Parent playgroups planned for next week

MT. PLEASANT — Next week, the new collaborative efforts of the Family Connection of Henry and Washington Counties will host parent and play groups.

Iowa State Extension Office’s family program will host groups in both Mt. Pleasant and Washington.

“We will have a play group at the [Henry County] Extension Office Tuesday, Jan 10 at 10 a.m.,” Family Support Supervisor Amy McLaughlin said. “Washington’s group will be Wednesday the 11th at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Washington Public Library.”

“Our group includes an educational piece, some hands on activities for the kiddos, a couple of stories and a snack,” She said.

According to McLaughlin, this first meeting of the New Year will focus on winter safety for children.

McLaughlin gave a preview of the types of winter safety tips parents and children will learn during the playgroup.

“Dress your kids in layers,” she advised.

“Another cool winter safety tip for kiddos is to use sunscreen,” McLaughlin shared. “You don’t really think about it in the winter, but you can still get sunburned.”

“So, when it is a bright sunny day the sun can reflect off the snow and the kids can get a sunburn,” she said. “So, make sure to put sunscreen on their faces when they’re outside playing.”

McLaughlin invites any families with children from 0-5 years old to attend.

According to the Family Connection’s brochure, the program provides early childhood education to families of children 0-5 years to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women, parents, and their children.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com