Child Care Providers: Build Social Connections for Parents

Much has been written about parent involvement in Early Childhood Programs but less attention has been given to the importance of social connections between parents. Parents who have supportive friends and family have an easier time taking care of themselves and their children and are therefore at a  lower risk for child abuse and neglect. 

Why are social connections so important?  

Parents who have a support system are able to:

• Share the joys and challenges of parenting
• Trade child care
• Share resources
• Vent frustrations
• Give and get advice
• See other parents “in action”
• Talk about children and parenting

Early Childhood Educators have an excellent opportunity to facilitate friendships between parents. The relationships that develop when children are young may continue well into the school age years. 

Some ways your programs may encourage interactions between parents may include:

• A comfortable place for parents to meet and chat
• Time for parents to connect during special activities such as celebrations, field trips, fundraisers, etc…
• Sharing information about outside activities that parents can do together such as fun fairs, library events, …
• Introducing parents who may have similar interests, or circumstances such as twins, infants, special needs, or parents who speak the same language.
• Personal contacts and invitations to social events.
• Modeling positive social skills by welcoming all families. 

Being aware of the importance of social connections may help you create more opportunities for parents to interact.