What are your needs?

Maryland Department of Education sent this bulletin at 11/01/2021 05:30 PM EDT

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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Neglecting Yourself Doesn’t Make You a Better Parent

Tired mom in kitchen

It's impossible to be a good parent when you neglect yourself. If you’re a burnt-out parent, exhausted in every way; you’ve neglected your needs.

The first step is to figure out what is in your way and keeping you from taking care of yourself. Here are three questions to ask yourself:

  • Do you think you are being selfish if you put your needs first?
  • Is it frightening to think of your own needs? What is the fear about?
  • Do you have trouble asking for what you need? Do you feel like a bad parent if you ask for help?

Once you've started to figure out why, you can begin to make changes, moving forward one small step at a time. 

Phone a Friend

Call a friend or loved one. Sometimes talking to another parent can give you the perspective you need to feel like you aren’t alone in this journey. Whether that be your mother, a friend or co-worker, talking about the highs and lows of parenthood can be very helpful for your mental health.

 Phone a friend
Dad reading to son

Reading & Writing: Help Your Child Develop Their Skills

Parents and families play a key role in teaching young children the skills they need to be good readers and writers.

They learn about language by watching and listening to adults and other children, and by observing things around them. Reading is a great way to spend quality time with your children. 

Here are three simple tips for you to help develop your children’s reading and writing skills, while at home:

  1. Read with your children.
  2. Listen to your children’s stories. 
  3. Point out meaningful words.

Learn more about and how to use these tips at marylandfamiliesengage.org.
Toddler tantrum

Mental Health Support for Families

Is the crying, screaming, yelling, whining, or dropping to the ground getting out of hand with your child? These types of behavior are known as challenging behaviors and there is help available for you. If your child has been displaying challenging behaviors at home or in child care, now is the best time to contact your local Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.

The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services (IECMH) will help
reduce your child’s challenging behavior. These consultation programs also provide
training, coaching, and family support.

To learn more, contact your local IECMH Support Services provider.
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