Monday, June 29, 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026
It Takes a Village: Why Community Matters for Families
Parenting can be one of life's greatest joys—and one of its greatest challenges.
Some days feel effortless. Other days, finding matching socks feels like a major accomplishment.
That's why community matters.
For generations, families relied on neighbors, relatives, friends, and local organizations for support. Today, many parents feel pressure to do everything on their own. The reality is that families are stronger when they have connections.
A supportive community can help families:
Feel Less Isolated
Knowing that other parents face similar challenges can be incredibly reassuring. Sharing experiences often helps reduce stress and build confidence.
Access Helpful Resources
From child care information to developmental screenings and parenting support, community resources can help families find answers and navigate challenges.
Learn From One Another
Every family has unique experiences and strengths. When parents connect, they exchange ideas, encouragement, and practical solutions.
Build Stronger Futures for Children
Children benefit when the adults in their lives feel supported. Strong family networks contribute to healthier, more resilient communities.
One of the most valuable things parents can do is ask for help when they need it. Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness—it's a sign of strength and commitment to your family's well-being.
At Solano Family & Children's Services, we believe every family deserves access to resources, support, and opportunities that help children thrive. Together, we can create a community where families feel connected, informed, and empowered.
Because raising children isn't a journey anyone should have to walk alone.
It truly takes a village.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
What lack of sleep does to the teenage brain - Wendy Troxel
Dig into how sleep deprivation affects the teenage body and brain, and what can be done to help adolescents get enough sleep.
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Sleep deprivation among American teenagers is an epidemic. Only about 1 in 10 teens gets the 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night recommended by sleep scientists and pediatricians. So, what’s going on? And what changes can be made to address this issue? Wendy Troxel shares how early school start times and public policy are depriving adolescents of sleep at a time when they need it most.
Directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Why Play Is Serious Business for Young Children
When adults see children building blanket forts, pretending to be astronauts, or turning a cardboard box into a race car, it may look like they're "just playing."
But children are actually doing some of their most important work.
Play helps children develop critical skills that support learning, relationships, and emotional well-being. Through play, children learn how to solve problems, communicate ideas, manage emotions, and explore the world around them.
Here are a few surprising benefits of play:
Play Builds Brain Power
When children imagine, create, and experiment, their brains are making connections that support future learning. A tower made of blocks today can help develop problem-solving skills for tomorrow.
Play Strengthens Social Skills
Whether children are sharing toys, taking turns, or negotiating the rules of a game, they're learning valuable relationship skills that will serve them throughout life.
Play Supports Emotional Growth
Pretend play allows children to process experiences, express feelings, and build confidence in a safe environment.
The Best Toys Aren't Always the Most Expensive
Children often find joy in simple items such as cardboard boxes, art supplies, books, blankets, and outdoor spaces. What matters most is the opportunity to explore and create.
Parents and caregivers can encourage learning through play by asking open-ended questions:
- "What do you think will happen next?"
- "How did you build that?"
- "Can you tell me about your drawing?"
These conversations help children develop language skills and confidence while keeping play fun.
The next time you see a child pretending the living room is a pirate ship, remember: they're not wasting time.
They're building skills for life.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Monday, June 15, 2026
The Secret Superpower Every Parent Already Has
Parenting doesn't come with an instruction manual. If it did, it would probably be 10,000 pages long, written in tiny print, and immediately covered in applesauce.
The good news? You already have one of the most important tools your child needs: your relationship with them.
Research consistently shows that children thrive when they have caring, responsive adults in their lives. Simple daily interactions—reading a book together, talking during dinner, playing a game, or listening to a child's story about their day—help build the foundation for healthy development.
Many parents feel pressure to be perfect. Social media can make it seem like everyone else has endless patience, spotless homes, and children who happily eat vegetables. Real life looks a little different.
Children don't need perfect parents. They need connected parents.
Here are three simple ways to strengthen your connection:
1. Create "Micro-Moments" of Attention
You don't always need hours of quality time. Even five focused minutes can make a difference. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and follow your child's lead during play or conversation.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Did your child put away their shoes without being asked? Share a toy? Try a new food? Celebrate it. Positive attention encourages positive behavior.
3. Build a Support Team
Parenting was never meant to be a solo mission. Friends, family members, teachers, child care providers, and community organizations can all play a role in helping families thrive.
At Solano Family & Children's Services, we believe strong families build strong communities. Every conversation, every encouraging word, and every shared moment helps children grow with confidence.
So if today feels messy, remember: the little moments matter more than perfection ever will.
And yes, the applesauce can wait.
LOCATION
421 Executive Court North
Fairfield, CA 94534-4019
(707) 863-3950
Thursday, June 11, 2026
How stress affects your body - Sharon Horesh Bergquist
Our hard-wired stress response is designed to gives us the quick burst of heightened alertness and energy needed to perform our best. But stress isn’t all good. When activated too long or too often, stress can damage virtually every part of our body. Sharon Horesh Bergquist gives us a look at what goes on inside our body when we are chronically stressed.
Lesson by Sharon Horesh Bergquist, animation by Adriatic Animation.
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