With Parents in Mind . . .
Back to Spring 2021 Imprints Newsletter
first issue
The Healthier Urban Families Program always has parents, caregivers and children in mind. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we met with our MPSI Director Peter Lichtenberg and faculty members to determine how to make our outreach the most useful to families faced with fear, uncertainty and social isolation. We were especially concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on Detroit city residents.
Our group realized that families needed accurate, up-to-date information about the virus, information about resources to meet basic needs that could be difficult to access during the pandemic, information that specifically addresses parenting challenges caused by the pandemic, and ideas for affordable and accessible activities done at home with the focus on enjoying time with their children. Parenting Moments was developed as a monthly virtual newsletter to address these needs.
Over the past year, Parenting Moments has provided information that acknowledges how challenging it is for parents and caregivers to navigate the waters of virtual schooling, social distancing, and unstable employment while entertaining bored children who are cut off from extended family and peers. We recognize that for some families, including those with children with special needs such as autism and ADHD, virtual schooling is especially challenging. We dedicated an issue to information and resources for these families. We also stress the importance of parents and caregivers practicing self-care during these difficult times when so much is asked of them. We also know that, although families have less contact with the outside world now, they are not living in a vacuum. We've addressed issues that touch most of our lives, including the 2020 Presidential election, the killing of George Floyd and most recently, the impact that media coverage of mass shootings might have on children.
The Healthier Urban Families Program thinks about how issues of social justice, discrimination and disparity affect parenting. We strive to give parents a positive, proactive way of framing these issues while creating an environment that celebrates the joys of childhood.
Parents have responded very favorably to the newsletter. They tell us that they feel seen and heard. They appreciate the acknowledgement of how difficult it can be to "stay on top of everything" right now and look forward to the monthly ideas on how to create enjoyable parenting moments with their children. It has been a pleasure and an honor to be of value to them.