With all the activities surrounding Christmas, keeping a consistent routine can help provide structure and stability for your kids. Set aside time for daily activities like meals, naps, and quiet time, while also building in holiday traditions like decorating the tree or baking cookies. This balance will help manage the holiday chaos and keep kids feeling grounded.

Get your children involved in holiday preparations to make them feel part of the excitement. Let them help with decorating the house, wrapping gifts, or selecting holiday music. Simple tasks, like setting the table or picking out ornaments, will keep them busy and give them a sense of accomplishment.

The holidays can get overwhelming, and it’s important to set realistic expectations. It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. Embrace the imperfections and enjoy the time spent with loved ones. Explain to your kids the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on family time and creating memories over the commercial side of the holiday.

Amid the holiday hustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule moments to relax, whether it’s enjoying a cup of hot cocoa or taking a walk in Bedford’s winter beauty. A happy parent means a happier holiday for everyone.

By preparing for Christmas with these tips, you can ensure a holiday season full of joy, love, and cherished memories with your family in Bedford.

The post Childcare Tips for a Fun and Stress-Free Holiday in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Childcare Tips for a Fun and Stress-Free Holiday in Bedford appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Share & Support Group: Parenting is Lonely

Join the Connecting for Kids staff to discuss the article, “Why Parenting Can Be Lonely, Even When You’re Rarely Alone.” We will explore the theme of isolation when raising a child with disabilities or mental health issues and how to build a village of support. For in-person programs, free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. connectingforkids.org/support
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Music Therapy & More

Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication, and social skills, as well as behavior. This program is designed for families and their children, ages 0–6 years, who have concerns about development. connectingforkids.org/music
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.
Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Virtual Sessions

Speaker Series: Autism 101

Nathan Morgan, MSSA, LSW, of Milestones Autism Resources, will present facts, debunk myths, and provide the most up-to-date terminology available on ASD, informed by experiences as both a licensed social worker and autism self-advocate. Learn about differing strengths, lagging skills, and accommodating ever-changing support needs. connectingforkids.org/speakerseries
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Virtual

Share & Support Group: Parenting is Lonely For Families of Children with Complex Needs

Join the Connecting for Kids staff to discuss the article, “Why Parenting Can Be Lonely, Even When You’re Rarely Alone.” We will explore the theme of isolation when raising a child with disabilities or mental health issues and how to build a village of support. For in-person programs, free, supervised children’s activities are available, but adults and children must register separately. connectingforkids.org/support
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland (UCP)
Virtual

Behavior Chat

Ochanya McRoberts-Wells, MEd, will lead a discussion guided by your questions on various behavior topics. Each session will focus on a new tool from our free Behavior Toolkit, but questions on any behavior concern are welcome. Content is geared toward children 18 months–6 years.
How Structure Can Prevent Meltdowns
Monday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Virtual

About Connecting for Kids

Connecting for Kids provides resources, support, and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We support families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays, and disabilities as well as those facing major life changes. We offer programs, Resource Fairs, and a Family Resource Specialist (FRS) Program. Programs include support groups for adults, presentations by professionals, and hands-on programs that caregivers attend with their child. The FRS program offers a CFK staff member who meets with families and assists them in navigating resources. All programs are offered free to families.

The post Connecting for Kids November & December Programs in Solon & Three Virtual Opportunities first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Connecting for Kids November & December Programs in Solon & Three Virtual Opportunities appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Costume Safety: When selecting or making costumes, prioritize safety. Choose costumes that are visible in the dark—bright colors or reflective materials are great options. Avoid long capes or accessories that could cause tripping. Make sure masks fit properly and allow for clear vision and breathing. Consider using face paint as a safer alternative.
2. Pumpkin Carving: Carving pumpkins is a fun tradition, but it’s important to supervise your children closely. For younger kids, consider using markers or stickers to decorate pumpkins instead of carving. For older kids, provide them with child-safe tools and assist them as needed.
3. Planning Trick-or-Treating: Discuss safety rules with your kids before heading out. Set a specific route that is well-lit and familiar, and consider going in groups. Make sure they know to wait for you at street corners and to look both ways before crossing the street.
4. Food Safety: Check all treats before letting your kids indulge. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items. If your child has food allergies, have a conversation about what is safe for them to eat.
5. Fun Activities: Beyond trick-or-treating, plan fun Halloween activities at home, such as watching spooky movies, making Halloween-themed snacks, or hosting a costume party.

By keeping these tips in mind, we can ensure that Halloween is not only fun but also safe for our children in Bedford. Happy Halloween!

The post Halloween Prep: Essential Childcare Tips for a Fun and Safe Celebration first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Halloween Prep: Essential Childcare Tips for a Fun and Safe Celebration appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Music Therapy & More

Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication, and social skills, as well as behavior. This program is designed for families and their children, ages 0 – 6 years, who have concerns about development.
connectingforkids.org/music
Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Virtual Workshop

Adolescence and Advocacy: Healthcare Transition Planning for Puberty
Nikki Montgomery, MA, MEd, GPAC, will lead a discussion on how to begin to involve your child in planning and decision-making now to prepare for adolescent healthcare self-advocacy. She will also address how race, disability, and special health needs can affect healthcare outcomes.
connectingforkids.org/workshops
Monday, Oct. 21, 6:00 p.m.
Virtual

About Connecting for Kids

Connecting for Kids provides resources, support, and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We support families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays, and disabilities, as well as those facing major life changes. We offer programs, Resource Fairs, and a Family Resource Specialist (FRS) Program. Programs include support groups for adults, presentations by professionals, and hands-on programs that caregivers attend with their children. The FRS program offers a CFK staff member who meets with families and assists them in navigating resources. All programs are offered free to families.

The post Connecting for Kids October 2024 Programs in Solon & Virtual first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Connecting for Kids October 2024 Programs in Solon & Virtual appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Start by creating a simple daily schedule that includes time for meals, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and rest. For example, having set times for breakfast, school drop-off, homework, and bedtime can help children understand what to expect and when. This not only helps with managing their behavior but also builds a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.

One practical approach is to use visual schedules for younger children. You can create a chart with pictures representing different activities and their times. This visual aid helps children anticipate what comes next and makes transitions smoother. For older kids, involving them in the creation of their own schedule can increase their engagement and willingness to follow it.

For instance, I’ve found that sticking to a bedtime routine has made bedtime a lot less stressful, especially with the new school schedule. We have a set sequence of activities—bath, storytime, and then lights out—that signals to my children that it’s time to wind down for the night. This routine has not only improved their sleep but also made our evenings much more peaceful.

Incorporating a routine into your daily life can make a significant difference, providing a calm and structured environment that benefits both parents and children as they navigate the school year.

The post The Power of Routine: A Simple Childcare Tip for a Smooth School Year first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post The Power of Routine: A Simple Childcare Tip for a Smooth School Year appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Music Therapy & More

This program is designed for families and their children, ages 0 – 6 years, who have concerns about development. Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child’s academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior. This program is led by a Board- Certified Music Therapist. connectingforkids.org/music
Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m., Solon Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Virtual Share & Support Group

LGBTQ+ Caregiver Connect: Emotions of LGBTQ+ Parenting

Are you the caregiver of a child who is gender-questioning, expansive or LGBTQ+? Then join our interactive caregiver support group to meet and connect with other families. CFK staff will lead a discussion where families can learn, connect and find resources to better support and affirm their child.
Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m., Virtual

About Connecting for Kids

Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We support families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays and disabilities as well as those facing major life changes. We offer programs, Resource Fairs and a Family Resource Specialist (FRS) Program. Programs include support groups for adults, presentations by professionals as well as hands-on programs that caregivers attend with their child. The FRS program offers a CFK staff member who meets with families and assists them in navigating resources. All programs are offered free to families.

The post Connecting for Kids September Programs on 9/4 in Solon & 9/12 Virtually first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Connecting for Kids September Programs on 9/4 in Solon & 9/12 Virtually appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Playing outside gives children the chance to explore their environment and engage in physical activities that are crucial for their development. Activities like running, climbing, and playing games help build strong muscles and improve coordination. Fresh air and natural sunlight are also vital for vitamin D production, which is essential for healthy bones and immune function.

Outdoor play also fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Whether they’re building a fort, climbing trees, or inventing new games, kids use their imagination and critical thinking skills in ways that indoor activities can’t always provide. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about their surroundings, take risks in a safe environment, and develop social skills by interacting with peers.

Moreover, playing outside can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. The freedom and joy of being outdoors can lift spirits and provide a natural way to manage anxiety and frustration.

In Bedford, we’re lucky to have beautiful parks and nature trails that are perfect for outdoor play. Encouraging our children to take advantage of these spaces can lead to happier, healthier, and more well-rounded individuals. So, let’s make it a priority to get our kids outside and enjoy the many benefits that nature has to offer.

The post The Joy and Importance of Outdoor Play for Children first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post The Joy and Importance of Outdoor Play for Children appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Planning the Hunt:

1. Create a List of Items: Design a list of items for the scavenger hunt that encourages exploration and creativity. For example:
   • A smooth rock
   • A feather
   • A colorful leaf
   • A small toy or figurine
   • A flower with five petals
   • A piece of string
   • A coin with a date from the 2000s
2. Setting Up the Hunt: Choose a safe and interesting location for the hunt, such as a local park, your backyard, or even inside your home. Hide the items in various places, making sure they are challenging but not too difficult to find.

Suggestions for Different Settings:

• For Apartments: If you live in an apartment, create an indoor scavenger hunt. Use common household items and hide them in different rooms. For instance, you might hide a spoon under a cushion, or a book in a closet.
• For Younger Children: If you’re organizing a hunt for younger children, simplify the list and use visual clues or pictures. For example, include items like “a red ball” or “a soft toy,” and provide images of these items to help them understand.

A scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to get kids moving and thinking, all while having a blast!

The post Fun for All: Organizing a Scavenger Hunt for Kids Ages 8 to 11 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Fun for All: Organizing a Scavenger Hunt for Kids Ages 8 to 11 appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

The mission for COPE Weekend is to equip youth with the tools and resources they need to develop and maintain mental fitness. This year, they have an exciting lineup of activities and workshops aimed at fostering mental well-being and creating a supportive community for young attendees.

Day One: Workshops and Activities
The first day of the program will focus on discussing and developing family digital detox plans, as well as engaging in a variety of reflective and physically enriching activities. Youth can participate in:

• Reflective art workshops
• Yoga sessions
• Martial arts workshops

Day Two: Resource Fair and Outdoor Fun
The second day will feature a comprehensive resource fair connecting families with professional counseling providers and youth mentorship programs. Additionally, there will be plenty of outdoor fun for everyone, including:

• Emoji face painting
• Ice cream treats
• Inflatable games
• A mental health obstacle course

COPE Weekend is proudly hosted by The Missing Link, COPE Inc., in collaboration with MYCOM and other supportive organizations. This event promises to be an enriching experience for the whole family, offering valuable resources and a chance to enjoy time together.

Mark your calendars for August 2nd and 3rd, and join us at Messiah International Church for a weekend dedicated to promoting mental fitness and community well-being.

For more information, please contact Laylah Allen, Founder of The Missing Link, COPE Inc. at info@themissinglinkcle.org.

The post Join Us NEXT WEEKEND for the 4th Annual COPE Weekend: Empowering Youth with Mental Fitness Tools first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Join Us NEXT WEEKEND for the 4th Annual COPE Weekend: Empowering Youth with Mental Fitness Tools appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.

Creating a water obstacle course is easy and doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. You can use items you already have at home, like sprinklers, kiddie pools, water guns, and even simple household items like buckets and sponges. Start by laying out a course with different stations where kids can run, jump, splash, and get wet. They can crawl under sprinklers, hop through hula hoops filled with water, or race with water-filled balloons.

This activity not only keeps them cool on hot days but also encourages physical activity and creativity. They love designing their own challenges and competing with each other. Plus, it’s a great way for them to practice coordination and teamwork.

In Bedford, where summers can get warm, a water obstacle course is a refreshing and exciting way for kids to spend their days outdoors. It’s an activity that guarantees lots of laughter, fun memories, and a break from the summer heat. So, grab those water toys and get ready for some splashing good times!

The post Beat the Heat: Creating a Water Obstacle Course for Summertime Fun in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Beat the Heat: Creating a Water Obstacle Course for Summertime Fun in Bedford appeared first on The Bedford Tribune.