What have you done to help a child today?

What have you done to help a child today?

That’s not just a question for parents or child caregivers.

Each child is born with incredible potential to learn and contribute to our world in countless ways. It is estimated that more than half of Washington children begin kindergarten not ready to succeed, and researchers say children who start behind are at risk of staying behind. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) was created on July 1, 2006, to help change this.

But with nearly half a million children in Washington under age six, all of us have a shared responsibility for creating the most child-friendly state in the nation – a safe, healthy state where our youngest citizens can learn, grow, and realize their full potential.

There are easy ways to acknowledge and value the children you encounter every day. Washington is rich with history, natural resources and fun, low-cost things to do. Take the time today – and every day – to help a child in your life.

Fun tips to help children in your life.

What Have You Done to Help a Child Today? [433k] Brochure

Fun tips to help children in your life
  • Read to a child, even after the child has learned to read on her own.
  • Parenting is a challenge. Praise a parent when you get a chance.
  • Be specific when you praise a child. Instead of saying "Good job," say "I like the colors you chose for your drawing."
  • Hold your child on your lap and have him tell you a story.
  • Donate a copy of a children’s book you love to a child care or youth program.
  • Remind a child that everyone makes mistakes.
  • Take your child on public transportation. A bus ride around the community offers your child a whole new perspective.
  • Take your child on an "I Spy" walk around the neighborhood.
  • Turn up the music and dance with a child in your life.
  • Pack a picnic and head out to a local music festival or concert in the park.
  • Celebrate a holiday or special occasion from another culture with your child.
  • Ask a child in your life about her day and really listen to her answer.
  • Volunteer at schools…or volunteer anywhere. Anything that makes our community better is good for children.
  • Take a hike. Getting outdoors is healthy and teaches children about nature. There are many child-friendly hiking trails in Washington. The Spruce Railroad Trail on the Olympic Peninsula is a former railroad line that features wildflowers, a scenic bridge, and an easy hike for children.
  • Practice compassion and tolerance in your life. Children will notice.
  • Offer to hold your friend’s newborn for an hour so the new parent can take a break.
  • Find a healthy, kid-friendly recipe and cook a meal together (be sure the adult handles any sharp or hot kitchen tools).
  • Teach a child in your life how to write a thank-you note.
  • Visit a local fish hatchery for a fun and informative outing.
  • When playing with a young child, let her direct the play and make up the rules.
  • Be informed about how your community invests in libraries, public schools, parks, nutrition programs, and other services that promote healthy child development.
  • Make history come alive. Talk to a child in your life about a historical event that fascinated you as a child.
  • Help a child appreciate the rich history of their own state with a visit to one of Washington’s local museums or historic sites.
  • Sing in the car with your children on the way to child care or school – a great start to the day.
  • Take your child grocery shopping with you. Let him choose new fruits or vegetables to try, and ask him to help find items on your list.
  • Pike Place Market may be Washington’s most famous market, but you don’t have to travel to Seattle to enjoy the arts, food, and music a market has to offer. Find a local farmer’s market and take your child to explore.
  • Find some colorful pieces of fabric and help a child create a costume.
  • Let your child help with simple chores, such as dusting or setting the table.
  • Drive safely and within the speed limit when you’re in school zones or near a school bus.
  • Get out an old family photo album and go through it with your child.
  • Help your child build a family tree. Many of Washington’s local libraries offer free help with genealogy research.
  • Have an indoor picnic with your child on a rainy day.
  • Help a child in your life plant flowers, herbs, or veggies in a pot.
  • Stop and smell Washington’s flowers. Find a local botanical garden or arboretum to explore.
  • Give a child a notebook and encourage him to start a journal of words and/or drawings.
  • Keep plenty of books, magazines, and newspapers around the house so your child sees learning as a part of everyday life.
  • Take a walk with your child and ask her to point out the different birds she sees. Find out more about spotting one of
    Washington's nearly 400 bird species.
What Have You Done to Help a Child Today? DEL wants to know.

Creating the child-friendliest state in the nation can only happen with your help. Tell us what you’ve done to help a child in your life recently, and we’ll post your tip on this page. E-mail communications@del.wa.gov.