Be A Brain Builder!
You have what it takes to help your child thrive! Make little changes with your everyday interactions and make a big difference in a child's life.
Be a brain builder and add learning during mealtime, playtime, bathtime, and bedtime. Any moment can be a moment you connect with a child - even waiting in line! We've collaborated with Vroom to connect parents to these easy and fun tips.
Get free Vroom Tips™.
Vroom in Maryland
Vroom Tips™ make brain science simple. Three core principles guide the tips, and they're the same ones that guide the science behind our Brain-Building Toolkit. That's why Maryland Essentials for Childhood collaborated with Vroom to bring these resources to Maryland.
The three core principles are:
- Positive Adult-Child Relationships
- Back and Forth Interaction - what we like to call "serve and return"
- Life Skills that Promote Executive Function
We all can help children thrive, one moment, one connection at a time!
Brain Building for Expecting Parents
Vroom now has new tools for expecting parents. Whether it's your first time or you have other children, boost your confidence, connection, and calm even before the baby arrives. Start building parenting skills before the baby even arrives.
How to Use Vroom
On the App
Download the app and get 1,000+ activities to help your child's brain grow. Available in English and Spanish.
Vroom Tips™ for Children Ages 0-5
Get 1000+ ideas to build positive connections with children ages 0-5 every day. You can personalize your tips by age. Every tip comes with information to put it into action and Brainy Background™ information that explains the science behind the tip. Read sample tips below.
Picture Detective
(Ages 2-4)
Tip
Encourage your child to be a picture detective. Look at a picture in a book or magazine. It can even be in a newspaper or in an ad on a bus or train. Talk about the picture together. Can you find certain objects? Ask questions like, "Look at that boy's face. How do you think he feels?"
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Pictures help your child make connections and to understand that words have meaning. Having them look closely builds focus and self-control. The example here also helps them learn to recognize other people's feelings.
One More Try
(Ages 2-5)
Tip
If your child gives up easily, show them how to try again. You can say, "I can't find my hat." Then add, "One More Try! I found it!" Celebrate and reflect on what happened. “I tried again, and I did it!” The next time they want to give up, try saying, "One More Try!" in a fun and positive voice.
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Giving something "One More Try" is easy. It can help your child learn to tackle a job a little bit at a time. Learning not to give up can take time, so try to be patient and make it fun! Sticking with tasks will help your child when they try to learn new skills and reach goals.
Toothy Wonder
(Ages 12 mo - 2)
When you're brushing your child's teeth, look in the mirror together. Talk about how your teeth are the same and different from theirs. For example, you have more teeth, and bigger teeth, but you both can make funny faces. Follow their lead and talk about what they notice.
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Comparing things that are the same and different will help your child sort their experiences into categories and make connections—skills that are important in reading, math, and science in the future. This also builds their connection with you!
Vroom is for Everyone
Get printable Tip sheets for grown-ups, educators, and community groups.
Print these out and spend a few minutes a day helping a child's brain grow strong.
Community Groups
Encourage parents to use the tools, and provide handouts for parents and caregivers.