How We Get It Done....
We work to enhance families, promote community support, enhance play, and prevent child abuse & neglect by addressing the 6 protective factors that influence a parent’s ability to successfully care for their children through our P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Through these protective factors, parents learn to thrive instead of just surviving parenthood.
P . R . O . M . I . S . E .
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Parenting Classes
Parenting classes teach parents effective parenting techniques and strategies to reduce challenging behaviors in children, increase cooperation amongst the family and improve mental health outcomes for all family members. The Playful Family, Inc. uses evidence-based programs rooted in research and that are trauma informed and responsive. Parenting programs include Nurturing Parenting Program, Circle of Security, Trust Based Relational Intervention, and Darkness to Light- Stewards of Children.
Aligned Protective Factor
Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development
R
Referrals
Referrals to partner agencies and organizations when needed or to traditional behavioral health services when necessary.
Aligned Protective Factor
Concrete Support in times of need
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Outreach
Outreach events in the community to promote The Playful Family, Inc. and Our Promise Program services and benefits. The Playful Family, Inc. attends outreach events to increase awareness of program benefits and recruit participants.
Aligned Protective Factor
Social Connections
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Mental Wellness
Mental Wellness events are offered regularly for free or low cost to the community and increase access to mental wellness services and further reduce stigma in the community. These services include mental health counseling, sound baths, meditations, yoga, breath work, trauma coaching, and more.
Aligned Protective Factor
Parental Resilience
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Independent Living Skills
Independent Living Skills to aid caregivers in connecting to the concrete supports they need to provide for their family. Also useful for children with special needs or youth transitioning out of foster care to learn activities of daily living, and to be independent and self-sufficient.
Aligned Protective Factor
Concrete Support in times of need
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Social Supports
Social Supports allow parents to find like-minded parents they can connect with on a personal level and help relieve loneliness and isolation. Support and social groups are a key part of this program along with volunteerism.
Aligned Protective Factor
Social Connections
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Enrichment
Enrichment classes for both parents and children that increase exposure to new activities and new ways to regulate their bodies, behavior, and mental health. This includes access to free or low-cost music classes, yoga classes, sound baths, art class, clubs, and more.
Aligned Protective Factor
Social Emotional Competence
Protective Factor 1
Nurturing Parenting & Attachment: A child's early experiences of being nurtured and developing a bond with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection. Research shows that babies who receive affection and nurturing from their parents have the best chance of healthy development. A child's relationship with a consistent, caring adult in the early years is associated later in life with better academic grades, healthier behaviors, more positive peer interactions, and an increased ability to cope with stress.
Protective Factor 2
Knowledge of Child Development: There is extensive research linking healthy child development to effective parenting. Children thrive when parents provide not only affection but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence. Successful parenting fosters psychological adjustment, helps children succeed in school, encourages curiosity about the world, and motivates children to achieve.
Protective Factor 3
Parental Resilience: Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well. Multiple life stressors, such as a family history of abuse or neglect, health problems, marital conflict, or domestic or community violence—and financial stressors, such as unemployment, poverty, and homelessness—may reduce a parent's capacity to cope effectively with the typical day-to-day stresses of raising children.
Protective Factor 4
Social Connections: Parents and caregivers with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves compared with those who do not have such a network. All caregivers need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research has shown that parents who are isolated and have few social connections are at higher risk for maltreating their children.
Protective Factor 5
Concrete Supports: Many factors can affect a family's ability to care for its children. Partnering with parents to identify and access resources in the community may help prevent the stress that sometimes precipitates child maltreatment. Providing concrete supports may also help prevent the unintended neglect that sometimes occurs when parents are unable to provide for their children.