Raising Young Children in Wake County Project Enlightenment Foundation

“There are no perfect parents, and there are no perfect children, but there are plenty of perfect moments along the way.” With this quote from Dave Willis in mind, today's guest Kim Hughes teaches us how to savor the perfect moments in playful ways with our kids. But what are the best ways to do that? And does playing with children include playing with infants? For any parent who craves a bond with their kids, you won't want to miss this season finale of the Raising Young Children in Wake County Podcast.

Dr. Mary-Cassie Shaw hears a lot of the same questions from parents, and they usually center around food and sleep. So how much sleep should a child be getting really? When should they start eliminating naps? What are the first foods that should be introduced? And what should you do if your child is a picky eater? Dr. Shaw answers all of these questions and more in today's episode.

As a parent of young children, do you find yourself thinking:

"Why can’t we ever find all the shoes?!?"
"Why can’t my child go potty, brush teeth, and put on PJs without being asked?”
"How do we always forget the backpack?!”

Sound familiar? Well today we're talking all about routines and how young children - especially children who aren't old enough to read yet - can use visuals to improve those daily functions that can sometimes cause parents to pull out their hair.

Kristen Balhoff is a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, working with young families in the Triangle, especially those with autistic or neuro divergent children like hers.

Back on episode 6, we covered the nuts and bolts of how to register for kindergarten, and the differences between charter, magnet, private, and public schools. Today we uncover when to register for kindergarten - when is a child ready on a social emotional level and on an intellectual level? It's not an easy choice, and what are some of the skills that parents should be looking for to determine of their child is ready?

Today, host Emily King and pediatric occupational therapist Rose Langston talk about motor and sensory development, when parents should be concerned, how they can help, and why reaching milestones by a certain age might not be as imperative as we once thought.

Ok parents, if you've been confused by all of the elementary school options that Wake County has to offer, this episode is for you! Today, Wake County Public School System Magnet Coordinator Tamani Powell Anderson joins us to give us the inside scoop on when you should start looking into kindergartens, what a magnet school is, what a charter school is, and how to figure out what school is best for your child.