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As an early childhood worker, you are often the first non-family member to have a close relationship with a child and their family. This enables you to be a key player in creating a child friendly community and in preventing child abuse and neglect.
In your work you provide children with a safe, secure and consistent environment for optimal child development. We know that the best way to protect children is to support their parents in caring for them. With your knowledge, skills and established relationships you will notice when families are under stress and children more likely to be at risk of harm. Showing an interest or concern, listening to children and parents, modelling appropriate interactions and promoting self esteem and resilience are all ways you can play a part in preventing harm to children. Offering this support to families when their children are in their early years can certainly have a longer term impact.
- Allow time for discussion with parents to share with them the good stories about what their child has said or done during the day. Use this as an opportunity to introduce how you have used particular strategies successfully with their child. This also provides parents with the opportunity to debrief about the stresses of their day.
- Support parents in finding activities they can do with their children that are mutually enjoyable for the parent and the child.
- Co-ordinate a series of parenting education programs for parents to help develop positive parenting skills, for example, look at information sessions by speech and occupational therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists and nurses.
- Actively promote and broker supportive friendships between parents of the children who attend your service. Suggest regular coffee mornings and play afternoons for parents and children.
- Organise help with meals and a transport roster for families with a new baby or where there is illness. Every family needs some extra support at these times.
- Create a sample bag for parents and a service-based resource folder with information on local facilities and supports for parents. Include information about parks, libraries, pools and playgrounds as well as family welfare and support services. Invite representatives from these organisations to come out to your centre to offer further information to families.
- Encourage parents to consider a range of behaviour management strategies with their children and to seek help when they have concerns about their parenting or their child's development and abilities.
If you would like to know more about how you can Play a Part, contact our Project Facilitators HERE
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