2nd Annual Parenting Festival a Success

By Alisa Green

More than 500 employees visited this year's NIH Parenting Festival on May 26 in Bldg. 50. The event showcased resources as well as current research.

Attendees were able to explore the world of child development by decorating mini-sombreros and cookies with the NIH-sponsored child care centers. Parents met one-on-one with parenting experts for answers to their child-rearing questions. Attendees also found out about the latest research in NIH institutes and centers focusing on children; picked up literature and materials about health issues that might affect their families; chatted with a group of NIH employees who shared their experiences with adoption and foster care; and accessed, in one place, the full range of services and resources available to support employees in their parenting or other child-caring responsibilities.

"Ask the Parenting Specialist" Sue Cohen (r) shares her expertise with an employee.

Additionally, one lucky employee won the main door prize, which was a basket full of parenting resources. Another attendee won a Medela Pump 'n Style breast pump that was donated to the NIH Lactation Program by Medela. The first 400 employees received canvas briefcases donated by the NIH Federal Credit Union, and many others won specially selected parenting books from the NIH child care board.

Volunteers from several NIH institutes and organizations staffed exhibit tables, including the NIH Work/Life Center, Employee Assistance Program, Lactation Program, Office of Human Resources Benefits and Payroll Liaison Branch, NIH Child Care Services, Office of Science Education, NIH Federal Credit Union, and SHPS, Inc.

Festival attendees were enthusiastic about the event and reported that they found loads of helpful resources.

Dr. Susan Koester (c) and Henry Primus of the NIH child care board chat with attendees.

"We can't thank our exhibitors enough for ensuring that the parenting festival was such a success," said Janet Austin, chair of the NIH child care board.

If you missed the festival, don't despair — the board has already started planning for next year, which promises to be an even bigger, better event that will be more accessible to employees at the satellite campuses.