Parenting

As every family deals with the COVID-19 pandemic in its own unique way, many opportunities to socialize with others have decreased or gone away. Ensuring all children have contact with friends and family on a regular basis, even in a virtual manner, is important. ...

Did you know that reading aloud is the single most important thing a parent or caregiver can do to help a child prepare for reading and learning? Reading aloud stimulates language development even before a child can talk. Find out other benefits associated with reading to your child. ...

Connecting for Kids provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. It serves all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. Each month, it is offering Zoom educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and other resources. ...

#CLEMama Sara Carnes shares with us how she was inspired by The Glad Game from “Pollyanna," which can help us think about thankfulness and positivity in our own lives. ...

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History celebrated "Color in Nature" month with this live #WildlifeWednesdays video on its Facebook page. The video includes a visit to the museum's snowshoe hares and an interview with Stanley, the striped skunk! ...

Are bats blind? Join Cleveland Metroparks Naturalist Marty Calabrese for a Q&A in this "Ask a Naturalist" inquiry. ...

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new state initiative to provide financial support to families who may need supplemental assistance outside of what is provided by their child's Individualized Education Program. ...

Playing with your child is an essential way to improve his or her speech, language and social skills — and this can be done with toys you likely already have at home. Learn five different toys and ways to play with your child to encourage language growth and development. ...

Family happens in all different ways. You bring someone in your life because you want them to be there. That’s how adoption works. It’s about opening your home and making room for love. These challenging times might make it difficult to think about the possibility of adoption or foster care. Most families who have gone through the process of adoption say it’s worth it, although it takes time, some patience and, often, a few heartaches to complete. ...

It’s been a stressful year for many people, as uncertainty and social isolation cause anxiety and weigh heavily on families. Learn how to better understand resiliency — something for which military families receive training — and how to foster it in any family, for any situation. ...