Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Teaching kids to be grateful, even during challenging times

Updated: 7 hours ago

By Kimberly McBroom

EARLY YEARS: The importance of showing gratitude, even during these challenging times

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: New Hero Fund named for Roanoke girl will go toward pediatric cancer research

Updated: Oct. 14, 2020 at 5:58 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Early Years: A new hero fund through the St. Baldrick's Foundation named after a Roanoke girl will go towards pediatric cancer research

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Parents need to safeguard their kids during virtual learning

Updated: Oct. 7, 2020 at 6:20 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Prevention Council of Roanoke County is offering tips to parents to help keep kids safe during virtual learning.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: YOVASO launches statewide campaign to encourage young drivers and passengers to buckle up

Updated: Sep. 30, 2020 at 5:37 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

YOVASO launches new statewide effort to get teen drivers and passengers to buckle up

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Spaces still available at the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge new enrichment centers

Updated: Sep. 23, 2020 at 6:11 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge running five enrichment centers to help students navigate online classes

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke teen cancer survivor celebrating three years without needing treatment

Updated: Sep. 16, 2020 at 5:55 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 15-year-old Roanoke native Evers Beck is celebrating three years of not needing treatment, after his brain tumor diagnosis at the age of 10.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: September is Suicide Prevention Month

Updated: Sep. 9, 2020 at 5:57 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare is offering an awareness campaign on social media, and also giving away free trigger locks and medication lock boxes to help prevent suicide in kids and teens.

Early Years

Salem mom creates Facebook support group to connect with other families opting for all-virtual learning

Updated: Sep. 2, 2020 at 5:52 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

A Salem mom who's opted for 100 percent virtual education for her son is hoping to connect with other families doing the same.

The New Back-to-School

Counselor weighs in on possible long-term impact of pandemic on learning

Updated: Aug. 26, 2020 at 11:01 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Local counselor and parenting educator Decca Knight weighs in on the potential long-term loss of learning due to pandemic, and how parents can help their kids

Early Years

Pediatricians say children still need crucial vaccines and the flu shot, amid the pandemic

Updated: Aug. 19, 2020 at 7:53 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Pediatricians say parents shouldn't worry about potential COVID-19 exposure in medical offices, and need to bring kids in for vaccines, including the flu shot

Local Radar

Early Years

Franklin County mom says students with special needs should be in the classroom as much as possible

Updated: Aug. 12, 2020 at 5:55 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Franklin County mom and autism advocate Lavada Guthrie says it's crucial for kids with special needs to get back into the classroom.

Early Years

Many kitchens and dining rooms becoming classrooms, as some families opt for all virtual learning this school year

Updated: Aug. 5, 2020 at 6:44 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke County mom shares her plan to do all virtual learning for her three kids

Early Years

Parents need to do their homework, when it comes to finding help to pay for child care

Updated: Jul. 29, 2020 at 6:12 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

With changing school schedules, many families are dealing with having to pay extra child care costs. There's help available through programs like United Way of Roanoke Valley's Smart2Start and Child Care Aware of VA.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke Valley organizations scramble to accommodate influx of students for the new school year

Updated: Jul. 22, 2020 at 6:47 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia and other local organizations are making adjustments to allow for more kids during the upcoming school year

Early Years

Local mom blogger offering help for families navigating the new normal

Updated: Jul. 15, 2020 at 6:35 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Mom blogger Caitlyn Scaggs says a positive outlook can help families navigate the new normal.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke learning consultant offers advice for helping kids avoid the so-called “COVID Slide”

Updated: Jul. 1, 2020 at 6:18 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Dr. Carolyn Goodspeed of Goodspeed Learning Consultants says to keep kids reading each day, find creative ways to help them learn while they're home from school. She also suggests making a plan now for how you will navigate the upcoming school year.

Early Years

June is National Reunification Month

Updated: Jun. 24, 2020 at 4:49 AM EDT

HopeTree Family Services offers continued support to biological parents who are able to be reunified with their kids, after they've been in foster care. June is National Reunification Month.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Tips on how to start the conversation about racism with your children

Updated: Jun. 17, 2020 at 5:08 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Macaroni Kid Roanoke publisher Beth Bell says talking to kids about embracing other races and cultures at a young age is crucial.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Couple wants to add that "missing piece" to their family by fostering a child

Updated: Jun. 9, 2020 at 11:00 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Colin and Becky Bernard have four children, but want to add another child to fulfill a dream they started 16 years ago.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: May 29 is National 529 College Savings Plan Day

Updated: May. 27, 2020 at 4:53 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

A financial expert says despite the pandemic, now is not the time to stop contributing to your child's college fund.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: May is Foster Care Month in Virginia

Updated: May. 20, 2020 at 4:49 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Foster care applicants are waiting for placements, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke Valley parenting counselor launches YouTube Channel

Updated: May. 13, 2020 at 5:27 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Decca Knight, owner of Blue Ridge Parenting & Consulting is taking her parenting advice online to help families coping with the COVID-19 pandemic

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Resilience Week in Virginia

Updated: May. 6, 2020 at 4:58 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke Prevention Alliance has created a calendar with tips to help families build resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: RAYSAC sponsoring a social distancing challenge for kids and teens during quarantine

Updated: Apr. 29, 2020 at 5:56 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Social distancing is tough on teens who miss their friends. These challenges are designed to keep them busy and having fun.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke boy using birthday to raise money for Rescue Mission of Roanoke

Updated: Apr. 29, 2020 at 4:57 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Tyler Hettig's dad says he's a helpful kid, and is using his 10th birthday to help those most in need

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Updated: Apr. 21, 2020 at 9:44 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

The coronavirus pandemic is causing at-risk kids to be in more danger, and putting a strain on foster care services.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke literacy program now serving as a food distribution site during coronavirus pandemic

Updated: Mar. 31, 2020 at 5:22 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Kids Soar is serving as a food pantry for the families they serve, as well as the general public.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: March is Mediation Month in Virginia

Updated: Mar. 24, 2020 at 11:33 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Parent educator and mediator Eddy Smart helps guide Roanoke Valley families through divorce.

Early Years

Roanoke Valley mom of four offers tips on homeschooling

Updated: Mar. 18, 2020 at 5:51 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Lesley Butterfield works with Macaroni Kid Roanoke, and has advice on putting together a successful at-home schedule

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Quality preschool is vital for kids to be ready for kindergarten

Updated: Mar. 18, 2020 at 5:09 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

United Way of Roanoke Valley offers a checklist and guidance for parents, as they search for the right preschool program.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: March means registration time for spring and summer camps

Updated: Mar. 10, 2020 at 11:21 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Parents have plenty of options of half and full-day camps offering everything from outdoor activities to special interests like art and cooking.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: "The Fakes" peels back the curtain on the dangers of the internet and social media

Updated: Feb. 25, 2020 at 11:21 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

New production is part of Roanoke Children's Theatre RCT4Teens series of issue-oriented productions.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

Updated: Feb. 18, 2020 at 11:13 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Family Service of Roanoke Valley works to build self esteem through its Teen Outreach Program to prevent young people from becoming victims.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Local mom bringing comfort to foster children, one blanket at a time

Updated: Feb. 5, 2020 at 11:33 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Mindy Woodford says you don't have to be super crafty to create comforting blankets for children.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke Valley mom and personal coach shares her personal journey to wellness to help other moms

Updated: Jan. 30, 2020 at 4:57 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Mary Paige Larsen says a mini-stroke served as a wake-up call that she needed to make some healthy changes.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Mom and holistic health coach has advice for moms to be their best selves in 2020

Updated: Jan. 14, 2020 at 10:02 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Jen Marie Cliff has created a free, downloadable planner for moms to make time for themselves in the new year

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke County middle schooler collects donations for classmate in need

Updated: Dec. 17, 2019 at 11:13 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

One seventh grader raised $500 through Facebook to provide clothes, shoes and other items for his friend.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke dancer with "The Nutcracker" says dance helps her both on and off the stage

Updated: Nov. 19, 2019 at 9:00 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

16-year-old Emma Cleveland says dance has trained her physically and mentally, which helps with other aspects of her life

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Counselor offers tips for kids to handle bullies

Updated: Nov. 5, 2019 at 5:35 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

A child's resilience and personality are key factors in how much bullying impacts him or her.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: October is National Bullying Prevention Month

Updated: Oct. 22, 2019 at 5:17 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke County Schools focusing more on peer intervention to prevent bullying

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: National Teen Driver Safety Week Runs October 20-26

Updated: Oct. 15, 2019 at 11:17 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Longtime instructor says teens need to recognize lack of experience, and learn to drive defensively

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Child Passenger Safety Tips

Updated: Sep. 25, 2019 at 11:24 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

From hot car dangers to improper seat installations, Carilion Clinic offers some helpful reminders for parents and caregivers

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: High school goes quickly; time to plan for college is now

Updated: Sep. 18, 2019 at 11:34 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Students as young as middle school-age should take advantage of college fairs and start making lists of potential college choices

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: YMCA among several affordable options for after school care

Updated: Aug. 27, 2019 at 11:21 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

The Y offers on-site care for kids in Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt and Rockbridge County schools

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Think consignment, shopping apps and buying in bulk to save money on Back to School

Updated: Aug. 13, 2019 at 10:51 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Getting ready for the new school year doesn't mean you have to break the bank

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Bambino Babysitting Roanoke offers parents a qualified sitter on an app

Updated: Jul. 31, 2019 at 4:58 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

New app matches parents with sitters, who rate each other, much like Uber.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Girl Scouts now have more of a say in how they earn their badges

Updated: Jul. 23, 2019 at 11:19 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

There are 42 new badges girls can earn, ranging from outdoor adventures to cybersecurity

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: "Family Talks" offer expert advice to parents' questions

Updated: Jul. 16, 2019 at 9:04 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke Valley Family Magazine launches free, monthly gatherings for parents to get answers to question on a variety of topics

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Parents to decide if their children are mature enough to stay home alone during the summer

Updated: Jun. 25, 2019 at 6:57 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Experts recommend having an emergency plan, restricting social media posts when kids are home alone

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke County student wins National PTA Reflections Contest

Updated: Jun. 18, 2019 at 11:20 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Ally Burrow says her little sister, Meg's struggles inspired her winning photo with the theme, "Heroes Around Me."