Welcome to the CKF/SB6 Newsletter

May 2016

 

Speech and Language: What to Expect

The exact pace at which speech and language develops varies among children, especially the age at which they begin to talk. If you are wondering if your child is on track, here are some common milestones for babies and toddlers.
 
Birth to age 1:
  • Babies start to respond to communication signals they receive and they learn to use their cries to communicate their needs. During the first months of life, a baby is usually able to recognize his or her mother's voice. By 6 months of age, most babies express themselves through cooing, then babbling and repeating sounds.
  • By the first birthday, babies understand and can identify each parent, often by name ("mama," "dada"). They repeat sounds they hear and may even know a few words.
Ages 1 to 3:
  • After the first birthday through age 2, speech and language skills grow fast. A 1-year-old learns that words have meaning. They point to things they want and often use one or two-syllable sounds, such as "baba" for "bottle."
  • By age 2, children usually can say at least 50 words and recognize the names of many objects, including those in pictures. They also understand simple requests and statements, such as "all gone."
  • Many 2-year-olds talk a lot. They usually can name some body parts (such as arms and legs) and objects (such as a book). Not all their words are clear or correct; some are made-up and combined with real words. At this age they can also follow simple instructions (such as "put the book on the table"). They should be able to say simple phrases, such as "want cookie." Pronouns (such as "me" or "she") are used, but often incorrectly.
What if I have concerns about my child's development?
If you have concerns or questions about your child's development talk to your doctor or health-care provider. More information on speech and language development can be found on the Interior Health  website.

Hey Dad, Looking for a Little Help? 
Being a new dad can be overwhelming, confusing, intimidating, tiring, but also amazing and just really cool. Get to the cool part by using this toolkit to answer your basic questions about babies, new moms and new dads. This website was developed by fathers for fathers, with a special section for Aboriginal dads.

Bedtime Stories that Calm
Some children fight sleep with everything they've got. These 10 Calming Kids Books for a Peaceful Bedtime Routine can may help some children calm down for sleep. Don't forget to check you local library for more suggestions.

Child and Youth Mental Health Drop In
Concerned about your child's mental health?  Drop-in clinics are available every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 3:30 pm, on the third floor of the Penticton Health Centre, 740 Carmi Ave.  (250) 487-4422

The Ministry of Children and Family Development offers a range of mental health services for children, youth and their families, including assessment, treatment, consultation and education through their Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) Offices.

StrongStart Evaluation Survey
The survey is an opportunity for parents/caregivers, school administrators, educators and community partners to provide feedback on the StrongStart program.
The purpose of the review is to:
  • Understand the impact of StrongStart BC
  • Identify how StrongStart BC works with other community partners
  • Provide recommendations to improve the program
Please consider providing your comments using the appropriate link below:


Questions, input, topic ideas?
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CFK Events!

Help Calm an Anxious Child



Singer songwriter Raffi, has released a new song that can help children and adults deal in a very simple way with the stresses and anxieties of everyday life.

"Take A Breath (The Self-Reg Song)" is both tuneful and calming, and provides simple ways, such as breathing slowly in and out, to feel better when feelings are beginning to overwhelm. Teachers and parents alike will find it helpful when children feel stress.  Free download.



Check Early, 
Check Often

The ASQ Regional Project


Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) provides a quick check on your child's development.  More info: 





Learning how to use scissors plays an important role in developing the fine motor skills young children need in order to hold pencils and crayons.

Having strong fine motor skills will help children as they begin the tricky process of learning how to write. Find out more.