Support in parenting is essential
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EmailKeeping yourself healthy and happy through support in the parenting journey will help your children to be healthy and happy, too!
Parenting young children is both extremely busy and all-consuming with errands to run, needs to meet and daily schedules to manage. It also has the potential to be isolating. Trying to go it alone means you can go weeks without a chance to make a phone call or a moment to yourself (unless you count folding clothes).
Finding support for you in your parenting journey is vital for you and your children to be able to give and receive positive healthy energy to each other. Moods, thoughts, emotions and interactions can all be lifted with encouragement, acceptance and non-judgmental support.
Where can you recharge, get perspective, reflect and learn this ever-changing role?
Parenting classes
Michigan State University Extension educators offer Nurturing Families and numerous workshops for parents and caregivers, along with GreatStart, Department of Health and Human Services and foster care/adoption agencies.
Community playgroups
Infant and toddlers enjoy interacting with other young ones and parents can enjoy the play while meeting and socializing with other parents.
Early Headstart/Headstart
In home visits focusing on your individual child along with socialization opportunities are included in the services for qualifying families.
Pregnancy Centers
Many of these volunteer run centers provide diapers and formula which you may suspect but also new parent groups and learning resources.
Faith communities
Raising kids alongside others in a caring environment with regular interaction is beneficial for both parents and children.
Books
Resources abound and may be tricky to navigate with contradictory philosophies, so asking a variety of sources (web searches, librarians, friends and professionals) may lead you to a gem.
Blogs
Whether its comic relief, a practical tip at just the right time or a project idea to chance away the mundane blogs can give perspective and spark something in you while connecting you with others.
Family and Friends
Fulfilling healthy relationships support your positive state of mind and overall well-being, along with that of your children.
Keeping yourself healthy and happy through support in the parenting journey will help your children to be healthy and happy, too!
To contact an expert in your area, visit people.msue.msu.edu.
