Protect Against Toxic Stress to
Give Your Child a Stronger Start
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First 5 California is dedicated to making sure every child in California gets the best start in life.
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When the Days Get Shorter: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder in FamiliesAs the days get shorter and darker, you might notice changes in your family. Maybe your preschooler seems more cranky than usual. Maybe you find it harder to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe your toddler who usually loves playtime now just wants to sit quietly. These changes could be more than just winter blues—they could be signs of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
Understanding Toddler Tantrums: Your Guide to Big Emotions and Healthy GrowthYour 2-year-old throws themselves on the floor at the grocery store, screaming because you said no to candy. Your 3-year-old refuses to get dressed, having a meltdown over which shirt to wear. Your toddler hits their friend when a toy gets taken away. Sound familiar?
If you have a toddler, you’ve probably seen these intense emotional moments more times than you can count. However, these big reactions are normal. They’re also a necessary part of your child’s healthy emotional growth.
How Stress Affects Your Child’s Growing Brain: What Parents Should KnowDuring the first five years of life, your child’s brain grows faster than at any other time in life. By age 3, their brain is already 80% of its adult size. Understanding stress matters a lot during these five years because this is when the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health gets built.
What is Toxic Stress?
Where can I find affordable, easy-to-use parenting courses?
How should I talk and interact with my baby when he doesn’t even talk yet?
How can I keep my child’s immune system strong?
What can I do each day to help bond with my child?
What does a pediatrician do and why does my child need one?
How can I start making a new routine?
How do I best talk and engage with my preschooler?
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