3 Cheers for the Early Years

Health Promotion

Parenting

Information for Professionals | Health Promotion | Initiatives | Evaluation

The role of Parenting in healthy child development:

Positive parenting helps children grow into the people they were intended to be. When parents treat their children with love, fairness and respect, their children grow and thrive. One very important part of positive parenting is discipline - not the kind that hurts children, but the kind that helps them to learn. Discipline should be about teaching, not punishing. That is the best way for children to learn.

How can you support Parenting in your work?

If you work with children:

Keep in mind that parents are the most significant influence in the life of a child. Help them to see how you can work together for the benefit of their child.
Try to understand the challenges parents may be facing.
Focus on common ground.
Get to know parents – ask them about their children, check out their perspective.
Give parents positive feedback about their children – what one positive thing did they do today?
Help parents to understand your role.
Share issues or concerns and work with the parents to come up with a plan of action.

If you work with parents:

Help parents understand the impact of their parenting practices on their child’s development.
Recognize that all parents need support; encourage them to ask for help.
Know what community resources are available.

How can 3 Cheers and Calgary Health Region support you?

Resources:

Programs for Families:

Professional Services and Community Action:

Professional development for Calgary Health Region staff
Conference, inservice and workshop presentations for the community
Calgary Children’s Initiative Parenting Action Group
Statements of Best Practices in Parent Education
Community Parenting Education and Supports Plan
Power of Play Social Marketing Campaign
3 Cheers Community Development
South Calgary 3 Cheers