Give your child the best start in life
Learn about toxic stress response
Watch our video series to better understand how toxic stress affects kids.
Featured this month
Don't Cry | First 5 California
We can’t always change the past, but we can help our kids grow into happy and healthy teens and adults. When a child goes through trauma, your support helps stop toxic stress from affecting their health. Watch how one father changed the story to help his son heal and thrive.
First 5 California is dedicated to making sure every child in California gets the best start in life.
Read more about us and find your local First 5 office.
New and trending
A Free Tool to Help You Navigate Screen Time: Children and ScreensIf you’ve ever wondered whether a little tablet time is okay or felt unsure about when to introduce screens at all, you’re not alone. Screens are everywhere, and the advice about them can feel confusing or even conflicting. That’s where Children and Screens comes in.
Finding Your Village: A Guide to California’s Family Resource Centers (FRCs)Parenting is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it’s also one of the hardest. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. In California, there’s a great resource for families: Family Resource Centers (FRCs).
Think of an FRC as your neighborhood’s one-stop shop for help, hope, and community. Whether you need a bag of groceries, a parenting class, or just a place where your toddler can play while you talk to another adult, your local FRC is there for you.
Talking With Their Hands: How Using Signs Can Lower Toddler StressYour toddler is pointing at the counter, crying, and turning red. You offer a cracker, and they scream. You offer water, and they throw their head back. It’s heartbreaking for you and exhausting for them. All parents have been in this situation.
The truth is, your toddler’s brain is often steps ahead of their mouth. They know exactly what they need, but they don't have the words to say it yet. This is called the “Communication Gap,” and it is one of the biggest causes of toddler stress. By adding just a few simple hand movements to your day, you can help your toddler feel heard and understood.
What is Toxic Stress?
Where can I find affordable, easy-to-use parenting courses?
How can I help my toddler with tantrums and meltdowns?
When should I start reading to my baby?
Is it bad for kids to see parents fight?
How do I prepare my older child for a new baby?
How can shared experiences benefit my child's development?
How do I prevent my child’s teeth from decaying?
Stay in touch
First 5 California Instagram
@First5CaliforniaFirst 5 California Pinterest
@first5ca