Dinner Together

Some may think that eating together or apart really does not affect the family relationships, but they would be wrong.  What better time than mealtime to get together with your family and enjoy conversation.  During mealtime, you can talk about your day, your successes and failures; you can build each other up.  It doesn't take much more effort to set the table rather than sit in front of the television screen to eat, and it certainly is a much more valuable opportunity for family bonding.  Don't get me wrong, my family enjoys an occasional movie night, but what I am talking about is your everyday schedule.  Make sure to schedule dinnertime out for the family and try not to make it about entertainment (television, laptops, and cellphones), but instead make it about bonding.  You will be surprised at what you learn about your kids when you sit down to dinner with them, and quite honestly it will be a more entertaining time than wasting that time glued to a screen.  My family laughs at the table, and sometimes the kids have disagreements; but that is when we grow as a family and learn how to relate to one another.  So, if the kids start fighting at the table, make sure you use it as a learning tool for all of you...mom and dad to learn patience and mediation...kiddos to learn tolerance and understanding of personalities and manners.  Most of the time, you will find that dinners together will be enjoyable and fun.  Make the best of everyday you have with those little ones!  Life is short...Make every moment count!

Building That Bond With Your Infant

Infant bonding can be accomplished when the parents are in tune with their child.  Not making an effort or taking time to bond, is detrimental to the family bonding experience.  Be sure to enjoy your baby, and give him/her your attention.

The following are ways to encourage the bond that is needed between baby and parent:

1. Share gentle touches.  Caress your baby's head and arms.  You can even try infant massaging.  The closeness that this creates will bond you with your child.

2.  Talk to your baby.  Whether you use baby talk or carry on a conversation, make sure that your baby knows your voice.  Speaking to your baby will further create a bonding relationship.

3.  Make eye contact.  Be sure to look into those beautiful, sweet baby eyes.  Just being social in day-to-day activities requires looking eye-to-eye with people.  How much more important is it to make that connection with your child?  You can't expect to bond with your child if you never make eye contact. 

4.  Respond to your baby's needs.  Your baby will let you know when he/she needs or wants something, whether it be attention and love or a physical need like a diaper change or FOOD.  Meeting your child's needs when he/she cues you in to them will also build that bond that you need and desire.

5.  Take out time to play!  Peek-a-boo, and silly motions games are always fun with infants.  Also, use tools like toys to encourage your child to develop educationally.  Playing with your child will be enjoyable for both of you and further promote bonding.

6.  READ!  No baby is too young to read to.  The sound of your voice and the colors on the picture books will stimulate your baby's mind.  When baby hears your voice as you read, he/she will feel a bond to you and at the same time you will be helping your child develop early reading skills and an interest in books.

Family Fun Day

On October 9^th our program is planning a FREE Family Fun Day at Ard’s Farm in Lewisburg.  We had a Family Fun Day last year at the farm with our families and it was a terrific opportunity to enjoy family time.  We spent time at the petting zoo and enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch. 

Call our program today to begin our Family Nurturing Program classes and join us on this fun excursion to the farm. 

Call Union-Snyder Community Action Agency at 570-374-0181 to register for this opportunity to nurture
your family and enjoy our

nurturing activities at

no cost to you.

 

Accident Prevention

This week is Child Accident Prevention Week.  This is a topic that all adults need to be educated on.  
Being proactive is the best way to protect our children.  Here are a few suggestions on how to be proactive and prevent child accidents:

• Keep a watchful eye on your children.  Small children can quickly get into messy situations, and some of those situations can become quite dangerous.  Always know where your child is and what your child is doing.  It only takes a few seconds for a child to change directions and end up climbing a shelf, or trying out the pool.

• Educate your children.  Make sure your children know what is safe and what is not.  I remember my mom using "Mr. Yuck" stickers when I was a child, and I use them for my children as well. Mark out for your children what they can and cannot touch.  Also, using safety latches is important as well to keep your children safe from kitchen utensils and harsh cleaners.  Teach your children about hot tools that are used for heating your home and for cooking.  Make sure they understand the dangers of fire, and that they don't only admire it, but respect it.  Keep electrical outlets that are not in use covered.

• Practice routines.  If children have a routine and are busy, they are less likely to find danger.  Have a daily routine and follow it.

• Keep your home organized and clean.  This will prevent falls and possible injuries from fallen items.

By becoming proactive, you can prevent accidents in your home and prevent injuries to your children.