As we head into fall and get back into the swing of things, we hope you can make time for reading, resilience, and routines!
📖 Literacy & Reading Rituals
September brings opportunities to celebrate the power of reading! Creating family reading rituals helps your child build literacy skills, attention span, and imagination. Try making reading part of daily routines, even just 15 minutes a day.
How to Promote Literacy at Home
- Read out loud together, starting at birth. These foundational years are the best time to establish a relationship with reading.
- Establish a routine around reading, such as reading a bedtime story each night.
- Visit the library and get to know your librarians. Get involved in your local library’s events for an added social impact.
- Model reading. One of the best ways to encourage a behavior in your child is to model that behavior.
🪳 Building Resilience
Resilience is the ability to navigate challenges, big or small. Kids build resilience when they feel supported, learn problem-solving skills, and practice self-care. Encourage open conversations, model coping strategies, and remind children that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
📝 Homework Habits
With the school year in full swing, now is an ideal time to establish healthy homework routines. Create a quiet, consistent workspace, set a regular schedule, and break tasks into smaller steps. Encourage short breaks for movement and play to maintain balanced energy and focus.
🏥 Insurance Reminders
Back-to-school season is a good time to double-check your child’s health coverage. Make sure your insurance information is up-to-date with us. If you have questions about coverage, deductibles, or wellness visits, please contact us through Spruce or call the office at (562) 473-4441.
Important Dates
🍳National Food Safety Education Month
Safe food handling is crucial to maintaining your family’s health. Remember to:
- Wash your hands before preparing food.
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
- Involve your kids in safe food prep.
Build healthy habits and confidence in the kitchen with the whole family!
🫀 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month!
Obesity is a public concern, with 1 in 5 children in the US being obese. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How to Prevent Obesity
- Model healthy eating. This includes not only choosing the best foods for you and your family, but also modeling a healthy relationship with food.
- Get moving. Physical activity benefits muscles, bones, heart health, and overall health and wellness.
- Get enough sleep. Preschoolers need 10-13 hours (including naps), and older kids need 9 to 12 hours.
- Avoid too much screen time. Replace screen time with time with the family and reading!
- Choose childcare settings that prioritize health and wellness.
- Find a program. If you don’t know the right way to promote healthy eating or maintain a healthy lifestyle, find someone who does! Asking your pediatric healthcare provider is an excellent place to start!
Labor Day – September 1st
Happy Labor Day! As we honor the contributions of workers everywhere, we hope your family enjoys a safe and restful holiday weekend. GHT is closed for the Labor Day holiday.
Happy Birthday, Nancy! – September 5th
We’re celebrating Nancy’s birthday this month! Thank you, Nancy, for all the care and dedication you bring to our Growing Healthy Together family!
International Literacy Day – September 8
Join us in celebrating the joy of reading on International Literacy Day! Ask your child what their favorite book is, or visit your local library or bookstore!
World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10
Mental health matters. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for support. Please reach out to your provider if you need mental health resources in your area. We’re here for you!
National Care for Kids Day – September 20
This day highlights the importance of nurturing children’s growth, health, and happiness. If you have a few spare dollars, contribute to your favorite children’s organizations.
🍃 From literacy to resilience, from health reminders to celebrations, we’re proud to support your family in growing healthy together this September!
With care,
🧑⚕️Your Team at GHT
