Dear Parent or Caregiver: Like their bodies, children’s brains still have a lot of growing to do after they are born. What children learn through their early interactions with parents and caregiv- ers becomes the foundation for all future development. Research shows that nurturing relationships and safe, secure environments improve brain development and child well-being. Parents and caregivers who have a social network and con- crete support in times of need are better able to provide safe environments and nurturing experiences for their children. All families need a helping hand at some point, so we want to be sure you know that help is available when you need it. This booklet provides information about: Child development from birth through the teen years Tips for creating the stimulating and nurturing environ- ments children need Tips for managing the challenges of family life Contact information for valuable community resources Remember, it is also important for you to take good care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. When you are feeling good, it is easier to be a positive, loving parent and do all you need to do to care for your child. The Parent Helpline is also an excellent source of addi- tional information. Their friendly staff can answer ques- tions about parenting and child development and can connect you to service providers in your local communi- ty. You can call the Parent Helpline by dialing 1-800-FLA- LOVE (1-800-352-5683) any time, day or night. The call is free and confidential. We hope you use the resources in the following pages as a guide for what you can expect as your child develops. We also encourage you to talk to your child’s doctor or other professionals if you have any questions or con- cerns about your child. Pinwheels for Prevention® 2011 Parent Resource Book • i Table of Contents Introduction: Why the Early Years Are So Important ...............1 PARENTING AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Your Child at Birth .........................................................................................3 Safe Sleep for Your Baby ..............................................................................5 Your Child at Two Months .......................................................................7 Better Sleep for You and Your Baby ......................................................9 Coping with Crying ..................................................................................... 11 Your Child at Four to Six Months ..................................................... 13 Your Child at Six to Nine Months .................................................... 15 Your Child at Nine to Twelve Months .......................................... 17 TOOLS AND TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS Your Child at 12 to 18 Months ............................................................ 19 Stimulating Development in a Disabled Child .......................... 53 Teaching Your Child to Use the Potty ............................................... 21 Home Safety Checklist .............................................................................. 55 Your Child at 18 to 24 Months ............................................................ 23 Choosing Child Care .................................................................................... 57 Your Child at 24 to 36 Months ............................................................ 25 Choosing After-School Care ................................................................... 61 Your Child at Three Years Old ............................................................. 27 When to Leave Your Kids Home Alone ............................................ 63 Your Child at Four Years Old ................................................................ 29 Coaching Your Kids from the Sidelines ........................................... 65 Your Child at Five Years Old ................................................................. 31 Just for Dads ..................................................................................................... 67 Positive Parenting Tips that Promote Co-Parenting: Learning to Work Together ..................................... 69 Good Behavior in Early Childhood ..................................................... 33 Supporting Your Child’s Social Development.............................. 35 SELF-CARE TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS Keeping Kids Drug Free ............................................................................. 37 Managing Stress ............................................................................................ 71 Your School-Age Child (6 – 12 years old) ..................................... 41 Finding Balance between Home and Work ................................. 73 Positive Parenting Tips that Promote Tips for a Healthy Relationship ............................................................ 75 Good Behavior in Middle Childhood................................................. 42 Keeping Kids Safe Online ......................................................................... 43 CONCRETE SUPPORTS IN TIMES OF NEED Helping Kids Cope with Stress ............................................................. 45 Family and Community Resources ................................................... 77 Your Teenager ................................................................................................ 47 Easy Phone Reference Sheet .................................................................. 81 Positive Parenting Tips that Promote Good Behavior during the Teen Years .............................................. 48 Babysitter’s Emergency Checklist ...................................................... 82 Understanding Healthy Sexual Development: What to Expect as Your Child Grows and Matures ................. 49 Bonus: Make Your Own Pinwheel Activity Page ....................... 83 Pinwheels for Prevention® 2011 Parent Resource Book • iii INTRODUCTION Why the Early Years Are So Important hile children’s brains will continue to develop throughout their lives, the most active period of brain development begins during the last trimester Wof pregnancy and lasts until 18 months of age. During this period, how well a child’s physical, social and emotional needs are met affects how the child’s brain will grow and develop. Understanding how children grow and learn will help you know what to expect and what you can do to help your child develop all of his or her abilities. The four main areas of child development are physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Physical Development is the growth of the human body including: height, weight, muscles and the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell). Coordi- nation of large and small muscle movements is also part of physical development. Social Development is the ability to connect with others, understand rules and develop values, and cooperate as member of a family, peer group and society. Emotional Development is the ability to understand and express feelings and control emotions. Cognitive Development is the ability to learn and to use logic and reason to solve problems. Development in each of the four areas is tightly connected. For example, learning to talk requires hearing (physical), the ability to understand different sounds (cognitive), the ability to pay attention (social) and the ability to interact with others (emotional). Failing to progress in one area affects the ability to progress in all other areas. Development in each of these areas happens in stages and each child will develop at his or her own rate. Developmen- tal guidelines simply show what a child of that age could do—if not right now, then soon. If your child was premature, keep in mind that babies born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. Professionals like doctors, nurses, early learning providers and home visitors can help you track your child’s development, identify possible con- cerns and make referrals for help when needed. Discovering and treating health issues or developmental delays early can help prevent more serious problems later in life. A Word about Discipline and Safety WORTH NOTING As children grow and develop, their needs for discipline and safety will change. Discipline, which means “to teach,” is not something in- CHILDPROOFING alone will not fants or toddlers can understand. They also do not understand danger. keep your child safe. Childproofing Babies are curious and will play with just about anything. The only way to discipline an infant is to make sure they are safe in their sur- increases the amount of time it roundings so they can explore and learn about the world. For example, takes for your child to get into a if you do not want your baby to stick his finger in the electrical outlet, dangerous situation, but it does then you need to cover the outlet with safety caps. More examples of not replace ADULT SUPERVISION. how to meet your child’s needs for discipline and safety at each stage of development are included in the following pages of this booklet. Pinwheels for Prevention® 2011 Parent Resource Book • 1 P arenting & Child & arenting Development Your Child at Birth he moment you’ve been dreaming of has finally come! You are now the proud parent of a tiny little bundle of joy. Feeling anx- Newborn Tious? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Then it’s official, you are a new parent! You may be surprised by all of the new emotions, new experi- ences and new worries that come along with your new baby. As you