Monessen Family Center

08/31/2026

Reminder‼️‼️‼️
Get FIRED Up has been postponed. A new date will be posted when we reschedule it. We welcome all registered families to stop by the Monessen Family Center on this Wednesday, Sept 2, between 10 am and 7 pm to pick up your back packs ‼️‼️‼️

08/31/2026

Come out to one of these great events happening in Westmoreland County!!

08/29/2026

People don't need more direction as much as they need more connection.

An open heart invites an open mind.

Lead with compassion. ❤️

Image Quote Credit: ❣️

08/29/2026

For families who breastfeed, the support of community and social service providers can make a real difference.

From lactation strategies and insurance and advocacy information to mental health care and more, connecting families to the right resources at the right time can impact the health of both moms and babies.

This National Breastfeeding Month, learn more about the critical role we can play through "Promoting Healthy Outcomes During Pregnancy and Beyond: The Role of Community and Social Service Providers."

Co-authored by Parents as Teachers National Center and Brazelton Touchpoints Center, this field resource is moving, practical, and hopeful for any team concerned about maternal and infant health in their communities. Grab your copy at the link below.

08/27/2026

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08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Sometimes dysregulation starts with something far more basic than we realise.

A child who is tired, hungry, thirsty, too hot, uncomfortable, overwhelmed by sensory input or simply out of routine may have far less capacity available for coping, communicating and managing emotions.

That doesn’t mean every difficult behaviour has a biological cause. But before we jump straight to consequences or assume a child is being deliberately difficult, it can be worth asking:

What might their body be telling us?

Behaviour can be communication — and sometimes the first step is checking the basics.

08/26/2026

When a child is anxious, “Don’t worry” can feel reassuring to us — but it doesn’t always feel reassuring to them.

Their body may already be responding as though something is wrong. Simply telling the brain there is nothing to worry about doesn’t necessarily switch that response off.

What often helps more is feeling understood first.

“I can see this feels really big for you.”

“It makes sense that you’re worried.”

Then, once the child feels safer and more connected, we can begin to help them regulate, think and problem-solve.

Validation isn’t agreeing that the feared outcome will happen.

It is acknowledging that the feeling is real.

And sometimes that is exactly where calm begins.