Great parents are built, not made.
Florida needs to support parents with the tools, services and resources they need to raise healthy, happy children. Whether that’s information on developmental milestones and early intervention, how to sign up for high-quality early learning opportunities, or what’s happening in our state Capitol that affects them, The Children’s Movement of Florida is here to help.
Florida Parent Leadership Network
Join a special community of parents and caregivers from across Florida who want to make a difference for children and families.
Be an advocate
The Movement hosts advocacy trainings for parents, educators and anyone interested in early childhood. Learn about how policy and funding decisions are made in Florida, when and how to speak with legislative leaders, and the power of relationships.
Explore our parenting tips.
Tiny Teachable Moments
Brain Building
Florida Grade Level Reading Tip Sheets
Explore this bilingual campaign created in partnership with Florida Grade Level Reading Campaign and the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center.
Rhyming
There is more to teaching your child to read than helping them learn the alphabet. Playing rhyming games and singing rhyming songs gets children to pay attention to sounds--a great pre-reading skill!
Making Predictions
When children make predictions, they put together what they already know about the story and guess what will happen next.
Some example questions:
- What do you think will happen next? Why?
- What will the character do now?
Asking Open-Ended Questions
Encourage your LO’s thinking skills by asking them open-ended questions during a read aloud.
- It encourages children to think more deeply about the book.
- It keeps children interested by giving them a reason to engage with the book.
Retelling the Story
After you finish reading a book with your child, ask them to tell you what happened in the story in their own words.
- Allow time for them to think and freely ask questions that can guide them along.
- Use props to retell.
Teachable Moments
5 Tips to Help Your Child Love Healthy Eating
- Let your child makes choices between healthy foods, and allow them to make their own plate. Giving your child autonomy over what they eat makes them more likely to try and enjoy many foods.
- Snack smarter. Make sure your child's snacks are in small, protein-packed portions to keep them full for longer. Keep fruits and veggies on hand and ready to eat. Yogurt, celery and cheese work well, too.
- Try preparing something they are reluctant to eat with something they already like. For things like carrots or cucumbers, play around with different dips like hummus, salsa, or ketchup.
- Don't force a child to clean their plate, or reward kids with food. It sends the message that food is a reward.
- Get your child involved. Make eating healthy fun by letting your child plan the meal, or help cook with you. And always praise the chef!
5 Tips to Set Appropriate Limits
- Be firm and use a neutral voice. Do not yell or threaten, but rather be confident in your decision and lead by example.
- Be specific and direct. Children will get lost in translation if the limit is too vague. Make sure they understand.
- Focus on your child's behavior, not the child. Focus on what they did wrong, and ensure the words you use speak to the behavior alone.
- Give your child ample opportunity to comply. Make sure to give warnings and reminders to help them along the way. Use a time if it helps.
- Praise your child when they comply with limits, and provide immediate consequences when they do not.
Family-Friendly Activities for Summer
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt and share your findings together.
- Lay out a blanket in the yard on a clear night and stargaze.
- Play hide-and-seek with the neighborhood kids.
- Draw on the patio, sidewalk or driveway with colored chalk.
- Play in the sprinklers on a hot sunny day.
- Go for a drive together and let your kids pick the music.
- Make a bonfire...and don't forget the smores!
- Ride a scooter, bike or stroller around the block.
- Take an evening stroll around the neighborhood with your pet.
- Pack a picnic together and go to the closest park.
Etiquette Tips to Learn at an Early Age
- Use polite language: Thank you, please, excuse me, and you are welcome.
- Table manners: Chew with your mouth closed, wash your hands before eating, clean up whenever you make a mess.
- Practice patience: Do not interrupt others while they are speaking. Take turns.
- Be a good guest: Introduce yourself to others, knock on closed doors before entering.
- Social situations: Hold the door for people walking after you, stop and think before speaking.
What we’ve learned from Florida parents
We believe that listening to parents is critical to addressing their needs. Explore the results from our recent surveys.
