Pennyrile District Health Department HANDS Program

17/06/2026

On Saturday, June 13th, we were able to spend the morning celebrating our HANDS families in Trigg County for our Stepping Strong with Dad event for Father’s Day!

Everyone had a blast eating lunch, making molds of handprints or feet print, and just spending time with each other while watching their children socialize and play. We cannot thank our dads enough for showing up and letting us celebrate with you. Congrats to the winner for the drawing of the Blackstone Grill!

Thanks to Commonwealth Center for Fathers & Families for helping us celebrate our HANDS families. 💜

15/06/2026

Shapes, colors, and numbers are just a few concepts that parents can start using with their babies during pregnancy and once baby is born.

Sock buddies make great homemade stuffies for children to use as a comfort item when feeling upset.

Decorating paper dolls gives a child a sense of self and helps them feel like they are their own separate person.

And of course, activities that show support for our wonderful parents.

If you or someone you know wants more information, call your local health department and ask about HANDS!

07/06/2026

Today we had our first Father’s Day event, Stepping Strong with Dad, in Crittenden County. We had the best time watching the kids play and a baby snooze, completing an activity (that maybe didn’t turn out perfect but was so much fun to attempt), and eating lunch together. Thank you to our family helpers and congrats to the winner of our drawing for the Blackstone Griddle!

Thanks to Commonwealth Center for Fathers & Families for helping us put together an amazing opportunity for our little HANDS community to come together. We can’t wait to see our next group next weekend. 💜💜💜

03/06/2026

Activities that our families have been recently creating! Playing with your child strengthens the bond between a parent and that child - it helps that child feel valued, important, and loved. 💜

02/06/2026

Did you know that early experiences can and will impact a child's life as they grow older? There are characteristics or personality traits that children are born with but other qualities can be influenced by how a child is parented, how they are nurtured, the values/communities they grow up in, and traumatic events that they experience.

Responding quickly to your baby's needs, joining your child in play, and providing predictable routines supports a child's healthy overall growth and development.

26/05/2026

Did you know a toddler is more likely to cooperate if they feel understood? Some common tips to help your toddler learn how to cooperate:

1. Help them take turns with you.
2. Take time to help them problem-solve toddler-sized problems.
3. Give them simple choices.

When toddlers feel understood and respected, they are more likely to cooperate. It takes time for them to learn this hard skill and you are the best person to help.

26/05/2026

Activities that our families have completed recently: Sticky Shapes, Baby’s First Toy, and more.

Your child’s favorite toy is you. Responding with nurturing and loving actions to your baby’s cues lets them know that they are safe, loved, and valued. 💜

25/05/2026

We hope you have a relaxing Memorial Day with your family and friends. 💜

22/05/2026

The ABC’s of Safe Sleep. Every time. 💜

💤 Safe Sleep Saves Lives 💙

When putting your baby down to sleep, remember the ABCs of safe sleep:

Alone – Baby should sleep alone in their own crib or bassinet.
Back – Always place baby on their back for every sleep.
Crib – Use a firm, flat sleep surface with no blankets, pillows, toys, or bumpers.

A safe sleep space helps reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related accidents. Keep it simple, keep it safe. ❤️

✔️ Use a fitted sheet only
✔️ Keep baby smoke-free
✔️ Dress baby in light sleep clothing to avoid overheating
✔️ Share a room, not a bed

Every nap. Every night. Every time.

19/05/2026

Last week, we had the privilege of reading to some of our Lyon County friends at the public library. 📚

A great time was had by all that attended!

Reading accelerates vocabulary growth, strengthens parent-child attachment, and fosters a lifelong love of learning. 💜