Developmental Disability services are available to individuals from birth through adult life. Click for more information:

Crisis Line & Referral Service (24 hours): 1-800-462-5525
Central Minnesota Mental Health Center Detox: 320-252-5010

Positive Parenting

Positive Parenting is an effective, practical way of raising children that focuses on the positive. It is based on making strong nurturing relationships, having good communication and giving positive attention to help your child as they grow. Some of the ways parents can interact with their children are: talking, playing, encouraging, laughing and doing special things together, setting clear limits and having consistent expectations with regard to child behavior. Positive parenting involves creating a family environment that is loving and supportive.

A Positive Parent is:

• A TEACHER when they

– allow their child to learn in an atmosphere of acceptance, encouragement and expectations of success

– offer choices and encourage problem solving and decision-making

• LOVING when they

– are warm and nurturing, showing unconditional love

– listen for and respond sensitively to each child’s needs

– understand how their child is feeling and respect their child

• REASONABLE when they

– are consistent and predictable

– set and communicate clear limits and expectations

– give consequences for poor behavior that are natural and reasonable, but not harsh or blaming

• UNDERSTANDING when they

– understand each child’s temperament and work with it

– build on the strengths of each child

– are flexible with each child

• PROTECTIVE when they

-are actively involved with each child

-provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for each child

• A ROLE MODEL when they

-act in the way they would want their child to act

Six Steps to Keep You Healthy

1. Wash your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Ensure hands are washed:

• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose

• After shaking hands

• Before preparing food

• Before eating

• Before putting in contact lenses or touching your eyes

• Before touching your face

• After using the washroom

2. Avoid touching your face as much as possible.

3. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Throw out used tissues right away.

4. Do not share objects that have been in other people’s mouths, e.g. toothbrushes, drinks and water bottles, unwashed utensils, cigarettes, lip products, and mouthpieces or musical instruments.

5. Continue doing what you normally do, but stay home if you feel sick. Staying home will help prevent spread of infections to co-workers and the general public.

6. Frequently clean common surfaces such as keyboards, doorknobs, countertops, etc. Click for more information:

Each year in April, we acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. To learn more about Child Welfare or the National Child Abuse Prevention Month, go to: https://www.childwelfare.gov/