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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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.
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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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.
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.
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 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.
4C for Children is pleased to be recognized as a 2024 Best Places to Work, awarded by the Cincinnati Business Courier. This honor is particularly significant as it reflects the organization’s rich workplace culture and commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for employees.
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The flip of the calendar to August comes with mixed feelings for school-age children and their families. The new school year can be both exciting and cause some anxiety—among caregivers and children. With only a few more weeks to go before the school bell rings for the new year, here are some ways that families can help smooth the transition and ease the anxiety, especially for children who are attending school for the first time.
Do you know an early childhood educator or local early childhood leader who is making a difference in the lives of young children and families? If so, nominate them for one of two honors 4C for Children awards at the annual Leadership and Early Childhood Conference on Oct. 25-26, 2024, at the Sharonville Convention Center. The deadline for submitting nominations is Sept. 6.