MSU Extension Nurturing Homes Initiative

10/07/2026

Preparation is key.

Be safe; don’t wait!

With a tropical storm brewing in the Gulf, it’s a good time to remind ourselves about how to prepare for natural disasters.

Have a plan of action ready to go!

Consider these things:
Non-perishable food items
Water
Shelter
Medical kit
Communication channels
Evacuation to go box

Follow Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for the latest information.

10/05/2026

Self-control takes time to grow. Toddlers have big feelings, but the parts of their brain that help manage emotions, behavior and impulses are still developing.

“Putting on the brakes” can be especially hard. They may know they shouldn’t grab your phone or hit when they’re frustrated, but knowing the rule and stopping themselves are two different things.

Curious about that amazing little brain? Explore our Baby Brain Map to learn more: https://bit.ly/4y5nGa2

09/28/2026

Pass it on: mental health starts from the very beginning. The more people who know it, the better we can show up for babies.

Believe In Babies.

09/22/2026

Parallel play is more social than it looks.

Two toddlers may be side by side, each focused on their own toys, with barely a word between them. But a lot of learning can be happening. They’re watching, imitating, exploring, communicating. And getting more comfortable sharing space with other children.

For early childhood professionals, these everyday moments can offer a window into a child’s social, language, cognitive and motor development.

And an important reminder: stages of play aren’t rigid deadlines. Children may move between different types of play depending on the activity, setting and people around them.

Learn more about parallel play, what to look for and how to support it without forcing interaction: https://bit.ly/4hf7xI5

09/15/2026

NHI coaches aren’t only there to support providers; they’re also connecting with communities across Mississippi!

Our NHI coaches are attending the Tate County Health Fair, helping connect families and community members with information, resources and support.

Community events like these are another way we can build relationships and make sure families and child care providers know about the resources available to them.

09/11/2026

A baby’s amygdala is already well developed at birth. And the connections between the amygdala and other parts of the brain continue to develop rapidly during infancy.

Connecting to a large network of the brain including the brainstem, the amygdala helps our brain notice and respond to emotionally important information. Newborns can recognize familiar sensory experiences, such as a familiar voices, smells, sights and touch, while discomfort or stress can activate physiological responses such as a faster heart rate, rapid breathing, a tense body or a grimace.

These early months are an important period of brain development. Research shows that wiring of the amygdala changes substantially during infancy, and individual differences in amygdala connectivity present shortly after birth have been associated with later differences in fear, sadness and internalizing mental health symptoms by age 2.

Explore the Baby Brain Map to learn more about the science of the developing brain and babies’ earliest experiences: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

09/05/2026

Please note that our offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Regular hours will resume Tuesday, September 8.

We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday!

09/03/2026

The work NHI does with family child care providers has an impact far beyond the provider; it reaches the children and families they serve.

Through coaching, resources, and professional support, NHI helps providers strengthen their programs and create nurturing environments where children can learn, play, and thrive.

When providers grow, children benefit.

09/03/2026

There's something special about letting children make what they're learning about.

Creating a number like 8 gives children an opportunity to explore its shape while strengthening fine motor skills, creativity, and early number awareness.

09/01/2026

Our recent provider gathering at the Philadelphia Resource & Referral Center was an opportunity to connect, share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the work we do for Mississippi’s youngest learners.

We’re grateful for the dedicated child care providers who continue to create nurturing learning environments for children and families in their communities. Thank you for spending time with us!