When my son was just over a year old, I finally gave in to my husband's worrying and made an appointment to have the baby's eyes checked. Not because I was noticing any
problems. It's just that there was this pesky family history of lazy eye, which can be corrected best if it's caught early. So we went -- and it turns out he was very farsighted. He was in glasses by 16 months.
If vision screenings for your children are something you've been putting off, procrasticate no longer. Make your appointments now for the free hearing, speech and vision screenings next Saturday, May 15, at the Center for Hearing and Speech in Rock Hill. (Adults can also receive free hearing screenings.) Licensed, certified clinicians will provide the screenings between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can schedule your time slot by calling 314-968-4710.
Early diagnosis of vision, speech or hearing problems helps children reach their full potential for learning. There are also social and emotional reasons to check whether they can see and hear properly -- if your child only seems to listen when you yell, it might be because that's when he hears you best.
If the screening shows that further treatment is necessary, the Center for Hearing and Speech, a United Way-funded agency that's been in operation since 1920 , can follow up with you regardless of your ability to pay.
By Amy De La Hunt, Health Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy De La Hunt is a journalist and editor who lives in the St. Louis metro area and works across the country as a writer, copy editor, project manager and editorial consultant on everything from fiction books to monthly magazines to blog posts. When she's not chauffeuring her teenage sons to activities, Amy is an enthusiastic amateur cook, landscaper, Latin dancer and traveler. Follow Amy on Instagram @amy_in_words
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Join Ms. Amanda in the Makerspace at the Edwardsville Children's Museum for a fun, lively Dance Party. The toddler-friendly tunes will accompany free play time and musical instrument exploration.