It doesn’t take much to help grow your child’s creativity and thinking skills – just a little love and conversation. You got this.

Teaching our children to be antiracist may seem overwhelming. Where do you begin?

Be kind to yourself. No one asked for this. No one is prepared to make these decisions for their families. Just know, you’re doing your best and that’s enough right now.

Get outside. Take a walk or lay down a blanket. The fresh air is good for you and your child. You got this. Visit FirstStepsKent.org/YouGotThis

The first few years of life – between birth and kindergarten – are when your child’s brain will grow the fastest. Little things during everyday moments make a big difference.

We have a list of 7 science-backed ways to fight back against the COVID-19 parenting blues below!

The good news for parents: You don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary to help your child’s brain grow to be strong and well connected.

Many of us were taught that we should not “see color” or talk about race because it makes some people uncomfortable. Teach them while they’re young to appreciate differences and see beauty in diversity.

Follow your baby’s cues. They want to see how you respond.

You’re doing your best and that’s enough right now. Do your best to take some time for yourself too. You deserve it and you need it.

Babies and toddlers learn the skills that will help them in school and beyond: How to get along with others, solve problems, be creative, manage their feelings, and meet new challenges.

We know you’re doing your best. Here’s what can you do (and are probably already doing) to help your child right now.

In order to address issues of racial bias and prejudice with children and help them understand race and inequity in our society, caregivers must first be comfortable addressing these issues themselves.

When you talk to your baby, give them time to respond with sounds or facial expressions. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. That can sound scary and overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be.

It’s key that we parents take a moment -- sometimes just a moment! -- to ourselves. Looking after our own mental and physical health can be extremely difficult, but self-care is more important than ever.

Young children need to see themselves in picture books and artwork. They also need to see children who don’t look like them.

Let your baby play with board books. It’s OK to read the same book over and over again or to not finish a book in one sitting – both will help her learn new words.

Let them struggle with simple challenges – like stacking blocks or putting a book on the shelf – while letting them know you’ll be supportive when they do hard things. You got this.

Self-care is not selfish - take the time to recharge your batteries.

Talking with your child can do so much to build their brains. So keep talking. You got this.

It’s never too early to talk about race. Answer children’s questions. If you don’t know the answers, say so and find them together.

Ask your baby questions. Building these earliest skills create the foundation for more advanced skills. You got this.