Parenting Tips

Building a parenting-rich community requires resources, information and education. Below are a short synopsis of the six factors that research shows that when present in families or communities is linked to a lower incidence of child abuse or neglect. To learn more about these factors, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Nurturing and Knowledge

How well a child is nurtured during the first years of life profoundly affects later behavior. Early bonding fosters a healthy parent-child relationship. Knowing appropriate ways to set limits and encourage good behavior is essential to effective parenting, while understanding child development promotes realistic expectations.

• Ages and Stages of Childhood Development through Age 18 from
  The American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org).
• Parenting Tips from Florida’s Prevent Child Abuse Chapter can be found at
  Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida.
  
• Download the 2012 parenting booklet here.

Well-Being of Children

A child’s well being involves major areas of development including physical, dental, emotional, social, intellectual, and behavioral as well safety. Parenting is more difficult when children do not or cannot respond positively to nurturing and affection. A child’s challenging behaviors and delays in social and emotional development can create considerable stress in his or her family. Helping children learn to self-regulate their behavior, effectively communicate their feelings and interact positively with others strengthens their relationship with their families and reduces the potential for abuse.

A few great resources for you:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics
• healthychildren.org
• KidsHealth from Nemours

Parental Resilience and Social Ties

Parents who can handle everyday stresses are less likely to direct anger and frustration at their children. Building parental resilience through help and counseling creates a healthier environment for children. Social isolation and a lack of support are closely tied to parental mistreatment of children. Friends and family can provide support by offering help and encouragement.

Need some support and advice?

• Florida Parent’s Hotline: 1 (800) FLA-LOVE (free and confidential)
• Boys Town National Hotline: 1 (800) 448-3000 (available 24 hours) or visit www.parenting.org
• Parenting Stress Reduction Tips: childdevelopmentinfo.com
• Just for Dads:
  
  • Fatherhood.gov
  • Fathers.com
  • Fatherhood.org

Concrete Supports

Families need basic resources such as food, clothing, housing, transportation and health care. Some families may also need social services such as counseling and public benefits. Connecting families to these supports reduces stress and helps children to flourish.

Need help?

Contact your local United Way for a referral in your area.

Escambia:
Call 211 or visit www.unitedwayescambia.org

Santa Rosa:
Call (850) 623-4507 or visit www.unitedwaysrc.org

Okaloosa/Walton:
Call 1-800-844-8929 toll free, (850)243-0315 or visit www.united-way.org