Winter is upon us with days that are shorter and colder. For many of us that means more time in the house with little ones. Being indoors presents some challenges in warding off boredom and keeping children entertained. Here are some fun and easy ways to prevent the winter doldrums and create fun memories.
Articles under 4C for Children News
I’m Dreaming of a Calm Christmas: How to Reduce Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be a mixed bag of joy and stress, especially for parents trying to balance traditions, family dynamics and kids’ expectations. In fact, 9 out of 10 U.S. adults say the holidays give them some stress.
Here are some practical tips to help make the season more enjoyable and less overwhelming:
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Practicing Gratitude with Children
Caregivers often worry they are not raising children who are appreciative. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, now is the perfect time to focus on gratitude and the many ways to show it.
Children are not born feeling grateful so they begin to understand the concept they also need to begin learning how to practice and show it. As early as age 2 they may start expressing thanks when asked. By ages 3-5, children can understand the concept of gratitude more deeply and show appreciation independently.
Dayton Child Care Provider Reopens Months After Car Crashed into Home
After months of stress, ‘It’s Christmas!’
Donna’s Daycare owner and administrator Ladonna Miller recently reopened her Dayton family child care business after two months of dealing with insurance claims, construction, inspections and a lot of stress.
The reason behind the stress? On Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, a car plowed through the front of her house leaving a gaping hole where the living room once was. As a result, she had to temporarily close her business, which left the families and children in her care with no child care.
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Chief Information Officer Named
CINCINNATI — 4C for Children is pleased to announce the promotion of Terri Alekzander to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective Oct. 1. In this role, Alekzander will oversee the agency’s technology strategy and information systems, driving innovation and efficiency across all operations.
Play the Day Away!
Building a castle of blocks, dreaming up a dramatic plot for dolls or running a pretend restaurant with plastic food. These are all great ways to play—and learn!
Play is essential for early childhood development, which spans ages zero to eight. It serves as a powerful channel for young children to explore, learn and make sense of the world around them.
4C for Children’s Heather Webb Celebrated as Coach of the Year
Congratulations to our very own Heather Webb who is being honored by Cincinnati Preschool Promise as 2024 Coach of the Year. 4C for Children partners with the local non-profit to ensure access to high-quality preschools and better kindergarten preparedness for children.
Heather has worked as a 4C quality programs specialist since 2021 but she has been in the early childhood field for more than two decades. Her professional and personal mantra is inspired by Fred Rogers:
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The Solution for Parental Stress
The daily stressors that come along with raising children can feel overwhelming and can leave many adults who fill a parenting role in the lives of children feeling isolated. The surgeon general recently called parental stress in the United States “a significant public health issue.” One way to combat the tremendous pressure and uncertainty of being a parent is to form a network of support–people you can share experiences with, ask for help and give and get practical tips for overcoming parental challenges.
Annetta Rutland Retires After 45 Years
Annetta Rutland started her career at 4C for Children in 1979. At that time—seven years after the agency was launched—there was a “staff of less than 10 people and our offices were in the United Way building downtown,” Annetta remembers. “Since then the number of staff has grown to nearly 100 people who serve two regions of the state!”
After spending 45 years “bleeding blue and green” at 4C for Children, Annetta has announced her retirement effective Aug. 30.