Jul 20, 2022

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is encouraging communities statewide to join in celebrating ABC Quality’s 30th Anniversary this year.

Jul 19, 2022

Most new parents and caregivers will reach for a pacifier at some point when it comes to settling an upset baby. While pacifiers go by many names, the goal is usually the same—to satisfy a baby’s natural need to suck and offer comfort to a fussing baby. Pacifiers are safe to use from birth and have shown some benefits for children, especially in the first six months of life. Long-term pacifier use, however, can come with complications. Here’s a look at how to introduce a pacifier to your baby, when and how to use it effectively, and signs it may be time to let it go.

Jul 12, 2022

In mid-June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines for young children previously unable to be vaccinated, ages 6 months through 5 years. Two vaccination protocols, one three-dose immunization series from Pfizer and one two-dose immunization series from Moderna, were granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and vaccine appointments should begin to open nationwide. Here is what parents and caregivers of young children may want to know.

Jul 5, 2022

For the past 12 or so months, Americans have watched the prices of goods and services in the U.S. rise steadily. The cost of everything, from gas to groceries, has risen as the purchasing power of money decreases. For a family budget inflation can feel very threatening, especially as the rate of inflation is sitting around 8 percent, a level not seen since the early 1980s. While we might like to think we’re approaching the end of the inflation tunnel, experts agree that we still have a way to go. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to help protect their family finances during these fiscally challenging times.

Jun 28, 2022

There is no doubt that—in most cases—having an involved grandparent or grandparents is highly beneficial to children. The relationship between a child and grandparent is unique and special. It provides children with an added sense of safety and familial structure and can encourage independence through overnight sleepovers and other get togethers. In general, the greater grandparental involvement in a child’s life, the greater a child’s overall wellbeing.

Jun 21, 2022

In an ideal world, parents and caregivers wouldn’t have to help their child cope with the death of a loved one at a very young age. But while we may hope the hard conversations about life, death, and grief can wait until children are older, the reality is many parents will have to face this scenario during the preschool years—often with the passing of a grandparent or older relative. The death of a close friend or family member is stressful on both kids and grownups, and the best way to face it is head on and together. Here are some tips for helping your preschooler understand and cope with the death of someone they love.