Cultural awareness and tradition play important roles in helping young children develop a positive sense of identity and build self-esteem. Studies show that cultural appreciation and awareness contribute to building a positive self image. Developing a strong foundation of belonging and acceptance through cultural celebration and education helps children to create...
Even the youngest children can pick up on the stress that parents or caregivers feel as a result of the economy and personal financial anxiety. Southwest Human Development early childhood professionals recommend using simple, clear terms to explain financial situations in a sensitive manner when necessary. Talking to Children about Financial...
Families invited to enjoy a full day of storytelling and cultural activities at Festival of Tales Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) and Southwest Human Development are proud to partner in hosting the Winter Festival of Tales, a free community literacy event offering storytelling and cultural activities for children and families from...
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 27, and will...
How a predictable structure can help families gain quality time and reduce end-of-day frenzy. The word “structure” can evoke less than positive associations. It suggests constraints, which are never a good thing, right? Wrong. It turns out that everyone benefits from a certain amount of daily structure, so long as that structure...
“Time-out” is an age-old disciplinary method that most parents know of, and may have even experienced themselves in their own childhood. The method has been passed down through generations and often used by parents, teachers and caregivers in present day. The goal of time-out is to modify a child’s behavior by...
When children are outside their parents' supervision while in child care, preschool or kindergarten, it can be difficult to know how they’re doing. Even with recent increases in communication between parents and their children's daytime caregivers, such as text messages, email and other message boards, parents can learn more about...
Allergy season seems to be in full swing for Valley residents. Adults and children alike are packing extra tissues and hand sanitizer to battle sniffles, watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. Young children who already have allergies, or are at risk of developing them, are significantly more prone to allergy triggers. While...
When packing your child's school lunches or sending them to a school that offers them lunch, it’s important that children not only have healthy options, but are willing to eat them. Parents often find themselves challenged by their child’s “picky eating,” but there are a number of strategies that can be...
Southwest Human Development is hosting its first ever assistive technology challenge to benefit young children with disabilities. Sponsored by Insight, with support from Arizona State University and Intel Corporation, the MAKERS of Change Assistive Technology Challenge will bring together Valley high school Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), coding, robotics and...