Join Us at Play to Grow!
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Playtime is one of the most important ways to promote healthy child development. Children learn, flex their creative ability and curiosity, interact with others, grow, and most of all have fun! Both children and adults benefit from playtime, especially in an […]
The Value of Social Skills
Starting early developing social skills in children prepares them for healthier interactions in all aspects of their lives. Having social skills is an integral value in all functioning societies. Communicating properly with others, demonstrating good manners, expressing personal needs, and being considerate of feelings are all important components of solid social skills. Play to Grow […]
Tips on How to Handle Snowstorms and Extreme Cold
Snowstorms and Extreme Cold Winter storms and extreme cold can be difficult to prepare for, especially if you and your family have never experienced one. These adverse conditions create increased risks of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning in homes and cars. Winter storms and blizzards bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, […]
Immigration, Loss, & Trauma
by Lori A. Harris, LSW, MSW in partnership with Way to Grow and Mom Enough Perhaps your family immigration experience was a relatively easy journey, one supported by ample resources and an established, welcoming community. Life in your family’s country of origin may have presented minor challenges or you have immigrated for opportunity, education, or […]
Raising Healthy Kids in a Digital World
With smart phones, tablets, e-books, TV, apps, digital games, and videos being a part of everyday life, creating screen-free time for children is more important than ever. It can be intimidating to try and cut down screen time, especially since technology is such a vital part of your family’s day-to-day activities, but you’re not alone. […]
Eating Well to Learn Well
While Way to Grow has spent the past month celebrating National Nutrition Month, our commitment to weaving education, wellness, and nutrition throughout all our programming continues every day of the year through our Growing Strong program. Research demonstrates strategies that target young children are more effective when parents are involved in learning about and preparing […]
A Healthy Mind Needs Fuel – National Nutrition Month!
Way to Grow is happy to celebrate National Nutrition Month through our Cooking Matters classes for our children and parents! National Nutrition Month is an annual nutrition education and awareness campaign held in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In a partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension Services, Way to Grow offers […]
Fun and Learning: It’s in the Bag!
“Welcome to today’s class! Is everyone ready to get started?” Head Teacher Eka Nagoya is ready to start a Parent-Child class at Way to Grow’s Preschool Pals center in North Minneapolis, and his enthusiasm is contagious. In addition to its home visiting program that served nearly 1,500 children and 761 families last year, Way to […]
Playing with Your Child Promotes Brain Development and Long-term Growth
Did you know making faces and smiling at your baby, responding to gestures, or playing “peek-a-boo” during the first critical years of life, has a profound effect on your baby’s overall growth, brain development, and educational achievement? Your playful interactions, which may seem insignificant to you, actually are helping to develop the building blocks for […]
You are Your Child’s Best Advocate
One of the most important responsibilities of a parent is to advocate for your child—being their cheerleader on the sidelines, a defender against their opponents, and a voice when their words seem muted. Every day, you strive to provide your child with the best so that their journey in life is a little less bumpy, with fewer twists and turns. As a […]