Tagged With "Children"

Self-directed free play is vital for the healthy development of children. Here we see 43 science-backed benefits it brings.

A hug may be comforting to many children, but for a child who has experienced trauma it may not feel safe. That’s an example used by Julie Kurtz, co-director of trauma informed practices in early childhood education at the WestEd Center for Child & Family Studies (CCFS), as she begins a trauma training session. Her audience, preschool teachers and staff of the San Francisco-based Wu Yee Children’s Services at San Francisco’s Women’s Building, listen attentively.

Children Now is pleased to announce that we've just released our new 2018-19 California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being! The latest edition is an interactive tool that provides a comprehensive snapshot of how children are faring in each of the 58 counties, over time, and by race and ethnicity. The tool's indicators cut across four domains of education, early childhood, child welfare and health. This updated edition of the Scorecard features significant enhancements including heat...

Healthy development in the early years of life provides the building blocks for lifelong health, educational achievement, and responsible citizenship. What can we do during this incredibly important period to ensure that children have a strong foundation for future development? This guide explains how children develop in their earliest years, why that time period is so important, and the practical ways we can support early childhood development (ECD) and improve outcomes for children and...

By Jack P. Shonkoff, Immigration Initiative at Harvard, October 2019 Background The separation of children from their parents and their prolonged detention for an indefinite period of time raise profound concerns that transcend partisan politics and demand immediate resolution. Forcibly separating children from their parents is like setting a house on fire. Preventing rapid reunification is like blocking the first responders from doing their job. And subjecting children to prolonged...

Hi ACEs community! In case you haven’t already seen it, the Wrestling Ghosts team wanted to share with you a TED Talk we recently came across that we love. Called: “Daring to Question the Way We Raise Children,” this talk explores strategies and opinions by Ruth Beaglehole, founder of Echo Parenting . We think a lot of you guys would find it really interesting, so check it out! The Wrestling Ghosts team is so thankful for the connections we’ve already made within the ACEs community. Our film...

Is this a good time to contribute your skills and wisdom to an interdisciplinary Community of Practice for adults who are important in the lives of young children? Early Childhood Learning & Wellness 6 Month Pilot Fee Choices for All 6 Months: $60, $90, $120, $___ Please invite others! Click here to learn more . Click here for a video message from Jodi . Please invite others! Due date to commit: July 15th

By: David Schonfeld, MD, FAAP After any disaster or crisis, families struggle with what they should say to children and how to help them cope. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents, teachers, child care providers, and others who work closely with children to filter information about the event and present it in a way that their child can understand, adjust to and handle in a healthy way. Where to start No matter what age or developmental stage your child is, you can...

There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive. As of February 14, 2023, the number of mass shootings in this country had reached 67. Mass shootings and school shootings may spark feelings of stress, grief and anxiety in children. Many students, including Kindergarteners as young as five years old, participate in active shooter drills at school. Their awareness of school shootings can lead to emotional conversations filled with complex questions.

By Laura Gallant, 10/13/23, https://positiveexperience.org/blog/ October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal of this month is to prevent bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Bullying affects both the person who is experiencing the bullying and those who are engaging in bullying behavior . It can block access to the Four Building Blocks of HOPE . The Special Olympics shares that 20% of children from 12-18 experience bullying, and children with disabilities are...

Consider taking Halloween off. For many children, Halloween is an exciting and fun time of year. For children who have experienced trauma, it may look a little different. Images and decorations portraying death or blood can be frightening for children who may have been physically harmed, seen someone be seriously injured, or in some other way had their life threatened. On top of this, not being able to identify safe people because their appearance has been altered for the holiday can be...

The holiday season can be emotionally painful for children who have experienced trauma. Festive celebrations can trigger anxiety, loneliness, and grief. Caregivers or educators can support children by understanding how trauma affects children during the holidays and provide trauma-informed care to address difficult emotions. To read more on how to support children this Holiday Season read article from the Center of Child Well Being and Trauma. HELPING CHILDREN WHO HAVE OR ARE EXPERIENCING...

An interactive course that helps providers and caring community members introduce resilience-building practices to young children and families affected by crisis. https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/rhythms-of-resilience-course/