Family Resource Centers strengthen parenting skills and encourage family fun

Family Visiting

Family visiting is an individualized, home-based parenting education and support program. Individuals may begin receiving home visits prenatally, at the time of birth or when a question about child development arises. During a home visit, the Family Visitor and parents share thoughts on many topics including early brain development, play, safety, family routines and setting appropriate limits. Expectant parents have an opportunity to learn more about their pregnancy, baby's development, good health practices and how to prepare for the birth of their child. The Family Visitor helps each family set and meet individual goals. A variety of goals have been set by families including: completing high school, earning a living wage, reading to my child three times a week and "being the best parent I can be."

The Family Strategist meets with families that have school age children. The Strategist listens to parenting concerns and encourages families to try new ideas, strategies, or to connect with other resources.

First Books

Research has shown that reading to very young children can enhance their overall intellectual, emotional and physical development. Each month, preschoolers and their parents are invited to listen to a story. The children are then given a copy of the book to take home to begin their very own library. They also receive an activity page about the story to share with their families. The First Books Program was begun by a retired teacher dedicated to promoting literacy.

Music Garden

Music Garden is a music and movement program created to stimulate the development of children and is based on early brain development research. Music Garden offers parents and children an assortment of activities to promote language, social interaction, coordination and imagination. Sessions are designed to meet the developmental needs of children from birth to age five.

Sprouts is for ages newborn to 1 1/2 years and their parents. Jumping Beans is for children 1 1/2 to 5 years. Call the FRC for Music Garden dates and times.

Play Shoppe

Play is a key component in the development of children. Parent/child attachment can be facilitated through play. Play Shoppe is a group-based parent education and support program. It is a time for children, birth to school age, and their parents or caregivers to come together for a play adventure.

Play Shoppe is offered twice a week in Rhinelander. At Play Shoppe, parents have an opportunity to strengthen their parenting skills and learn new ways to enhance their child's development. When families come to Play Shoppe, they make new friends and learn about community services - they get connected. Call the FRC for Play Shoppe dates and times.

Daniel M. Soref Family Resource Center

The Daniel M. Soref Family Resource Center located at Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and the Northeast Regional Center on our Fox Valley campus, offers parent-to-parent support, information, referrals and help connecting to community resources. Programs and services are available to patient families as well as families who do not have children in our Milwaukee or Fox Valley hospital or clinics.