Social network gives parents advice, support

New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center

Editor's Note: This is the fifth article of six provided by New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center focusing on Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

For most of us, family, friends, and neighbors form a network that provides social interaction, recreation, advice and help. When parents have the opportunity to interact with, learn from and seek the support of other adults, their children benefit.

Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice or concrete support. Conversely, research has shown that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect.

Helping parents identify resources and/or providing opportunities for them to make connections within their neighborhood or community may encourage isolated parents to reach out. Opportunities abound in our community -- local churches, schools, family resource centers, Blount Memorial Hospital, health department, community centers, social services agencies -- these are all good resources where support groups and/or social groups meet and interact. Contacting the Helpline at United Way of Blount County or asking a fellow parent are always good first steps to start your search for support.

An upcoming support event will be "Parenting with Love and Logic," a two-hour seminar filled with tips to help you with your child(ren). The event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Blount County Public Library. There is a $5 charge for the event; limited scholarships are available. Contact Trudy at New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center, at 981-2000 for more information.

New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center, a child-friendly, safe place for child victims of sexual and physical abuse, is located at 212 Cates St., Maryville. For information, call 981-2000 or visit www.blountkids.org.