Parent Support Licking County

12/14/2025

12/14/2025

Connection Is the Starting Point

This quote speaks to a core truth often misunderstood in parenting and education: connection is not something a young person earns through compliance. It is the condition that allows their nervous system to settle enough to access self-control, problem-solving, and resilience.

Why Withholding Connection Backfires

When a child is dysregulated or struggling, their brain shifts into survival mode. Removing warmth or relational contact in these moments doesn’t teach them to behave better — it intensifies the alarm in their system. The part of the brain needed for learning from mistakes shuts down when connection is withdrawn.

Behaviour Is a Signal, Not a Test

A child’s behaviour is rarely a measure of respect. More often, it is a signal of unmet needs, overwhelm, or lagging skills. Viewing behaviour through a brain-based lens helps adults shift from “How do I make them stop?” to “What support does their nervous system need right now?”

Connection Restores Regulation

A calm adult presence is one of the most powerful tools we have. Eye contact that reassures, a steady tone, a gentle moment of attunement — these are the interventions that help a child’s stress response deactivate. When they feel connected, regulation becomes possible again.

Relationship Before Correction

Setting boundaries with warmth creates dramatically better outcomes than withdrawing affection until a child ‘earns’ it back. Discipline is about teaching, not punishing. And children learn best from adults they feel anchored to, not those they fear losing connection with.

For Those Wanting Tools Rooted in Brain Science
If you’d like practical, compassionate strategies to build regulation, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen connection at home or in school, explore our full range of toolkits.
Link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

12/02/2025

Enroll your child in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and we’ll send them a FREE BOOK every month until their fifth birthday. If your child lives in Licking County, register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here (https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/OHLICKING/) or at any library location in Licking County.

12/02/2025

Do you have screen-free zones or times?

Even 5 minutes can make a big difference to the little people in your life, especially when kids come to you.

And research shows that close parent-child relationships are one of the biggest protectors of children’s mental health both now, and as they grow.

But it can be a real challenge when social media and phones are how you connect, unwind or get household tasks done.

Our latest article has some simple steps you can take to slowly, and realistically, adjust your routine, manage stress and build on what works for you and your family. https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/articles-and-news/post/beyond-social-media-guilt-support-kids-stress-less-with-positive-parenting/

12/02/2025

The holiday season may prove difficult for some people. Here is a tip sheet designed to help navigate this holiday season. Please feel free to share with anyone who may find it helpful. Also, if you need someone to talk to, remember that 211 is available to serve Licking County.

12/02/2025

11/03/2025

🥫💙 Need Food Resources? We’re here to help. 💙🥫 If your family could use some extra support, visit foodpantrynetwork.net or call 740-344-7401 for the most up-to-date information on food resources in your neighborhood.

The Food Pantry Network of Licking County serves households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Each household may visit a distribution location once per week.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can use the proxy process to have someone you trust pick up food for you.

11/03/2025

If you or someone you know has lost their SNAP benefits for November, visit foodpantrynetwork.net/get-food for a list of helpful resources and local food pantries.

10/30/2025