In times of crisis and calm, babies rely on an accurate Census. On National Baby Day—May 2—join us as we remind families to count all babies and young children in the 2020 Census. Excerpted from Count All Kids census initiative led by ZERO to THREE

Haven’t taken the census yet? It’s quick (5 minutes or less) and confidential. Click to take online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by phone, call (844) 330-2020.
 
Why is taking the census so important? 

• The 2020 Census will help decide how much money communities will get for schools, child care and early learning, health insurance and medical care, early intervention and home visiting programs, food assistance, foster care, housing assistance, and public transportation.
• As the government responds to health and economic crises like COVID-19, an accurate Census also ensures that babies and families are included in emergency plans.
• Young children are historically undercounted in the Census. In 2010, we missed almost 10 percent of children under 5 (or about 2.2 million young children).
• This year, the national response rate is lagging as the pandemic further disrupts a complete count.

Messy sensory-play is important for young children, giving them endless ways to develop and learn. It helps them to develop and improve their gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and concentration. Little ones use all their senses to discover and explore their environment, and develop their imagination, creative thinking, and ability to problem solve and experiment with solutions.

Soft-as-a-Cloud Play-Dough

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup inexpensive hair conditioner
• 1 or 2 drops liquid food coloring (optional)

Instructions

• Place cornstarch in a large bowl.
• Mix in the hair conditioner with your hands.
• Tip: Scented conditioner will stay on your hands, so choose a scent you and your kids really enjoy—or opt for scent-free.
• As it comes together, it will be pliable and very, very smooth.
• If desired, add a drop or two of food coloring.
• Remember: Food coloring may discolor skin; it’s nontoxic and will wash off soon, but be mindful of how much you use.
• Store in an airtight container when not using.

Jello Bubbles

Ingredients

• 1 part dish-washing liquid
• 1 part jello powder (any flavor or color)
• 8 to 10 parts warm water

Instructions

• Combine jello powder and warm water.
• Stir until dissolved.
• Gently add the dish-washing liquid and stir.
• Avoid creating suds/bubbles by mixing too vigorously.
• Store in an airtight container.
• Note: This recipe forms “sticky” bubbles, so best to use outdoors!
• How to make your own bubble wands? Bend pipe cleaners for small wands (in shapes like circles, triangles, or stars) or a coat hanger to make really big bubbles.

It might sound silly . . . but self-hugs have very real benefits!

Hugging increases levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which positively affect your health.

A 20-second hug reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate.

A 10-second hug a day may fight infections, boost your immune system, ease depression, and lessen fatigue.

Wrapping your arms around yourself sends a strong message to your body and your brain: I’ve got you, I love you, and you are okay.

Hugging yourself is a quick and free act of self-care.

First and foremost, staying home equals staying safe. But fresh air, sunshine, and activity can make a world of difference during this time of “physical” isolation—for your mental and physical health.

There are things, however, that you MUST think about during this precautionary period—for your safety and the safety of others. Below find tips from Lauren Sauer, director of critical event preparedness and response at Johns Hopkins Medicine. See original article.

1. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at all, stay home.
2. Walk in the least-populated places possible. Instead of walking in areas where groups of people tend to congregate (e.g., parks, beaches), walk in your own neighborhood or on trails. If a trail is too busy, skip it!
3. “Look ahead” and pace yourself, so you can work out how to keep a 6-foot distance between yourselves and others.
4. On narrow walkways, step off the path (keeping that 6 feet) and allow the other person to pass before continuing on.
5. If walking your dog, do NOT let your dog interact with another dog.

One fish, two fish, Starfish, YOU-fish!

In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday and National Reading Day, we’re hosting the 1st ever Seuss-tastic basket giveaway. Why? Reading is truly FUN-damental—especially reading aloud to babies and young children.

• They learn to love sounds, words, and language.
• It stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world.
• It helps a child’s brain, social skills, and communication skills develop.

Contest timing: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2 (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) through Tuesday, March 3, at 5:00 p.m.

• Winner announced: Morning of Wednesday, March 4
• Chosen through: Random drawing from all our fabulous Facebook friends who “read” and followed the rules

What you might win: A Seuss-tastic gift basket filled with oodles of Seuss-themed items. Books, bookmarks, activity sheets, hoodie, jersey, socks, leggings, bookmarks . . . oh, my! Value = $150

How you can win (super simple rules): It’s all about caring and sharing! Simply do all 3 of the below.

• Like the Starfish Facebook “poll” post
• Share the Starfish Facebook “poll” post
• Answer the easy-peasy “poll question”: What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book?