While it’s true that children don’t come with instructions, parents now have access to a vast wealth of information and advice online. Here are a few of our favorite links (in no particular order):
Parent Map ‘cause parenting is a trip! – www.parentmap.com / 206-709-9026 – You’ve probably seen their award-winning and information-packed monthly magazine around town, but they also put out special publications (including three annual resource guides and the twice-yearly BabyMap guide for new parents); a Web site featuring a comprehensive calendar and business directory as well as a blog written by editors and local experts.
Talaris Institute/Parenting Counts – www.Talaris.org / 206-859-5600 – Talaris provides research-based products and information to support parents and caregivers in raising socially and emotionally healthy children. It’s Parenting Counts line of products, www.ParentingCounts.org, includes instructional DVDs and Life with Baby/Toddler/Preschooler kits and guides that are designed to give parents, caregivers and professionals “trusted information they can use in their daily interactions with children.”
Parent Trust for Washington Children – www.parenttrust.org – Parent Trust offers free or low-cost classes, workshops and coaching as well as parenting advice. There’s also call a toll-free Family Help Line 1-800-932-HOPE (4673) answered by parenting coaches.
Crisis Clinic of King County – www.crisisclinic.org – The Crisis Clinic has been a lifeline for local folks since 1964. This non-profit organization offers an array of resources, including an annual “Where to Turn” directory of King County social services, a Website for teens, and online information on suicide prevention, homelessness and emergency services. The toll-free, 24-hour Crisis Line number is 866-4CRISIS (866-427-4747).
Zero to Three – www.zerotothree.org – This national nonprofit “informs, trains and supports parents, professionals and policymakers in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.” The Web page for parents offers an extensive pull-down menu of topics (written in layman’s language) with answers to frequently asked questions, interactive quizzes and more.
MedlinePlus – http://medlineplus.gov – MedlinePlus brings together information from The National Library of Medicine (which created and maintains the site), the National Institutes of Health and other government agencies and health-related organizations to help users find authoritative health information. It also provides health news, access to medical journal articles, information on drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials and links to health information in nearly 50 languages.
Debra C. Ronnholm is president of Childhaven. Since 1909, Childhaven has been a safe and caring place for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. For more information, visit the Web site at www.childhaven.org.
