Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in portland, OR

 Everywhere we turn these days, the media is full of news of the economic down turn, foreclosures, and stock market gloom. The reality of "tough times" hit home for us a few months ago when my husband's company abruptly shut down their Portland office. (cue screeching brakes sound here) We went from planning a summer trip to contemplating exactly how we would make our mortgage payment and juggle our monthly bills on less than one-third of our normal income. (Our plan of saving for a rainy day always seemed to get derailed by a leaking roof or a broken tooth, so we were ill-prepared for such a drastic reduction of our income). 

We sat down with our daughter and discussed what these changes meant for our family. It is important to include children in major changes, but with age-appropriate facts, and with lots of reassurance. The gritty details can be hashed out after bedtime, but children deserve to be part of family discussions, even at a young age. My daughter understands we won't be doing summer camps this year (but we might just make our own summer camp in the backyard!) and she is approaching this lifestyle change as a challenge (what can we reuse instead of buying new things?)

 Here are some resources for you if you are facing personal, economic, or medical turmoil:

First, breathe. This too, will pass.  

Next, make a plan.  Gather information and link yourself with resources. People want to help you succeed and be safe. 

• In the Portland Metro area, 211 is the place to start. You can call 211 (or 503-222-5555 in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties 

if the 211 service does not work with your phone) to be linked with emergency community services, including food assistance, housing/shelter, and medical care. The website has a comprehensive, searchable database to connect with a variety of agencies. 

• Oregon SafeNet (Oregon only) 1-800-SAFENET (723-3638) SafeNet offers information and referral to state-wide programs that touch the lives of women and children. Referrals include: Oregon Health Plan, Food Stamps, immunizations prenatal care, WIC and nutrition programs.

• Winter Shelter (November-March: Multnomah County ONLY) 503-721-1500. Bed space information and availability for several private, nonprofit and church-based family shelters. Homeless families in Multnomah County may call the Winter Shelter line November 1-March 30.

• Multnomah County Early Childhood Program 14030 NE Sacramento. 503-262-4100.The birth to three program provides early identification and intervention for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities who reside in Multnomah County, exclusive of Portland Public School District. The program serves children with genetic syndromes, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders as well as children who are drug-affected or have other disabilities that impact their development.