Children

Let’s face it: As kids get older, it becomes more challenging for parents to secure their trust and confidence. It's tempting to view the relationships they start to build with their friends as something to aspire to; something that just might help us earn that precious confidence that's in such short supply when the teen years begin to roll in.

Choosing between being a parent or a friend has become a common dilemma that many caregivers face nowadays. Different parenting styles have emerged that place greater emphasis on giving more freedom to children, and equating love and trust to establishing an equal-terms friendship.

Feeling tired, sleep deprived and uninspired when your child asks for help after dinner with that Shakespeare assignment? Parents hold the world’s most important job—no Great Resignation here—on top of any day jobs, digital patrol duty and myriad other responsibilities. The Children’s Trust encourages parents to pay attention to their own mental health needs in order to raise healthy, well-developed children and enjoy life themselves through the rain showers and sunshine.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that about 20 percent of Americans face mental illness annually, including some 21 million experiencing major depression and 48 million more with anxiety disorders. Warning signs range from difficulty concentrating and exhaustion to drastic mood changes and excessive fear. While more serious cases may need therapy and medication, all parents can weave self-care into daily routines for healthier lives and families.

If you have an infant then you know that getting baby formula for any child in the United States has been a challenge in recent months. The Florida Department of Health has released a list of resources and links to assist families during the current infant formula shortage. Click below for more information.

The challenges and needs of Miami-Dade County’s children and families never go away. Over the past several years, the pandemic, social unrest and, most recently, global conflicts have reinforced the point that what happens far and near affect our children. That’s why all children in Miami-Dade need support – from parents, their communities and The Children’s Trust, which exists to make sure that all children in the county get the chance they deserve to grow, develop and thrive in the best way possible.

The Trust is not alone in its mission. We have allies throughout the county and every year we celebrate the best of them at The Children’s Trust Champions for Children Award Ceremony. Because of the pandemic, The Trust had been unable to congregate with those allies to celebrate these champions in person. But on May 24, the Champions for Children Awards Ceremony returned in-person to celebrate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport and Convention Center with more purpose than ever. The event once again brought together child advocates, community leaders and the public to honor those whose lives are dedicated to serving children and families. Click below for pictures and videos.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, together with presenting sponsor The Children’s Trust, are proud to announce the 2022 winners of Young Talent Big Dreams, the most widespread, local FREE youth talent competition in Miami-Dade County. A marathon of semifinal competitions for student performers ages 8-17 culminated in the finals held in mid-May, at the Miracle Theatre. Prizes ranged from cash awards and performance opportunities to performing arts scholarships sponsored by SouthState Bank, Coral Gables Community Foundation and the Coral Gables Rotary Club. The grand prize winners also received $500 in cash provided by Actors’ Playhouse, and four tickets to Universal Orlando along with a hotel stay for two nights courtesy of WSVN 7News. Read on for winners!

Miami-Dade County’s Coronavirus page on where and how to sign up to get COVID-19 Vaccine:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a special web page with Coronavirus information,

Florida Department of Health’s Coronavirus page.

To learn more visit TheChildrensTrust.org or call 211.