National School Librarian Day

Almost all children learn at an early age about April 1st, April Fool’s Day and may also enjoy playing pranks on other children and some adults. There is another great day a little later in the month. April 4th is National School Librarian Day. Celebrating this day with children of all ages is a great opportunity to introduce them not only to school librarians but to librarians at public libraries as well.

Librarians are happy to introduce children to the many resources that libraries provide. A friendly introduction to the librarian will help foster a relationship that will inspire your child to reach out to this essential resource throughout their school years.

Many libraries offer children’s craft events, story hour, and kid friendly math games just to name a few. In addition to making learning fun for children, libraries offer technology support for adults. How well do you know what your library offers and the librarians who work there? Why not take this special day to visit the library and learn more?

As always, if you have questions, contact
Anatha Atthar, Kinship Navigator: anatha@familyess.org

The Two-Hour Reset: A Simple TBRI® Strategy That Makes a Big Difference

Kinship caregivers often tell us: “I’m not sure what happened… everything was going fine and then suddenly we had a meltdown.” Sometimes the answer is simpler than we think.

In TBRI®, we talk about the importance of meeting physiological needs before behavioral needs. Many children who have experienced stress, change, or trauma may not recognize when they are hungry or thirsty until their bodies are already dysregulated.

What looks like defiance might actually be:
• A drop in blood sugar
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• A nervous system needing support

This is why a powerful proactive strategy is: Offering a snack and water about every two hours. Not because children ask, but because we are helping their bodies stay ready for success.

Why this matters especially in kinship care:
Many relative caregivers are parenting children whose early experiences may have included unpredictability. When you consistently offer food, water, and nurturing presence, you are doing more than meeting physical needs — you are building felt safety.

You are showing: “In this home, your needs will be met.” That builds trust in ways that lectures and consequences cannot.

A gentle TBRI reframe:
Instead of asking: “What behavior do I need to correct?”
We might ask: “What need might I need to meet?”

Small things that help:

  • Offer protein snacks (cheese, nuts, yogurt, peanut butter)
  • Encourage water throughout the day
  • Offer snacks before transitions or stressful times
  • Sit together when possible (connection supports regulation)
  • Remember to eat and drink

An important reminder for caregivers: You matter too.

Many kinship caregivers are so focused on the children that they forget their own needs. But TBRI reminds us: Regulated adults help children regulate. Sometimes the best question is: “When was the last time I had water or a snack?”

The takeaway: Food + Water + Connection = Prevention
These small, consistent moments are powerful trust-building experiences. You are not “just giving a snack.”

You are building safety. You are building connection. You are building trust.
And that is extraordinary caregiving.