Have you heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”? You might brush it off as just another timeless saying, but it underlines the importance of parent advocacy and community support in raising well-rounded kids. A recent study published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly explored the Getting Ready program, which is an approach aimed at boosting school readiness by emphasizing parent engagement. But guess what, it wasn’t just about school prep, kids become more confident, independent, and less anxious.
Similarly, a different study found that when communities step up by offering more accessible family services and resources by figuring out what influences kids the most, expanding parent programs, and pushing for government funding, there’s a real payoff for children’s well-being. Both studies show that when communities invest in family support and empower parents to engage with these resources, kids develop stronger social and emotional skills.
The challenge? Stepping up and getting involved in community resources can feel daunting. But it’s so important to overcome these hurdles. Overcoming social anxiety as a parent not only helps you speak up and seek support, but it also teaches your kids these same skills and positive social behaviors. Studies have shown that when parents display anxious behaviors like overcontrol, lack of warmth and affection, and expressing fears, it can contribute to social anxiety, peer problems, and emotional challenges in their kids.
So, what’s the bottom line? When parents tap into the power of community support and become strong advocates for their kids, they build a stronger foundation for their children’s futures. Ready to take action? Check out the “Parent Advocacy and Self-Care Workbook” and “Four Empowerment Strategies” to work on strengthening your voice!