While it’s typical to have a rosy perspective on experiences after the child arrives, it’s not always perfect — or even happy. The “baby blues” and postpartum depression can happen. Families, friends and new moms need to know the signs.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a time full of emotions — joy, excitement and perhaps even a little anxiety. To some, the first year can seem even more challenging the second time around. Now, you’ve got a new baby and their older sibling to care for. How do you manage all of their needs at once? Here is some advice from parenting experts, as well as experienced parents themselves, on how to survive the first year — again.

Come to a program that encourages young readers by letting them borrow a fuzzy friend. Paws to Read pairs children with trained therapy dogs who provide a supportive ear. It’s open to any kid who can read independently between the ages of 6 and 12.

Most schools would agree that keeping parents and students connected to day-to-day activities in and out of the classroom is important. With modern technology, effective communication is becoming increasingly more convenient.

"Mom, I wa- wa- wa- want some juice,” is something you might hear your preschooler or older child say. Stuttering — repetition of words or other parts of speech — is something many children experience during their developmental years. While some might outgrow this pattern of speech, others might need extra help to get a handle on how they talk.

Come to Frohring Meadows this Saturday to experience lots of earth-friendly activities. Check out the exciting live birds of prey show; amphibian and reptile show-and-tell; bird and insect walks; up-close bird banding and bird box care; hands-on tree and wildflower planting; expert speakers on wildlife and conservation issues; astronomy club and telescopes; informational displays; refreshments; and tree and wildflower giveaways so you can continue the celebration at home.

Whether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make eco-minded choices at the grocery store, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting Earth’s natural resources. These simple, renewable lifestyle changes may even affect your personal mindset.

The event on April 23 combines entertainment and environmental education that is fun for the whole family. It features interactive displays, programs and crafts that will inspire connections between guests and the natural world. Join the zoo in supporting conservation efforts here at home and around the world. Make sure to bring aluminum cans, cell phones, small electronics, printer cartridges and car seats to the recycling drive.

Looking to help the planet this week? Earth Day is on April 22 and to celebrate, many area organizations are hosting community events to teach creative and unique ways to protect the environment. These events can feature crafts with recycled materials, story times, exploring nontoxic cleaning materials, earth-friendly exhibits and more.

Spring is here, and that means healthy veggies are coming into season in Northeast Ohio. When it comes to reducing health risks, we are encouraged to eat foods such as fresh vegetables. But with busy lifestyles, that isn’t always easy to do. Try a Mason jar salad, filled with many of your favorite veggies and plant proteins.