Parenting is difficult, and we all need help from time to time. Check out some popular parenting tips below or visit Family Enrichment Services for more parenting support and guidance to create lasting, healthy bonds with your family.

MANAGING PARENTING STRESS:

• Find support. Socialization and self-care are vital in helping reduce stress levels. Schedule calls, video chats, or play dates with friends, family members, or other parents to stay connected.
• Be mindful of your feelings and recognize when your stress levels are reaching capacity. If you feel frustrated or angry with your child, take a break, walk away, and find a way to calm down, or contact Family Enrichment Services for help with the stress of raising a family.
• Spend time outside. If possible, try to spend some time outside every day when the weather permits. Fresh air, nature, and sunshine can boost your mood, and being outside can give everyone a much-needed change in scenery. Try going for walks, planning a picnic, or playing a game of tag!

READING TO YOUR CHILD:

• Reading aloud to your child improves children’s listening and reading comprehension, helps develop a large vocabulary, and encourages children to retell stories with a well-developed narrative structure.
• Books contain many words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently in spoken language. Children’s books actually contain 50% more rare words than primetime television or even college students’ conversations.
• Research shows that just 20 minutes a day spent reading with a child helps him/her develop critical reading skills.

PROTECTING YOUR CHILD ONLINE:

• Chat “in real life” with your children. With our social lives often being conducted entirely online these days, it’s important to have face-to-face discussions about how children and teens are maintaining healthy relationships online, and to give them opportunities to also talk about anything unhealthy or uncomfortable happening to them online.
• Online enticement happens across all platforms, so be aware of the sites, games, and apps your children frequently use, and ask them to show you how they use them.
• Create an honest, open environment with your kids. Being supportive, positive, and listening to your child helps keep conversations afloat.

KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE:

• Encourage your child to know that you are a safe place to share information or ask questions about things that make them feel uncomfortable. Make talking to your child about personal safety an ongoing dialogue, not just a single conversation.
• Teach children about boundaries. Let children know that their body belongs to them and that they can say no to unwanted touch. Empower children to seek help when something feels uncomfortable to them.
• If a child does reveal something concerning, remain calm and always believe the child. Assure the child they did the right thing in telling and that that they are not to blame for the abuse. Let the child tell their story, but leave the questioning to the professionals. Call 1-800-252-5400 or local law enforcement to report your concerns. Learn more about the signs of abuse on our Frequently Asked Questions page.