Prevention doesn't have to be another program on your to-do list. It's part of the work you already do.
Every day, you have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children and families. A conversation, a positive interaction or a connection with a trusted adult can help build the support children need to thrive.
Parents Lead gives you practical strategies, activities and resources to bring prevention into your everyday work and support children's mental, emotional and behavioral health.
Understand the Power of Prevention
Prevention starts long before a problem develops. The relationships children build, the support they receive and the environments where they grow all play a role in their well-being.
As a professional, you can help strengthen protective factors that support healthy development and reduce risks that may affect children and families.
Protective Factors
Protective factors are the people, relationships, skills and resources that help children and families handle challenges and support positive outcomes.
Some examples include:
- Strong family relationships: Children have caring adults who provide love, guidance and support.
- Positive relationships: Children feel connected to friends, peers and other supportive people.
- Supportive environments: Children feel safe, valued and included at home, school and in their communities.
- Social and emotional skills: Children learn to understand their feelings, manage stress and build healthy relationships.
- Caring adult connections: Children have trusted adults they can turn to when they need help.
- Community support: Families have access to resources, opportunities and services that support their well-being.
Risk Factors
Risk factors are experiences or conditions that may increase the chance of behavioral health challenges. These can include family stress, trauma, social isolation, bullying, substance use and other difficult experiences.
Risk factors do not determine a child's future. Supportive relationships, early help and strong protective factors can make a difference.
Put Prevention Into Practice
You don't need to add another program. Start with what you already do.
Small actions can create meaningful opportunities to support children. Look for ways to bring prevention into the interactions and activities you already have.
In your everyday work:
Build connections.
Learn children's names, show interest in their lives and create opportunities for them to feel seen and valued.
Encourage communication.
Ask open-ended questions, listen without judgment and help children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Promote healthy relationships.
Encourage kindness, respect, teamwork and positive connections with peers and adults.
Support emotional well-being.
Help children identify their feelings, talk about stress and practice healthy ways to cope.
Engage parents and caregivers.
Share positive observations, encourage family involvement and provide resources that support healthy relationships at home.
Recognize when additional support may be needed.
Pay attention to changes in behavior, emotions or relationships. Follow your organization's procedures and help connect children and families with appropriate support.
Find Activities and Tools
Make prevention practical.
Looking for something you can use with children, youth or families? Parents Lead offers resources to help you start conversations, encourage healthy decisions and build stronger relationships.
Explore resources such as:
- Conversation starters and discussion guides.
- Social and emotional learning activities.
- Mental health activities and resources.
- Bullying prevention tools.
- Alcohol and other drug prevention resources.
- Digital safety resources.
- Parent-child connection activities.
- Educational videos and podcasts.
Use these tools in classrooms, youth programs, family events, group discussions or one-on-one interactions.
Explore prevention topics
Build your knowledge. Find tools you can put into action.
Children and families face many challenges as they grow. Having reliable information and practical resources can help you feel more prepared to support them.
Selecting a topic will automatically take you to a new page.
Each topic should offer a short overview, practical strategies, resources to share with parents and additional professional guidance.