The Benefits of Children Doing Chores

The Benefits of Children Doing Chores

Children can contribute their time and effort in helping the family by doing household chores. Teaching your children at an early age that each family member is important and needs to pitch in will help them feel needed and empowered. Even a toddler can help by putting toys away at the end of a play…

Benefits of Knitting and Crafting for Parents and Children

Benefits of Knitting and Crafting for Parents and Children

The holidays are coming! I always get excited knowing that I will be busy knitting and crafting—sometimes all the way until Christmas Eve. I love knitting and find time to knit throughout the year. However, the holidays bring a renewed burst of creativity that encourages me to find projects that challenge me, while at the…

Fun (and learning) with forts

Fun (and learning) with forts

Bad weather days often present the challenge of keeping children occupied without screens. There is great temptation to let your child spend hours on a computer; however the often forgotten activity of fort building can be fun, educational, and important for your children’s development. Creativity Building forts fosters creativity. There are no rules or instructions…

Gardening with Children Reaps Many Benefits

Gardening with Children Reaps Many Benefits

Children of preschool age (3-5 years old) and older can reap many benefits from helping out in the garden. Learning how to help plants grow can foster responsibility and patience in children. Families can become closer as children and parents share a common interest they can work on together. To reap the full benefits of gardening…

Dogs, Cats, and Children

Dogs, Cats, and Children

By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. Having grown up with cats and dogs being part of the family, I cannot imagine my life now without having animal companions share my home. There is nothing like the unconditional love a dog gives you every day. Cats teach us contentment and a quiet appreciation. All of our family’s…

Urgent – Please read – We need your help

Dear Friends, If you have attended a parenting workshop, a nutrition education program, or received assistance in managing your diabetes, you know that the Family Health and Wellness Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County serves the changing needs of families residing in our county. Our programs provide information on diabetes education, nutrition, developing…

More on Milk

More on Milk

By Christina Di Lieto In the past few years many foods have been made into milk beverages, but are these nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk? We know that cow’s milk is a great source of calcium which is important for bone health, and muscle growth and maintenance. Look for milk that is fortified with vitamin…

More Parenting Resources in the Midst of COVID-19

More Parenting Resources in the Midst of COVID-19

If you’ve been following us, you know that our passion is providing parents like you with research-based information for your family. With concern around COVID-19, below is another trustworthy resource from Washington State Extension regarding COVID-19. “Resources for Parents and Caregivers as well as Fun Tips and Activities for Children and Families” to help you…

Encourage Your Child To Be a Good Friend

By Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S. Preschoolers want to make friends with other children—and they should! There is a natural progression from solitary play during infancy to playing alongside others during the toddler years.  Learning to make friends is an important task and part of your child’s growing social development and interest in the world. Playing…