Parenting Takes a Community
Parenting isn’t meant to be an isolated task, even when your support system feels distant. It takes an entire community to ensure that children grow up safe, strong and well cared for.
Finding new ways to lean in to the resources around you will not only provide a sense of community but will help protect your family. Whether you have relatives, neighbors or caretakers to help, raising a child requires all hands on deck, so make sure you are staying connected to those around you.
Lean in to Your Support System - Suicide Prevention
Facing difficult conversations and hardships with your child is a normal part of parenting that everyone goes through. Connecting with those around you for guidance and direction can help you become the best parent you can be for your children. If you’re in need of assistance, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. You can call anytime at 1-800-273-8255.
Reach Out to Experts - Birth to 5 Helpline
In order to teach your child by example as they develop, you need information and resources to be successful. Experts are here to support you and provide sound information on the norms of childhood development. The Birth to 5 Helpline provides child development and fussy baby experts as well as community referrals. They are available M-F from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1-877-705-5437.
Link: Birth to 5 Helpline
Stay in Touch with Other Parents - Mindfulness Practices
When you stay mindful amidst stressful circumstances, you are teaching your child to do the same. It is important for parents to stay calm in order to show their children how to react. Reach out to other parents and talk about ways they lead by example. Practicing mindfulness alone, with your child or with other parents can create a calming environment for everyone when problems arise. A socially and emotionally sound parent leads to a socially and emotionally sound child, so lean on those around you to develop mindful parenting skills.
Get Connected to Your Community - 2-1-1 Arizona
Your journey through parenthood should not be lonely. Your local community stands behind you, ensuring access to everything you need to raise a healthy family. Making connections with your neighbors and the statewide agencies available to you will help you find the support you need. Many of these resources can be found in your own backyard, and 2-1-1 Arizona can help you locate them. This information and referral service is always available to help families find resources throughout their state and local community.
Link: 2-1-1 Arizona
Find Encouragement from Others - Crisis Response Network
There are services, resources and people around you to provide hope and to help you cope when you feel like you are going through a crisis by yourself. It can be hard to know what your options are when seeking mental health resources. The Crisis Response Network is available 24/7/365 as a connection point between you and the services you need.
Link: Crisis Response Network
Discuss Safety with Your Loved Ones - Practice Safe Sleep
Before you say goodnight to your baby, take a moment to acknowledge the ABCs of safe sleep. Babies sleep safest when they are Alone, on their Back and in a Crib. Don’t wake up to a tragedy; talk to your loved ones, caregivers and other parents about safe sleep best practices.
Link: ABCs of Safe Sleep
First Things First
First Things First (FTF) offers an online tool called Find Programs. It's an easy way for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to search for free early childhood programs and services available near them. As Arizona's early childhood agency, FTF funds services like parenting workshops and home visitation programs throughout the state. Families can use the Find Programs tool on the FTF website. Available in English and in Spanish.
Link: First Things First
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