I was five when my mom was expecting my brother. I have this vivid memory of her being heavily pregnant and perched on the edge of the sofa, reading me a story. I guess my brother was enjoying the story, too, as he gave my mom a surprising kick, which startled her, making her lose her balance and tumble to the floor. Thankfully, she wasn’t hurt, and we both laughed.
Great Kids, Inc., a leading organization dedicated to advancing the well-being of children and families, is excited to announce the appointment of David Bird as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
I don’t know about others, but the term SELF-CARE often brings up images of going to a gym, doing yoga, mindful meditation, or long luxurious bubble baths. And while I KNOW self-care is good for me, I rarely have the energy or time for any of that.
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” – Dolly Parton
I love this Dolly Parton quote because, over the years, I’ve most definitely learned that while I can’t control the weather, I can do my best to make choices about how to adjust my sails. I’ve learned that in order to not just survive but thrive, I have to stay in a continuous state of learning. A state where I am present to observe and listen to what is needed. And when necessary, partner with others to figure out the best ways to adapt and adjust.
Recently, my friend and I completed a much-anticipated hike along the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland. We’ve been hiking together for years. And to date, this was the most physically challenging and picturesque trail we’ve ever completed. It required more preparation than usual, and during the planning process, I realized this was about something more than just a hike. My friend reached out because she was going through some difficult life changes and needed to talk to someone.
HOW WE ARE with people is as important, and perhaps more so, than what we say or do. Let me give you an example of what I mean. Imagine you’re approaching the checkout at your small local grocery store after grabbing a few items. There’s only one cashier working, and the line is long.
Thank you to 14 News for featuring the Pre to 3 program that is working to lower the area’s infant mortality rate through a home-visit program for new moms.
RISE (Recovery, Impact, Support, and Empower) is an online course developed by Great Kids, Inc. to support the early childhood field in learning more about the opioid crisis and SUD.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start has given the Growing Great Kids Next Generation Curricula
Products their highest Evidence-Based Ranking on the latest Parenting Curricula Review
Databases.
When I think of March, I think of spring. Since childhood, I’ve awaited the newness of this season. Unfortunately, spring isn’t a smooth transition for me and many others. In Kentucky, this time of year is defined by warm, sunny days followed by freezing flurries. It’s quite a vicious and frustrating game that mother nature likes to play with us Kentuckians.
This morning I woke up with a dull headache and to the sound of icy rain beating against the window. It’s the kind of dreary, low-energy day that makes you want to opt-out, roll over in bed, and pull the covers up. Ugh.
As we kick off 2023, let’s take some time to celebrate. Let’s talk about music! For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music. As a child, I would sit at my desk with my boom box, changing out CDs as I pretended to be a radio DJ.
The month of December can sneak up on you like a train at an underground station! It appears out of nowhere and barely gives you a chance to get on board before it whisks you away. For many people, December is a busy month filled with holiday celebrations, activities, and family traditions.
Growing Great Kids®
Why Choose Great Kids?
Proven Success
Over 37,000 people have been trained to use the Great Kids curricula
Protective Factors – GGK Constructs
Research informed constructs embedded in the Protective Factors Framework
Alignment with Head Start
The Growing Great Kids Home Based Curricula Series exceeds all Head Start Curriculum requirements
Evidenced Based Research
As evidenced by seven independent evaluations, the GGK Curriculum produces outstanding results
Specialized Training Programs
On-site and virtual training options available
Healthy Families America
The Growing Great Kids curriculum aligns with and builds upon the HFA model approach