What Builds a Strong Family? - Joint Initiatives

What Builds a Strong Family?

Everything has changed for families over the last month. In an effort to be #DoingMyPartCO, Alliance for Kids will focus on the positive things EVERYONE can do every day to make #greatchildhoods happen right now. We’ll draw from the five Strengthening Families protective factors to share ways families can stay strong and even build new skills

Five Protective Factors are the foundation of the Strengthening Families Approach:

1. parental resilience
2. social connections
3. concrete support in times of need
4. knowledge of parenting and child development
5. social and emotional competence of children
Research studies support the common-sense notion that when these Protective Factors are well established in a family, the likelihood of child abuse and neglect diminishes. Research shows that these protective factors are also “promotive” factors that build family strengths and a family environment that promotes optimal child and youth development.

We’ll be sharing the resources mentioned in our social media posts here:

Social Connections
Starting with social connections –  key to reducing stress – we invite parents to learn more about two new online groups offering connection and support:
1. Circle of Parents
2. Illuminate Colorado Facebook Group

Check out more ways to connect in the following article: Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others.

Parent Resilience
As the weeks go by, you may be wondering if you will be able to “bounce back” from all the changes that have happened to your daily life, your family relationships, your financial situation…otherwise known as being resilient. Perhaps you were already struggling before COVID-19 impacted everything. To help you cope and manage the stress you and your family may be experiencing, we’re sharing the following with families to promote parental resilience, one of the five protective factors for strengthening families:
Tips for how your family can de-stress: to.pbs.org/3bTfpvp
Local mental health supports:
More on emotional resilience:
For all family resources, visit FamilySPEAK.org.
#greatchildhoods#strengtheningfamilies#earlychildhoodmatters

Concrete Supports
Whether your family is new to experiencing financial stress, or if recent events have compounded your situation even further, there are concrete supports and assistance to help you manage. Learn more about local resources available for keeping families strong, here:
For all family resources, visit FamilySPEAK.org.
#strengtheningfamilies ##greatchildhoods #earlychildhoodmatters

Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development

  • The FamilySPEAK.org website has a special video library for parents/families based on the Early Learning and Development Guidelines. These age specific videos are short and offer you an easy way to learn about developmental milestones. Each child’s development is different – discussing any concerns you may have with your child’s pediatrician will help you be their best advocate. To learn more, click HERE.
    When parenting classes begin to meet again, please visit our calendar page for information.
  • Have you heard of Vroom? If not, now is the perfect time to try Vroom. As you meet the new challenges that each day brings, supporting you is Vroom’s primary focus. Vroom is here to share simple and fun ways to boost learning that don’t require more time or money. Vroom tips are always free, flexible, and designed to support you in your daily life. We hope they spark some moments of connection and joy in this trying time. You can access Vroom by app, text, or weekly videos on Facebook. To learn more, click HERE.
  • Bright by Text provides free tips, information, and resources to help all parents and caregivers give every child a bright beginning. Their text messaging service delivers actionable information from trusted early childhood experts to parents and caregivers of young children — from prenatal to age eight — to support healthy child development and build strong, resilient families. To learn more, visit Bright by Text.

Social & Emotional Competence of Children
FamilySPEAK has compiled resources to support families and their child’s social and emotional well-being. As one of the five protective factors for strengthening families, being there to support your child in the early years will help build skills that will serve them well now and in the future. To learn more, explore other posts in our special Emotional Well-Being section HERE. We’ve also include some links to get you started:

Specific to COVID-19:

Supporting your child’s social-emotional health is not just for times of crisis. Here are resources for any time you need help.

 

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