On hot summer days it’s hard to resist playing in or near water. Although water play is fun and relaxing, remember to remain aware and vigilant about safety. This is exceptionally important since the leading cause of death for children under age 4 is drowning. In addition to the dangers around a pool, there are also dangers inside the home. Here are eight tips to help keep children safe.
Articles under Families
Fun and Easy Playdough Recipe
Everyone remembers growing up and playing with playdough. Whether you were rolling it into a ball, making the latest chunky jewelry or making imprints with household items, playdough is a great activity that will make memories that last a lifetime.
It’s more than just fun. Playdough allows children to use their imagination, strengthens the muscles in their fingers and supports social skills, like sharing and taking turns.
Show Early Childhood Educators Your Appreciation!
Child care providers, teachers and all early childhood educators play an essential part in the community. Their job goes beyond basic care. It includes teaching, nurturing and creating a safe and stimulating environment for children in their first stages of life.
Child care providers are celebrated every day, but especially on Provider Appreciation Day, which falls on May 9 this year.
Here are some fun and easy ways you can join us in celebrating your child’s amazing educators!
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Create Your Spring Bucket List
Spring is finally here! The weather is beginning to warm up, flowers are blooming and the little ones are playing outside more. Not only are children ready to feel the warmth of the sun on their skin and the breeze in their hair, but parents are also eager to get outside.
This is a great time of year for your family to create a bucket list of all the fun-filled crafts, recipes and outdoor adventures you want to do. Here’s some ideas to help you come up with your family’s spring-time bucket list.
The Power of Play
We have more sunlight and temperatures are getting warmer. That means families have more time to get outside and play!
Play isn’t just fun. It helps encourage healthy development in children of any age. As an adult, it can be hard to come up with new and exciting ways to entertain and engage children. That’s why 4C for Children’s Learn Through Play calendars are a great resource to find developmentally appropriate activities that you and your child can do together.
Use these ideas to tap into the many benefits of play.
Embracing People of All Abilities
As a parent you can help your child understand and embrace those with disabilities. Your child has likely been in a classroom, grocery store, park or library with a person who has special needs. Talking openly and honestly about these experiences is critical in helping children understand the uniqueness of others and encourage positive interactions.
Children are naturally curious and highly observant. Embrace their curiosity by taking these simple steps.
Building Strong Social/Emotional Skills
Raising children involves more than ensuring their physical well-being, it’s also about supporting their emotional and social development. It is never too early to start teaching children about the building blocks of healthy relationships that include empathy, respect and communication.
Here are a few ways you can teach and model how to create and maintain meaningful relationships.
4C for Children Announces Planned Retirement of President/CEO Vanessa Freytag
CINCINNATI —4C for Children announced that President & CEO Vanessa Freytag intends to retire from her role in early summer 2025, following 10 years at the helm of the agency. The search for a new CEO will be led by transition management professionals over the next six months.
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Indoor Activities for the Whole Family
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.
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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