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Over the past few months, our blog and social media posts have explored various developmental areas - social, physical, language, intellectual, creative and emotional domains or, as we call them "S.P.L.I.C.E." Our content and suggested activities have provided ideas and ways you can support your child in achieving their optimal development, but you may be asking yourself “is my child hitting their developmental milestones when they are supposed too?” First, what is a developmental milestone? A developmental milestone is a functional skill or task a child can perform at a certain age within the developmental domains. For example, walking is a major developmental milestone and usually occurs somewhere around one year of age, but what happens if your baby is older and still not walking? Before you panic, consider what your baby IS doing. Can your baby crawl, pull themselves up, or stand? These are all signs your baby is developing their motor skills and indicate that walking will soon follow. While children typically grow and develop in a similar sequence, they may develop certain skills at their own pace either before or after their peers. For example, a child 18-24 months (about two years) old will typically be able to use approximately 50 words. This means that you may meet a child who is18 months old (about one and a half years) using 50 words and another child who is 22 months old (about two years) using only 20 different words. While this may seem like a significant difference, both children are within the appropriate range for their age. Another thing to consider is the environment a child spends most of their time in. In the previous example, the younger child may have older siblings or extended family, creating a language-rich environment, while the older child may be an only child with a quieter family and home life. One step at a time Milestones develop sequentially, meaning a child needs to develop basic skills before they can expand on them and develop new skills. A perfect example of this is a child’s ability to draw a human. The first step to achieving this skill happens around age one when the child picks up a tool and creates random marks or scribbles on paper. As early as age two, lasting until around age four, a child will start to make more intentional scribbles that resemble a person, usually with a head, arms, legs, and face. Soon after, they will begin adding details to their drawings and, by age five, can usually draw a person with many different elements such as fingers, toes, hair, and other familiar objects such as pets, demonstrating their intellectual development. To accomplish these artistic skills, the child must also refine and develop their pencil grasp (how they hold a pencil) to establish more control over their fine-motor (small muscle) movement, demonstrating their physical development. The above photos show the difference in skill between two developing age groups. The toddler (left) is focused primarily on the experience of moving the paint around the paper with his brush while using his palmer grasp. The preschool children (right) are using their refined tripod grasp to paint purposeful marks that represent objects they are familiar with. Whether your child is beginning to show their development through drawing, stacking blocks or naming objects, their brain is continuing to develop rapidly and observing these types of milestones is important to understanding your child’s growth and development. However, as with other benchmarks, not all children will develop these skills at the same time. Ages and Stages Questionnaire If you would like to learn more about where your child is developmentally or if you have any concerns, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a great screening tool that provides a snapshot of a child’s current strengths and identifies areas they may need a little extra support. There are different types of ASQs available based on your concerns. If you are interested in completing one with your child, call (780) 471-373 and ask to speak with one of our intake facilitators about doing an ASQ.

Happy New Year! Get 2023 off to a great start by implementing household routines to make your life as a parent run more smoothly! Some parents resist the idea of schedules and routines because they believe their home will become too rulebound or that fun and spontaneity will be stifled. But young children thrive in the structure and predictability routines provide. Routines help children feel safe and secure, which in turn makes it easier for them to learn and develop new skills. Routines help children learn to self-regulate, as they begin to understand and follow the expectations and rules associated with different activities. And routines can help children develop a sense of independence and responsibility, as they learn to follow a schedule and complete tasks on their own. Overall, routines play an important role in helping young children learn and grow. Like most things, the key to success with routines is balance: scheduling too much of your day can create stress for your child (and you), but scheduling too little creates stress too. Constant spontaneity without some baseline routine to depart from is just chaos. Routines are important for both children and parents Structure and predictability can be helpful for the entire family, not just small children. Routines make it easier for parents to manage their time and responsibilities, in turn reducing stress and conflicts within the household. Routines can help parents establish clear expectations and boundaries for their children, which promote good behavior and support children's emotional and social development. Overall, routines can be important tools for parents to help ensure the smooth running of their household and support the healthy development of their children. The three most important routines for young children: The three most important routines to put in place for young children are a regular bedtime routine, regular mealtimes, and a regular morning routine. A regular bedtime routine helps children wind down from their day and prepare for a good sleep, while a morning routine can set a positive tone for their day. Regular mealtimes with healthy food choices help ensure proper nutrition and can also provide opportunities for socialization and learning when the family sits down for a meal together. Bedtime routine: Preschool children need from 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night! A bedtime routine for young children helps them wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep - and a good night's sleep makes them ready for tomorrow's brain-building! Try these steps: Establish a regular bedtime and stick to it consistently, even on weekends. Create a relaxing and calming atmosphere in the bedroom, with dim lighting and comfortable bedding. Help your child prepare for bed by having them brush their teeth, wash their face, and put on their pajamas. Spend some time together before sleep, cuddling and reading a bedtime story. Turn off the lights and tuck your child into bed, giving them a goodnight kiss and reassuring them that they are safe and loved. It is important to be consistent and patient as you establish a bedtime routine. With time and practice, your child will learn to wind down and relax before bed, setting the stage for a good night's sleep which in turn leads to an easier morning. Download a ‘Good Night!’ routine checklist (pdf) > Morning routine: A good morning routine for young children will help them (and you) start the day off on the right foot. Wake up at a similar time each day, even on weekends. Help your child prepare for the day by having them get dressed, brush their teeth and hair, and wash their face. Provide a healthy breakfast and enough time to sit down and eat it. Encourage your child to help with simple tasks such as packing their school or daycare bag. Put your packed bags by the door. Help with shoes and any outside clothing, if necessary. Have a checklist you run through before leaving the house (Bag? Check! Hat? Check! Mittens (or sunscreen)? Check! Jacket? Check! … and so on) It is important to find a routine that works for your child and your family, and, again, to be consistent and patient as you establish a morning routine. With time and practice, your child will learn to start the day off in a positive and productive way. Download a ‘Good Morning!’ routine (pdf) > Mealtime routine: To set up a mealtime routine for young children, try following these steps: Establish regular mealtimes and stick to them consistently. This will help your child know when to expect meals and can also help regulate their hunger and eating habits. Create a calm and pleasant atmosphere at mealtimes, free from distractions such as television or other screens. Provide a variety of healthy foods for your child to choose from and encourage them to try new foods and flavours. Involve your child in meal planning and preparation by encouraging them to help with simple tasks such as setting the table or washing vegetables. Set enough time for your child to eat without feeling rushed; encourage them to eat at a leisurely pace. Sit down and eat together as a family – this encourages healthy attachment, building strong family bonds. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment and avoid pressuring your child to eat more than they want. Instead, focus on fostering a positive relationship with food and mealtimes. It may take some time and patience to establish a mealtime routine, but with consistency, your child can learn to enjoy mealtimes as a time for nourishment and connection with others. What happens when your household has little routine? Young children who lack structure and predictability in their lives can develop feelings of insecurity and uncertainty, which can lead to behavioural challenges and learning difficulties. Lack of household routines makes it more difficult for parents to manage their time, too—which leads to increased stress and conflict throughout the household. Items get forgotten, chores get left undone, and time always seems to be working against you. Make life easier on yourself. Life with small children is so busy and there are so many things to remember all the time: routines can save you a lot of time and mental energy. At the same time, they create the right conditions for your child’s optimal early brain development. What could be better than that? For a calmer, healthier home, rely on routines!

Parenting is tough! And one of the really hard parts of parenting is setting limits for our children. One thing that can make life a little easier for you (and your child!) is using something called “I-messages”. Using I-messages sounds like this: Instead of “Get down!!” try, “I am afraid you might fall when you climb up on the couch." Instead of “Stop running in the store!!” try, ”I worry when I cannot see you in the store. Please stay next to me.” Instead of “Do not throw things!” try, “I worry that you might hit your friend when you throw your toys. What/where could we throw that is safe?” Instead of "Don't leave your toys all over the floor," try, "Wow, there are a lot of toys on the floor. I am nervous that someone might trip. Let's put some of them away!" Why do I-messages help? I-messages take the blame off of your child and put the focus on the behavior. This will help your child be more receptive to what you are saying, making those tough parenting moments just a little easier for you - and for your child! I-messages are not just for redirection! I-messages are also a great way to inspire critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your child: “I wonder what we could do with these?” “I wish somebody was singing a fun song right now." "I think that you can do it! You are strong and capable!"

Tuesday, February 28 5:30 pm Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre 9516 114 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5G 0K7 RSVP by February 15 to norwooda@norwoodcentre.com or call 780-471-3737.

National Literacy Day takes place every January 27th to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Taking time every day to read with children is crucial to their development and can help parents improve their skills as well! Join us and celebrate with food, stories, singing, and other creative activities all designed to encourage children's language development. January 27 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre 9516 - 114 Avenue, Edmonton 780-471-3737

A huge, huge, HUGE thank you to Edmonton Remand Centre staff, who will be collecting toys, books, and donations in support of our vulnerable families with young children on December 3 and 4 by the Walmart at 16940 127 Street in North Edmonton. This event means so much to our families, many of whom are truly struggling with the high cost of basic necessities this year, let alone gifts or special holiday meals. The donations deliver joy to children and remind parents they are part of a community that cares about them and their families. If you are in a position to give this year, please drop by and donate!

We were so pleased to have our program director, Kathy Burgett, speak at the launch of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region's winter fundraising campaign. She shared some stories of how Norwood's programs and services - and through them, Edmonton families - benefit from United Way funding. Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre and United Way Alberta Capital Region have been partners in supporting vulnerable Edmonton families for nearly 60 years! United Way helps fund Norwood's Parent Respite Program, our unique program for parents who are alone, have little or no support in caring for their children, and often can't afford safe care. Parents walk through our doors for many different reasons - in some cases, that few hours of respite care gives a parent the chance to make a job interview or attend a counselling session or sometimes just take a shower and have a nap! Our staff are educated in early child development and understand the magnitude of creating a safe, nurturing environment for the children who come into our care. United Way funding has helped us provide good wages to hire the best staff in our childcare communities. We are also able to provide nutritious meals for the children we care for ... when sometimes their parents have to alternate between buying meat and fresh produce each week because they can't afford to buy both. Our Parent Respite Program is intended for those needing immediate support, but the impact is life-changing for these children and their families!

Video produced by the United Way Capital Region Each year, the United Way illustrates the impact its funding has on real people in our communities with a series of video stories. A heartfelt thank you to Alicia and Ace for sharing their experience and to the United Way Alberta Capital Region for being a consistent partner in support of Norwood's vision for healthy children - healthy families - healthy communities. Several years ago, Alicia left a troubled relationship and was starting her life over when she discovered she was pregnant. In a new city with few natural supports to rely on, she felt scared and alone when her baby arrived. Luckily, she found Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre's Parent Respite Program and the support she needed to move forward. You can see this and other impact stories on the United Way website >

We spent this important day doing our best to honour Indigenous culture and learn about residential schools in both our children's communities and parenting groups. As a special treat, A's father, brother, and cousin came into Head Start this morning to share stories, drumming and singing. This page may take a few moments to load as it contains several photos and videos. Click on any photo to expand it and keep scrolling for videos! l - r, from top: Norwood staff ready to support our families today; A's dad, brother, and cousin visit Head Start to share stories and music (2 photos); our children's programming today centred around the book, "With Our Orange Hearts," by Phyllis Webstad and Emily Kewageshig; "With Our Orange Hearts" in Discovery Community; Luna, Norwood's unofficial mascot, participates in Orange Shirt Day; Orange Shirt Day crafts; Orange Shirt informational display; children are free to explore "With Our Orange Hearts"; more Orange Shirt Day crafts; Smudging Ceremony (2 photos); parents making dream catchers in Brain Builders class (3 photos). Videos:

In 2021, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday: The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre will remain open on this day to support our families. While Norwood absolutely recognizes the need for and value of a day to commemorate and reflect upon the harm caused by residential schools, we also believe this may be one of the days many of our families need us most. Our Parent Respite Program, in particular, provides a safe, welcoming, and fun place for children whose parents need a temporary break on this day to attend special events or to take care of themselves. Anyone requiring support can call 780-471-3737 to speak with an Intake Facilitator who can connect them to appropriate resources, either within Norwood Centre or elsewhere in our community. About Residential Schools and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline Government of Canada: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Information from the federal government on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation >. Orange Shirt Day September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day and Norwood Centre staff will be wearing orange shirts to honour residential school survivors. We encourage all our program participants to do the same. About Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre (Norwood) has been a community hub for children and families since 1963. Norwood responds to a wide variety of family circumstances and provides free, culturally diverse programming throughout Edmonton. Norwood is a safe gathering place that brings individuals together with a focus on prevention and early intervention to support healthy, well-functioning families. For more information on Norwood’s response to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, contact: Kathy Burgett Program Director 780-471-3737 kathyb@norwoodcentre.com For support, contact: Norwood Reception 780-471-3737 Norwooda@norwoodcentre.com

What: FREE On-Site Flu Vaccination Shots, courtesy of MedX Drugs Where: Norwood Child & Family Resource Centre 9516 114 Avenue, Edmonton, AB When: Thursday, October 6, 2022 from10:00am -12:00 noon Who: Anyone over the age of 9 years old How: Book a slot by calling Norwood reception at 780-471-3737 with the following information for each person: first and last name of each person receiving a vaccination whether the slot is for an adult or a child (under 18) Alberta Health number - each person, whether an adult or child, must have their own number phone number and email address When you arrive: Have your Alberta Health card (and Alberta Health cards for any children you bring). Sign in at reception and wait for your name to be called. If you have to cancel your appointment, please call 780-471-3737 and let us know. #vaccination #flu_shot #vaccine #vaccinations

Welcome, September! This month, we discuss the last piece of what we call “S.P.L.I.C.E” in child development. The "E" in "S.P.L.I.C.E" stands for emotional development and is just what it sounds like: a child's developing ability to recognize, express, and manage their emotions at different stages of life -- as well as the ability to empathize with others. Children with a strong foundation in emotional literacy tolerate frustration better, have fewer conflicts with others, and form friendships more easily. They are also less impulsive and more focused, leading to higher academic achievement in their school years. Emotions are a complex and vast topic that may seem daunting at first but teaching children healthy emotional habits at a young age will benefit them as they grow. Throughout September, we will explore various areas of emotional development on Facebook and Instagram, including: Attachment and Emotional Development: How does a parent or primary caregiver help a child develop their ability to understand emotions and create and sustain relationships? Creating a secure and trusting relationship from a young age helps your child be able to develop secure and trusting relationships as they grow older. And the best way to create a secure and trusting relationship is through serve and return interactions! Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and talk about our own feelings and also the feelings of others. What can you do to help your child develop emotional intelligence? Labelling, Acknowledging, and Responding to Emotions: When your child is having difficult feelings or big emotions, what can you do to help them feel better? We will give you some “tools for your toolbox” to help in these situations. Self-Regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to recognize and respond internally to emotions. Self-regulation is not something that children are naturally born with but is learned over time through recognizing and naming your child’s emotions, role modelling, and coaching. We will be providing some strategies that can be used with your child in the moment to help them develop this important, lifelong skill. Empathy: Empathy is the ability to put yourself “in someone else’s shoes.” Empathy is another very complex skill that requires a lot of practice with your child to be able to do independently. However, there are strategies that you can practice with your child to help them develop this important skill. Stages of Emotional Development: All children develop at different rates; however, emotional development typically follows a direct path. Together, we will be exploring the different stages of that path. Are you curious about where your child is in their emotional development? Call 780-471-3737 and ask to speak with one of our Intake Facilitators about doing an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-SE) to help you identify what stage your child is at in their social and emotional development. Remember, laying the foundation for your child to develop these healthy emotional skills will take time and patience but will help your child to become a healthy and thriving citizen as they grow older.