From coping with a crying child to potty training techniques to keeping your teen drug-free, these tips and more are now available in a free, online parent and caregiver resource guide.
The Florida Department of Children and Families is providing this 88-page electronic book free for anyone with online access. Family Development: A Caregiver’s Guide can be downloaded in English, Spanish or Creole. The English version will also be available in formats compatible with Kindle,
Nook, e-book, iPad and other tablets.
The Department of Children and Families, in conjunction with the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, has provided thousands of these books in hard
copy to parents and caregivers across the state for several years. This is the first time these important guides have become available for free across
many different platforms.
“We know that being a parent is the most difficult job in the world,” DCF Secretary David Wilkins said. “We wanted to give all parents and caregivers
current information in many different formats to help them keep their children safe, healthy and happy.”
The book begins with infant care and teaching parents safe sleeping techniques, soothing a crying baby and nutrition. Following chapters are
dedicated to changes as children grow, including physical, social and cognitive development for each stage.
Safety tips for babies and children include home safety checklists, drowning prevention and positive parenting activities that promote nurturing and development. Another section tells parents when to be concerned and to check with their doctor if a child isn’t hitting certain milestones.
A section on teens includes discussions on puberty, keeping kids safe online, and substance abuse prevention. Other topics include how to manage
stress, choosing safe and appropriate child care, dealing with military deployment and working with children with disabilities.
Download your free copy today here or read it in full and download it below.
Download Family Development: A Caregiver’s Guide
