Lakewood Family Room Constant Support For Young Families

It may be cold outside and the playgrounds are deserted but it’s welcoming and warm at the Lakewood Family Room. Winter is a good time to remind residents of one of Lakewood’s greatest assets. Parents, caregivers and children have benefited from Lakewood Family Room for years with its many constant and ongoing offerings geared towards the needs of early childhood and those who care for them.

With the sometimes overwhelming and new experiences that starting a family can bring I have benefited from attending many of the programs listed below. My family has been going there for about five and half years. I’ve borrowed books from the parenting library and it has been our biggest local resource on parent-related topics such as health, events, and child development. I’ve received support, encouragement, and a listening ear from the incredible women who facilitate and volunteer there. I’ve made many acquaintanceships and friendships with fellow moms and caregivers that certainly contributed to our commitment to stay and raise our children in Lakewood. When it was time to choose a preschool among the many Lakewood schooling options they provided information to help us find the right fit. (See the ad for the Saturday, February 13 Preschool Super Saturday Family Fair.) Now that our kids are almost six and four our favorite program is the Learn Through Play. Their dad and aunt enjoy taking them as much as I do.

If you spend time caring for young children, or know someone that does, check out any of the drop-ins below. There is no need to register or RSVP and they are all free to attend. It is an informal setting for adults and kids to play, socialize or just sit back and relax. The Family Room is a service of the City of Lakewood Early Childhood Division. For more information you can always call 216-529-5018 or visit www.onelakewood.com.

Drop-In Schedule: All drop-ins are held at the Lakewood Family Room unless otherwise noted. It is located in the Saint James Childcare Center at 17400 Northwood Ave. (Behind St. James Church, off Granger Ave. just north of Detroit Ave.).

Mondays, 9:30–11:00am - Alternative Parenting Drop-In: For parents interested in gentle nighttime parenting approaches, breastfeeding beyond a year, whole foods/vegetarianism, holistic health and alternative educational choices.

Last Monday each month 6:30-8:00pm - Arab American Women’s Organization: A time to build relationships, gather information and understand cultural differences and similarities. RSVP for FREE childcare. A light dinner provided. 

Tuesdays, 9:30–11:00am - Baby-n-Me & Big Kids Too!: Raising a child can be filled with many different emotions and lots of questions! Join your fellow parents, an early childhood facilitator, make new friends, share your stories, and gain information. 

Wednesdays, 9:30–11:00am - Nursing Moms Chat: Each week a lactation specialist, a family support specialist, and many wonderful breastfeeding moms gather to encourage and support each other. 

Thursdays, 9:30-11:00am - Baby-n-Me & Big Kids Too!: Raising a child can be filled with many different emotions and lots of questions! Join your fellow parents, an early childhood facilitator, make new friends, share your stories, and gain information. 

Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm - Mommy & Me Teen Parent Drop-In: Held at The Lakewood Hospital Childcare Center At 1450 Belle Ave.

An evening that begins with a shared family meal and includes opportunities for children to play, and young parents (pregnant and parenting teens, or parents who were teens when their children were born) to make new friends and strengthen support systems. Call 216-529-5018 for more information and directions.

Learn Through Play (Family Literacy Playroom)

At Lakewood Family Room

Wednesdays, 6:15 – 7:45 pm & Fridays, 9:30-11:00 am - Caregivers and children from birth to age 5 can enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment and discover art, creative play,

math, science, language and stories. Parents and caregivers help their children gain valuable school readiness skills by playing with them. 

At Lakewood Family Room East, 12400 Madison Ave. (Located in the front of the Fedor Manor building).

Wednesdays, 9:00-11:00am - This early literacy program provides an opportunity for parents and their preschool children to meet other families in the neighborhood and for children to learn important literacy skills through play. And the coffee pot is always on!