Families may face new challenges as communities around the world respond to COVID-19. Caregivers may face more anxiety, uncertainty, economic pressure, or demands on their time. This stress can impact the harmony of the home, but it doesn’t have to. Strengthening Families™ is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
The five key protective factors are attributes that serve as buffers, helping caregivers find resources, support, or coping strategies that allow them to care for children effectively, even under stress and adversity.
FIVE KEY PROTECTIVE FACTORS & RESOURCES
Together with First 5 San Diego and the San Diego County Office of Education, we bring you strategies and resources you can implement today that are centered around these protective factors. The pages below contain a wealth of knowledge from trusted organizations.
CAREGIVER RESILIENCE
Nurturing children during this stressful time is both important and difficult. Helping children understand their emotions and behaviors starts with you, the caregiver.
CONCRETE SUPPORT IN TIMES OF NEED
Every family needs help sometimes, especially during a crisis. Challenges with basic needs can create overwhelming stress for a family and household, and this stress can harm the health and safety of caregivers, children and communities.
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
With “social distancing” guidelines, it is easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. Being physically apart is necessary, and staying connected is more important than ever.
KNOWLEDGE OF PARENTING AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
You are the expert when it comes to your child, and setting fair behavior expectations that match your child’s developmental stage is important.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE OF CHILDREN
One of the best skills that caregivers can develop with their children is the ability to experience, express, and manage emotions, communicate needs, and establish positive and rewarding relationships.
DOWNLOAD ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND STRATEGIES
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For information on protective factors and the Strengthening Families™ approach, email crsbehaviorsupport@ymcasd.org or call 1-800-481-2151.
Thank you to our partners in this effort!
Disclaimer: The resources presented are intended to support families and caregivers during the COVID-19 crisis. This document is not an endorsement of any particular entity, nor does it necessarily reflect or mirror the mission and vision of any one organization.