It’s no surprise that the family is the foundation of a child’s well-being. Children who grow up in stable, responsive and nurturing households reap a lifetime of benefits. From infancy to adolescence and across adulthood, these children are healthier, exhibit fewer behavioral problems, use drugs less frequently, perform better in school and on the job, and are less likely to be incarcerated. A growing body of research shows that improving parenting skills can help support a child’s health and development. Encouraging positive interactions between parents and children, especially during the early years of child development when brain development is happening rapidly, can improve children’s physical and emotional health. Parents want to help their children thrive, and we can all play a role in supporting parents in that critical responsibility. There is no wrong door for supporting families and building parenting skills. Providers who care for children – from health care providers […]
