The historic election of President Barack Obama resurrected the belief that Americans and our nation’s children in particular, can achieve any goal.
President Obama successfully campaigned on a platform of hope, change and a better future for our country, which coincides with the First 5 California mission for California’s youngest residents, children 0 to 5 years old.
Working with California’s diverse population for more than 10 years, First 5 California is dedicated to educating parents about the importance of empowering children with the skills and tools they need to succeed in their future goals and accomplishments.
To fulfill the vision that all California children enter school prepared to achieve their greatest potential, First 5 California reminds parents that instilling a love for learning, healthy lifestyle and a strong social and emotional foundation will help their children reach their goals.
The following activities will assist you in tapping into your children’s potential with the goal of inspiring your children, opening their minds to greater possibilities and ultimately helping prepare them for success in school and in life.
Building the Foundation for Success
Children’s brains develop 90% between the ages of 0 and 5. It is important to engage your children in the following activities from the moment they are born, to start them on the proper path to success.
Spark children’s imagination. Talking, singing, reading a book or telling stories are ways to foster a desire to learn while giving children the basic skills for reading and dialogue.
Encourage learning. Sorting laundry, preparing family meals together or even trips to the grocery store are all early lessons in math, reading, shapes, colors, social interaction and following directions that will prepare children for a lifetime of learning.
Build self-esteem. Playing with, holding and nurturing your children makes them more confident and able to socialize as they grow.
Consider preschool. Believe it or not, studies show that attending preschool helps prepare children to graduate from high school, do better in math and science, attend college, earn more money and be more self-confident.
Healthy Kids Succeed
Children cannot become the doctors, lawyers, teachers, presidents or engineers they aspire to be if they do not grow up healthy. The following are tips to keep children healthy, happy and ready to achieve any goal.
Go to the doctor. Regular health, oral and vision check-ups help avoid illness or diseases that can prevent your children from attending or doing well in school.
Offer good nutrition. Feeding children healthy meals that include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily helps their development and can boost early school success.
Monitor TV usage. Encourage children to be physically active. Promoting an active routine early in life helps prevent obesity that can cause diseases such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
For more information visit us at www.First5California.com or call 1-800-KIDS-025 to order a free First 5 California Kit for New Parents.
