The first Mountain Strong Families parenting event of the school year, hosted by TEENS, Inc., on September 3, created a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Although some parents initially hesitated, many left eager to return for the next session. During the event, families enjoyed a shared meal, and while children played, parents engaged in meaningful discussions about nurturing social-emotional skills in their children. By the end, several attendees had enthusiastically expressed interest in joining other Mountain Strong parents once a month at Nederland Elementary School.
Mountain Strong Families offers research-based strategies using the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum to help parents, caregivers, and families nurture their children’s emotional development. A vital part of the evening focused on Dr. Dan Siegel’s work, particularly his concept of four crucial experiences children need: being seen, soothed, safe, and secure. Parents learned that building these experiences requires specific techniques, self-awareness, and self-love.
One parent candidly said, “After tonight, I feel like it’s okay not to be the perfect mom. Hearing other parents sharing the SAME struggles we face at home was so refreshing.” This moment reflected the event’s overall message - parenting is a journey that requires community, vulnerability, and growth.
Throughout the evening, parents were introduced to the Nurturing Parenting philosophy, which emphasized understanding children’s emotional and cognitive needs. This approach encourages parents to coach their children through challenging behaviors instead of reacting with punishments. Dr. Siegel’s teachings remind us that addressing a child’s emotions, rather than focusing solely on their outward behavior, is essential for their emotional growth.
Parents learned that children often act out when they feel disconnected from their caregivers. This disconnect can happen for many reasons – work, school, or simply the busyness of life. Reestablishing that connection through mindful and consistent engagement is vital in nurturing a secure attachment in our children.
While functional parenting ensures basic needs are met, nurturing parenting focuses on building a deep emotional connection. This connection fosters empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation in children - without it, children may exhibit demanding or dramatic behavior as they seek attention.
One important takeaway for parents was the power of positive reinforcement. Aiming for five positive interactions for everyone, one critique can help foster cooperation and strengthen the parent-child relationships. Children feel “seen” when parents immerse themselves in their world and respond with empathy.
In today’s world, with work demands and distractions from technology, meaningful connections can easily slip away. Parents were encouraged to dedicate “special one-on-one time” with their children daily - this could involve commenting on a child’s artwork, engaging in their favorite video game, or simply spending quiet time together.
The next Mountain Strong Families session, facilitated by Chrissy Quinlan and Betsy Epp, is scheduled for October 1 at Nederland Elementary School. This upcoming session will explore the importance of parental self-care, offering parents and caregivers an opportunity to tune in to what they need.
For more information or to register, please contact betsy@teensinc.org.
