The Secret to Happy Families is....they’re not always happy. What’s important is learning how to handle occasional arguments and hard times in a way that leaves you and your loving relationships intact. Here are some parenting goals to aim for:

• Provide a space for your child to explore, learn, and grow.

• Talk about feelings and emotions - your feelings and his.

• Keep rules and limits consistent.

• Treat everyone in the household with respect.

• Avoid using violent or abusive language around children.

• Avoid spanking and other physical discipline with children.

• Use daily routines to provide structure and a sense of safety and to let your child know what is happening next.

• Give your child some choices—like asking if she would like to brush her teeth before or after bath.

• Acknowledge the importance of security items like blankets or stuffed animals.

• Be available for your child, give him positive attention and show him how much he is loved. 

Children's books: 

• Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild!- Mem Fox

• How Full is Your Bucket?- Mary Reckmeyer and Tom Rath

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings- Jo Witek

• The Family Book- Todd Parr

Nature

Studies show that time in nature reduces stress. To increase resilience and feel refreshed with your time in nature, remember to:

• Use all your senses

• Schedule regular nature outings

• Exercise in Nature

• Turn off the screens

• Listen to Nature Sounds

  
  

Children's books:

• Bug Safari - Bob Barner

• I Got the Rhythm - Connie Schofield-Morrison

• Outside In - Deborah Underwood 

• Worm Weather - Jean Taft

• Planting a Rainbow - Lois Ehlert

Sleep

Getting the right amount of quality sleep is just as important to children’s development as nutrition and exercise. Establishing good sleep habits while your child is young will help them in many ways, including behavior, moods, memory, and learning ability to name just a few! 

There are many great articles on sleep routines, tips and habits on Healthy Children, a site from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Children's books:

• Nighty-Night- Leslie Patricelli

• Llama Llama Red Pajama-Anna Dewdney

• The Going to Bed Book- Sandra Boynton

• Shhh! This Book is Sleeping-Cedric Ramadier and Vincent Borgeau

Exercise

Exercise is good for body and mind. Here are some tips for boosting  activity level:

• Turn off the screen

• Plan ahead for play

• Provide active toys

• Schedule regular nature outings

• Dance

• Play games

• Jump rope

  
  

Idea: If your child is over-stressed or amped up, you can help them cool down with movement. Try “shaking out” some big feelings. Or striking a yoga pose together. 

Check out Move your Way for some great parenting tips to get your family moving!

Children's books:

• Sesame Street Shake a Leg-Constance Allen

• Good for Me and You- Mercer Mayer

• From Head to Toe- Eric Carle

• The Busy Body Book- Lizzy Rockwell

Mental Health

Mental health support can play an important role in protecting children and adults from the effects of stress. 

One of the best tools to help children cope with stress is to take care of you. If you are in need of support, taking care of your mental health can help you and your child.

For mental health resources in your area, you can:

• Check with your healthcare provider.

  
  

• Visit psychology today to find a therapist in your area. 

  
  

• If you have Medicaid or are eligible for Medicaid, contact Oakland County Health Network.

• Local Resource Guide 

  
  

If you have concerns about your child's mental health, you can:

• Fill out a developmental screening.

  
  

• Share your concerns with your child's health care provider.

  
  

• Call or text our Help Me Grow phone line 844.456.5437

To learn more visit Oakland Schools Early Childhood Behavior page

Children's books:

• Hector’s Favorite Place-Jo Rooks

• Giraffes Can’t Dance- Giles Andreae

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings-Jo Witek

• Wilma Jean the Worry Machine-Julia Cook

Nutrition

A healthy, well-balanced diet can positively affect many aspects of your child's life. It supports a child’s growth and development, overall health, weight management, mood stabilizing, and builds brains. A healthy diet can also help foster sense of mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Some ideas that can help to encourage your child to eat healthy: 

• Eat together as a family

• Ditch the distractions

• Eat breakfast every day

• Serve lots of colorful vegetables and fruits

• Get your child involved

Children's books:

• Green Eggs and Ham- Dr Seuss

• Good for Me and You- Mercer Mayer

• Jack and the Hungry Giant Eat Right with MyPlate- Loreen Leedy

• The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food- Stan and Jan Berenstain

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is being aware of the moment, being conscious of your thoughts and feelings. Teaching your child to be mindful can help improve her behavior and build her resilience.

Prompt your child to try breathing deeply when she feels stressed or worried. Model how to take deep breaths when you are stressed. For example, you might tell your child, “I am so frustrated by this traffic, but I can’t change it. Please help me calm down by taking three deep breaths with me.” Afterward, talk to your child about how it felt.

To learn more, or to try some free mindful meditations visit the MSU extension Mindful Mondays or Mindfulness for Kids from the Mindful website.

To dig in a little deeper please check Resources for Teaching Kids about Emotional Regulation and Mediation

Children's books:

• My Magic Breath- Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor

• Crab and Whale- Mark Pallis and Christiane Kerr

• I am Peace- A Book of Mindfulness -  Susan Verde

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings-Jo Witek