Call for Help
Parenting is tough. We can all use a helping hand sometimes. Reach out for help when you or your family needs it.
No matter what is going on in your life or the lives of your family members, it is helpful to be prepared with National and Local Hotline information in case of a crisis or emergency.
Keep this helpful list handy on your fridge or in your wallet.
–Kentucky Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 877-597-2331
–National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
–Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
–National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
–YouthLine, a peer to peer support line: text “teen2teen” to 839863
–Trevor Lifeline, support for LGBTQ young people under 25: text “START” to 678678 or call at 866-488-7386
Other helpful resources from around the state:
–Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence
–Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs
–Children’s Advocacy Centers
-Department of Community Based Services, provides access to SNAP benefits, childcare assistance, and Medicaid coverage: Local office search
-Kentucky Office of Homeland Security – Safe Schools.
Offer One-on-One Opportunities
Schedule one-on-one time with each of your children – if only for 5-10 minutes each day where the focus is on that one child. During this time read a book together before bed, toss a ball in the yard, or do a favorite activity together. Make the time to play or exercise with each child. Normalize that it’s ok to not be happy all the time. Help your child take note of the times that you and your family are happy by writing down a few things they’re thankful for every day.
Check out these ideas for educational and family-fun activities with your kids:
–KET Kids website
–100 Books to Read before Kindergarten from Louisville Free Public Library
–Mood-Boosting Tips for Families During COVID
–14 Ways to Show Your Child Love
–A Dozen Fun Family Rituals
–Free Yoga Videos from Yoga with Adrienne
Navigate your Networks
Use community resources like schools, libraries, neighbors, and more to connect to people and places that can provide support to your family. Many are available through online platforms!
–Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the Commonwealth
-Public libraries offer family and child activities for all ages, educational support, job and resume building activities, all things that can support your family. Find your local library.
–Family Youth Resource Service Centers can be a central hub of resources within your child’s school, whether school is in session or not. You can call your child’s school to speak with the director of the Resource Center.
-Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) offers free background checks for Kentucky caregivers seeking babysitters or nannies.
Notice Triggers, Take Breaks, and Know When Things are Escalating
Learn which behaviors, actions, and words that might help you identify your child’s impending meltdown or tantrum. Remember, children and teens react (in part) based on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers are calm, they can provide the best support for their children in difficult or unfavorable situations.
–How to Find the Behavioral Triggers That Set Your Kid Off
-Understanding YOUR parenting triggers
–De-escalation Strategies: Responding to meltdowns and tantrums
-Face It: Together We Can THRIVE
Eat Together
Family meals naturally create opportunities for sharing about the day, catching up, and discussing highlights and struggles. Get your kids involved in preparing meals with you, not just eating the meals you prepare. Cooking together can bring a family together and create lasting memories.
–7 Unexpected Benefits of Eating Together as a Family, According to Science
-The Family Dinner Project
–Conversation Starters for Family Dinners
–How to Beat Tension and Conflict from Your Family Dinner
Care for Yourself
Caregivers cannot pour from an empty cup, so it is important to take care of yourself, too. Practice self-care, which comes in a variety of forms and can take just five minutes a day. Listen to your favorite song, read, meditate, journal, practice breathing exercises, or enjoy a favorite activity. When we can take time to care for ourselves, we are in our best form to care for those we love.
-Face It: CARE for yourself and your child
-Reducing Stress through Deep-Breathing
-Getting Started with Mindfulness
-Know the Signs and Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
–10 Exercises for a Great Parent and Kid Workout
Take Time to Talk
Go for a walk or take time after dinner to catch up with your family. Talk with your child about their friendships, what they enjoy doing, and what they want to do when they grow up. Instead of asking questions like, “How was your day?” (which may get you a one-word response), try questions like: “What was your favorite part of today?”, “What did you like least about today?”, “What is a part of today you would like to do again?”, “Would you like to have a do-over for any part of today?”
–Age by age guide to getting your kids to talk to you
–Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus Crisis
–Five Ways to Talk to Your Kids So They Feel Loved
Report It
Kentucky
All Kentuckians are mandated reporters. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline.
1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331
For contact information in other states, please visit our Report It page.