Babies on the Homefront

ZERO TO THREE’s Military Family Projects announces their newest resource, Babies on the Homefront. This free app for smartphones is available in both English and Spanish on iTunes and the Google Play store.

Babies on the Homefront is designed especially for military and Veteran families as they navigate the many transitions that are part of serving—including deployment, reintegration, moving, and transitioning back to civilian life. The free app makes it easy to select from behavior tips and activities for parents and children, with a special section for parental self-care. The app also provides access to a series of newly developed, short video podcasts on a range of parenting topics particularly relevant to military and Veteran families.

You may access materials including the promotional video and a parent handout that may be duplicated at http://babiesonthehomefront.org/

Considering Autism Interventions

Anna McConnell, Dept. of Mental Health State Autism Coordinator, brings us some of the current resources available regarding different autism intervention and treatment strategies. For more posts about autism (many by Anna) just follow our new Autism label on the blog!

-

Developmental screenings are crucial for identifying delays in children, leading to earlier intervention. The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) released the Environmental Scan: State Strategies and Initiatives to Improve Developmental and Autism Screening and Early Identification Systems publication, which describes various states’ efforts to create a well-developed system of care that emphasizes early screening, assessment, and intervention. Once identified, finding and paying for interventions in Alabama is not always easy. While there are a number of services accessible for children with delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), lack of adequate insurance coverage issues may make services inaccessible and depending on where a family lives, resources may not be available.

Recent news articles have featured therapies and interventions that have aided children with ASD in making great gains. One resource that provides guidance about which interventions are evidence-based and effective for specific age groups has been published by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The 2014 Evidence Based Practice Report (pdf) is a great resource for any service provider or family member who is considering appropriate interventions. Social, communication, and school readiness are the areas most addressed across interventions for the birth through age five category. In Alabama, we hope that the system of care for those with ASD will continue to develop and improve for early screening, identification, and intervention. These are helpful resources to consider as Alabama continues to move forward in its work for those with ASD.

Raising Food-Smart Kids

Like last week’s post, we’re still trying to help you keep your resolve to have a healthy family – hopefully a year-round goal! As you are leading in your family, “creating a nutritional home is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the health of your child. To start, make smart food choices, and help your child develop a positive relationship with healthy food. Your children will learn their food smarts from your example.” Read these “10 Ways to Raise Food-Smart Kids” and remember that this is an ongoing process – take these as encouragement towards the future and don’t get discouraged if things don’t always go according to plan.

Healthy eating for kids is important, but sometimes it can be a struggle to serve foods children like. KidsHealth provides some great recipes for creative ways to serve kids healthy, fun foods they can enjoy.

Photo Credit

ABCDE This Year!

The New Year always brings New Year’s resolutions, and they aren’t always easy to keep. Here are some great ideas for parents and caregivers to “ABCDE” (Act Boldly to Change Diet and Exercise). As a parent, you are a role model! The foods you eat and the patterns you hold set an example for children. Download this PDF from the American Psychological Association for great ideas for keeping yourself and your kids on track towards healthy goals!

Staying active doesn’t have to be complicated. KidsHealth reminds us that a simple game of tag or bending over to tie shoes can be good endurance and flexibility exercises. They provide these tips for raising fit kids:

Photo Credit

• Help your kids participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities.
• Establish a regular schedule for physical activity.
• Incorporate activity into daily routines, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself, so you'll be a positive role model for your family.
• Keep it fun, so you can count on your kids to come back for more.

For even more suggestions, check out this article on “Raising a Fit Preschooler”.