WHAT’S NEW AT POWER OF TWO – JULY 2024
August 16, 2024What’s New at Power of Two
ABC FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Meet Ashley, a 38-year-old single mother of three: Maia, 11, Kai, 8, and Soul, 3. Her journey with Power of Two’s ABC program began when an outreach associate reached out to her in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Through the program, Ashley discovered new perspectives on parenting that transformed her approach with her children.
Ashley reflected on her experience, sharing, “Power of Two taught me to give my child more credit and follow her lead more. I moved away from the idea that ‘what I say goes' just because I'm the parent. I learned that I'm not always right, and stepping back from power struggles with my toddler was an
'ah-ha' moment for me."
In addition to participating in the ABC program, Ashley received necessary items for her toddler from our community partner, Little Essentials. She was grateful for the ongoing support from her Parent Coach, Nicole, who kept communication lines open for any additional questions.
Looking ahead, Ashley is focused on fostering a supportive environment for her children. She shared, “I want to start listening to my children more and instill confidence in their own decision-making abilities.”
Science Chat Fridays at Power of Two!
We're excited to announce that Science Chat Fridays have returned to Power of Two! Power of Two, in conjunction with our ABC Expert and Research Partner Dr. Kristin Bernard, created a space for our team members to meet monthly to discuss the intersection of scientific study and Power of Two's work in the community. This past Friday, our team engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about various parenting styles and their definitions.
Key points from the discussion included:
- Parenting Styles: Team members explored different approaches to parenting (permissive, authoritarian, and gentle parenting), examining their operational definitions and real-world applications.
- Social Media’s Impact: The team reviewed various social media posts from Instagram and TikTok, discussing how social media affects parents' perceptions of their own parenting styles and the ways these perceptions influence the parent-child relationship. In this review, team members got to view examples of the different parenting approaches and whether the approaches were applied/defined properly.
This insightful exchange highlighted the complex interplay between modern parenting methods and the pervasive role of social media. Stay tuned for more updates from our Science Chat Fridays and join us as we continue to explore important topics in parenting.
What Are We Reading?
NYT Article: “Surgeon General: Parents are at Their Wits End. We Can Do Better”
In a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General, the spotlight has been cast on the intense stress faced by parents across the nation. The findings reveal that many parents are grappling with significant stress due to a combination of financial strain, work-life challenges, and societal expectations.
This growing issue is not just a personal burden but a societal concern that affects the well-being of families and children alike. The report advocates for a stronger support system, highlighting the need for policies and resources aimed at easing stress.
Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced Support Systems: Implementing programs and policies designed to support parents in balancing their responsibilities and reducing stress
- Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Creating flexible work environments and parental leave policies to help manage the demands of parenting and professional life.
- Financial Assistance: Providing more robust financial support and resources to alleviate economic pressures on families.
Addressing these challenges head-on can lead to healthier families and improve overall societal well-being. Investing in parental support is not just a matter of individual concern but a crucial step toward fostering a supportive and thriving community. Read the article linked above for deeper insight.
