News and Updates From Great Kids

Nurturing Traditions

by Great Kids | Dec 7, 2023

Upon opening the door to my grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon, you are delighted with the sweet aroma of buttery biscuits and the sound of joyful family laughter greeting you. As you enter the kitchen, you will find us all working together to prepare the Sunday Dinner, a treasured tradition that has been passed down from my grandmother’s generation. Childhood memories often play a profound role in shaping our adult lives. These moments have taught me more than culinary skills. They have passed down values, cultural connections, and a sense of togetherness that will last a lifetime.

Playing Together

by Great Kids | Nov 14, 2023

The other day, I was walking by a local playground. I stopped for a minute to notice all the happy children running around and playing with each other. It brought back such sweet memories of when my own kids were little and played on this playground with my community’s playgroup. Seeing how much the kids loved playing together and their parents bonding was such a heartwarming experience. Playgroups had a significant role in my parenting journey, and I’m so grateful for the memories they helped create.

Imagination in Adults

by Great Kids | Oct 18, 2023

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you picture “playing pretend”? Maybe you conjure up the image of a toddler using a recycled cardboard box as a racecar, or perhaps a preschooler mixing up a questionable potion from rarely used kitchen spices and tap water. I must admit, I have quite a bit of personal experience with the latter. For many adults, I think, we can quickly put together a colorful picture of a young child tapping into their imagination and transforming the world around them into one of their own designs. It’s more difficult, though, to find a similar picture for ourselves as grown-ups. When was the last time you activated that creativity?

New Home Visitor Training Looks to the Positive in Helping Families Facing Substance Use Disorder

Apr 4, 2023

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.

Growing Great Kids Next Generation Curricula Earns Prestigious Evidence-Based Ranking

Apr 4, 2023

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.

The World Awaits Your Learning!

Mar 7, 2023

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.

Healthy Habits for Keeping Colds Away

Feb 10, 2023

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.

2023 Best Musician Award, Goes to You!

Jan 11, 2023

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.

Imperfect Holiday Moments and Family Strengths

Dec 6, 2022

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.

Loving Supervision Supports Learning

Nov 16, 2022

When it comes to parenting a one-year-old, I’ve learned speed is a necessity. Recently, my child and I played at the base of the hills we hike. My kiddo crawled around in a beautiful open space painted with warm colors bursting from the trees.

Fostering Resilience: Supporting Children in Out-of-Home Care

Oct 31, 2022

It was a last-minute arrangement. I offered to watch the kids for a couple of hours, so my cousin could run some errands. I was excited to see the children, and they were just as happy to see me. Their parents said goodbye, and we were busy playing when out of the blue, big tears rolled down one child’s cheeks.

Building Strong Protectors

Sep 21, 2022

If you scroll through a plethora of tucked-away photo albums beneath the staircase of my parents’ home, you’ll eventually come across the pictures capturing my fourth birthday. Among these photos, you’ll find documentation of the moment Tabby was gifted to me. Tabby was a baby doll designed to look like a newborn.

Summer Fun!

Aug 23, 2022

Isn’t it delightful to see a child’s exuberant excitement? Their energy erupts in uncontainable hops, jumps, and wiggles like soda bubbles fizzing to the top of a glass. A child’s laughs and smiles are contagious and automatically spread joy to those around them. Having moments of fun with kids has a way of refreshing our souls and reminding us of what’s important in life.