University of FloridaSolutions for Your Life

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Publication #FAR0083

 

Being a Nurturing Parent1

Donna Davis2

Figure 1. 
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In the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives, juggling our families, work, chores, finances, homework, and car pools can feel overwhelming at times. As parents, managing the varying needs of our children can also become challenging. However, putting effort and energy of healthy, nurturing, and frequent interactions with your children will provide rewards that last a lifetime.

According to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, you can strengthen your relationship with your children by making certain your children know you love them, even when they do something wrong. Also, offer your children encouragement and praise for the skills they're developing. Spend time with your children and learn to listen to them. Use nonphysical options for discipline, such as using "time-out" or something as simple as redirecting their attention (Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2006).

Additionally, provide your children with access to people and activities that help them develop healthy and supportive relationships. For example, take your children to museums, libraries, or sporting events. Take advantage of youth enrichment programs and religious or youth groups in your community. And be sure to communicate with your children's teachers, coaches, or childcare providers (Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2006).

Finally, when you need help, ask for it. Parenting can be difficult at times. Seek respite care, parenting classes, counseling, or an understanding friend or relative for support when your stress may be affecting the way you treat your child, so you can also reap the rewards of parenting a healthy and happy child (Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2006).

Listening, learning, and living together: it's the science of life. "Family Album" is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, and of WUFT-FM. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at http://www.familyalbumradio.org.

To listen to the radio broadcast:

http://www.radiosource.net/radio_stories/418.mp3

http://www.radiosource.net/radio_stories/418.wav

Reference

Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect. (2006). Safe children and healthy families are a shared responsibility. Retrieved March 23, 2007, from http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/toc_eng.cfm.

Footnotes

1.

This document is FAR0083, one of a series of the Family Youth and Community Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Broadcast as program 418. Published March 2009. Revised March 2009. Reviewed March 2012. In the interest of time and/or clarity, the broadcast version of this script may have been modified. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Donna Davis, senior producer, Family Album Radio, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.