For First-Time Parents, Knowledge is Power

Having a child is an exciting, joyful, life-changing experience, but for new parents- no matter who or where they are- it can also be baffling. When Maria and Clint Slay had their first child, Liliana, they wanted to learn as much as they could to be the best parents they could be.

 

 Luckily, they found out about Healthy Families, a free home visiting program of Yavapai Regional Medical Center funded in part by First Things First. The program enrolls families before a child is three months old, and stays with them until the child turns five. Through Healthy Families,  the Slays receives regular visits from Lina, their Family Support Specialist, who assesses Liliana’s development, suggests effective parenting techniques, and connects them to any other community resources they may need.

 

Clint, Liliana and Maria Slay meet with Lina, their Healthy Families Family Support Specialist

Like many families who have a child at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Maria and Clint got a call from Healthy Families after Liliana was born, inviting them to participate in the program. “I was a nervous new parent and I wanted to know as much as I could,” said Maria. “Enrolling in Healthy Families was an opportunity to prevent anxiety with information.”

 

“Healthy Families provides a sense of security – especially to first-time parents,” said Clint.

 

Though she has a Master’s Degree and has studied child development, Maria said that there is a big difference between learning something from a book and actually being a parent. Each time Lina visits, she brings over information about Liliana’s developmental stage, including activities that Maria and Clint can do with their daughter to help her learn and grow. This thorough stage-by-stage information helps Maria and Clint feel more confident in their parenting. “It lets us know what to expect and how to help Liliana develop,” said Maria. “The program gives us information, answers our questions, and points us in the right direction.”

 

90% of a child’s brain development happens by age 5. Maria, who works as a special education teacher for 3^rd to 6^th grade students, sees the impact of the early years on a child’s future learning every day.  “I know how important it is to build a foundation before children go to school,” said Maria. “By participating in Healthy Families, we want to set up our daughter for success.”

 

Liliana, who is now 4 months old, is a healthy, happy and thriving baby. “We hope to give Liliana every chance and every opportunity to reach her full potential,” said Maria. With the support of Healthy Families, Clint and Maria are making sure they can.

 

Healthy Families is made possible in the quad-city area through funding from First Things First. For more information about Healthy Families, please call (928)-771-5651. To learn more about First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com.