Parents, did you know that 90 per cent of brain development occurs in the first five years of a child's life? Amazing isn't it! Wow! You know what this means . the parent or caregiver is by far the child's most important teacher. With such an important role in our child's life, parents feel the pressure to do the best they can for their child. Every parent wants what is best for their children; the question is what is best? Who has the "right" answers? Where did my handbook go that they gave me when I had this baby? Oh, right, the baby doesn't come with a handbook! The truth is it is hard to keep up in society these days. Parents are going back to school or have full time jobs, so where does that leave our kids? With all the extra curricular activities, organized sports, baby groups, toys and technical gadgets etc how do we know how much and what our kids really need? Opinions? They are everywhere! We just do the best with what we know and when we know better we will do better!
Well it's time to take some action. The truth of the matter is our kids need us! In 2009/10 information was gathered within the Battlefords using the Early Development Instrument. The report that followed stated that children in the Battlefords scored significantly higher than their Canadian peers in four out of five developmental areas (lower is better). So why are our children struggling? The Battlefords Early Childhood Community Planning Network, a group of professionals within the community, have been looking at these scores and implementing community resources to try to get the word out about what our children need to grow and to thrive. They have developed the Children's Charter, pamphlets and DVD's but unfortunately despite all of the efforts of this dedicated group, a report developed three years later showed no significant improvements in the scores of kids in our area. The Network has decided it is time for a call to action! One small group cannot make the changes needed to ensure our children reach their full potential. We need the help of the most important teachers out there the parents!
It is time to start giving parents the information they need to help us raise a community of healthy, thriving and confident kids. Our first step to helping parents is happening Monday, Oct. 20. As a Network we are thrilled to be hosting Dr. Jean Clinton in our community. Dr. Clinton is an associate clinical professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University, and has been a consultant to early years and child care programs, child welfare and mental health programs. Dr. Clinton is a mom of five children who believes ALL KIDS ARE OUR KIDS. Dr. Clinton will be speaking at a noon lunch for our community business leaders and professionals. Then she will be leading a two-hour afternoon session for staff who work with families in our area. However, most importantly, in the evening Dr. Jean Clinton will be speaking to the general public in a free public forum for parents and caregivers.
Dr. Clinton is a dynamic speaker with a great message on what our kids really need. Her message: Love Builds Brains!
We encourage all parents to come out and listen to Dr. Clinton. We know you will leave feeling like you have a road map to follow, maybe even a bit like that handbook you never received when you had your baby. As a mom of five kids herself and a professional, she is down to earth and understands the science of early childhood plus the realities and challenges of raising kids.
This is a free event where every parent will find useful information, have a laugh and take home some valuable parenting tips. For more information and/or to register phone: (306) 937-6752 or (306) 446-4545.
