As a former daycare teacher, I learned so many things about the growth and development of a child. I helped out in the infant room where we took care of babies just 6 weeks old. I worked my way up room by room and age by age. I attended school toward my degree and I also took day classes to keep up with the research and development of care and procedures. I worked my way up to the school age classroom where I did the after school program and summer school program. It was a wonderful experience for me and I loved to see the children grow and learn. What I missed during my years at the daycare was the opportunity to share God’s Word and His Love with the children there. We were so focused on their physical well-being and because it was a public daycare, we were not allowed to focus on the children’s spiritual well-being.
While it is most important to know that the children are growing in faith, I would like to share some ideas on how to help their physical development. Working in the daycare field helped me put a lot of these tips and tricks into practice and it was fun to see the children learning through play. There are endless ideas out there on helping your children develop specific skills. Everything from fine motor skills like putting puzzle pieces in place to large motor skills like running and jumping should be considered. You can find various websites for specific skills but you are welcome to check out a website I found that has many different tips and ideas to help your child grow and develop physically and mentally. There are many different links on The Imagination Tree webpage so have some fun and try a few of these out with your little ones! If you don’t have little ones of your own, share this page with other young moms or use these ideas for grandchildren, friends, nieces and nephews. The children will have fun and you will know that you helped with their growth! God’s Blessings on your journey with His precious little ones! May they grow strong in faith and body. Christina Pritzlaff is married with two children. She has completed Early Childhood 1 & 2 classes, Infant Toddler classes, and completed the coursework for her Associates degree in Child Development. Christina splits her time between spending time with her family and working at New Beginnings. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, camping, fishing, reading, and doing counted cross-stitch.
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The residents at New Beginnings are influenced by mentors that appear in the staff, teachers, volunteers, and many others who are able to help them learn how they can reach their full potential. All of these people are working together in their lives so that the residents can be successful and reach the goals the program sets for them, along with reaching their personal goals. Each person is dedicating their time and energy in order to make the journeys of the residents as smooth as possible. When I started at New Beginnings my goal was to really be able to say that I inspired the residents in a way that led to a perceivable change, but recently I realized that they were having the same effect on me. Some people might think that the residents are the only ones who are benefitting from New Beginnings, but I know that that is not true. In fact, the staff at New Beginnings is touched by the residents in different but equal ways. Whether residents ask thought-provoking questions during devotions, display great diligence in achieving their goals, or persevere through their obstacles, they have the ability to inspire me and the rest of the staff members every day. There are so many instances and circumstances where both staff and residents are able to see that God has plans for New Beginnings, and that his will is being done here. God has blessed me through everyone at New Beginnings, and this experience has allowed me to really appreciate New Beginnings and everyone who is involved in the organization. Leah Whitson is a junior Human Social Services major at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and the Resident Support Intern here at New Beginnings. After college she plans to pursue a Master's in Social Work, and one day she hopes to use her experience at New Beginnings as a good foundation . During her free time Leah likes to travel, play with her dogs, and spend time with her fiancé.
How can I help my baby become a good sleeper? What can I do to help my baby fall asleep? What sleep strategies can I try? Getting your baby to sleep can be a challenge and it is often the number one concern of parents. Even though there isn’t any sure way to get your baby to sleep, there are some things you can do to ease your mind and help the process along.
After 3 months, babies will sleep 13 to 15 hours a day, some more or less than others. Babies will also need naps from 2 to 4 times a day, so just remember not to let your baby nap too close to bedtime. Between 3 to 18 months, the baby learns to soothe himself to sleep. Place your baby down to sleep when he is drowsy but awake. Babies need to be able to fall asleep independently so that they can self- soothe when they wake in the middle of the night. Once your baby sleeps through the night, you can put him to sleep in his own room.
Just remember, babies don’t naturally take to sleeping through the night. Consistency is key. Sleep is a learned skill and it isn’t learned overnight. Karen O'Leary is an Assistant Home Manager at New Beginnings. She has her BA in Bible Theology and her Masters of Divinity. She has 8-years of experience as a Social Director at a non-profit organization helping those in crisis with financial assistance, brief supportive counseling, and being a spiritual presence in their time of need. In her free time Karen enjoys reading, cooking and traveling. When you hear the word Mother, who do you think of? It might be the woman who gave birth to you. It might be the woman who raised you. Does it make you think of a woman who was always there for you? Or perhaps someone who wasn't really there for you much, but worked all the time to help pay the bills? Okay, so clearly Beaver had some interesting ideas of what being a woman is all about... If you watch the nightly family sitcoms on television or if you ever go on the popular website Pinterest, you will see all sorts of unspoken rules or standards that mothers today are set against. Married mothers, single mothers, working mothers, and stay at home mothers all have standards to live up to. Often it is the mother's job to take care of the house. The shopping, cooking, cleaning, planning, and laundry for the family all lay on the mother. According to The United States Department of Labor website, almost 70% of mothers with children under the age of 18 years of age are working either full-time or part-time. So now they, like many others, have to balance the home chores with a job. Let's throw kids into that factor now. After all, this is what makes them mothers. Child-rearing is a huge job in itself. Everything from waking with the child at night for diaper changes and feedings, teaching them how to take care of themselves as they get older, helping with homework, carpooling to sports, attending school meetings, and helping them cope with the changes through life is a job a mother often takes on herself. Knowing who her children's friends are and keeping her children safe, what they like and what they do in their free time, and the children's hopes and dreams are all things that a mother needs to know. Basically, a mother is supposed to have it all and do it all. All of this is quite overwhelming. How can a single person live up to these standards all the time? I know that I fall short as a working mom. I struggle with juggling a job, housework and the kids. I feel like during their teenage years is when they need a mom more than ever to be there for them. My house should be clean for when they want to have friends over and my responsibility to my job is very important to me. I think that all moms struggle and become stressed out with the responsibilities of being a mother. Now as crazy as it sounds, I would like you to take a step back and forget all of what the world thinks a mother should be and look at what God says a mother should be. Let's look at what the Bible says children are. Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Let's remember what God says about being a mom and the role a mother should play, and everything else will fall into place. Christina Pritzlaff is married with two children. She has completed Early Childhood 1 & 2 classes, Infant Toddler classes, and completed the coursework for her Associates degree in Child Development. Christina splits her time between spending time with her family and working at New Beginnings. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, camping, fishing, reading, and doing counted cross-stitch. Everyone can name things about themselves that they don’t like. The time we spend analyzing those qualities that we don’t like can be never-ending. It is easy to stand in front of a mirror and critique ourselves. “If only I was smarter, then I wouldn’t have to spend so much time on studying.” “If I was a more natural disciplinarian, my children would behave better at school.” “I’ve gained so much weight, I don’t even want to be seen in public.” Whether it is weight, grades, athletic ability, or negative personality qualities, everyone has a list of things that they want to change about themselves. Why do we have such negative views about ourselves? First of all, everyone naturally compares themselves to others. When we see someone who has a great quality, we admire and focus on that. While we’re concentrating on how great they are at that specific thing, we neglect seeing anything else about them that they might need to improve. Another reason might be that our society says that we should not only appear perfect, but our perfection should also seem effortless. No matter what your flaws are, hating yourself is not healthy. Focusing on your flaws and hating yourself isn’t something that God wants. Everyone does have positive and negative qualities, but we are all blessed that God made us so wonderfully. He created us the way that we are for a purpose, and that purpose is to utilize our gifts and live for Him. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Leah Whitson is a junior Human Social Services major at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and the Resident Support Intern here at New Beginnings. After college she plans to pursue a Master's in Social Work, and one day she hopes to use her experience at New Beginnings as a good foundation . During her free time Leah likes to travel, play with her dogs, and spend time with her fiancé.
New Beginnings is such an amazing program, and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Every day I am blessed with the opportunity to watch new mothers grow closer to Christ, learn new parenting skills, and advance their education. The blessings, however, are often laced with bumps along the way. One of the most valuable concepts I took away from the conference is that New Beginnings is NOT alone in the struggles we face when working with single, generationally-poor mothers. If the difficulties of doing God’s work ceased to exist, then we would know that we are not doing enough. With growth comes resistance, hardship, and even fear, but it is our job to help each mother recognize her strength and ability to blossom. Is change scary? Yep. New Beginnings can confirm, however, that sometimes the most difficult events in our life help us to flourish the most! So I say it again: we are not a finishing school. I have never heard someone say, “I have too much knowledge.” What a great reminder that we all have the opportunity to grow; all we need is a little water and sunshine, and a lot of perseverance and guidance from Christ. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18) Brianne Kluge is the Home Manager at New Beginnings. She grew up in Marshall, WI and graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School. Brianne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In her free time, she enjoys singing, camping, refurbishing furniture and spending time with her fiancé, Daniel. For the past 10 weeks, I have had the awesome opportunity to spend almost every Thursday evening with the great people at New Beginnings as part of my nursing clinicals for public health nursing. While here, I have been able to participate in some great activities and discussions. One activity planned for me was to provide health education to the group for two of my sessions. Last week was the first one! After discussing with the residents and staff about what topics might be interesting, I decided to talk about nutrition. Everyone who was present, myself included, was at a different stage of life; whether it was never having had a baby, being pregnant now, having just had a baby, or having had a baby a several months ago. So, I focused the information around nutrition at all of these stages: Nutrition in pregnancy, nutrition in postpartum, nutrition for infants, and nutrition for women at all stages of life. Together, we had a great discussion about how to take care of our bodies by eating well! One of my favorite parts of every visit to New Beginnings is that we have a group Bible story and devotion after dinner. Since my first day here, we have been working through Jesus' life on earth. These devotions are great for all included -- I love (and need!) the chance to review these incredible stories, and even learn some new facts! The devotion and nutrition discussion -- though they may not seem connected -- actually go hand-in-hand, and it's perfect that we had one right after the other. We often think of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to be good things, but earthly things. And yes, ultimately they are earthly things simply because they are not things we will have to worry about in heaven. But while we are still here on earth, we need to remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and ought to be treated as such. When we learn something new about modern medicine and science, it's so exciting because of the possibility to better care for bodies that have been injured or sick. If we are willing to go so far for injured or sick bodies, why not healthy bodies, too? We should not only clean up the mess and rebuild after the temple has begun to fall. We should work every day to keep it in its strong, beautiful state. It's God's desire that we honor Him with our bodies in every way, every day. Keep yourself healthy, and keep your temple strong! Rachel Kelly is a senior level nursing student at Wisconsin Lutheran College. She has been working at New Beginnings to fulfill her Public Health Nursing clinical. She currently lives in Milwaukee and works as a nursing assistant at Froedtert Hospital, and will be getting married this October. Rachel is excited to graduate in May, and is looking forward to continuing her career at Froedtert Hospital shortly thereafter.
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Leo F. Buscaglia
“I can live for two months on a good compliment.” This is so true! If someone says something nice to you, do you find yourself reflecting on that comment from time to time and having it bringing a renewed smile to your face? I know I do.
Acts of kindness can be so small, but mean so much. A compliment or warm smile is absolutely free to give, although for some of us, the ability to hand one out may take some refining. It may seem silly at first, but be intentional about the kindness you show others. If this is not something that comes naturally to you, start each week or day by detailing out what you will do for someone else- and then make sure you follow through. Once you get in the habit of doing small things for others, you’ll find the opportunity arise more and more often, and it will start to come naturally to you. In the end, you may even find these small kindnesses making their way back to you. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 We are always looking for new ways to spread kindness! What are some ways that you have surprised others with a random act of kindness? Find some great ideas for families by clicking on the button below. Beth Shiels is an Assistant Home Manager at New Beginnings. She graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a degree in Psychology in 2008, where she also met her husband, Zach. Along with working at New Beginnings, Beth enjoys staying home part-time with her four children and assisting in Zach's chiropractic clinic. She loves this crazy busy life God has blessed her with and is thankful to have the opportunity to share His love with the moms and babies at New Beginnings! You wake up one morning and you know something isn’t right. You feel different but don’t know what this new sensation is. It isn’t a bad feeling but you do feel a difference. What could it be? Then you start to think. “Oh no! It couldn’t be! There is no way it can be! We used protection! God wouldn’t do this to me. He knows I’m not ready.” The tests confirm it. You are pregnant. Now what? You start to evaluate the situation. You can’t tell your parents. They will be so upset and disappointed. You tell your baby’s father but he says it isn’t his problem and he wants you to have an abortion. He will even take you just to be done with it. It would be the easiest way. You won’t have to tell your parents. You wouldn’t have to change your plans. Your life will continue as you have planned. It would be so easy.
The initial shock wears off and you decide to tell your best friend. You can trust her to keep your secret and help guide you in your decision. She has always supported you and you know she will do so now, no matter what you decide. You were right. She heard you without judging. She helped you through your tears. She talks you through your options and offers help. She takes you for an ultra sound. What a turning point!! That is no little blob of tissue! That is a baby. That is your baby. Your baby is so small and helpless. How could you think of an abortion? What can you do? Now the really hard decisions come. This is where the mothers at New Beginnings have been. Not exactly, and every situation is different, but they experienced an unexpected pregnancy and they decided to give their child a chance. What a wonderful chance to start a new life for these women and their babies! At New Beginnings these young women can find God’s Word, structure, support, encouragement, and knowledge. They can grow and mature as they await the arrival of their baby and get the help and support they need during those first few years of their child’s life. A big THANK YOU to all of you who have given of their time, talents, and abilities to help and support us here at New Beginnings. Christina Pritzlaff is married with two children. She has completed Early Childhood 1 & 2 classes, Infant Toddler classes, and completed the coursework for her Associates degree in Child Development. Christina splits her time between spending time with her family and working at New Beginnings. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, camping, fishing, reading, and doing counted cross-stitch. In life, there will be times that are not ideal. Not necessarily rough times, not happy times, just times that might be described as blah. You might be ready to move into a bigger house, working an entry level job just to get a promotion, or waiting until you’re done with school so that you can jump into a career you’re passionate about. You’re ready to take the next step, but the next step isn’t quite within your reach. These times can often lead to feelings of stress, discontentment, or lack of trust in God. There is this mentality that says something like, “Lord, I just want the promotion. Then I will be happy.” What people don’t understand is that being content is something that is practiced; it doesn’t come with achievement. For some, the more you achieve, the more things you will want. Being content is something that all Christians should strive for because God gives us more than we could ever deserve. There will be in-between times during many parts of our lives, with something in them that we’re not content with. What’s important is realizing how important it is to thank God for everything that we do have, and work to God’s glory to achieve our goals. The residents at New Beginnings are working through a time in their life that might seem never ending. Continuing education, meeting with professionals, and setting goals can get to be frustrating, but these mothers realize that this is the best way that they can be a loving Christian parent to their children. I look up to the mothers at New Beginnings, because they know that in order to achieve their goals they need to work hard, trust in God, and be thankful for the opportunities that they have. Leah Whitson is a junior Human Social Services major at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and the Resident Support Intern here at New Beginnings. After college she plans to pursue a Master's in Social Work, and one day she hopes to use her experience at New Beginnings as a good foundation . During her free time Leah likes to travel, play with her dogs, and spend time with her fiancé.
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