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Why Your Parenting is Going to Help Save the World

Writer's picture: Emily NajemyEmily Najemy

Why Your Parenting is Going to Help Save the World

Today's Children Are Tomorrow's Us


Parenting might seem like a deeply personal endeavor, but its ripple effects extend far beyond individual households. The way we raise our children has large-scale implications that are impossible to ignore. In fact, as emphasized in the article Scaling Up Parenting Interventions is Critical for Attaining the Sustainable Development GoalsĀ (Sanders et al., 2022), parenting is intricately and intimately linked to addressing many of the challenges outlined in the UNā€™s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Letā€™s explore why scaling up evidence-based parenting interventions matters so muchā€”not just for families, but for the world at large.


The Case for Scaling Parenting Interventions


Parenting directly influences a childā€™s development, mental health, and future prospects. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that positive parenting interventionsā€”grounded in evidence and tailored to cultural contextsā€”can improve emotional, behavioral, and health outcomes for both parents and children. These improvements are not limited to individual families; they create systemic changes that address broader societal issues like poverty, inequality, and even climate change.


Consider this: more than 40% of children in low- and middle-income countries are at risk of falling behind on developmental milestones due to factors like poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to early stimulation and connection. Children in these circumstances are more likely to face delays in cognitive and emotional development, and parents may feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to give themselves and their children the attention and connection needed for holistically healthy development. This becomes a reality when there is an absence or lack thereof support structures in our communities, governments and neighborhoods for all parents, and let's not forget to address equal access to these resources.


Parenting interventions offer a crucial solution to these challenges by equipping caregivers with practical tools to create nurturing, responsive environments. These programs can promote secure attachments, (re)establish strong emotional well-being, and enhance academic preparedness. For families grappling with any type of hardship, such interventions are not merely helpfulā€”they are essential. They provide damage control for the inevitable toxic effects of chronic stress (emotional or physical) that children can experience, which undermines their health and well-being.


Societal Impacts of Parenting


Effective parenting doesnā€™t just shape children; it shapes societies. Parents who model emotional regulation, problem-solving, and compassion raise children who are more likely to embody these traits as adults. This contributes to healthier communities, stronger social cohesion, and reduced instances of violence or conflict.


Parenting interventions can also promote equity by addressing gender disparities. For example, programs that encourage shared caregiving responsibilities can challenge traditional gender roles, empowering all types of caregivers and fostering gender equalityā€”a key SDG. On a larger scale, these interventions prepare children to be responsible global citizens who value inclusion, sustainability, and collaboration.


Parenting as a Tool for Sustainability


Itā€™s no exaggeration to say that better parenting could help save the planet. Many parenting programs now include components that promote environmental responsibility, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and adopting sustainable habits. By instilling these values early, we raise a generation that prioritizes ecological stewardshipā€”a crucial step toward combating climate change and preserving our planet for future generations.


Moreover, the economic benefits of effective parenting programs cannot be overstated. Children who grow up in nurturing environments are more likely to achieve higher levels of education, secure stable employment, and contribute positively to the economy. These outcomes directly address SDGs related to poverty, education, and economic growth.


Health Implications: Reducing Chronic Stress for Parents and Children


By teaching parents and children alike how to handle stress and build resilience, families pave their way for improved well-being across generations. A family equipped with these skills is better positioned to maintain positive mental health, engage in healthier interactions, and create a supportive home environment. Over time, this ripple effect extends outward, contributing to stronger, healthier communities.


One of the most significant yet often overlooked benefits of scaling parenting interventions is the reduction in chronic stress for both parents and children. Chronic stress, often stemming from harsh or unpredictable environments, can lead to chronic physical and mental health illnesses, including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Having the appropriate and necessary resources in place and easily accessible to parents and children dealing with chronic stress in any way shape or form is unbelievably still a long-standing issue across the world. Equipping mothers, fathers and parents with tools for emotional regulation and stress management can prepare them to mitigate many of these effects and thus reset the tone for future generations and societies. And let's not forget, reducing chronic stress reduces chronic illness, which reduces the money needed to be put into treating and combatting chronic illness.


Barriers and How to Overcome Them


Despite their proven effectiveness, parenting interventions are often overlooked in public health and social welfare strategies, particularly in low-resource settings. Why?


  1. Lack of Awareness: Many governments and organizations underestimate the role of parenting in achieving systemic change.

  2. Resource Constraints: The implementation of any resource can require investments of time, money and faith.

  3. Cultural Barriers: Programs developed in one context may not easily translate to another without careful adaptation.


To overcome these challenges, a multi-sectoral approach is essential. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations like WHO and UNICEF must collaborate to prioritize parenting support suggested:


  • Developing culturally adaptable, cost-effective interventions.

  • Utilizing technology to expand access and reach through online platforms, apps, and telehealth services.

  • Embedding parenting programs within existing education and healthcare systems to ensure sustainability.


Why This Matters: A Call to Action


The implications of scaling up parenting interventions are profound. As the article highlights, these programs have the power to transform not just families but entire communities and nations. By fostering resilience, compassion, and responsibility in our children, we lay the foundation for a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world. Parenting has the ability to be a catalyst to saving the world.


For parents, practitioners, and policymakers alike, the message is clear: investing in parenting is investing in the future. Itā€™s time to elevate parenting from a private responsibility to a global priorityā€”because the way we raise our children today will shape the world they inherit tomorrow.


References

Sanders, M. R., Divan, G., Singhal, M., Turner, K. M. T., Velleman, R., Michelson, D., & Patel, V. (2022). Scaling up parenting interventions is critical for attaining the sustainable development goals. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 53(5), 941ā€“952.Ā https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01171-0

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