Helpline Offers Support to Parents of Young Kids

 

There’s no doubt that raising a child has its challenges. Even for the most knowledgeable caregivers, there are some moments when parenthood is baffling. Every parent and caregiver deserves to have the tools they need to provide their children with safe, nurturing environments.

One of these tools is the Birth to Five Helpline, a free helpline for any parent or caregiver of a child age birth to five in Arizona. The line, which is staffed by child development specialists speaking both English and Spanish, offers assistance with any topic, including sleep, colic, discipline, health, and parenting.

 “The helpline is the first point of contact if you have a concern,” says Anelizabeth “Grannie” Marlowe, owner and director of Grannie’s House, a child care home in Prescott Valley. Marlowe regularly refers parents of the children she works with to the helpline, and has called it herself. “When a parent or caregiver doesn’t know what to do next, they can call the helpline,” she said.

The helpline also refers its callers to resources in their area they may need. Once, when Anelizabeth Marlowe was concerned that an infant boy in her care might have a motor development delay, she encouraged his parents to call. After they did, they were referred to a local organization to have him assessed and helped. “I would recommend the helpline to all parents of young kids, no matter their concern,” said Marlowe.

The Birth to Five Helpline is managed by Southwest Human Development with the support of First Things First. Parents can reach the helpline by calling 1-888-705-5437 or by visiting birthtofivehelpline.org.