Parent Support Licking County

04/22/2026

They’re not “being difficult”… they’re trying to say something 💔

Toddlers don’t yet have the words to say
“you hurt my feelings”
“that made me sad”
“I need you right now”

So it comes out as:
tantrums, whining, hitting, crying… or even silence.

Behind every big reaction is a small child asking for connection 🤍

The behavior may look messy,
but the message is simple:
👉 “I need you to understand me.”

Pause.
Look past the behavior.
Respond to the feeling.

Because when we meet their emotions with calm and connection,
we teach them how to handle those big feelings one day 🌱

04/22/2026

What to do when your child hits 👶💔

Hitting is often a sign of big feelings your child doesn’t yet know how to handle not “bad behavior.” The goal isn’t punishment, it’s teaching.

Here’s what helps:
• Stay calm (big reactions can reinforce the behavior)
• Gently stop the action: “I won’t let you hit”
• Name the feeling: “You’re angry”
• Set a clear boundary: hitting is not okay
• Teach safer ways: “Say ‘I’m mad’” or “Stamp your feet”
• Reconnect before correcting
• Repeat patiently learning takes time

Consistent, calm responses build emotional regulation and trust over time 🤍

PositiveDiscipline ChildDevelopment EmotionCoaching PeacefulParenting

04/22/2026

Licking Park District manages 1600 acres of parks, reserves, preserves & miles of trails!

04/22/2026

Did you know? Many babies outgrow the infant carrier car seat by head space before reaching the weight or height limit! Make sure babies and rearfacing kids have at least 1 inch of space above their heads!

04/22/2026

Raising a child with autism can be challenging, hilarious, wonderful and frustrating, all at the same time. But when there is a lack of social support, understanding and on top of that isolation, it can take a toll.

Small acts of kindness like listening without judgement, sending a message or offering practical support can really help.

This Autism Awareness Month, read Prof. Trevor Mazzucchelli’s article: “Parents of autistic children are stressed. Here’s what they want you to know.” The link is in our bio or comment below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Trevor Mazzucchelli is a parent of an autistic child, psychologist, and co-author of Stepping Stones Triple P, our program for children with disability.

P.S. We’re using both ‘autism’ and ‘autistic’ to acknowledge and respect the rights of people with lived experience to use the language they prefer.

04/22/2026

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

Calling all dads of kids with special needs! 🎉

Join our Virtual Father Group for a relaxed night of real talk, laughs, and support.
April 13 | 7–9 pm | Zoom

Swap stories, share tips, and connect with other awesome dads, grandparent and other male guardians. Everyone’s welcome!

Register: https://tinyurl.com/Fathers-Group

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

“Play is the highest form of research”
Albert Einstein

03/30/2026

Spring is here and yard sale season is starting! While you’re browsing for a sweet deal, skip a secondhand car seat from a stranger.

Also beware of marketplace sellers who are offering display-only model car seats! Not only were those likely stolen, they may not be crash-worthy seats, as they are often meant to show the features in a store display only.

If you are in financial need and having trouble obtaining an appropriate car seat, reach out to state or local SafeKids coalitions, health departments, injury prevention programs, family resource centers, WIC offices, or other local organizations that aid families and children and asking for help.