By: Casey Parr, Community Outreach and Marketing Specialist A natural part of growing up is for children to continually take on more responsibility as they crave independence. Did you know that the toys you choose for your child, even from a young age, can help them develop independence? The category 
Read more
By: Jamie Hepburn, Gigi’s Playhouse and Penfield Children’s Center Children with Down syndrome enjoy learning and playing, spending time with friends, creating art and so much more! It’s important to encourage your child to be friends with children of all abilities. Here are do’s and don’ts for being a good 
Read more
By: Stephanie Shabangu, Penfield Children’s Center Does your child melt down the second he walks through the door after school or daycare? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. It’s common for your little one to be happy and talkative when you pick him up, only to have his positive 
Read more
By: Andrea Rivera de Vega, Bilingual Outreach Specialist, Penfield Children’s Center Crafting with your kids is a great way to make memories that last. The holidays present a unique time for engaging in activities that celebrate the season and allow you to spend quality time together. These projects use recycled 
Read more
By: Stephanie Shabangu, Penfield Children’s Center According to fiveforfamilies.org, there are “5 strengths” that can help families weather the trials and tribulations of life. These “strengths” include assisting kids in understanding their feelings, learning to parent as children grow and change, building connections with others, working on inner strength and 
Read more
By: Tina Yang, Early Head Start Teacher, Penfield Children’s Center For early learners, sorting activities are a great way to help children learn about colors. These five lessons also teach about shapes, textures and help increase fine motor skills. Bean bags and color cards: Fill a small bin with solid 
Read more
By Laura S. Gertz, LPC , Aurora Behavioral Health Center Expecting a baby? Congratulations! The weeks and months ahead can be an emotional roller coaster. You’ll experience joy, fear and maybe some anxiety — then you may repeat the emotions. After giving birth, most new moms feel a little blue. 
Read more
By: Ellen Anderson, Volunteer Specialist at Penfield Children’s Center When children volunteer, they learn compassion and become more aware of how they can help every day in the community. Also, contrary to popular belief, it is possible to volunteer with young children. As long as they receive age-appropriate tasks, they 
Read more
By: Rebecca Michelsen, M.Ed., MCHES, Manager of Community Outreach & Family Programs at Penfield Children’s Center Social media and the news seem to be filled with stories lately of parenting tragedy or triumph, or maybe I am just more aware of them now that I have an infant in my 
Read more
By: Stephanie Shabangu, Penfield Children’s Center All too often we pick up our kids from school and in response to our question, “How was your day?” we get the one-word answer of “Fine.” No details, no expression and most of the time, the conversation that never really began, comes to 
Read more
Skip to content