenging behaviors and help your children manage emotions. Watch weekly videos then meet with other parents to share successes and struggles. An Open House will be held on October 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. to meet and pick up resources.
Importance of fathers in child development
October 18, 1:30 p.m. / Online workshop / Register
October 18, 7:00 p.m. / Online workshop / Register
Fathers play a critical role in early childhood development. Learn the benefits of being actively involved with children at different stages of development and gain resources and tips to interact in positive ways.
Hatchlings: New baby and me
October 19 and 26, 11 a.m. to noon / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 / In-person / Register
Welcome home, baby! This interactive two-week early literacy class is for parents/caregivers of newborns from birth to 6 months. Learn how to support your baby's development through songs and activities. Participants will receive a FREE take-home gift each session.
DIY Toy Workshop
October 24, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. / 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 / In-person / Register
Use what you have at home to promote early learning skills with young children! Parents and children infant to five are invited to attend and learn how to make fun DIY toys using common household items. Free.
|
|
Celebrate the opening of Howard County's Family Support Center on October 16
The Family Support Center (FSC) opens this month, offering comprehensive, family-centered, community-based programs for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age five. Find us at 97 90 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, 2104 6. Celebrate the Center’s grand opening with special events and tours beginning October 16:
-
Monday, October 16, Open for tours RSVP in advance
-
Tuesday, October 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Roving Radish will be onsite to promote healthy eating habits and locally and regionally grown foods available from the farm to your table.
-
Wednesday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Explore the "On the Road to Kindergarten" pop-up library
-
Thursday, October 19, Open for Tours - RSVP in advance
In addition to the onsite grand opening week activities, the Family Support Center and MakingChange will present the following workshop in October:
Budgeting 101: Making $ense of Your Cent$ / October 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. / Free virtual workshop / Register
Participants will learn that financial success is a matter of choice, not chance. Your budget and tracking your expenses will implement those choices. Join us to learn five common budgeting tools to help you accomplish your goals.
To learn more about upcoming Family Support Center events and workshops, contact OCF at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or email [email protected]. Note: the Family Support Center is not a child care center.
|
|
Talk, sing and point
Nursey rhymes create fun times! Singing can have a fun and educational effect on your child’s development. Nursey rhymes are short and easy to repeat, so children can use their memorization skills. Children love stories and nursey rhymes provide a beginning, middle and end. These rhymes can build language acquisition skills and help with speech development, while also developing an ear for musical words. To learn more, attend the in-person Hatchlings: New Baby and Me sessions.
To receive tips directly to your phone, sign up for Basics Insights weekly text messages with suggestions based on your child’s developmental stage, from birth to age five (available in English or Spanish).
|
|
Potty Party for Toddlers
Visit the Howard County Library System’s potty-training page to view a two-part series on potty training your toddler! The first video is geared towards parents and discusses signs of readiness, materials, resources and potty-training plans. “Potty Party” is for the toddler in your life, to get them excited to become a big kid and learn how to use the potty. They will hear stories about kids using the potty, learn a hand washing song and get ready to say "goodbye" to diapers.
|
|
October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month
“Children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. More than half of fires set by children are started by preschoolers and kindergartners.” - Nationwide Children’s
Children are naturally curious about fire. Most children experience fire interest between the ages of three to five. They may begin to ask questions about the physical properties of fire, or show signs through their play. This curiosity is normal. Starting fires is not. Youth who repeatedly start fires need intervention. The Youth Fire Prevention and Intervention Program of the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services focuses on intervention and education to prevent and control youth fire-setting behavior. If your child is interested in or experimenting with fire, fill out this form and email it to [email protected], or call 410-313-0537.
|
|
Need winter coats or cold weather gear for your family? The Howard County MultiService Center has you covered! For more information, contact Valerie Mathis at 410-313-0242 (voice/relay) or [email protected].
|
|
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) is spearheading the collaborative 2023 Walktober initiatives. Walktober is celebrated in October across Maryland as part of our State's official exercise and call to action to promote walking for physical activity and improved health for residents of all ages and abilities. If you are interested in hosting or supporting a move event in October, complete the Walktober interest form for inclusion on the Howard County Walktober page. Get moving!
|
|
Inclusive, accessible park opens in Glenwood
A newly-renovated, more inclusive playground is now open at Warfield Pond Park in Glenwood. This modern space is designed for residents of all abilities, and features swings, accessible merry-go-rounds, an interactive communication board, musical elements, and a unique rubber surface. Upgrades extend beyond the playground as well, including improved walkways, ADA-friendly tennis court access, and more, and showcases Howard County's dedication to accessible and inclusive recreation for all.
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs? Finding local support is critical to get the resources and help you need to help your child thrive. View a list of Howard County agencies which support families with special needs kids.
|
|
Veggie of the month: broccoli
Known for its strong taste and smell when cooked, broccoli is considered a cruciferous vegetable - meaning it has sulfur-containing compounds. It’s a powerhouse for cancer prevention, can lower cholesterol and support eye health, and is a good source of:
• Fiber - great for liver and digestive health
• Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant for immune systems
• Vitamin K - benefits bone and brain health
• Potassium - helps body tissues and cell function
• Iron - improves muscle and brain function
Part of the cabbage family, broccoli has just 55 calories per cup, yet its protein content is quite high, making up 29% of its weight. If you have more fresh broccoli than you can eat, before it goes bad, blanch it - boil for three minutes or steam it for five, dunk immediately in ice water - then freeze it! Blanching preserves flavor, color and nutrients.
|
|
What to do when school's out
|
|
Halloween fun for all ages
Howard County hosts a variety of Halloween activities for all interests and ages, with options to explore history or the haunted mysteries of Savage Mill and Ellicott City; go trick-or-treating or pick your own pumpkins. Visit Howard County’s Haunted HOCO to view suggestions to plan your Halloween festivities.
To keep your kids safe and help them enjoy all that Halloween has to offer, read Hand in Hands’ 5 Parenting Tricks To Make Halloween A Real Treat that offers solutions from a child's refusal to wear the costume they chose, to fighting over the candy and more.
|
|
Meet animal ambassadors from Jenn's Uncommon Critters
Ellicott City 50+ Center
Grandparents, take advantage of the public school holiday to bring your grandchildren for a show, tell and touch animal experience with Jenn’s Uncommon Critters, a local rescue and animal education non-profit. Afterwards, continue the fun with a craft and snack to enjoy together (best suited for children age 4 to 11.) Cost: $5.
|
|
|
|
If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to the Parent Pages, sign up today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
