Support the Children; Support the Parents

There is a tendency to prioritize the welfare of young children in the delivery of programs and other benefits in underserved communities. And, this is understandable as children are clearly vulnerable and if the home does not provide adequate care, then there is clearly a need for special support and services.  Still, children need emotionally healthy parents to thrive.

Parents share their concerns during an I Can Parent session.

We cannot afford to forget that the most important influence in the life of a child is a loving parent or caregiver. If parents or caregivers are emotionally unhealthy and lack the competence to properly care for their children, then despite the extra effort that is made to support their children in our schools, churches, and other institutions, the wellbeing of the child will remain compromised. At the end of the day, the child has to return to the caregive(s) to face the challenges that permeate the home environment.

There needs to be a movement towards caring for family as a units as the family is the bedrock of the society and provides the environment where children can be best cared for and nurtured on an ongoing basis. Jalawelo’s I Can Parent program was designed with this reality in mind. It is not an easy task, but generational neglect and abuse directed at children may only be stemmed when we take the time to unpack and bring healing to the generational hurt and abuse of their parents. In the long run, the best care and intervention for our children is an emotionally healthy, safe and loving environment. This environment can only be created by parents and/or caregivers. In time, one family at a time, we may dare to dream that our communities will become safe and nurturing safe places for all our children.

“We support our children best when we provide support and care for their parents.”