Supporting Family Emotional Well-Being and Relationship: FSN’s February Workshops

Strong communities are built on strong families; strong families are built on communication and emotional awareness. When parents and guardians feel equipped to connect with their children and regulate their own emotions, they create healthier, more supportive home environments for kids to grow in. This February, NIDC’s Family Support Network (FSN) hosted two virtual workshops designed to help parents build these essential skills: Heart2Heart: Healthy Communication with Your Child (February 25) and Emotional Regulation: The Key to Successful Parenting (February 17).

These workshops focused on enhancing parent-child relationships, emotional well-being, and fostering stronger family dynamics. NIDC social worker, Onleilove Alston, guided interactive discussions where participants gained tools to improve daily interactions with their children.

Strengthening Individuals & Families with Communication Skills

Clear communication is the foundation of a strong parent-child relationship. FSN’s Heart2Heart workshop provided parents with practical techniques to improve communication, navigate difficult conversations, and strengthen emotional bonds with their children.

The program offered participants practical takeaways, including strategies for active listening and empathy to foster trust and openness; tools for constructive conversations, even during moments of conflict; insights on how understanding a child’s emotional needs can lead to stronger connections.

Program participants were highly engaged, sharing personal challenges, practicing new communication strategies, and supporting one another in real-time. One lucky participant won an Amazon gift card, and all attendees received follow-up resources to continue applying what they learned. The overwhelming feedback emphasized that even small changes in how guardians listen and respond can significantly improve their relationships with their children.

Emotional Regulation: The Key to Successful Parenting

Managing emotions effectively is a crucial skill for both parents and children. This workshop introduced strategies for self-regulation, stress management, and modeling healthy emotional responses to create a more stable family environment.

The session gave participants key takeaways, including how emotional regulation in caretakers influences child development and behavior; techniques for staying calm in challenging situations; ways to create a positive emotional environment at home.

The discussion was meaningful, with NIDC Assistant Director of Youth Services Toni Faiella-Salas joining the conversation. Participants reflected on their own emotional responses and the impact on their families, leading to a broader conversation about family outreach and support needs within the community.

Looking Ahead: A Continued Commitment to Family Support

The Family Support Network (FSN) is committed to empowering parents and guardians with the tools and confidence to build stable, nurturing environments for their children. Through a mix of in-person and virtual workshops, FSN provides practical, evidence-based strategies that support caregivers in their daily lives.

As FSN continues to offer programming, we encourage parents and guardians to stay connected and participate in upcoming events. For more information or to get involved, reach out to Onleilove Alston.