This page has changed its name to Omaha Urban Thinkscapes. We value the meaningful connections we have made here, and will continue to advocate for early literacy, trauma informed practices, and elevating & celebrating the role of parents in the learning lives of their children.

#InternationalStressAwarenessDay highlights the impacts of stress & promotes stress mitigation strategies, such as Stress Busters, which are 7 strategies to manage stress & counter toxic stress from ACEs. See how Stress Busters can help those in your care: acesaware.org/managestress/

Designing for people means setting speeds that protect them. Cities should consider: 🚶 Vulnerable users 🛣️ How the street is designed 🚸 How often people need to cross Learn more from 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: globaldesigningcities.org/pu…

Next time you’re outside with your kiddo, ask them to look for patterns in the trees and plants around them. Help them notice that trees, small plants, and even leaves have branching patterns. Learn more about this fun activity from @PBSKIds: pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-e…

Q: How much should you assist your toddler? A: Only as much as they need to avoid frustration and find success. After 8-12 months of near total dependence, toddlers unlock a whole new world in which they have the language, cognition, and motor skills to begin acting on their own desires. We call this agency. And while it can be a real shift for us as parents (after becoming accustomed to meeting infants’ every need), it’s important to honor your toddlers’ growing independence and allow them the time and space to develop skills of their own. I’m such a fan of this independent little one, who is not only determined to free herself from her car seat - but supremely confident in her ability to do so. Of course toddlers need plenty of adult supervision - to avoid not only physical danger but the very real frustration that comes along with the misalignment of their desires and abilities. But toddlerhood is also a time to begin following your little one’s lead, allowing them the opportunity to work through challenges and, yes, occasionally “worrying about yourself” (as our hero so aptly puts it). Think of it as becoming a trusted advisor, rather than the “do-er” of all things.

Explore engaging activities for youth and families on our Community Opportunities digital bulletin board! Fresh flyers are uploaded at the start of every month. Check out what's new in November: ops.org/communityopportuniti…

🌳 We love growing with our community partner @KOmahaBeautiful! @OPS_Harrison planted six new trees and learned how to care for the environment along the way. 💚

When Arjee arrived at Boys Town, his GPA was a 1.7, and he knew both his academics and behavior needed work. With the support of his teachers and coaches, he turned things around, earning a 4.0 GPA, becoming a campus leader, and excelling in sports. boystown.org/donate

New Mindful Activity Pack: "Sparkle Light & Autumn Nights" 🍂💛Calm, connection, and seasonal magic await children, teens and families in every gentle moment.💛 Download here! hereforyouforthem.com/

Join us for the grand opening of Forest City Recreation Area, Sarpy County’s latest flood reduction reservoir & recreation area. While reducing flood risk is the reservoir's primary job, the recreational opportunities that accompany it are a double-win for the community.

Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the best brain builder of them all? 👶🪞 This simple Vroom Tip turns mirror time into Brain Building time as your baby explores their reflection with your words to guide them!

#PlayWell: A new study reveals that simple daily behaviors, such as chatting with friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities, are strongly linked to improved mental well-being. #play #playmatters neurosciencenews.com/chat-na…

Early relationships are the key to healthy brain development, resilience + lifelong flourishing. Join our expert panel for a look at how these relationships come to shape our success + mental health – and what can be done to optimize them. RSVP today: bit.ly/4hy1bD7

Did Halloween sneak up on you? 🎃 PBS Kids has seven last-minute ideas for Halloween that will have you covered, from treats to costumes, decor to activities, and more. pbs.org/parents/thrive/7-las…

🎃 Happy Halloween, Douglas County! Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind this Halloween: 🍬 Check candy before eating. 🚪 Lock doors & windows at the end of the night. 🐾 Keep pets safe inside and away from candy. Let’s keep Halloween fun, safe & sweet! 🧡

Celebrating Campus and Community Partnerships with the University of Neb... piped.video/jTr2PxEYrEI?si=1Rrf… via @YouTube

And that's a wrap on another fun season on the rivers. 🛶 The Papio NRD will close all river access parks to the Elkhorn and Platte rivers on Friday (October 31st). bit.ly/3LbnIcZ

Many parents ask such questions to their children and that is a good thing. A better way, though, is demonstrated in this graphic, since as parents we do not always garner the response we are seeking.

#BeTheOne #OneCaringAdult ❤️♥️

⭐EDUCATIONAL LICENSING: Award-winning film @DocResilience examines the emerging science around #ToxicStress & how it negatively alters the brains and bodies of children if left untreated. Screen it for your school, organization or event! #ACEs #https://kpjrfilms.co/resilience/

In a Kuala Lumpur School Zone: 🚸 Lanes were narrowed 🚶‍♀️ Sidewalks widened 🚗 Drop-off zones added 🎨 Vibrant markings + traffic calming Results: ⚡ Vehicle speeds ↓ 41% 💬 88% said streets feel safer Designing safer streets = designing better cities. globaldesigningcities.org/pu…