Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/5809
By DENISE SNIDER First 5 Tehama The New Year is a time for renewal and an opportunity to make a fresh start. While young children can't set their own goals, parents and caregivers can resolve to focus on fostering their children's healthy growth and development. Infants start learning and exploring from the day they are born – and 90 percent of their brains develop in their first five years! As your child's first teacher, you play an important role in helping him or her grow up to be healthy and ready to learn. First 5 Tehama offers a few tips and a free par- enting kit to help parents and caregivers foster healthy child develop- ment as we ring in the New Year. Start a Conversation Develop your infant's language skills by talk- ing with him or her often. Not only is lan- guage the foundation for your child's thinking and communication skills, it also helps to nurture bonds of love and trust between parent and child. • Encourage your baby to make sounds and be sure to respond. • Talk, sing and rhyme to your infant – it helps him or her learn new words. • Read daily to your baby and repeat stories to stimulate language and listening. Make the Most of Teachable Moments Whether you're run- ning errands or driving to school, make the most of opportunities all day to teach toddlers and preschoolers new lessons. • Involve your child in activities like shopping at the supermarket – learn shapes when choosing fruits and veg- etables in the produce section. • Point to signs and traffic lights to teach words and colors while you're driving. • Guide your child to say "please" and "thank you" when asking for help at the library or checking out books. Encourage Curiosity and Creativity Being curious is important because it's how children learn new ideas. By asking ques- tions and finding answers, kids discover ways to solve problems and how the world works. • Ask your toddler questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer – this fosters thinking and communi- cation skills. • Play with your child and encourage imagina- tion. • Try new activities, like gardening or cook- ing, to stimulate chil- dren's minds. The Kit for New Par- ents is available free to all parents and caregivers of children under 6 years of age. The Kit includes a DVD of valuable infor- mation, a board book for baby, an ages and stages reference booklet and much more. To order one today or for more infor- mation about healthy child development or First 5 Tehama funded programs, call 528-1395 or visit www.first5tehama.com. 8A – Daily News – Friday, January 8, 2010 $ Money $ 2 Lend Cash 4 Notes McKinley Mortgage Co. CA DRE # 01773837 Call 530-241-0977 800-909-1977 Largest Selection In Tri-County • Herbal Medicines • Edibles (Foods) • Clones 1317 Solano St. (530) 824-4811 www.tehamaherbalcollective.vpweb.com Corning Calif. AMERICAN SELF-STORAGE ★ ★ ★ 64 Mulberry Ave., Red Bluff • 527-1755 $ $ $ $ 2 5 2 5 p e r m o n t h p e r m o n t h 1 ST THREE MONTHS 8x10 units only Special rates on all unit sizes • Fully Fenced • Onsite Manager • Well Lit Property $ $ COUPON website: www.americanselfstorage.biz • RV & Vehicle parking now available TEHAMA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER & CORNING ANIMAL SHELTER have an adorable bunch of loving dogs, cats, puppies and kittens just waiting to go home with you. Sponsor one today and make life better for the both of you. This pet sponsored by THE JONES FAMILY Red Bluff, CA 96080 Give Gayla a call at 527-2151 ext. 108 SPONSOR A PET TODAY This pet sponsored by YOUR BUSINESS NAME Red Bluff 527-1234 EXAMPLES: 649 Main Street Downtown Red Bluff GAYLE'S 14th Save up to 60% throughout the store ANNIVERSARY S A L E The ABCs of child development MCT file photo