How a Parent's Self-Care Benefits the Whole Family

Self-care refers to any step you take to improve your personal health or wellness. This can include eating balanced meals, getting plenty of sleep, handling personal hygiene, and taking time to relax and breathe. Though these actions may sometimes feel selfish, self-care means you stay well enough to take care of your family.

When your body and mind can function as well as possible through self-care, you can feel more energized and rested. As a result, you can be more present with your children. You can also better handle high stress levels when you take good care of yourself.

Also, when you practice self-care, your children can see your example and make it a habit to take care of themselves too. They will learn respect for others and feel empowered to make time for self-care in their own lives as well. Set aside time to reflect on your needs and brainstorm ideas to bring self-care into your routine.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education Fall Parent Tips Newsletter

Parenting Strategy: The Power of Repair

Parents are human too. If you feel overwhelmed, you might snap or yell at your child. But if you know how to handle these moments, you can help both you and your child process emotions and move forward. Check out this video about taking time to “repair” after an outburst from Big Little Feelings’ Deena Margolin, a licensed child therapist, and Kristin Gallant, a parent coach.

Watch the video

The Annapolis Family Support Center (FSC) will host a special Valentine’s Day Parent Cafe, February 14th, from 11 am - 1pm, at the Anne Arundel County Dept. of Social Services at 80 West Street. Parent Cafes are physically and emotionally safe spaces where people talk and listen to each other on topics that matter to them. This interactive format is evidence-based through Be Strong Families. This event is opened to parents of children of all ages, and bilingual Spanish parents are encouraged to attend

Additional support is available including childcare for children under 5; transportation for Annapolis residents and validated parking in the Whitmore Garage located on Clay Street. For additional information call the Annapolis FSC at 410-269-4478.

Is your child in the Infants and Toddlers Program (ITP) or receive services through Community Based Services (CBS)?

The ITP and CBS families are invited to our next Family Engagement Night, "Learning to Love Literacy," on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Tyler Heights Elementary School, 200 Janwall St, Annapolis. We can only accept the first 20 families who register. PLEASE include names and ages of ALL children attending. Interpreters available. Click here to register or use the QR code . Email ghegarty@aacps.org with questions.

Birth - 5 Parent/Toddler Groups

Please talk with your child's provider if you are interested in attending the following groups:

ITP at the Library: Registration required for this opportunity for parents to build relationships with other parents and for children to engage in play with other children. ITP staff will facilitate some modeling of play strategies, offer resources, and build upon our relationships with the families we serve.
- 2/7/25: Sensory Storytime 10:15 am- Registration required (https://www.aacpl.net/event/sensory-friendly-neurodivergent-storytime-169433) registration opens 2 weeks before the event.
- 2/14/25 - ITP at the Library 10:30 AM - registration required https://forms.gle/N1VqrL45nwTeSDzeA (opens on 1/31/25)
- 2/21/25 - Sensory Storytime 10:15AM registration required (https://www.aacpl.net/event/sensory-friendly-neurodivergent-storytime-169438) registration opens 2 weeks before the event
- 2/28/25 - Young Child at Play 10:15AM - no registration required
ITP Out and About: Are you looking to get out of the house and meet some friends that have same age children as you? Click this link (https://5il.co/35t9c) for more information about this fun group or use click HERE to register.
Jumperoos with ITP: Pre-registration is required. This group is held on the last Friday of each month from 10-11 AM at Urban Air Adventure Park. Please talk with your child's provider if you are interested in attending.

Family Activities Around Anne Arundel County

Summer Camp Fair

Join Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation for the Camp Fair and discover exciting summer opportunities for kids, teens, and families! This event is your chance to meet with staff from a wide range of camps and programs, each offering unique activities and experiences. Whether you're looking for adventure, learning, or physical activity, you'll find something for everyone.

Health and Wellness Fair

Crofton Farmers Market

The Crofton Farmers Market is open on Select Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm. (Weather Permitting – Check social media for weather related closings)

November 9th & 23rd
December 7th & 21st
January 4th & 18th
February 1st & 15th
March 1st, 15th & 29th
April 12th & 26th

Located at 1681 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114. Overflow parking will be available at the Community United Methodist Church and along Aberdeen Drive (behind the library) and on Charing Cross Drive.

Family Storytime with ASL Interpretation

Families with young children (0-5) will enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities while building early literacy skills. This series will take place at Discoveries: Library at the Mall on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30am. The next Storytime with ASL Interpretation will be on February 8th at 10:30am. ASL interpretation will be provided by Kathy MacMillan - https://storiesbyhand.com/.

To learn more about upcoming programs in the Storytime with ASL Interpretation series, as well as all of the current programs that AACPL offers for the Deaf community: https://www.aacpl.net/events/upcoming?keywords=asl

Local Resources for Families

Letter from the Director

Dear Community Stakeholders,

In the Division of Specialized Instruction and Early Intervention, we celebrate diversity, promote equity, and foster unity and inclusion. Our primary goal is to support your child and your family through comprehensive, free special education services—accessible in your home, school, and community—regardless of your legal status.

We also want to reassure our families that our program is strictly confidential. We do not collect or share individual or family immigration status with any public or private agencies.

The Division of Specialized Instruction and Early Intervention firmly believes that together, we rise higher.

Sonya M. McElroy
Director, Birth to Five and Service Accountability

**For specific information and resources for Bilingual Families, please contact the Bilingual Outreach Team at 443-510-4599.**

Estimados miembros de la comunidad:

En la División de Instrucción Especializada e Intervención Temprana, celebramos la diversidad, promovemos la equidad y fomentamos la unidad y la inclusión. Nuestro objetivo principal es apoyar a su hijo y a su familia a través de servicios de educación especial integrales y gratuitos, accesibles en su hogar, escuela y comunidad, independientemente de su estatus legal.

También queremos asegurarles a nuestras familias que nuestro programa es estrictamente confidencial. No recopilamos ni compartimos el estatus migratorio individual o familiar con ninguna agencia pública o privada.

La División de Instrucción Especializada e Intervención Temprana cree firmemente que juntos, llegamos más alto.

Sonya M. McElroy
Director, Birth to Five and Service Accountability

**Para obtener información y recursos específicos para familias bilingües, comuníquese con el equipo de extensión bilingüe al 443-510-4599.**

Partners for Success – Special Education Family Support ages 3 through 21 – Helping families navigate special education processes within AACPS.

Partners for Success is a partnership between Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Anne Arundel County Schools (AACPS) to provide the tools and information necessary to empower parents to support their child's educational program.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with us to discuss your child's educational needs, please use the following link:

https://forms.gle/8UVBm1jmW4Fqe4fy5

Subscribe to the Resource Newsletter
To receive future Family Resource newsletters in your email click the subscribe button above.

Family Resource Newsletter

Parenting Strategy: The Power of Repair

Letter from the Director

Helpful Links