The Brain-Body Connection: How Chiropractic Can Enhance Development from Infancy to Adulthood

By Dr. Gabby Bonfigli

Pediatric, Perinatal and Family Chiropractor at Flourish Family Chiropractic in Belmont, CA

As a family chiropractor, my number one job is to work with your nervous system. Why the nervous system? Let’s dive into it! 

Chiropractic is a practice that works with your spine to help regulate and optimize your nervous system. It is a practice that is great for people of all ages, even babies! By working with your nervous system, the brain-body connection is improved. 

The Brain-Body Connection 

Our body is SO connected and this is all credit to your brain and spinal cord i.e your nervous system. Our brain communicates to our body via the spinal cord and nerves in order to survive. This communication influences your cells, heart, muscles, organs, digestion and so much more. The body also sends signals back to the brain about your environment. This could be information about temperature, balance, or how we want to move. 

When the body has a variety of stressors, our spine adapts to them and our brain-body connection is altered. This may cause us to feel different symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, ear infections, digestion issues, pain, etc. This is where my role as a chiropractor comes in. I work to analyze how the body is doing and ways where it can improve its spinal function. With better spine function comes better nerve function which means optimal conditions for development and growth for all ages.

Now let’s talk about these stressors. We all have them, but they may look a little different than we think.

Stressors on the Body 

1. Physical - This is the way we treat our bodies. We may be very active or very sedentary. Both extremes can be tough on the body. We may also have a history of trauma from falls, accidents, broken bones, birth, surgeries, etc. 

2. Emotional - This includes our thoughts, emotions and the way we think about ourselves in the world. Our daily thoughts affect how we feel, how we interact with our environment and how our body functions. 

3. Chemical - This includes what we ingest and put on our skin. What we eat and drink has a HUGE influence on how we feel. This also includes fragrances, lotions, shampoos, soaps, air pollution, water, cleaning supplies, etc. 

Our Capacity 

I like to think of our nervous system and our ability to adapt to stressors as a large cup. When we have a low amount of stressors, our cup may be half full. As stressors start to pile up, our cup starts to fill. With a full cup, it only takes one small stressor to cause it to overflow. When we overflow our cup, we are unable to adapt to the stressors in our environment and we start to see different symptoms show up. Let’s explore how this affects us at different stages. 

Nervous System Stress at Each Stage

Each category below is a different life stage. Rather than thinking of them as individual stages, read on to see how the nervous system stress compounds over time and how it can affect us and our kids. 

• Babies

• • The birth process is a BIG deal for a baby. All births including natural birth, c-section, forceps, and vacuum extractions put a lot of torsion and pressure on the baby's spine and nervous system. This stress can show up as the following: acid reflux, colic, torticollis, constipation, trouble sleeping, delayed milestones, and trouble latching and/or breastfeeding.

• Kids 

• • We may think that our baby outgrows the stressors and symptoms from above, but our body is smart and adapts over time. As kids this stress on our nervous system could show as the following: delayed milestones, constipation, hyperactivity, ear infections, coordination and balance troubles, illness, sleeping difficulty and more. 

• Teenagers

• • As we grow and develop, so does our brain and spinal cord. If there has been a disruption in the brain-body connection from a baby, chances are that it’s still there as a teen. Not to mention the new stressors such as heavy backpacks, sports, making friends and puberty. The symptoms for teens may show up as  constipation/digestion trouble, ADD/ADHD, headaches, muscle aches and pains, chronic illness, inability to focus, irritability, and coordination troubles.  

• Adults 

• • As an adult, we don’t always pay attention to our body and what it is trying to tell us. From birth, we have a lifetime of adaptations that is likely affecting our brain-body connection. As we age, it could look like the following: chronic pain, headaches, disease, fatigue, stiff and painful joints, physical limitations, recurring injuries/illness and more. 

Supporting Your Nervous System 

Now that we can identify if our nervous system may be stressed, what can we do about it? As humans, we like a variety of things and the same goes for our nervous system. A multi pronged approach can be best when trying to regulate and increase the capacity of our cup. Here are some of my favorites: 

• Nervous system focused chiropractic care for the family 

• Spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine (hello vitamin D!)

• Acupuncture 

• Massage

• Journaling 

• Meditation 

• Time with those you love and who fill your cup (in a good way:)

• Time off from work

• Self reflection time to identify stressors 

Whatever approach you choose for you and your family, it is important to trust yourself and your body's ability to adapt and heal over time. I am here to help with chiropractic care but I hope you are able to take something from this list and apply it to your life starting today! 

If you would like to learn more or chat about any of the information above, you can contact me at drgabby@flourishfamilychiropractic.com and I would be happy to set up a time to chat. 

Happy adapting! 

Dr. Gabby Bonfigli 

Pediatric, Perinatal and Family Chiropractor at Flourish Family Chiropractic in Belmont, CA

www.flourishfamilychiropractic.com

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26

Very First Concerts – San Francisco, October 5

Music with Val – Redwood City, October 5

Storytime: The Very Clumsy Click Beetle – Los Gatos, October 5

Rialto Family Matinees: Monster House  – El Cerrito, October 5, 6

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, October 5, 12, 19, 26

Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, October 6

Touch-a-Truck – San Francisco, October 6

Community Music Day  – Berkeley, October 6

Very First Concerts – Menlo Park, October 6

Harvest Faire at Roaring Camp – Felton, October 7, 8

Fleet Week  – San Francisco, October 7-15

Fall Family Sleepover at Happy Hollow – San Jose, October 11

Hansel and Gretel by Fantasy Forum – Walnut Creek, October 11-13

Day of the Horse  – Woodside, October 11-13

Maker Faire – Vallejo, October 11-20

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, October 12

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden  – Palo Alto, October 12

Kid Makers: Pop Up Chemistry – Redwood City, October 12

Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play – San Francisco, October 12-27

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, October 12, 13, 19, 20

Family Farm Days at Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, October 12, 26

Sensory Friendly Storytime & Art – Redwood City, October 13

Art for All Family Day – Stanford, October 13

Day on the Bay – Alviso, October 13

Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party – Felton, October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, October 13, 16

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, October 17

Sundown Cinema: The Nightmare Before Christmas  – San Francisco, October 18

Animals of North America – Redwood City, October 19

Pokemon Halloween at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, October 19

Spooky Times at Deer Hollow – Cupertino, October 19

Diwali Festival of Lights – San Jose, October 19

Birding at Alum Rock – San Jose, October 19

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival – Half Moon Bay, October 19, 20

Kids Carnival – San Carlos, October 19, 20

Oktoberfest – Cupertino, October 19, 20

Haunted Hangar at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, October 19-31

Wornick Sukkot Fun for 3-5 Year Olds - Foster City, October 20

Halloween at the Center – Mill Valley, October 25

Music for Families – San Francisco, October 26

Noorani Dance Performance – Redwood City, October 26

Monster Mash  – Cupertino, October 26

Dia de los Muertos Celebration – Santa Cruz, October 26

Lemon Thief Band Concert – Redwood City, October 27

Bay Area Bats – Berkeley, October 28

Peter Pan by Broadway SF – October 29-November 30

Feeding off of (pun intended) our earlier blog post highlighting September as Better Breakfast Month, here are suggestions for cookbooks containing recipes that will nourish your children through their first few years.

Baby-Led Weaning

Are you about to introduce solid foods to your baby and are interested in baby-led weaning?  Try one of these books:

Feeding Littles and Beyond: 100 Baby-Led-Weaning-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Will Love, by Ali Maffucci, Megan McNamee MPH RDN, and Judy Delaware OTR/L CLC

This book offers strategies for baby-led feeding, tips for meal-prepping, and 100+ recipes.  If you are stuck in a breakfast rut, experiment with the Sheet Pan Blueberry and Butternut Squash Pancakes recipe one of these days.

The Baby-Led Weaning Cookbook: Delicious Recipes That Will Help Your Baby Learn to Eat Solid Foods—and That the Whole Family Will Enjoy, by Tracey Murkett and Gill Rapley PhD

Use this book as a guide for knowing which foods to start with (and how) in baby-led weaning.  The recipe for Banana Muffins looks like a go-to for your collection.

Simplify

Are you a fan of training your child to eat what you eat, rather than making separate meals? Check out What Mummy Makes: Cook Just Once for You and Your Baby, by Rebecca Wilson. The recipes are quick to make and look delicious – try the Blueberry Pancake Bites the next time you don’t know what to make for breakfast.

Involve Your Child

If you have an older child, try involving them in the kitchen with Little Helpers Toddler Cookbook: Healthy, Kid-Friendly Recipes to Cook Together, by Heather Wish Staller. It's an opportunity to enjoy quality time together and teach your toddler safe practices in the kitchen. The recipes, which are not only fun, also helpfully contain difficulty rankings and clearly indicate which steps are safe for your toddler. Green Toad Toasts, for example, is a simple Level 1 recipe you and your toddler can make together for breakfast one day.

And Finally …

Check out The Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook, by America’s Test Kitchen, for a comprehensive selection of recipes ranging from baby purees, to toddler finger foods, and even family meals. The Carrot and Apple Puree recipe is perfect to make for fall.

Better Breakfast Month for Families with Young Children

Fuel Your Little Ones for a Fantastic Day

September is Better Breakfast Month, and what better way to celebrate than by ensuring your little ones start their day off right with a nutritious breakfast? A healthy breakfast can set the tone for your child's entire day, providing them with the energy and nutrients they need to grow, learn, and play.

Why is Breakfast Important for Young Children?

• Energy boost: A balanced breakfast provides your child with the energy they need to stay focused and active throughout the day.

• Nutrient-rich: Breakfast is a great opportunity to incorporate essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats into your child's diet.

• Brain development: A nutritious breakfast supports brain development and cognitive function, which is especially important for young children.

Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Oatmeal: A classic breakfast option that can be customized with fruits, nuts, and seeds.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a delicious and satisfying meal.

• Whole-grain toast: Top with avocado, peanut butter, or a scrambled egg for a quick and easy breakfast.

• Smoothies: Blend fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a refreshing and nutritious drink.

• Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein.

• Pancakes or waffles: Make your own with whole-grain flour and top with fruit or maple syrup.

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Breakfast Habits

• Involve your child: Let your child help choose their breakfast or prepare it with you.

• Make it fun: Decorate their plate or bowl with fun shapes or designs.

• Offer a variety: Rotate breakfast options to keep your child interested.

• Set a good example: Eat a healthy breakfast yourself to show your child the importance of starting the day right.

By prioritizing a nutritious breakfast for your young children, you're investing in their overall health and well-being. So let's make September Better Breakfast Month a month to remember and establish healthy eating habits that will benefit your family for years to come.

 Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, September 1, 8

World Arts Dance Festival – San Francisco, September 1

Labor Day Weekend at Roaring Camp - Felton, September 1-2

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – San Jose, September 6-8

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Palo Alto Players – Palo Alto, September 6-22

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

Kristi Yamaguchi’s Family Literacy Festival – San Jose, September 7

Fiesta en la Playa – Santa Cruz, September 7

 Home Depot Kids Workshop - Varies locations, September 7

 Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, September 7, 14, 21, 28

 Brick Fest Live – San Jose, September 7, 8

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, September 8

Viva CalleSJ – San Jose, September 8

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, September 11

Santa Cruz County Fair – Watsonville, September 11-15

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – Palo Alto, September 11-29

 Flower Piano - San Francisco, September 12-22

Oakland’s Magic Kitchen – Oakland, September 13

Millbrae Goes to the Movies: Wonka – Millbrae, September 13

Roundtable Reading: The Wild Robot Escapes – Berkeley, September 14

The Amazing World of Butterflies, Insects and Helpful Pollinators – Oakland, September 14

Oktoberfest – Benicia, September 14

Tinkers & Thinkers – Pleasant Hill, September 14

Engineering Encounters – Livermore, September 14

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, September 14

Cars in the Park – San Jose, September 14

Silicon Valley Fall Fest – Cupertino, September 14

Chitactac Family Day – Gilroy, September 14

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, September 14

Chuseok Korean Festival – San Francisco, September 14

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, September 14

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, September 14, 15

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, September 14, 15, 21, 22

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, September 14, 28

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, September 15

Kinderfest – Mill Valley, September 15

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, September 15, 18

Big Truck Day – Antioch, September 19

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, September 19

Starlight Movies in the Park: Barbie – Alameda, September 20

Movie in the Park: Charlotte’s Web – Piedmont, September 20

Saint Veronica Parish Fall Fest – San Francisco, September 20-21

Disney Jr Live on Tour – San Francisco, September 21

Concert in the Park – South San Francisco, September 21

Children’s Book Festival – Oakland, September 21

Habitot Mobile Museum – Berkeley, September 

 Colibrí Rojo – Redwood City, September 21

Harvest History Festival – Mountain View, September 21

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – San Jose, September 21

San Jose Reid Hillview Airport Community Day – San Jose, September 21

Aloha Outrigger Races  – Santa Cruz, September 21

Bubble Bonanza at Roaring Camp – Felton, September 21

Boardwalk Pride – Santa Cruz, September 21

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, September 22

Soulful Stitches Youth Sewing Classes – Oakland, September 22

Harvest Festival – Piedmont, September 22

SF Jazz Family Matinees – San Francisco, September 23

Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play 2024 – Santa Rosa, September 23

Fall Campout at the Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, September 27-28

Fall Festivities at Happy Hollow – San Jose, September 28

Quicksilver History Hike – San Jose, September 29

Palo Alto Airport Day – Palo Alto, September 29

August and September marks National Breastfeeding Month and Workplace Lactation Week, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of chest/breastfeeding. This year's Breastfeeding Month theme, "Nourish, Sustain, Thrive” emphasizes the ongoing need for education, support, and advocacy for parents.

Why Chest/Breastfeeding Matters

Lactation offers countless benefits for both infants and mothers, including:

●      Optimal Nutrition: Human milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for babies' growth and development.

●      Immune System Boost: Antibodies in breast milk protect infants from infections and diseases.

●      Bonding: Breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional connection between mothers and their babies.

●      Health Benefits for Moms: Nursing can reduce the risk of certain cancers, postpartum depression, and other health conditions.

Resources for Breastfeeding Families

Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro, accessing the right resources can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey. Here are a few valuable resources available:

●      La Leche League: Offers support groups, information, and counseling for breastfeeding mothers.

●      The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Provides evidence-based information and resources for healthcare professionals and families.

●      Reputable Lactation Blogs: Look for comprehensive online resources with articles and FAQs on chest/breastfeeding.

●      Local Support Groups: Connect with other nursing parents in your community for advice and camaraderie, check out the in-person support group every Thursday at 10am in Burlingame!

●      Lactation Consultants: Seek professional guidance from certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) to address specific challenges or concerns.

Healthy Horizons 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest

In honor of World Breastfeeding Month and Workplace Lactation Week, Healthy Horizons is excited to announce our 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest! We believe that all working parents deserve access to comfortable, private, and well-equipped lactation spaces. This year’s contest will give away $20,000 in prizes to workplaces and parents, and is Healthy Horizons’ largest giveaway yet!

How to Nominate:

Do you know a workplace that could use a lactation room upgrade? Nominate them bySeptember 7, 2024 for a chance to win lactation equipment, furniture, services, and supplies.

This year, we're offering three prizes for workplaces and lactating parents, with a combined value of $20,000! Visit https://www.healthyhorizons.com/blogs/blog/lactation-room-contest-2024 to learn more and nominate a deserving organization.

Additional Events and Initiatives

Throughout August and September, many communities host special events and initiatives to celebrate Breastfeeding Month. Check your local listings for breastfeeding workshops, support group meetings, and other educational opportunities. Some events in our local community include:

●      Free Back to Work Lactation & Pumping Class on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10am PST.

●      Walk for Breastfeeding Awareness in Burlingame, CA on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 9:45am (1-mile stroller and pet friendly walk on Burlingame Ave with free pastries)

Let's Celebrate Breastfeeding Together

Join us in celebrating Breastfeeding Month! By raising awareness, supporting nursing families, and advocating for workplace lactation accommodations, we can create a more breastfeeding-friendly world.

Remember: Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Celebrate your successes, seek help when needed, and embrace the special bond that breastfeeding creates.

Thank you to Healthy Horizons for this blog piece!  Check out www.HealthyHorizons.com

Back to School for Our Little Ones: A Smooth Transition

The first day of school is a big step for both children and parents. Let’s ensure a smooth transition for your little one as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

Preparing Your Under-5 for School

Create a Positive School Atmosphere at Home:

• • Talk positively about school, sharing your own fond memories or reading age-appropriate books about starting school.

  • Incorporate learning into playtime through activities like counting, shapes, and songs.

  • Establish a consistent daily routine to prepare your child for school’s structure.

Develop Essential Life Skills:

• • Ensure your child is potty trained.

  • Encourage independence with self-help skills like dressing and handwashing.

  • Practice sharing, taking turns, and cooperating.

Build a Strong Bond with Your Child's Teacher:

• • Open communication about your child’s development and behavior is key.

  • Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay involved.

Preparing for the First Day

• Familiarize Your Child: Visit the school beforehand to reduce anxiety.

• Label Belongings: Clearly label all your child’s items.

• Pack a Comfort Item: A favorite toy or blanket can provide reassurance.

Managing Separation Anxiety

• Gradual Separations: Practice short separations to build confidence.

• Create a Goodbye Routine: Establish a consistent goodbye ritual.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reassure your child of your love and return.

The San Mateo Parents Club is Here for You!

The San Mateo Parents Club is a wonderful resource for connecting with other parents in the community. We offer:

• Playgroups and Social Events: Meet other parents and build friendships.

• Support and Advice: Share experiences and gain valuable insights.

• Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging among parents.

• Local Resources: Discover local activities and events.

Join our Facebook group to connect with other parents, ask questions, and find playdate partners.

Remember, every child is unique. Focus on creating a loving and supportive environment as your child begins this new adventure.

It’s a Bug’s World – Walnut Creek, August 14

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza (Free) – San Jose, August 15

Movies on the Square: Trolls Band Together (Free) – Redwood City, August 15

Foster City Summer Days (Free) - Foster City, August 16-18

Muni Discovery Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 16

Movie in the Park: Super Mario Brothers (Free) – Piedmont, August 16

Family Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda 4 (Free) – Palo Alto, August 16

Movies in the Park: A Million Miles Away (Free) – Cupertino, August 16

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Concert – San Francisco, August 16, 17

Blankets & Blockbusters: Trolls Band Together – San Francisco, August 17

Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, August 17

Family Art Day – Walnut Creek, August 17

In the Park Movie Night: Coco (Free) – San Jose, August 17

Lighthouse Day at Pidgeon Point – Pescadero, August 17

Brick Fest Live – Pleasanton, August 17, 18

Pet Adoption Day at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, August 18

Kids Rock (Free) – Redwood City, August 18

Victorian Days at the Old Courthouse – Redwood City, August 18

Family Fun Fest – Mill Valley, August 19

Climate Adaptation Science Fair – San Francisco, August 21

Frozen by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, August 21-September 1

Movies on the Square: Wonka (Free) – Redwood City, August 22

Starlight Movies in the Park: Kung Fu Panda 4 (Free) – Alameda, August 23

Movies in the Park: Monsters Inc (Free) – Orinda, August 23

End of Summer Stargazing – Pescadero, August 23

Movies in the Park: The Incredibles (Free) – Cupertino, August 23

Habitot Mobile Museum (Free) – Berkeley, August 24

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts (Free) - Palo Alto, August 24-25

Puppet Fair at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, August 24, 25

Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, August 25

Soulful Stitches Youth Sewing Classes – Oakland, August 25

Family Collage Workshop – Walnut Creek, August 25

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, August 25

Quicksilver History Hike – San Jose, August 25

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, August 26

Wicked by Broadway SF – San Francisco, August 28-October 13

Movies on the Square: The Little Mermaid – Redwood City, August 29

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – Oakland, August 30-September 1

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, August 31

BonPOP Obon Festival – San Francisco, August 31

In the Park Movie Night: Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – San Jose, August 31

Scottish Highlands Gathering and Games – Pleasanton, August 31-September 1

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, July 25 – August 4

Freaky Friday – Berkeley, July 25-August 3

Sonoma County Fair – Santa Rosa, August 1-11

Muni Discovery Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Sundown Cinema: Barbie (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Moves in the Park: Elemental (Free) – Mill Valley, August 2

Picnic Flix: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Free) – Dublin, August 2

Family Movie Night: Teenage Kraken (Free) – Palo Alto, August 2

Theater in the Park (Free) – Mountain View & Saratoga, August 2

Outdoor Movie Night: Wonka (Free) – Mountain View, August 2

Movies in the Park: Little Mermaid (Free) – Cupertino, August 2

Movies on the Beach: Trolls (Free) – Santa Cruz, August 2

The Little Mermaid by Poison Apple Productions – Walnut Creek, August 2-11

Telescope Viewing (Free) – Oakland, August 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Bay Area, August 3

Shakespeare in the Park 2024 (Free) - Cupertino, August 3-4

Danville Music in the Park (Free) - Danville, August 3

Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour – San Francisco, August 3

August Night on the Rails – Sunol, August 3

Mr. Elephant (Free) – Redwood City, August 3

In the Park Movie Night: King Fu Panda 4  (Free)– San Jose, August 3

Starlight Cinema: The Goonies  (Free) – San Jose, August 3

Night Hike at Grant Park – San Jose, August 3

Nihomachi Street Fair – San Francisco, August 3, 4

Italian Family Festa – San Jose, August 3, 4

Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, August 3, 10, 17, 24

Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, August 4

Sunday Streets (Free) – San Francisco, August 4, 25

National Night Out (Free) – Martinez, August 6

National Night Out (Free) – Castro Valley, August 6

Movies on the Square: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Free)– Redwood City, August 8

Building Community through Fun (Free) – San Jose, August 8

Napa County Fair – Napa, August 8-11

Millbrae Goes to the Movies: Elemental  (Free) – Millbrae, August 9

Movies in the Park: Migration (Free) – Cupertino, August 9

Movies on the Beach: The Goonies (Free) – Santa Cruz, August 9

Kids Art Class at Magical Bridge Playground (Free) – Redwood City, August 10

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, August 10

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, August 10

International Deaf Dance Festival – San Francisco, August 10

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, August 10

Multicultural Festival – Antioch, August 10

Pop-up Chemistry – Redwood City, August 10

In the Park Movie Night: King Fu Panda 4 (Free)– San Jose, August 10

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, August 10

Second Saturday on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, August 10

Bay Area Aloha Festival – San Mateo, August 10, 11

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, August 10, 11, 17, 18

Neon Scorpion Hike – Clayton, August 10, 24, 25

Fiesta in the Presidio – San Francisco, August 11

Marin MOCA Family Day – Novato, August 11

Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, August 11

End-of-Summer Jamboree (Free) – Palo Alto, August 11

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, August 11, 14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, August 11, 25

• Reading to children is crucial to their development for so many reasons.  It promotes a lifelong love of reading for one.  It helps your child build a robust vocabulary for another.  In fact, your child may start school at a disadvantage if they are not read to at home.  What you read is also important.  Choosing age-appropriate books that challenge your child based on their developmental stage will help them with pre-literacy skills, as well as develop other skills like fine-motor, communication, and thinking skills.  These latter skills are cultivated by your child learning to turn a page, repeating sounds, pointing to objects on a page, and following a narrative. 

  Here are some age-based tips for selecting books, along with specific titles to consider for growing your child’s library.

  0-3 months

  Aim for books with simple illustrations and patterns.  Black and while illustrations or big, high-contrast pictures do a great job of capturing newborns’ attentions, which makes sense given that their vision is still developing.

• Look! Look! by Peter Linenthal

• 3-6 months

  Babies this age are seeing more colors and starting to develop motor skills.  Now is the perfect time to introduce books with more interactive features, such as different textures or lift-able flaps, so that your child remains engaged and can work on fine-motor skills.

•    Usborne That’s not my … series (e.g., That’s not my unicorn)
•   Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell

• 6-12 months

  Babies at this stage are starting to learn words, especially words for everyday objects that they encounter.  Try reading books that feature only one or a few items.  This allows your child to hear you name something frequently.  Point to the pictures to reinforce vocabulary.

•   First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
•  Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz

• 12-18 months
  

• Silly stories are great at this stage: if you are reading a book about animals, pick one that involves making animal noises so that the two of you can make them together, while having lots of fun in the process!  Don’t forget to encourage your child to actively participate by asking them to point to or name objects.

• Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss
• Moo, Baa, La La La! By Sandra Boynton

     18-24 months

Now is a good time to introduce books that teach your toddler numbers, ABCs, colors, and shapes.  Of course, make sure the books are enjoyable to you, too.  At this stage, your toddler may start asking for the same book over and over again!

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault