It looks like we can finally stop asking this question: “Is it Spring yet?” With spring-like temperatures across the state (low 50s in Anchorage, low 20s in Utqiaqvik, and 50s in Juneau), it’s time to think about getting kids outside for warmer weather activities. Did you know the new “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans” says Read More
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Activities for Bonding with Books
Reading together is a great way to spend quality time and bond with your child! Here are some ways to be more present during and after you read together: Change your reading environment: if you’re reading a wintery book, read it outside in the snow; read books by flashlight/firelight; read books on an indoor or Read More
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
According to the Child Welfare League of America, Alaska consistently has one of top 5 rates of child abuse in the United States. For every 1,000 children in Alaska, 42.2 were victims of abuse – that’s approximately 8,000 children. Often we feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem and are unsure about what we Read More
Books to Bond Over
The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson (Preschool) All the colors of the rainbow are hidden in the garden, but can the little bee find them with your help? Fans of Tap the Magic Tree will really enjoy this interactive book that is perfect for spring, bringing a garden to life. ▸ Get it at the Read More
Ways to Bond Over Books
Being a parent is hard, but a strong bond with your child can make the hard parenting days a little easier. Be present with your child. Spending time together is a way to show your love. Remember you are your young child’s favorite person. Make time to play together every day, even if it’s 10 Read More
Books, Bonding, and Behavior
Everyone can agree that reading with children is beneficial to their cognitive and language development. Often less recognized is the importance it plays on parenting and child behavior. In the last year, various studies have shown that parents who read with their children are less likely to engage in harsh parenting and their children are Read More
Activities to Talk More
Read, Read, Read Reading aloud to your child can begin while they are still in utero. Bedtime reading is a great chance to slow down with your child and deepen your bond. For some families, it’s a routine that continues into grade school. Talk to me, Baby | Birth-6 months Repeating what babies say lets Read More
Books to Talk About
Ask Me by Bernard Waber (Toddler, Preschool) After he’s tucked in at bedtime, a little boy talks to his stuffed animals. He shares with them all the things that he did during the day and asks all about what his stuffies did that day, too. Though the animals don’t use their words to reply, the Read More
Now Seeking: Board Members Ready to Serve!
Best Beginnings is looking for a few good men – and women! This June, three of our longest-serving members will complete their third three-year terms and must leave the Best Beginnings board. Along with so many other wonderful board members over the years, they committed time, talent, and treasure to enable Best Beginnings to fulfill Read More
Ways to Talk More
Talking to young children often feels like a one-way street, but it’s so important for their growth and development! Here are some ideas by age of how to keep the chatter going. Infant – babies Sing lullabies Make eye contact and use expressions when you talk to your baby Repeat back sounds that your child Read More