The Facts

Effective parenting is a learned skill for everyone, not a natural ability that only some parents have to work to acquire. Even skilled parents cannot manage this important job alone. The usual stressors associated with child rearing are complicated when other challenges exist such as mental health problems, substance usage, joblessness and associated poverty. Most parents agree that at least some time they need support and we are here to help. To learn more, check out these facts:

1. Did you know that parenting is one of the most challenging, but rewarding jobs in the world?

Be Part of the Solution.

The stress of balancing work with school and home life can be overwhelming.  Good parents are made, not born.  There are resources in your community that you can trust for answers; you are not alone. Confidential guidance, support groups, parenting class and much more.  To learn more, call The Family Tree’s StressLine at 1-800-243-7337 or visit The Family Tree website.

 

 

2. Did you know The Family Tree provides support to over 14,000 parents, children and caregivers each year?

Be Part of the Solution.

 

The Family Tree is here to support parents to become the best parent they always wanted to be for their children.  We reach families across Maryland through our dedicated staff, competent volunteers and parent leaders. You can join our team, too:

  • Become a volunteer, please visit us here to learn more.
  • Spread the word.  Let others know that we are a resource. Please visit The Family Tree to learn more.
  • If you or anyone you know needs a calming voice, please call The Family Tree’s StressLine at 1-800-243-7337 for confidential support.

3. Did you know that each year Maryland spends $2 billion on treating the long lasting effects of child abuse and neglect?

Be Part of the Solution.

Help us spread the word so we can give parents the tools they need to raise healthy, happy children.  Prevention is the affordable answer; the best approach to stop child abuse. You can: 

  • Spread the word.  Visit The Family Tree to learn more. 
  • Let other friends and colleagues know The Family Tree is here to help.  
  • If you know a family who needs a reassuring voice, please call The Family Tree’s StressLine at 1-800-243-7337 for confidential support.

4. Did you know that children who eat regular meals with their family:

  • Are 20% less likely to drink, smoke or use illegal drugs?
  • Are 40% more likely to get mostly A’s and B’s in school?
  • Have a lower risk of depression, suicide, eating disorders and obesity?
  • Have a better sense of identity, belonging and family ties?

 Be Part of the Solution.

  • Plan your family meal today: invite your children to identify nutritious food choices. Click here for more information.
  • Use these conversation starters during mealtime to encourage everyone to participate.  
  • Talking together promotes close family relationships while at the same time building language and thinking skills.
  • If you or a family you know needs assistance, please call The Family Tree’s Family StressLine at 1-800-243-7337 for a supportive voice.

5. Did you know the safest sleep for babies is in a crib on their backs?  Make sure they have a firm mattress free of soft toys/blankets.

 Be Part of the Solution.

  • Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.
  • Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved* crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet.
  • Keep your baby's sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep.  
  • Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby's head: provide "Tummy Time" when your baby is awake and someone is watching.  Avoid too much time in car seats, carriers, and bouncers.

* For information on crib safety guidelines, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772 or click here

6. Did you know that reading to babies through early childhood helps build a child’s awareness of language and literacy to prepare them for a long and productive life? 

 Be Part of the Solution.

  • Develop good habits – read with your child every day.  Reading will help develop rituals that foster positive relationships.
  • Say words out loud to help your child start to recognize sounds.
  • Point to pictures identifying objects to help your child learn new words.
  • Make it fun!

7. Did you know that decades of research findings demonstrate that parent involvement in schools significantly improves student outcomes and school success?

 Be Part of the Solution.

  • Make school important for you and your child(ren) by speaking positively about your child's teachers and counselors.
  • Talk to your children about the benfits of an education.
  • Make sure your child gets to school on time; don’t permit children to skip a school day without due cause like illness.
  • Attend open houses and parent-teacher conferences. Answer notes and calls from your child's teacher; read the school newsletter.
  • Encourage reading and writing by keeping books in the house and encouraging your child to write notes to grandparents and other relatives.
  • Click here for Tips on how you can get involved in your child's success in school.

8. Did you know that teenage drivers whose parents were actively involved with them:

  • Had a 50% less crash risk?
  • Were 71% less likely to drive while intoxicated?
  • Were 30% less likely to use a cell phone while driving?
  • Reported speeding half as often as teens with uninvolved parents.

 Be Part of the Solution.

  • Set safety rules for your teen drivers and enforce them regularly.
  • Know where your child is driving.
  • Set limits on passengers and use of radios and music as they can be distractions.   
  • Talk with parents of your child’s close friends to share your approach and expectations. 
  • Click here for Tips on how you can insure you teen becomes a safe driver.