Parenting is already a challenging job. And in many households both parents work outside of the home, making parenting even more of a challenge. The LSU AgCenter has resources that can help parents be successful at their most important job – raising their child.
Nurturing
Infants have basic physical needs to eat and sleep, but beyond that babies and children need to be nurtured. Nurturing can be instinctual for many parents, but parenting education can enhance a parent’s ability to properly nurture a child.
“We know that a loving, caring relationship with an adult has the greatest impact on positive outcomes for children,” said Becky White, LSU AgCenter family development expert.
Nurturing can be as simple as cuddling or talking to a child. Or it can be more complicated like learning the language of your child’s cries and responding accordingly.
White sites reading to your child as one of the most important activities a parent and child can share.
“Children are at such a disadvantage in life if they don’t hear lots and lots of positive, affirming words between the ages of zero to 3,” White said.
Parent Care
To be successful parents, parents shouldn’t neglect themselves. White likened this aspect of parenting to putting on your own oxygen mask first. You need to help yourself to be able to adequately help others.
“Parents must learn in these busy lives of theirs to take care of their own needs so they can be strong for their children.”
White also emphasized the importance of creating a support system.
“It can be extended family; it can be a partner where you take turns dealing with the issues of parenting. Grandparents are a great asset to young parents,” White said.
A support system can help parents get a much-needed break from time to time and give parents the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.
Ages and Stages
Parents need to have realistic expectations about their child. Knowing at what ages babies and young children reach certain stages will keep parents from expecting too much too soon.
“You don’t want to set your child up for failure,” White said.
Parents should know around which age their child will crawl, walk, talk, feed themselves and be toilet-trained, among many other milestones.
This also involves selecting age-appropriate toys for your child.
Being aware of milestones can help a parent know when something is wrong with their child and seek help if necessary.
Motivation and Guidance
Another important component of parenting is providing motivation and guidance to your child. Parents need to provide a safe and loving environment where children can learn and grow, White said.
“You want babies to feel comfortable exploring the world around them,” she said.
Parents also can provide a moral compass for their child. Giving children guidance means teaching them right and wrong and early lessons such as sharing.
White said research has shown that the most effective style of parenting is warm and nurturing, yet firm.
Advocacy
A parent must function as an advocate for his/her child.
“If a child has just one person who has the child’s best interest at heart, that child does so much better in life than children who don’t have that kind of person,” White explained.
Parents need to be involved in their child’s schooling by meeting with teachers and making sure their child is thriving in the school environment.
Being an advocate also could mean for low-income families finding resources to help meet the child’s needs.
Parenting Resources
The LSU AgCenter offers parents a wealth of helpful resources. Parents Preparing for $uccess Program is a six-part series of classes provided for pregnant women or parents of children under the age of 12 months. The parents are participating in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. The program aims to equip participants with the necessary tools to become self-sufficient while transitioning from public assistance into the workforce.
The AgCenter also provides guidance to parents looking for quality child care. Parents can find a check list of things to look for when visiting child care centers.
Parents of adolescents and teens might be interested in LSU AgCenter’s parenting classes PATHWAYS - Parenting Adolescents or Children in the Middle of Divorce.
Parents also can contact their local LSU AgCenter office to find additional parenting and child care information or classes in their area.
Tobie Blanchard
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.