Handout B-2: Strategies to Promote Resiliency-The Family
Protective Factors Head Start Strategies Able to provide stable care and close bond with children, especially in the first year of life. Good relationship with at least on parent Children has more than one adult in his life with whom he has a stable, important care giving relationship. High (but developmentally appropriate) parental expectations. Adults in charge-family provides structure, limit setting, clear rules, and expectations. Belief in a meeting and purpose of life, has a source of spiritual renewal and sustenance-"I believe things will work out." Opportunities for participation by children and youth. Kin and neighbors available for social support networks. Trainer's Key to Activity 3-Definitions & Examples for Handout B-2
Protective Factors Head Start Strategies Able to provide stable care and close bond with children, especially in the first year of life. Home visits to help new parents feel competent in caring for babies. Recommended resources for education and support when a parent's relationship with an infant is challenging. Advocate for policies like the Family Leave Act which allow parents time for maternity/paternity and sick-care leave. Good relationship with at least on parent Parenting support and education. Involve non-custodial parents. Children has more than one adult in his life with whom he has a stable, important care giving relationship. Allow the family to define who the important caregivers are and include non-parental adults (e.g., grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends). High (but developmentally appropriate) parental expectations. Parent education that clarifies appropriate developmental expectations. Point out child's strengths, abilities, and potential. Adults in charge-family provides structure, limit setting, clear rules, and expectations. Respect parent's role as primary teachers and care providers for their children. Reinforce their being "in charge" by respecting their authority. offer support in making appropriate rules and developing strategies for setting limits. Belief in a meeting and purpose of life, has a source of spiritual renewal and sustenance-"I believe things will work out." Validate families' spiritual beliefs. Model a respect for diverse religious beliefs-through the way holidays are observed, for example. Include religious communities as resource when helping families draw on their support networks. Opportunities for participation by children and youth. Encourage parents to create age-appropriate responsibilities for children. Preschoolers can set the table, help put away folded laundry, feed a pet. Kin and neighbors available for social support networks. Include extended kin and important friends and neighbors in Head Start celebrations and events. So "Kinship Mapping" with families to learn who the important people in the support network are.