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Nurturing
Programs
Family Nurturing Program - The Family Nurturing
Programs use an interactive focus to help family members recognize
and communicate the needs of self and others, handle stress
and anger, enjoy warm interactions with other families and volunteers.
These 15 sessions engage both children and families in mutual
learning and understanding. The program meets once a week for
2,5 hours for 15 weeks. The program provides food and transportation
and is free of charge.
Our goal is to replace abusive
attitudes and behaviors with:
Nurturing Values
- LOVE: of Self, Others and Life
- RESPECT: for Self, Others and the Environment
- Structure and Discipline
- Fun and Laughter
The Nurturing Program is funded by New England Medical Center.
Drop in childcare is available to parents enrolled in ESL
classes, GED classes or other activities that may be taken
place at each particular site.
The food pantry supplements food for the family once a week
at Dorchester House and Log School. To be eligible you must
live in Dorchester.
What is Nurturing?
Nurturing is the ability to provide loving care and attention, to foster growth in ourselves and others. Everyone in a family -parents and children - needs to be nurtured. We all need limits and rules, structure and safety. We also need recognition, understanding, warmth, respect, and praise. All of these are part of nurturing.
What is the Family Nurturing Program?
The Nurturing Program is a series of 15-week classes for parents and children to take together. Parents and children learn the same skills, although in separate groups for 2 1/2 hours for each session. A meal is provided for families midway through each session. Transportation is provided if needed and the program is free of charge.
What is taught in the Family Nurturing Program?
The program helps participants explore the meaning of nurturing and how each of us has learned to nurture ourselves and others. It also builds connection, support, and sense of community by providing opportunity for sharing and exchange among participants.
As a result of being in the Nurturing Program, family members learn how to:
- Handle feelings, communicate needs, recognize the needs and feelings of others, and take charge of one's behavior
- Have warm, caring interactions with each other
- Establish nurturing routines for family activities such as meal times, bedtimes, chores, bath times, diaper changing or toilet training
- Replace hitting or yelling with other, more effective guidance techniques, such as redirection, time-out, choices and consequences, ignoring, praise, family rules, and problem solving
- Handle stress and anger
- Gain a sense of personal power and feel good about oneself
- Enjoy each other and have fun together
Who attends the Family Nurturing Program?
Any family that wants to get along better, communicate more, and feel closer to each other may attend. All of us need nurturing and can benefit from participating in a Nurturing Program. When possible, it is best for all family members to participate so that everyone learns new ideas and skills at the same time.
Goals of Family Nurturing Program:
- Develop positive self-concept and self-esteem in all family members
- Build empathic awareness of the needs of others
- Teach positive discipline and alternatives hitting and spanking
- Increase awareness of self-needs and strengths
- Enhance family communication
- Raise awareness about development needs of other family members
- Substitute nurturing values and behaviors for abusive parenting practices
- Promote healthy physical and emotional development of self and others
- Build family cohesion
- Connect families to families for exchange and support
- Learn to have fun as a family and as a community
The Nurturing Program is funded by New England Medical Center.
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