Brochures and Publications

Resources for Professionals

Resources for Parents

Resources for Parents

If you need immediate assistance, please do not wait to get help!

There are two parent hotlines in St. Louis that can help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
St. Louis Crisis Nursery: 314.768.3201
Teen Helpline (Children's Hospital): 314.454.TEEN
Life Crisis Services: 314.647.HELP
Mother to Mother Postpartum & Pregnancy Telephone/Group Support: 314.64.7001 or 877.644.7001
If you are outside of the St. Louis area, please contact these numbers:
Strenthening Families: 888.727.5889
Parents Anonymous: 855-4A Parent (10am PST - 7pm PST, Monday-Friday)

Handouts
FRC is committed to supporting all parents along the journey of raising children. Here are some helpful resources for your use, provided by FRC therapists who utilize Parent-Child Interactive Therapy.

     - Punishment vs. Discipline
     - Nurturing Your Child
     - Understanding Empathy

Classes
FRC also provides FREE Parenting Wisely classes. The next session begins November 28th. Please contact Rebecca Wittie at 314.534.9350 for more information.

     - The Six Principles of Effective Parenting

Web Resources
For new mothers, the following websites have useful tools on baby blues and postpartum depression:

- Women's Health (800.994.9662, TDD 888.220.5446)
- Kids Health
- Health Tools

Additional Parenting Tips
1. Listen: If we show children that we believe what they have to say is important and we truly listen, then we will increase trust and communication.

2. Have realistic expectations for children: Learn what is typical behavior at various ages. Also, learn your child's strengths, weaknesses, and individual personality and adjust your expectations accordingly.

3. Set clear limits: Keep it simple. For example: "It is not O.K. to hit. Use your words."

4. Use positive direction instead of negative statements: Instead of: Don't touch anything, you're all dirty! Try: Please wipe your hands on this towel.

5. Don't give too many instructions at once.

6. Avoid talking about children in their presence, unless you are discussing positive behaviors or characteristics.

7. Discuss adult issues away from children: This will help preserve their innocence.

8. Be a good model: Children love and imitate their parents.

9. Parenting is hard work: Give yourself plenty of breaks!

10. Show affection and share positive thoughts especially during hellos and goodbyes.

11. Monitor your child's entertainment: movies, TV, video games, music, internet, etc… to make sure the material is appropriate for their age level.

12. Express confidence in your child's abilities.

13. Avoid corporal punishment or shaming the child.

14. Plan and utilize positive behavior management techniques such as time out, or meaningful consequences.

15. For every "no" offer 2 acceptable choices: For example: No Johnny, that book is for teachers. You can have this book or that book.