Putnam County Help Me Grow

02/20/2026

02/12/2026

02/11/2026

How can you DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR KIDS?

Did you know that following safe sleep practices can dramatically reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths for babies? The ABCs of safe sleep are simple but lifesaving:

Alone – Babies should sleep in their own sleep space.
Back – Always place babies on their backs to sleep.
Crib – Use a safety-approved crib or bassinet free of soft bedding, toys, or pillows.

How you can help: Talk with new and expectant parents about safe sleep, share trusted tips, and encourage them to follow the ABCs every time.

Learn more about safe sleep and how to share the ABCs with families here: https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/for-families/maternal-infant-wellness/infant-safe-sleep

01/30/2026

A simple and meaningful activity for your little one is making a family picture book they can flip through, carry around, and explore anytime.
How to make one: Print photos of family members, pets, and familiar caregivers. Place them in a small photo album, inside a zip-top bag with the ends taped together, or laminate them.

Why it’s so important:
1. Helps your child begin to recognize familiar faces
2. Supports attachment and emotional security
3. Encourages early language development as you name people and talk about them
4. Builds confidence as your child carries something familiar and comforting

Sit with your child and talk about each picture:
💬 “That’s Grandma”
💬 “Daddy smiles”

01/28/2026

🧱✨Blocks are a classic toy for a reason—they grow with your child and support learning from babyhood through toddler years!

Babies: Start with large, soft blocks. Practice holding them or stacking two blocks for your baby to happily knock down. This builds early motor skills and cause-and-effect learning.

Young Toddlers: Encourage low stacks of 2–3 blocks or lining blocks up end to end. This supports balance, coordination, and early problem-solving.

Around Age 2: Children begin stacking taller towers and exploring different sizes and shapes. You’ll see creativity, planning, and persistence at work!

01/21/2026

Hugging can help:

*Reduce stress
*Increase feelings of safety and connection
*Support emotional regulation (especially important for children!)

For families with young children, hugs play a big role in building secure attachments, helping kids feel loved, calm, and confident.

It’s a simple reminder that sometimes the best support we can give is just a warm hug. 💕

01/20/2026

🌟 Help Me Grow Ohio 🌟
Help Me Grow connects families with resources, screenings, and support for children from pregnancy through age 5. From developmental milestones to early childhood programs, we’re here to help every child thrive! 💛 Learn more: helpmegrow.org

01/20/2026

Every month, your child (ages 0–5) can receive a free, carefully selected book—now with an online guide to help you read, learn, and build skills together.

Simple reading tips: point to pictures, ask questions, explore new words, and try fun activities. With 80% of a child’s brain developing by age three, talking, reading, and playing early matters. Families who sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio give their kids a head start—and the new book guides make it even easier!