What Parents/Families Need
This week’s blog is written by Nia Heard-Garris, MD, MSc, FAAP, Pediatrician with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Researcher with Smith Child Health Research, Outreach, & Advocacy Center. Dr. Heard-Garris focuses on policies, systems, and supports that enrich families.
Policies that are good for families are also good for parents and what I’ll focus is where families could benefit.
Much of the focus on parenting has been on how parents have failed or are continuing to fail at parenting. I appreciate that parenting doesn’t come with a manual and we all could use some guidance; however if we are not willing to look at the structures and systems that are failing and disadvantaging families, such as our justice system (e.g. mass incarceration, that breaks up families), many of whom are impoverished and racial/ethnic minorities, we are being dishonest and irresponsible.
We need to talk about the physical environment, where families live and play. Families need safe, toxin-free (which includes lead) environments. Families need affordable housing that preserve the dignity and respect of those living there.
Families deserve neighborhoods that have grocery stores or other places that have affordable, fresh, nutritious food. Families should also be able to allow their children to play outside without the fear of violence, shooting, or harassment from anyone (including law enforcement).
Families deserve good childcare (with experienced caregivers and caregivers) that is safe, affordable, and have flexible options. Similarly, children deserve good schools that are trauma-informed with experienced teachers. All children should be safe and intellectually stimulated at their schools. Children also deserve schools that address their learning and physical limitations, but also push them to grow and learn.
Families deserve to be able to find and secure jobs that pay a living wage and offer the opportunity for skill development and growth.
Families deserve access to adult education and job training to further their ability to secure employment and possibly advance their careers. This includes individuals who are learning English as a second language. We cannot cast those individuals aside.
Families are in need of medical and dental insurance that allows them ALL to seek quality healthcare when and where they need it. Furthermore, families need access to doctors, dentist, mental health professionals, and occupational, speech, and physical therapists that are easy to get to with schedule availability.
A city, state, and nation that provides families with housing, educational, and economical opportunities in addition to healthcare is the future I envision. It is the only way forward, because it is a future that actually allows all families and children to live their best life and thrive! That is what families and kids deserve.
