By Julia Yeary, LCSW, ACSW, IMH-E® I wish I had Babies on the Homefront when I was a home visitor. I don’t know how many times a parent would bring up something their child was doing and I would promise, “Next time I will bring…
I know that my behaviors can be challenging sometimes; it’s hard for me to feel out of control, as well. Here are some ideas to help me AND you while I learn to calm my mind and body: Please try…
Another way you can help me with my challenging behaviors is to work to understand the meaning of my behaviors. In other words, how might my behaviors tell you what I’m thinking and feeling. You can strive to make sense…
It may feel like the coparent doesn’t get to do much before baby is born, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t bond with their baby, support mom and prepare for parenthood too! Coparents can connect with their baby during…
Both of my parents are different, so it makes sense that I have unique experiences with each of you. This exposes me to a variety of perspectives, and I get to learn and do different things. It’s important that you…
As I grow older and more active, my dad is probably finding different ways to play with me and take care of me. Even if I can’t tell you exactly what I want and need yet, when you listen and…
I learn a lot from my dad from the very beginning, even if you don’t realize it. When my dad is engaged in my life during pregnancy and the first years, I am likely to have fewer complications during birth…
If you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed or activated by my behavior, the best thing you can do is focus on calming yourself first. You can’t help me calm down if you aren’t calm. You may notice your heart racing, feel…
Sometimes you may get overwhelmed or dysregulated by my loud cries or screams, my physical reactions like jumping on you or hitting, or telling you, “No!” to exert my independence. You may not even notice this, and it’s usually easier…
Sometimes, it may seem like I prefer the company of my other parent over you. I might ask for them when you’re around or show signs of wanting their attention. Please know that it’s not a reflection of your love…
Being a military family comes with unique challenges, and it’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s seeking support during deployments, managing the emotional toll of frequent moves, or dealing with…
Being a military family often means facing the challenge of being geographically separated from loved ones. However, maintaining strong connections with friends and family is vital for the well-being and support of military families. To stay connected despite the distance,…
Sometimes, it’s a real struggle for me to stay in bed. I may toss and turn, get out of bed multiple times, or ask for one more story or drink of water. I know it can be frustrating for you,…
Being away from your child during special developmental milestones can be challenging for any parent, especially for those in the military or who have work obligations that keep them apart. While it’s natural to feel a sense of sadness or…
Playtime holds a special significance for us—it’s an opportunity to reconnect and rebuild our bond after being apart during military service. But I might feel hesitant and unsure about engaging with you right away, and that’s okay. Please be patient…
Playtime is more than just fun for me—it’s a powerful way for us to connect and build a strong bond. When you join me in play, it makes me feel special and loved. Through play, we can communicate, understand each…
It’s time to go on outdoor adventures! I’m a growing child with boundless energy, and there’s so much to explore outside. When we step into nature together, it’s like entering a whole new world of excitement and wonder. I can…
