Family Futures

09/03/2026

Thank you Reckitt for the generous donation of cleaning supplies for the families we serve!

09/03/2026

Tip: Before jumping to problem-solving, name what your child is feeling. Validation helps kids calm down faster than logic does.

09/02/2026

Would you like to support our upcoming Trunk or Treat event? Check out our Amazon wish list for candy and gift card donations! https://amazon.pulse.ly/h0ivfr014z

OR if you would like to sponsor this event, you can visit our website: https://familyfutures.pulse.ly/gj8mq8ttc1

09/02/2026

This Friday, Sept. 4, stop by GRPL's Main Library – 111 Library St NE, and get your kid-specific healthcare questions answered, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Thank you to GRPL and Trinity Health for helping make this event possible!

Learn more here: https://bibliocommons.pulse.ly/t4ba1crte5

09/02/2026

At MDHHS, our goal is to make sure every newborn in Michigan can have the best start in life. Through newborn screening, all babies are tested for different health conditions shortly after birth. This early screening helps find potential health issues that can be treated early, ensuring a healthier future for our littlest Michiganders. To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/NewbornScreening.

09/01/2026

If you or a family you know is in need of some help this Holiday season, Santa Claus Girls gift registration opened today. Register here: https://santaclausgirls.pulse.ly/g5hw4dbagp

08/31/2026

While outbursts can be overwhelming or frustrating, there's usually something happening under the surface. Take a moment to figure it out.

Look Beneath the Behavior: Finding the Need Behind the Moment

Your child throws a toy, screams that they hate bedtime, or collapses into tears over something that seems small, and it can be easy to focus only on the behavior you see. But behavior is communication, and every child is trying to tell us something—even when their message comes out in a messy or overwhelming way. A tantrum may not be about the toy they can't have; it may be about feeling disappointed, tired, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unable to express a big emotion. When we look underneath the behavior with curiosity and compassion, we can respond to the child—not just the eruption. The question changes from, "How do I stop this behavior?" to, "What is my child needing from me right now?"

Children don't always have the words to explain their feelings, so their bodies and behaviors often speak for them. Underneath the yelling may be a child who needs reassurance, underneath the defiance may be a child seeking connection, and underneath the meltdown may be a nervous system that needs help calming down. This doesn't mean we ignore boundaries or allow unsafe behaviors—it means we approach those moments with understanding while still holding loving limits. The most powerful teaching moments often happen after the storm, when a child feels safe enough to learn and reconnect. When children experience adults who look beyond the behavior and see the need underneath, they learn that their emotions are not too much and that they are worthy of support. Because underneath every big reaction is a child hoping someone will understand what they are trying so hard to communicate.



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08/31/2026

✨Meet the staff Monday: Julie✨

Julie is one of our Healthy Families Kent County Family Support Specialist.💙

"I love connecting families with resources and standing alongside of them through their journey of parenting."

Thanks for all you do!!

08/31/2026

Unstructured play can be good not just for the kiddos, but can give you a break from always planning and guiding.

This is especially important to remember at this time of year (as schedules start filling in and routines are established).

Childhood doesn’t need a packed schedule. It needs space.

When we choose unstructured, unplanned play, we give kids the freedom to explore, imagine, and follow their curiosity wherever it leads. That’s where the real magic lives.

08/30/2026

Looking for something to do this week?
🐐🧑‍🌾Let Them Play Aug. 31
🐅🐃Donate Life Night at the Zoo Sep. 1
👨🏼‍👩🏾‍👧🏽‍👦🏽🛝Foster Families Connect and Play Sep. 2
📚👶KDL Early Childhood Essentials Sep. 3
Find more events and community resources on our Community Events Calendar: https://pulse.pulse.ly/ccewl8pqgi