We know the emotional well-being of young children is directly related to the health and wellness of their caregivers. When parents are stressed out their children experience that stress too. Chronic, protracted stress can put young children at greater risk of developing their own mental health problems and substance misuse later in life. Positive childhood experiences are critically important for children to grow into healthy adults.
Nathan Fink, with the NH Children’s Trust, and Michelle Lennon, with the Greater Tilton Area Family Resource Center, connect the dots of how adverse exposures or events in childhood influence child development and attachment. They keep it real as they share how they deal with the timeless challenges around caregiving while also juggling unchartered territory of the pandemic, home-schooling, remote work and social isolation. They share how they have abandoned the notion of “being the best version of themselves” for a more modest and kind acceptance of “it is good enough”. Listen for how to “lighten your load and isolation”, reduce family stress and bring more joy to the caregiving role.
Explore more on the topics and themes discussed in this episode:
NH Children’s Trust: The Governor’s designated statewide community-based child abuse prevention agency, the New Hampshire chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, and a member of the National Alliance of Children’s Trust & Prevention Funds. Check out the searchable database of NH Family Resource Centers to find a center near you.
Step Up Parents: Provides financial assistance to caregivers in New Hampshire who are raising the children of parents with substance use disorder.
Welcome Families NH: A one-stop resource that helps families with young children find what they need, when they need it.
Parent Information Center: Support and answers for all your questions about services for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
Home Visiting Services: Whether you are pregnant or already have a new baby at home, Home Visiting services help you with the support you want, when you want it. Many different types of services are available to guide and assist parents-to-be and parents of young children in the early stages of raising a family.
New Hampshire Family Voices: Provides free, confidential services to families and professionals caring for children with chronic conditions and/or disabilities.
Waypoint: A counseling service that offers a variety of services to support and strengthen young families including the free Family Support Warm Line (800-640-6480) where you can talk to a family support professional about things like coping strategies, child behaviors, family dynamics, household management and emotional distress.
The Partnership @drugfreeNH: Resources and information on strategies to prevent the misuse of alcohol, tobacco and other substances.
