Bright Futures Family Program

Have you started your Christmas shopping? Here are some suggestions for "best toys for baby in their 1st year" and "best toys for toddlers." Click here for babies https://pathways.org/best-toys-for-babies/ or here for toddlers https://pathways.org/watch/best-toys-for-toddlers/

Every time we talk to our little ones, they are learning from us. When doing everyday activities be sure to explain what you are doing and why. Use their name while talking to them. Ask questions. Be descriptive. Point out objects in your surroundings and describe them. Vroom is a wonderful resource for ideas that add learning to everyday activities for children 0-5! Check www.Vroom.org or download the Vroom app!

Take the survey to give your input and help determine the best timeframe for the Greene County Health Department clinic hours. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScc1hK_JDjjych-wWVoOmfnYR8UYzpPhvIjNAC6vAcHOyJxJw/viewform

With cold weather already making its way, remember there are resources available to help if needed. LIHEAP is one option. Contact your local outreach office today to see if you qualify. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1556

Here are some good bathroom safety tips for infants and young children. https://healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Bathroom-Safety.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2Z1LwdwdHCMCnLbtJ-hb2caKh-NVKir6N_mYg6dVVjggoCfpsgZqWLPyE#.YZKBl9PyVi8.facebook

It may be too cold for water balloons outside, but why not bring them indoors? Fill water balloons and put them in bath water. The kids will have a blast playing with the balloons as they bob in the water! https://www.learning4kids.net/2011/11/17/water-balloons-sensory-play-bath-time-fun/?fbclid=IwAR3jfGz9WUtvYb3MXOq6MMgwST9KyMDP8H0vOE08v6BacT0slbEA9yV2d2Q

Is baby ready to use a high chair? Which type of high chair is best for your baby or family? Babies typically are ready to use a high chair at around 6 months old when they are able to sit up on their own and start solids. ➡️ Get more high chair info - including safety tips you should know about and how to help baby use utensils here: https://pathways.org/utensils-and-high-chairs/

Fun activity from pathways.org! Have a colander in your kitchen? Then use it as a #TummyTime toy for your 4+ month baby! Just tie colorful ribbons or other similar items through the colander's holes and make a knot at the end of each side of the ribbon. Then watch baby explore as they pull on the ribbons! This activity helps develop baby's core muscles and fine motor skills and also works well with independent sitters. 🧘 This is also a fun activity for babies that are able to sit independently. Use ribbons or swap them out for pipe cleaners so baby can pull them in and out of the holes! ⁠ ➡️ Play more Tummy Time games: https://pathways.org/search/?query=tummy+time+games *Please note, supervision is required.

Here is a simple and delicious breakfast idea for Thanksgiving morning! Have your kiddo help by placing the "feathers" on the turkey after they cool! 🦃 https://protectingyourpennies.com/2018/11/10/thanksgiving-turkey-shaped-eggs-in-a-basket/?fbclid=IwAR1nCm_SbygHIVqTEQ0C_wTOHix76dxlSluRRPWW7_zv-21Qxzi17pwdvOc

Looking for girls size 3T gently used winter clothing- If anyone has any they would like to donate please let us know- Send us a message on here or call our office 374-6579

With Christmas coming up, save a couple boxes. Boxes can provide hours of fun for kids! https://www.learning4kids.net/2016/01/17/cardboard-box-creativity/?fbclid=IwAR38LyE75Fizlc2yhXpExtuzeBuB3-VoLnj2l8pGtk2Og0Lf7Sbw_0V6ulA

Please consider filling out this Illinois Statewide Needs Assessment created by the Illinois Families with Young Children: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4rbd-OKBtsnFGWcWx1QT_KTtcUw15jpgqqa_PNpKbEiJRgw/closedform

Thank you Greene County Family Violence Prevention Coalition for this resource on developing a Safety Plan with children. Good points for any child to keep in mind! https://5il.co/12k4u

Thank you to the Greene County HD for this important information: Did you know Lead screens are important for children? Common exposures of Lead: ~Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated-dust in older homes ~Unsafe renovation or remodeling practices causing lead-contaminated dust (likely with scraping or sanding of paint containing lead) ~ Outdoor exposures to soil or track-in of soil contaminated with lead (from past exterior paint deterioration, past use of leaded gasoline, deposition from past industrial emissions or industrial contamination) ~ Specialty foods, such as imported Mexican candies and spices from various countries ~Imported food cans with lead solder seams (production banned in United States) ~ Some traditional medicines or cosmetics ~ Pottery with glazes containing lead ~ Parental hobbies or occupations that involve exposures to lead ~ Toys or other objects may contain lead (monitor recalls on child toys)

It's that time of year again - know Flu symptoms and complications: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm?fbclid=IwAR1WlsHxSKoKQnpX3isRqB5twNJGm5qC3w99ro2On3seebbipogE2ty4gS4

This is a great resource on encouraging your baby to crawl - https://pathways.org/baby-move-5-ways-encourage-crawling/?fbclid=IwAR1JJf9uwwDo41FG90NAD8ccIFo_Um5cEs-a0-0cpBd4X_NoDK3cF0RnwoE#.YXxH1fYcKq0.facebook

How much fun do these turkey donuts look ?! Visit https://bit.ly/3IaB8jm to find out how to make them with your kid!

Here are 10 great ways to play with your infant!💛https://teachingmama.org/10-ways-to-play-with-infants/

Here is a fun activity for the littles to do this fall! Check out this Pumpkin Geoboard activity. https://teachingmama.org/pumpkin-geoboard/

This is a great idea to keep in mind as the weather gets colder! It only takes 3 ingredients! Keep them on hand for a rainy or cold day!!🙌🏻 DID YOU KNOW - You can make a Taste-Safe Play Dough with a pudding packet? 😍 https://www.funsensoryplay.com/homemade-edible-play-dough/ Get ready to play with the softest play dough!! Only 3 ingredients needed and no cooking. #sensoryplay