The Botetourt County Libraries website is now your one-stop spot for parenting resources. Are you wondering if your little one will be ready to start kindergarten in August? Want to make sure your children are reading at or above grade level? Or maybe you’re considering homeschooling this fall. We can help! If you’re expecting a child, or parenting children of any age from newborns to teenagers, our website provides links to useful information for all stages of your child’s development. Visit the new Parents Page at web.botetourtva.gov/library/parents/ for resources on school readiness, pregnancy and parenting advice, health and nutrition, homeschooling, literacy, and more.
Get the latest information on fertility, pregnancy, birth, and babies with stage-by-stage content, expert advice, breaking news, style inspiration, and interactive tools. Read expert articles and breaking news about the latest research, safety alerts, and trending stories. Access product research tools to start your baby registry and interactive tools that will help you with everything from tracking ovulation to choosing your baby’s name. You’ll also find information for after baby is born, on topics including sleep, brain development, health, nutrition, temperament, and behavior. There are many resources available to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. You can even find help to prepare for potty training when your child is ready.
You do NOT need a college education, a background in child development, or a large home in order to give your child the foundation needed to be smart and do well in school. Scientific studies have proven that there are things anyone can do to help their child be successful in school and in life. One of these things, of course, is reading with your child. We have supplied a list of literacy websites designed to support parents and young children in the development of early literacy skills in the years before kindergarten.
If you’ve decided to take charge of your child’s education by homeschooling, we can point you to resources that provide advice on motivating and transitioning your child, plus keeping track of finances and teaching different age groups. Compare reviews for online homeschools so you can carefully consider all of your online homeschooling options and choose one that fits best with your educational philosophy and your child’s needs. Even if you’re not new to homeschooling, you can benefit from resources that provide course content, information on testing and assessments, crafts and other activities, newsletter articles, reviews, resources, websites, books, and lots of other information to help your homeschooling or unschooling efforts.
There’s more than just learning resources! Find ratings for movies, TV shows, books, and more so you can feel good about the entertainment choices you make for their kids. Discover kid-friendly websites you can trust. Teach kids how to identify bullying and how to stand up to it safely. Get advice from pediatricians and dentists. Find events, free stuff, and fun activities that aren’t just pleasant time passers, but promise enriching experiences for your family. For all this and more, visit web.botetourtva.gov/library/parents/ today!
-Audrey Clark
Fincastle Library
