They say it’s never too early to learn how to swim, save for the future or teach your children how to do their own laundry. Teaching laundry skills by measuring the detergent, sorting, folding and putting clothes away can all transfer to successful work skills later in life.

Having books in the home is proven to positively benefit children in a myriad of ways. A two-decade long study found that the mere presence of a home library increases children’s academic success, vocabulary development, attention and job attainment.

Looking for ideas to cure cabin fever?  Here are 10 ways to make the most of the long winter days.

The winter months are a great time to master kids’ dressing skills. With the addition of coats, sweaters, and vests to the daily dressing routine there are many opportunities to practice managing fasteners including snaps, zippers, and buttons

From the day we are born we are a member of a community. As our development progresses and we learn to convey our wants and needs, our involvement and inclusion in family and community life increases. In some instances, infants and young children require early intervention therapy to augment their social, emotional and physical development so that they become actively engaged in their community.

By Mindi Zissman

Guest author Mindi Zissman, shares her insights as a Safety Mom who presents the “Safety Kid” program to students from early childhood through 5th grade in Jewish day schools.

Statistically speaking, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys will be a victim of childhood sexual abuse⁽¹⁾. Experts agree, though, that the real numbers are far greater, since most childhood sexual abuse still goes unreported.

But, the Jewish People have never been beholden to predictive numbers. Throughout generations, regardless of the challenge, we have always defied the odds.

By Elizabeth DiMaggio, Pre-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Extern, Psychological Services

Having a new baby is an exciting time in a caregiver’s life. There is a brand new person to love and care for. While it can be an exciting time, becoming a new mother can be difficult and potentially draining. Focusing on a new infant might lead to the mother putting her own needs aside. While focusing attention on a new infant is extremely important, it might cause a mother to ignore her own self-care and signs from her body to take time for herself.

By Molly Buckman

The Oak Park - River Forest has a thriving Jewish community. To better deliver the agency’s services to Oak Park, JCFS formed a Synagogue Community Partnership with two local synagogues and hired clinician Molly Buckman to work two days a week—not just in Oak Park and River Forest, but in the synagogues. Here’s Molly’s report about this groundbreaking program.

by Meredith White, M.S., Developmental Therapist

‘Tis the season for after-school playdates and fall weekend outings with friends.  The backdrop of cooler temperatures and falling leaves seems perfect for a myriad of play-date successes.  But what if you find hosting (or even attending) these playdates to be a daunting occasion for both you AND your child?  Well, you’re in good company.  Many families with typically developing children or children with social-skill deficits often find playdates to be a challenge.