Substance use disorders take a toll on families with young children. They make daily activities more challenging and impair parents' decision-making and ability to bond with their children. Parental risk for alcohol and substance use disorders can be reduced when programs support informed decision-making and healthy behaviors. This includes creating safe and supportive communities and connecting families to resources that promote healthy behaviors. Head Start programs can also support families by promoting resilience, social and emotional wellness, positive parenting, mindfulness, and self-care.
Resilience Booster: Parent Tip Tool
Research shows that building resilience can help prevent negative consequences of environmental stressors. Parents can use these tip sheets to reduce the effects of stress and to help their children develop resilience.
Mindfulness: A Resilience Practice
Discover the impact of stress and how mindfulness practices can help teachers become more resilient. Try a mindfulness practice with children in your program.
Managing Stress with Mindful Moments
Explore how breathing and movement strategies can help children and adults calm big emotions. Discover ways to use mindfulness with young children to name big feelings and describe how they are affected by them.
Taking Care of Ourselves: Stress and Relaxation
Stress is natural, but it can be harmful. Stress can take a toll on your health and impact the quality of care you provide. When you are too stressed, it is difficult to offer the praise, nurturance, and structure children need. These resources can help reduce stress.
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Last Updated: June 30, 2022