Strengthening Families: Protective Factors

Strengthening Families is a national model to promote child development and to build strong families.

It includes five protective factors to reduce stress and keep families strong.

1. Parental Resilience-Think of being strong and flexible.
   Includes:
   • Taking good care of yourself.
   • Planning ahead and adapting to change.
   • Pursuing your hopes and dreams.
   • Having a positive attitude towards life.
2. Social Connections-Think of parents needing friends.
   Includes:
   • Saying hello to neighbors.
   • Being active in your community.
   • Knowing your child’s friends and their families.
   • Joining a group with common interests.
3. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development-Think of parenting as being part natural and part learned.
   Includes:
   • Doing an “Ages and Stages” Questionnaire (available at CCRESA).
   • Discussing your child’s strengths/needs with the teacher.
   • Attending parent education events.
   • Building on your child’s strengths/interests.
4. Concrete Support In Times of Need-Think of the fact that we ALL need help sometimes.
   Includes:
   • Getting information from other parents.
   • Using a calendar to manage time.
   • Gaining knowledge of community resources (Call 211).
   • Seeking help when needed.
5. Children’s Social and Emotional Development-Think of giving your child the love and respect they need.
   Includes:
   • Being consistent.
   • Providing social opportunities for your child.
   • Helping your children solve problems.
   • Identifying and discussing feelings.

For more Information visit: www.bestrongfamilies.net

For online training visit: ctfalliance.org