Family, Opportunity, and Experience - FOX & RIT Child Study Centers

Learning American Sign Language can help children communicate earlier and express emotions more clearly. As part of the Rochester Institute of Technology, home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, we love celebrating visual communication and accessibility. Introducing simple signs like more, help, or thank you can support language growth during everyday moments. Check out the link below for more information!

Link: https://headstart.gov/culture-language/article/benefits-using-american-sign-language-early-childhood

Looking for an activity the whole family would love? Hop aboard the Sam Patch and enjoy lunch while cruising through Lock 32 on the Erie Canal! It's a great opportunity to spend time together while learning about Rochester's rich history. Did you know that the Erie Canal helped Rochester earn the nickname "The Flour City" by making it easier to transport flour across the country? Click the link for additional information.

Link: https://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/content/lunch-and-erie-canal-lock-32-cruise-aboard-sam-patch-pittsford-ny

National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July... but we wouldn't be opposed to celebrating it more often! This article discusses how ice cream can help boost our mood, provide important nutrients such as vitamins A and D, and even offer a quick energy boost (in moderation, of course)!

Link:https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-eating-ice-cream

With the hot days of summer in full swing, you may be wondering when it's time to introduce your little one to the water. Here are a few tips from pediatricians on when and how to safely introduce your baby to the pool!

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When Can I Take My Baby in the Pool? Nothing says summer fun like a day poolside. But it’s best to keep your baby out of the pool for their first few months. Here’s why.

Happy Independence Day! Here are a few fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your family safe while celebrating this holiday weekend. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the festivities!

Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/stay-safe-this-4th-of-july.aspx

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Transitions of any kind can be challenging, not only for parents, but for children as well. As your teen prepares to move from high school to college, emotional and developmental changes can feel big for the whole family. Check out this article that highlights ways to support your child during this important transition.

Link: https://childmind.org/article/preparing-for-college-emotionally-not-just-academically/

As the seasons start to change, our kids’ activities do too! Playing outside is a huge part of childhood, but it’s important to keep our kiddos safe and healthy while they have fun. Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic for helpful tips on what to watch out for during outdoor family activities and simple ways to maximize fun while ensuring safety.

Link: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/get-healthy-stay-safe-outside-in-spring

Looking for a family-friendly event to kick off the summer? Head to the Village of Fairport on June 6-7th for their Canal Days Festival! Entrance is free, and it has been a family favorite of Rochester locals for the last 49 years!

Link: https://www.fairportcanaldays.com/

With summer just around the corner, it’s normal for kids to feel a little antsy and put things off more than usual. This article offers practical tips to help make the final days of the school year run smoothly and keep children focused and motivated.

Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/challenging-kids/202603/stop-homework-battles-the-25-one-minute-conversation-rule

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we know talking to your kids about emotions and mental health can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here is a resource from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to help start these important conversations and reduce stigma.

Link: https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/kids-and-parents/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-their-mental-health/