April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. SAL Community Services, the Quad Cities-based nonprofit, offers early education and child care services for children that also support families. SAL programs offer parenting training opportunities that improve parent involvement, build parent-child relationships, and decrease parental distress. SAL offers high quality care and services to families with children up to age 13, including specialized early care programs for children from zero through three years. “Our early education and care programs provide a nurturing and welcoming space for both parents and children,” said Marcy Mendenhall, president and CEO of SAL Community Services. “We know that children who receive quality early care experience less abuse and are 93 percent less likely to be removed from their home. Parents leave our workshops with tools to create a positive and nurturing atmosphere at home. Seeing their success and watching their children grow is an inspiration. We’re committed to bringing these services to as many families as possible.” Studies show that families participating in Early Head Start have better parenting and family outcomes, including lower levels of parenting stress, more supportive home environments, and less family conflict. These lower the risk of child maltreatment by 10-22 percent and decrease the likelihood of child welfare system involvement. Parents involved in SAL’s early care program have seen the same positive impact on their families. “No parent wants to abuse their child,” said Nicole Carroll, a parent ambassador for the Illinois Head Start Association who also has children enrolled in SAL’s Early Head Start program. “Parents from all backgrounds face so many challenges and frustrations. Without the right tools, frustration can lead to abuse. If we can meet parents’ needs, we can prevent a lot of violence." SAL’s safe and enriching environment prepares children for continued growth and learning leading to success in school and beyond, all while giving parents the tools they need to be wonderful, self-sufficient caregivers. SAL offers workshops like “Positive Solutions for Families,” which gives families enrolled in Early Head Start access to an evidenced-based child education curriculum and sends them home with practical tools for dealing with stressful situations. “The program emphasizes the importance of positive parenting behaviors,” said Rosie Zbaracki, family engagement manager for SAL’s EHS program. “Parents learn about things like creating beneficial routines and giving encouraging feedback. They leave with a lot of materials and a plan for creating positive interactions when they get home.” “If my story can help tip the scale even a little bit and help other parents like me, then I feel like I have a responsibility to share it,” Carroll said. To learn more about SAL Community Services Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, visit https://lnkd.in/g3J5_U4j.
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Please share and help Shyanne find her forever home! Shyanne is a nurturing and spirited 15-year-old girl. She is described as energetic, imaginative and sociable. She prefers to play indoors and her troupe of dolls is the perfect way to occupy her day. Shyanne thoughtfully chose names for all her dolls. Pink and purple are her best-liked colors, and she adores dogs. She also loves to have her hair done. Be ready to listen to Shyanne as she loves to talk and tell stories to others! SpongeBob SquarePants is a goofy character that makes her smile. Arts and crafts projects are another enjoyable activity for this creative girl. Shyanne also loves playing board or card games with others; UNO is one of her favorites. Being helpful is important to her; Shyanne stands up for what is right when she feels her friends have been wronged. Shyanne has a stellar imagination when reading and is known for her sweet personality. She benefits from relationships with adults. Shyanne is starting 9th grade this 2023-24 school year and has an Individual Education Plan to assist her as she is academically delayed. Overall, Shyanne is physically healthy. She is prescribed medication, which she takes daily. Shyanne attends weekly trauma-focused individual therapy. Shyanne hopes to have pets in her family. She has significant connections to maintain following placement. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. This is not a legal risk placement as termination of parental rights has occurred. Shyanne would do best in a Christian family residing in a rural area; however, her caseworker will consider all family types and home-studied families from all states will be considered. The ideal adoptive family for Shyanne would be a loving family with trauma informed parenting experience and behavioral training. The adoptive family should have a strong support network locally and be able to provide routine and structure. For more information, contact Grace Whitener, Family Development Specialist at Bringing Families Together at 314-731-3969 or gracew@bringingfamiliestogether.com.
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Please share and help Shyanne find her forever home! Shyanne is a nurturing and spirited 15-year-old girl. She is described as energetic, imaginative and sociable. She prefers to play indoors and her troupe of dolls is the perfect way to occupy her day. Shyanne thoughtfully chose names for all her dolls. Pink and purple are her best-liked colors, and she adores dogs. She also loves to have her hair done. Be ready to listen to Shyanne as she loves to talk and tell stories to others! SpongeBob SquarePants is a goofy character that makes her smile. Arts and crafts projects are another enjoyable activity for this creative girl. Shyanne also loves playing board or card games with others; UNO is one of her favorites. Being helpful is important to her; Shyanne stands up for what is right when she feels her friends have been wronged. Shyanne has a stellar imagination when reading and is known for her sweet personality. She benefits from relationships with adults. Shyanne is starting 9th grade this 2023-24 school year and has an Individual Education Plan to assist her as she is academically delayed. Overall, Shyanne is physically healthy. She is prescribed medication, which she takes daily. Shyanne attends weekly trauma-focused individual therapy. Shyanne hopes to have pets in her family. She has significant connections to maintain following placement. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. This is not a legal risk placement as termination of parental rights has occurred. Shyanne would do best in a Christian family residing in a rural area; however, her caseworker will consider all family types and home-studied families from all states will be considered. The ideal adoptive family for Shyanne would be a loving family with trauma informed parenting experience and behavioral training. The adoptive family should have a strong support network locally and be able to provide routine and structure. For more information, contact Grace Whitener, Family Development Specialist at Bringing Families Together at 314-731-3969 or gracew@bringingfamiliestogether.com.
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Raising children is a rewarding yet challenging experience, especially when you have children of different ages. Each child has their own unique needs and personalities, which can make parenting even more complex. However, with compassion and understanding, you can navigate the ups and downs of raising children of different ages. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips to help you parent with empathy and patience. Recognize individual needs One of the most important aspects of raising children of different ages is recognizing that each child has their own unique needs. A toddler may require more attention and supervision, while a teenager may need more independence and autonomy. By acknowledging and respecting these individual needs, you can create a supportive environment for each child to thrive. Practice active listening Communication is key in any relationship, including the one between parents and children. When raising children of different ages, it's important to practice active listening to understand each child's thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Take the time to listen without judgment or interruption, and validate their emotions to show that you care about their well-being. Set boundaries with empathy Setting boundaries is essential in parenting, but it's equally important to do so with empathy and understanding. Instead of simply enforcing rules without explanation, take the time to explain why certain boundaries are in place and how they benefit your child. By setting boundaries with empathy, you can help your children understand the importance of rules while fostering a sense of respect and trust. Foster sibling relationships Sibling relationships play a crucial role in shaping a child's social skills and emotional development. When raising children of different ages, encourage positive interactions between siblings by creating opportunities for them to bond and connect. Teach them how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and support each other through challenges. By fostering strong sibling relationships, you can promote empathy, cooperation, and solidarity among your children. Practice self-care Parenting can be overwhelming at times, especially when juggling the needs of children at different stages of development. It's important to prioritize self-care as a parent so that you can show up as your best self for your children. Take breaks when needed, ask for help from family or friends, engage in activities that bring you joy, and seek support from parenting resources or professionals if necessary.
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Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Discipline and Child Abuse" Introduction: In a world where parenting styles vary widely, the line between discipline and child abuse can sometimes blur. The key to understanding this critical distinction lies in dissecting the various aspects of both discipline and child abuse. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the psychological, physical, and emotional realms, ultimately highlighting the stark differences between these two concepts. By the end of this 3,000-word journey, we hope to provide clarity and guidance to parents, caregivers, and society as a whole. --- Section 1: The Psychological Impact 1.1 The Purpose of Discipline - Defining discipline as a necessary tool for child development. - The role of boundaries, rules, and consequences in shaping behavior. - Positive discipline techniques and their psychological benefits. 1.2 The Psychology of Child Abuse - Understanding the motives behind abusive behavior. - How child abuse scars the child's psyche. - The cycle of abuse and its intergenerational effects. --- Section 2: The Physical Aspect 2.1 Discipline without Harm - Exploring non-violent discipline methods. - The importance of physical safety in discipline. - Case studies of effective physical discipline. 2.2 Recognizing Physical Abuse - Identifying signs of physical abuse. - The impact of physical abuse on a child's well-being. - Legal consequences and child protective services. --- Section 3: The Emotional Dimension 3.1 Emotional Discipline - Teaching emotional regulation and empathy through discipline. - Nurturing a child's emotional intelligence. - How emotional discipline fosters a strong parent-child bond. 3.2 Emotional Abuse - Defining emotional abuse and its subtle manifestations. - The long-lasting emotional scars of abuse. - Therapeutic approaches to healing emotional trauma. --- Section 4: Societal Perspectives 4.1 Cultural Variations in Discipline - Examining cultural differences in disciplinary approaches. - How cultural norms influence our perception of discipline and abuse. 4.2 Legal Framework and Child Protection - The role of legislation in preventing child abuse. - Reporting child abuse and seeking help. - The importance of community and social support systems. --- Conclusion: In this extensive exploration of discipline and child abuse, it is evident that the distinction between the two is crucial for the well-being of children. While discipline is a necessary component of child rearing, it should always be rooted in love, understanding, and the child's best interests. Child abuse, on the other hand, inflicts lasting harm, both physically and psychologically. As a society, we must be vigilant in recognizing the signs of child abuse and providing support to those in need.
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Navigating Challenges with So He Cares Part 2: Advocating for Your Child As we continue our exploration of parenting children with SEND, we delve deeper into the multifaceted challenges that define this journey. At So He Cares, we stand committed to comprehending and addressing these unique hurdles. In this next instalment of our series, we shine a spotlight on these challenges, shedding light on the transformative solutions carefully crafted to empower children and families. Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of this important topic. Challenge: Advocating for Your Child’s Needs Being an effective advocate for your child's needs requires knowledge and confidence. It's not always easy to voice your concerns or understand the best way to advocate for the tailored support your child deserves. Solution: Parental Empowerment At So He Cares, we are unwavering in our commitment to empowering parents to become powerful advocates for their children. We understand that the path to effective advocacy is paved with information and support. Through our comprehensive workshops, meticulously crafted resources, and personalised 1-on-1 consultations, we arm parents with the tools they need to navigate the intricacies of the system. Whether it's understanding the complexities of EHCPs or having productive conversations with professionals, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to transform your journey from uncertainty to confidence, ensuring that your child receives the customised care they deserve. By equipping you with knowledge, insights, and strategies, we're fostering a partnership that bridges the gap between home and school. One example of So, He Cares’ recent effort to empower parents to advocate for their child, comes in the form of social media posts; Instagram user samkitty27 recently reached out, expressing their frustration and concern for their autistic son , who is facing difficulties at school, where the professionals who were supposed to help, seem to have abandoned them. The school has even mentioned that the EHCP isn’t very valuable. This statement is deeply discouraging, and the parent feels that their son’s life has become more difficult since he received an EHCP. We know that unfulfilled commitments from professionals can be disheartening. Our team was quick to reiterate that an EHCP is a powerful tool to secure the tailored support children deserve. We guided them towards the initial steps to become effective advocates for their children, providing them with the necessary tools to navigate every stage confidently, including the crucial annual review. Join us in this journey of empowerment. Let's work together to shape a future where parents are not just advocates, but informed decision-makers ensuring the best possible outcomes for their children. Reach out to us at 07555183177 or info@sohecares.co.uk. Learn more about our impactful solutions at sohecares.co.uk
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"Once we've thought through what treating our kids the same means, we have to know how to communicate to them that we care about them equally. It's particularly difficult when we are trying to blend step-siblings or transition a foster child into our home. The non-biological children are extremely sensitive to favoritism, and often see it when we don't think it exists. So we need to figure out how to communicate to our kids that they are a part of the family just as every other child in our home. As with most parenting challenges, there are few hard and fast rules, but there are some important principles that can guide us. 1. Acknowledge and Listen- One popular response is to tell our kids that life isn't fair and they need to get used to that fact. Of course life is not fair, but that is a prime example of a true statement that is not helpful. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and ask for their perspective. Their beliefs and feelings are real to them, no matter what we think about how they match objective reality. 2. Don't Over-explain- Once we've started a discussion with our children about the rules, it's very easy to fall into the trap of trying to get them to agree with us. Don't. Our children rarely have enough life experience or maturity to understand our perspective, and they rarely are going to agree with you, anyway. 3. Explain the Concept of Different Needs at Different Times- When you do explain, concentrate on the theme that your goal is not to treat everyone exactly the same, but to help different people meet different challenges. For example, children can understand the analogy that a sibling with a broken ankle needs a crutch and a different chore than taking out the trash. You can go from there to explaining how a child who has suffered trauma has invisible injuries that you have to take into account. Your children may not like that explanation, but they usually can understand it. 4. Keep Giving Freely Without Expecting Anything in Return- The final, and most important, thing to communicate to our children is that we care about all of them. Sometimes, however, the core message of "you're not treating me the same" is that the child doesn't think we love him or her. If this is the message, then logical explanations won't work. We have to find ways to show them how much we care about them. Conclusion There's no single answer to children who think we are treating them unfairly. Each situation will need a different response from us. All of our responses, however, have to be rooted in caring about our children and finding ways to communicate that care. We have to start with unconditional care, and keep caring about them no matter their response. Only when they believe that we care about them will they be willing to understand why we believe we are treating everyone the same." Find the full post and others like it on my blog https://lnkd.in/gijht_4C and subscribe to stay updated on events and new content!
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Chief Editor #TheAsiaHawk | CTO Webtribe.INC | AI Hacker | Lawyer | Solution's Architect @ Fortune 500 | Certified White water Rafter & Mountaineer
Birth to 5 Helpline gives Arizona parents of young children advice - AZCentral Arizona parents with young children are only a phone call away from getting parenting tips and tricks. The Birth to Five Helpline, created by the ... More Info. This Arizona helpline provides free advice to parents of young kids https://lnkd.in/dYvsrfeG #trending
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Chief Editor #TheAsiaHawk | CTO Webtribe.INC | AI Hacker | Lawyer | Solution's Architect @ Fortune 500 | Certified White water Rafter & Mountaineer
Birth to 5 Helpline gives Arizona parents of young children advice - AZCentral Arizona parents with young children are only a phone call away from getting parenting tips and tricks. The Birth to Five Helpline, created by the ... More Info. This Arizona helpline provides free advice to parents of young kids https://lnkd.in/dYvsrfeG #trending
This Arizona helpline provides free advice to parents of young kids
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Have you been divorced? Have YOUR kids been affected by separation? Have you come across a program as effective as the work at The Parenting Apart Programme Let me know your thoughts on this insightful and delicate topic below : The emphasis on Faith organisations as pillars of support during separation is truly commendable – recognising their pivotal role in nurturing children's well-being and providing a sense of identity and belonging for families The evidence-backed solutions presented, focusing on reducing parental conflict, paint a promising picture for the future of children going through such challenging times. The central theme of empowering parents and children to thrive through separation resonates deeply. Addressing inter-parental conflict early on allows parents to play a positive and irreplaceable role in their children's lives, a sentiment beautifully demonstrated by the impactful efforts of the Parenting Apart Programme. The call to action for policymakers is clear – it's time to prioritise early intervention programs that work, rethinking existing policies and investing in evidence-based solutions. Safeguarding children from ongoing emotional harm during family separation is a SHARED responsibility, and the proactive approach advocated in the report is both inspiring and necessary. Every child deserves a supportive and loving environment, and I stand in support of the efforts to achieve this goal through impactful early interventions Kam Kaur The Parenting Apart Programme #FamilySupport #ParentingApartProgramme #EmpowerThroughSeparation #SocialValue #PolicyChange #ChildWellbeing #SupportingChange
Bridging Gaps for Families During Separation In a gathering that brought together over 30 representatives, The Parenting Apart Programme Multi-Faith Event explored into the impact of parental conflict on children and families during separation. This report shines a spotlight on crucial findings, emphasising the need for collective action to support families during these challenging times. 1. Faith Organisations as Pillars of Support: The event highlighted the crucial role that Faith organisations play in nurturing children's well-being when parents are going through Divorce or Separation. These organisations, deeply embedded in communities, emerged as key players in promoting family resilience and providing a sense of identity and belonging for both parents and children. 2. Evidence-Backed Solutions for Reducing Parental Conflict: The report presents evidence-backed solutions that aim to reduce parental conflict and pave the way for brighter futures for children. Workshops and expert presentations highlighted the effectiveness of Early Intervention programmes, in mitigating the impact of separation on children's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 3. Empowering Parents and Children Through Separation: The central theme of the event revolves around empowering parents and children to thrive through separation. By addressing inter-parental conflict early on, parents can play a positive and irreplaceable role in their children's lives. The Parenting Apart Programme, is already demonstrating the positive impact on children and families. 4. Call to Action for Policy Makers: A clear message resonates from the findings: It is time for policymakers to prioritise early intervention programmes that work. Rethinking existing policies and investing in evidence-based solutions will not only alleviate the burden on public services but also lead to substantial long-term benefits for children and families. 5. Shining a Light on Social Value: A key takeaway from the event is the significant Social Value generated by Early Intervention programmes. By reducing the time and expense of court proceedings, improving communication between parents, and prioritising the emotional needs of children, these programmes become an investment in our children's future. 7. Safeguarding Children from Ongoing Emotional Harm: Every child deserves a supportive and loving environment, even during family separation. The report calls for a proactive approach to safeguarding children from ongoing emotional harm, emphasising the importance of early interventions in achieving this goal. Thankyou No5 Barristers' Chambers for supporting the event and Nuffield Family Justice Observatory, Catherine Barker, University of Cambridge Professor Gordon Harold. Claire Field, Peter Hay, Jude Eyre, Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE FRSA Ministry of Justice UK If you would like a copy of the presentation slides from the presenters, please contact us on enquires@parentingapartprogramme.co.uk
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Edupreneur , Curriculum strategist, TedX Speaker , Leadership Coach , Curriculum Designer ,School consultant , Parenting Coach , Teacher Training and School leader
Can schools work together with parents to help raise their children at home? As parents, we have a big job to do when it comes to raising our children. It's a never-ending balancing act that requires constant attention. That's why schools need to be there, offering guidance and support as they navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. Together, we can help our kids grow into happy, well-adjusted adults. It is essential to foster a strong relationship between parents and schools to provide children with the best possible care as they are a reflection of our personalities, achievements, emotions, fears, and desires. Suggestive strategies for schools to be partners in raising kids even at home: -Arrange Parenting workshops often with industry experts. -Offer counselling services to both parents and students and maintain open lines of communication to address parental concerns. -Comprehend the unique family dynamics of individual students to tailor their approach to parenting and develop customized family plans that cater to the specific needs of each household. -Additionally, regularly provide parents with tips for cultivating positive experiences with their children and emphasizing the importance of mealtimes. - Open the doors of acceptance, don't judge rather listen, assimilate and guide. As partners in raising the future generation, schools cannot enforce how parents should raise their children. However, they can guide parents by sharing information, discussing challenges, and designing solutions together. By fostering a constructive and supportive environment for parents and children, we can create a better future for all.
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