Early Years

Non-profit helps formerly incarcerated parents get back on their feet with job skills

EARLY YEARS: Formerly-incarcerated man creates non-profit to help other dads re-enter society with marketable skills

Updated: Jun. 7, 2023 at 5:55 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Studies show the children of incarcerated parents are five times more likely than their peers to commit crimes

Early Years

The younger teens start working, the earlier they can build lifelong skills like money and time...

EARLY YEARS: Virginia Career Works offers tips for teen job seekers this summer

Updated: Jun. 1, 2023 at 6:08 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Along with music, fun and cotton candy, graduating seniors from William Fleming and Patrick Henry High Schools will get to apply for jobs/

Early Years

How a recent college graduate paid 100% of her college costs through scholarships and grants

EARLY YEARS: Tips from new college graduate on avoiding student debt

Updated: May. 17, 2023 at 5:42 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Samantha Leach says she thought of filling out scholarship applications as another class

Early Years

Helping out the community through clean-up days and other events gives teens confidence and...

EARLY YEARS: Teen Outreach Program helps teens stay on right track through community service and other activities

Updated: May. 11, 2023 at 5:42 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Family Service of Roanoke Valley works to promote healthy minds through a variety of services, including youth development.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Campaign aims to help parents talk to children about mental health struggles

Updated: May. 3, 2023 at 5:26 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Psychologist Dr. Charmain Jackman says she asks her own kids for a highlight and a lowlight of their day

Early Years

Free family event happening at Virginia Tech on Saturday, April 29

EARLY YEARS: YMCA at Virginia Tech to host Healthy Kids Day

Updated: Apr. 26, 2023 at 5:25 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

According to a national YMCA survey, only 19% of children get 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Early Years

Owner Gabriel Villarreal is able to offer targeted workouts and therapy in one innovative...

EARLY YEARS: ADHD Counseling and workout classes all now under one roof in Roanoke

Updated: Apr. 19, 2023 at 5:54 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Licensed Professional Counselor Gabriel Villarreal says once ADHD'ers get moving, feel better about themselves

Early Years

Children's Trust is hosting several events to raise awareness, including a big celebration on...

EARLY YEARS: Children’s Trust marking Child Abuse Prevention Month

Updated: Apr. 12, 2023 at 7:03 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

According to Children's Trust, there were 2,937 cases of child abuse reported in Roanoke City in 2022

Early Years

Angie McKissick's son, John had autism, but sadly died at 14 of a seizure disorder

EARLY YEARS: Two hometown moms on different journeys with autism, but with a common goal

Updated: Apr. 5, 2023 at 5:28 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

The Piedmont Autism Action Group is hosting a free conference on April 22

Early Years

Organizers put it long hours to pull off the massive sale every year

EARLY YEARS: Families can stock up on clothes, shoes, toys and more at LFA Kids Consignment Sale

Updated: Mar. 23, 2023 at 5:22 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Shoppers can get great bargains, while sellers can turn closet clutter into cash

Local Radar

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Signs of eating disorders parents should watch out for in teens

Updated: Mar. 15, 2023 at 5:58 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Studies show eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health illnesses

Early Years

Author and podcast host shares struggles as he raises awareness about teen mental health

Updated: Mar. 8, 2023 at 5:49 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Mental heath advocate suggests parents remember what it was like to be a teenager, and take their kid's concerns seriously

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke County Parks and Recreation offering spring break/summer camps

Updated: Mar. 1, 2023 at 5:39 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke County Parks and Rec is offering spring break camp the week of March 27

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Work-based learning can include fields you might not expect

Updated: Feb. 22, 2023 at 5:57 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke City student Kimaya Webb says the program has given her a leg up on her goal of becoming an attorney

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Partnership for Community Wellness says kids need to “kiss their brains” every day

Updated: Feb. 15, 2023 at 6:08 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Experts stress that a child's brain is very small, and not ready yet for things on social media

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Author and mom says it’s about facts, not just feelings, when talking to kids about drugs

Updated: Feb. 8, 2023 at 5:42 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Lahey stresses that teen's brains are still developing, and substances can cause a lot of damage during adolescence

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Mom of three offers parenting hacks and more on Mothercould

Updated: Feb. 1, 2023 at 5:41 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

After dealing with her baby's feeding issue, Myriam Sandler decided to share her journey with other moms

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Student Registered Apprenticeship Showcase highlights opportunities for students in CTE industry in Roanoke Valley

Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 at 8:20 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Roanoke Valley high school sophomores and juniors can learn more about CTE, and how they can get certified in some jobs before graduation

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: National School Choice Week is for families to consider educational options for children

Updated: Jan. 25, 2023 at 5:46 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

When it comes to education, it's not "one size fits all."

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Moms Under Pressure program helping bring awareness of cardiac health in mothers in SW Virginia

Updated: Jan. 18, 2023 at 5:46 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

New funding is helping Huddle Up Moms improve cardiac health for mothers in our hometowns.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Ideas for free family fun outdoors this winter

Updated: Jan. 11, 2023 at 5:48 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

You can mix learning with fresh air by taking an art or history walk in your hometown.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Encouraging gratitude and generosity in your kids

Updated: Dec. 21, 2022 at 6:08 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Experts recommend talking to your kids about what is important to your family, and which causes you choose to support

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: New podcast launch for our family segment

Updated: Dec. 14, 2022 at 5:54 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

WDBJ7 expanding podcasts to include our "Early Years" family segment

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Narrows High School Homecoming queen gives up crown to friend with special needs

Updated: Dec. 7, 2022 at 5:41 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Homecoming 2022 at Narrows High School is unforgettable, but not because of the final score

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Creative Caps Studio in Salem offering hands-on learning for kids of all abilities

Updated: Nov. 30, 2022 at 5:42 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Hands-on and sometimes messy activities are the centerpiece of a new art and learning studio

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Bargain hunting and holiday budgeting tips for families

Updated: Nov. 23, 2022 at 6:12 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Host a gathering, instead of buying gifts to help save money over the holidays.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: ParentsTogether warns of dangers of social media as marketing tool for drug dealers

Updated: Nov. 16, 2022 at 5:58 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

Parent advocates calling on social media platforms to do more to protect their youngest users

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Prevention Council of Roanoke marking nearly 22 years of service to the community

Updated: Nov. 10, 2022 at 5:48 AM EST

By Kimberly McBroom

The rise in cell phones and social media has added to the potential dangers for kids and teens

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Gen Z Voters to make big impact on midterm elections, according to survey

Updated: Nov. 2, 2022 at 5:57 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

According to the NSHSS survey, the top issue for Gen Z voters is racial equality.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Prevention Council and authorities caution about THC gummies, other potential drug risks this Halloween

Updated: Oct. 26, 2022 at 8:18 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Reminder for parents to check their kids' Halloween candy carefully

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Safety advocates say teens need to watch speed, put down the phone and wear seatbelts to avoid deadly crashes

Updated: Oct. 26, 2022 at 5:45 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

This week is National Red Ribbon Week, bringing awareness to teens about the risks of drinking and driving

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: In Infant Loss Awareness Month, mom shares story of loss

Updated: Oct. 19, 2022 at 6:05 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

According to the CDC, over a million pregnancies end in miscarriage and stillbirth each year.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: William Fleming teacher bringing mindfulness training to more area youth

Updated: Oct. 12, 2022 at 5:27 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

The free Mindfulness Training class is being presented by TAP and the Gun Violence Prevention Commission

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Junior billiards player from Roanoke County preparing for world championship

Updated: Oct. 5, 2022 at 5:54 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Kinsley now holds several titles, including the current women's 10- ball championship title for Virginia

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Campaign encourages more adoptions of teenagers in need of forever homes

Updated: Sep. 28, 2022 at 6:46 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Tawanna Brown says she doesn't know where she would be today if she hadn't been adopted

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke Valley authorities warning parents and teens about Rainbow fentanyl

Updated: Sep. 21, 2022 at 5:38 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

State police warn if you get a pill off the street now, it's most likely fentanyl

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Updated: Sep. 14, 2022 at 6:10 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

According to The Children's Oncology Group, three out of five pediatric cancer survivors develop late effects

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Roanoke County mom shares her struggle with cancer during pregnancy in the latest “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book

Updated: Sep. 7, 2022 at 6:50 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Cancer survivor Lynn Baringer says she'll donate 100% of her sales from "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and the Unexplainable" to Carilion Cancer Foundation

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: New data show drop in sports injuries among young athletes

Updated: Aug. 31, 2022 at 6:24 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Heightened safety culture is credited for a drop in overall sports injuries in recent years.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Parents of college-bound student can help them navigate independence, make smart choices

Updated: Aug. 24, 2022 at 6:04 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

While it's not easy, experts say it's important for parents to gradually give teens more freedom before they start college

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Why optional isn’t always optional when it comes to college applications

Updated: Aug. 17, 2022 at 5:27 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Experts say students can boost their admission chances by visiting a college in person.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Student Registered Apprenticeships give students big boost to future careers

Updated: Aug. 10, 2022 at 5:37 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Some companies that offer student apprenticeships also help pay for college education

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Smart watches for kids could be smarter, safer alternative to cell phones

Updated: Aug. 3, 2022 at 6:23 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Wearability, along with features like emergency contacts and good privacy settings, should help parents choose a smart watch for their kids

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Consider shopping secondhand stores for Back to School items

Updated: Jul. 27, 2022 at 6:01 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Think consignment or thrift stores, as you prepare to shop for Back to School clothes this year

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Parents urged to encourage Congress to extend federal child nutrition waivers

Updated: Jul. 20, 2022 at 6:07 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

If kids don't eat, they can't learn. National leaders urging congress to extend the federal child nutrition waivers into the upcoming school year

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Preventing the “summer slide” in learning

Updated: Jul. 13, 2022 at 6:17 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Students can fall behind, especially in reading and math, during the summer months.

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Survival tips for long family road trips this summer

Updated: Jun. 24, 2022 at 7:08 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Bringing snacks, singing songs and preparing kids for an adventure can make long family road trips more pleasant

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: YOVASO offering camp to teach teens leadership and safe driving skills

Updated: Jun. 15, 2022 at 6:16 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

The four-day event offers leadership skills that will also look great on college applications

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Tightening your belt doesn’t mean missing out on summer family fun

Updated: Jun. 15, 2022 at 5:40 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Keeping the kids entertained and engaged this summer doesn't have to cost you a dime

Early Years

EARLY YEARS: Staycation ideas for families that won’t break the budget

Updated: Jun. 8, 2022 at 5:28 AM EDT

By Kimberly McBroom

Staycation ideas for families in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas