Protect Against Toxic Stress to
Give Your Child a Stronger Start
Featured this month
First 5 California is dedicated to making sure every child in California gets the best start in life.
New and trending
Building a Stronger Start: Understanding and Overcoming Toxic StressRaising a child is one of the most rewarding journeys, but it’s also full of stressful moments. Whether you’re dealing with sleepless nights with your newborn or your toddler’s tantrums, some stress is a normal part of your child growing up. But sometimes, you may find that life throws bigger, more constant difficulties at your child than just everyday challenges.
When this kind of stress becomes constant and overwhelming for your child, it can change how your child’s body and brain react. This is what experts call toxic stress response. However, you have the power to protect your child from its effects. We’ve created a series of videos to help you understand what toxic stress response is and, more importantly, how you can build a “buffer” to keep your family healthy and strong.
Starting Solid Foods: A Parent’s Guide to This Big MilestoneWatching your baby try their first bite of “real” food is such an exciting milestone! It marks a new chapter in their growth, but it’s also completely normal to have a lot of questions. Whether you’re feeling excited, a little nervous, or just ready for the mess, remember that this is a learning experience for both you and your little one.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate those first few bites with confidence.
Helping Your Little One Navigate Seasonal AllergiesWhen the flowers start to bloom or the leaves begin to change, many of us look forward to spending more time outside with our kids. But for some little ones, these changes in nature bring on the sniffles, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Seasonal allergies (often called “hay fever”) happen when your child’s immune system becomes extra sensitive to things in the air, like pollen from trees, grass, or weeds.
If your child seems a bit under the weather every time the seasons shift, know that it is a common challenge for many children. Understanding the difference between a simple cold and an allergy can help you find the right way to help them feel better fast.
What is Toxic Stress?
Where can I find affordable, easy-to-use parenting courses?
How can I help my toddler’s brain grow?
What is the difference between discipline and punishment?
What are social and emotional development milestones?
How can I keep my child’s immune system strong?
How do I support my child’s motor development each day?
How should my toddler play at this age?
Stay in touch
First 5 California Instagram
@First5CaliforniaFirst 5 California Pinterest
@first5ca