As the summer sun heats up, many families head to the pool, lake, or waterpark to cool off and make memories. While these outings can be full of fun, they also come with serious risks—especially for children. Whether you're swimming at a public pool, spending the day at the lake, or visiting a waterpark, it's important to stay alert and take precautions.

Please take a moment to review these essential tips to help keep your family safe around all types of water this summer.

In Texas, most child drownings occur in swimming pools, but dangers also exist in places you might not expect—like bathtubs, hot tubs, ponds, and even toilets. Tragically, children under the age of one are most likely to drown inside the home. And in many cases, toddlers who drown were out of sight for less than five minutes.

As summer heats up, so do the risks that come with warmer weather and outdoor activities. Whether you're out grabbing donuts or running errands around town, it's important to stay alert and prioritize safety—especially for children. 

At 80 years young, Catherine Crowder is proving that there's no age limit on making a difference. This inspiring foster mom began her fostering journey a little later in life, just three years ago, and has already welcomed five children into her home—with hopes of more placements to come.

Even before she knew what fostering was, Renae Heilman knew it was something she was meant to do. Inspired by the movie Annie, she didn’t play House like other kids—she played Orphanage. Her childhood Cabbage Patch dolls became a diverse family of all races, ages, and genders, each “placed” under her careful watch and nurturing spirit.

Didn’t you know, girl, with the way it began,
that being a mom comes not quietly,
but hard crashes in?

I don’t imagine you knew.
How could you, child?
Motherhood’s loud, it’s messy, not mild.

Scant minutes of sleep
with spit on your gown.
“Why” questions flow with respite unfound.

You so often feel lost
in this trick love has played.
But you’re not misplaced, you are being remade.

As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month, it is crucial to recognize the profound impact of alcohol abuse not only on individuals but also on their families and children. While Alcohol Use Disorder deeply affects the user, its repercussions extend far beyond, reaching spouses, children, and even to workplaces and extended families.

In today’s digital age, it’s no secret that screens are a constant presence in our lives. While technology can offer educational benefits and entertainment, overuse of digital media can pose serious risks to children’s health and development. From sleep disruption to behavioral problems, the effects of too much screen time are significant. Children who spend too much time in front of screens may experience sleep deprivation, obesity, and delays in learning and social skills.

For many children, learning to read can feel intimidating. The fear of making mistakes, stumbling over words, or the fear of being judged can make reading aloud a stressful experience. But what if there was a way to practice reading in a completely safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment? Enter reading to pets—a heartwarming and effective way for children to build their confidence and skills while bonding with a furry friend.

As adults, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep and the impact it has on our overall well-being. However, getting adequate sleep is even more important for children and young adults, even if they fight it with every ounce of their being.