OCF Supports National Safety Month for Families

This June marks the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month, an initiative of the National Safety Council dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives. With the onset of summer vacation, the Office of Children and Families urges parents to be proactive and identify hazards at home, in the water and on vacation that can potentially harm children. The Household Hazards: Keeping Kids Safe At Home webinar from American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips that could help you save the life of your child. Topics covered:

• Common household injury and poisoning hazards
• Hazards at different ages from young children to teens
• Practical steps to prevent the most life-threatening injuries.

Pool and Family Travel Safety Tips

• Choosing the right swimsuit color - Children's National 

Learn why bright, neon swimsuit colors are the best choice to promote kids' visibility in pools and open water and find out which colors you should avoid.

• Creating a family travel first aid kit 

Planning a family getaway? When traveling, it’s important to bring a first aid kit with you in case of emergencies. Create your family’s travel kit before you head out.

This month and all summer long, parents can access support and resources from OCF without leaving home! View the June schedule of virtual workshops and/or click the title of a workshop, below, to register.

Screen Time Struggles: Navigating Screen Time Challenges with Young Children

June 4, 12:30 p.m.

Explore the link between excessive screen time and attention difficulties, disrupted sleep and elevated stress in young children under five. Come ready to connect, learn and leave with a personalized action plan for your family.

Parent’s Guide to Challenging Behaviors

June 8, 7:30 p.m.

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. For parents of children ages two to eight.

Raising Resilient Kids: Strengthening Children’s Coping Skills

Two-part virtual workshop (attend one or both sessions):

Part 1 – Resiliency: June 9, 1 - 1:45 p.m.

Part 2 – Coping Skills: June 16, 1 - 1:45 p.m.

Build your child’s emotional resilience through everyday experiences to develop their coping skills. Learn how to support your child as they navigate transitions and manage overwhelming emotions like worry, disappointment, failure, and sadness.

Exploring Nature Through Play

June 17, 7 p.m.

Join us for an engaging workshop exploring the benefits of nature-based outdoor play for preschool children. Discover practical ideas that encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence, and healthy development while fostering a lifelong connection to nature.

Beyond the Thermostat: Save Money on your BGE Bill

June 12, North Laurel 50+ Center, 11 a.m. – noon 

Join us for a hands-on workshop to learn about home performance upgrades that can help you save energy and money, and simple ways to make your home more comfortable and efficient. Attendees can also enjoy raffles and giveaways. 

Family Support Center Promotes Family Wellness

During the month of May, the Office of Children and Families hosted its annual Morning of Wellness event at the Family Support Center (FSC). Families enjoyed breakfast together and participated in a child and caregiver yoga class focused on relaxation, connection, and well-being. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to slow down, recharge, and spend meaningful time together.

On June 25, from 10 - 11 a.m., children and their families are invited to explore and play during our Drop-In Playgroup at the FSC. This is a great opportunity for children to meet new friends and parents to network! Parents must stay with their children. Register for the June Playgroup.

Summertime Success Tips from ADDitude

School's out and summer starts this month! Planning activities for children will help make the summer months successful. ADDitude suggests these ideas:

• Create a summer routine. Post a simple weekly schedule with planned activities, free time, reading, screen time, and projects.
• Choose activities that build creativity and confidence. Nature walks, art projects, and hands-on activities encourage curiosity and new skills.
• Plan for one success each day. Make time for something your child enjoys or does well to build confidence and pride.
• Use technology with purpose. Educational games, puzzles, and learning apps can entertain while supporting learning.
• Give your child choices. Let them help plan part of their day, from fun activities to simple responsibilities.
• Make time for family fun. Games, outings, and shared activities help children feel connected, loved, and valued.
• Allow plenty of downtime for dreaming and hobbies. Quiet activities like scrapbooking, collecting items, or drawing help children relax and recharge.

For more ideas, read ADDitudes’ article A Summer Well Spent: How to Orchestrate Fun & Learning 

Make the most of library visits with The Basics

Did you know 90% of brain development happens by age five? The Basics Howard County helps every family support early learning with five simple, fun and science-backed strategies, including taking advantage of resources available at your local library.

The Basics stresses that the library is more than a place to check out books. It’s a place to build connection, language, curiosity, and early math. Let your child choose. Talk about what you see. Turn shelves into treasure hunts. Pause and wonder together. Even littles can join the Summer Reading program - see below for details. Get started with the Basics today - it's free! Register to receive free Basics Insights text messages in English or Spanish.

Howard County Libraries Celebrate Summer Reading!

The Howard County Library System (HCLS) Summer Reading Program kicks off June 15 and runs through August. Find book lists, classes, events, and summer fun ideas at hclibrary.org/summer, or visit one of HCLS' branches to select your summer reading program. For more summer programs at the library, view The Source Magazine.