April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in South Carolina—and across the country. As the statewide organization focused on preventing child abuse and neglect, we at Children’s Trust of South Carolina know what parents and caregivers need to move from surviving to thriving so that they can help their families experience joy and grow through hard times together.
Here are ways to do that, whether you’re just starting a family or have been parenting for years.
1. Be Strong and Flexible.
Parenting requires a lot of resilience. Being resilient means being able to cope with big and small stressors as they arise. It allows you as a caregiver to stay strong and bounce back from adversity and hardship.
Resilience can come from resources such as faith, humor, supportive relationships and problem-solving skills. It helps parents give their kids the love and nurturing care they need, even when times are tough.
How do you proactively manage stress?
- Establish consistent daily routines for meals, bedtime and activities.
- Engage in activities that recharge you, such as exercise, reading, meditation or hobbies.
- Recognize situations that cause stress. Develop strategies to address them.
- If you have a safe person in your life who will just listen, share your fears, frustrations and feelings with them. Doing this can be really helpful to offload stress.
- Get professional help, like from a therapist or support group, if you think that’s something you might benefit from.
2. Help Your Child Manage Their Emotions.
Children need nurturing and supportive relationships with parents and caregivers to help them regulate their emotions, communicate clearly and have healthy relationships.
A child’s relationship with their caregiver forms their ability to communicate and self-regulate their emotions. Slowing down and staying patient when your child has strong emotions creates a safe space for them to express their feelings, forming a strong and healthy foundation for their mental health.
How can you help your child manage emotions and build social skills?
- Ask how your child is feeling, and listen with compassion.
- Help them name their emotions with simple words like “happy,” “sad,” or “frustrated.”
- Show your child how to handle emotions by staying calm and using coping strategies, like deep breathing or talking through feelings.
- Celebrate when your child successfully manages their emotions or interacts positively with others.
3. Have Friends and Positive Relationships as a Parent.
Having a strong support system of friends, family and neighbors is important! These loved ones can help you through tough times and celebrate happy moments.
An uplifting support system gives you a sense of belonging, support and encouragement and can help reduce the stress and isolation that often comes with parenting.
How can you build community?
- Make time to connect with others through regular phone calls, meetups or shared activities. Check out the SC Parents parenting and play groups available throughout the state, which are filterable by region!
- Participate in community activities, join groups or volunteer. Browse upcoming events throughout South Carolina at scParents.org/events.
- Introduce yourself to other parents. Show genuine interest in others.
- Find a faith community that has an active children or youth ministry.
4. Understand How Kids Grow.
Take time to learn about child development and how to best support your kids at every stage of childhood. It’s one of the best ways to set reasonable expectations for your child and yourself. A child’s needs change as they grow, so you have to continue to learn and respond accordingly to help your child, whether they’re a toddler or a teen.
How can you support your child’s development?
- Attend a parent education program. There are many different parenting classes available throughout South Carolina.
- Ask your pediatrician, nurse or other professional for advice.
- Pay attention to your child’s actions and emotions.
- Learn and reflect on what they might need at their developmental stage.
- Use your library to find trustworthy information on growth and development.
- Be patient with yourself. Often, once you feel like you’ve got the hang of one stage, then your child grows and you’re back at square one. Keep trusting yourself and seeking out help as you need it.
5. Know How to Find Help for Your Family.
Parenting is especially hard when you struggle to meet your basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, medical care and transportation. It’s important that you know where to go when your family needs help. Reaching out for resources, education and services can go a long way in reducing the stress and anxiety of providing for your family.
How can you find help when you need it?
- Visit scParents.org to find resources in your area.
- Find a family resource center in your community.
- Volunteer to help others. Build a network of those who could help you down the road.
- Advocate for yourself. Through practice, develop the confidence to communicate your needs.
If helping your family thrive feels out of reach, know that you are not alone. Parenting has become so stressful that the former U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a public health crisis advisory, calling for the nation to better support parents and caregivers.
Every step you take to meet your needs and the needs of your family matters. Celebrate every win you can, be kind to yourself, and know that we are here to help.
