columbushosp.org 7 Helping kids get a great start Healthy Families offers parent support so youngsters can thrive When parents nurture a positive relationship with their child right from the start, it can make a huge difference in the child’s future. “It sets the stage for their whole life,” said Jill Janssen, RN, the program manager for Healthy Families. “Studies show that a positive caretaker from 0 to 3 years of age is huge. People don’t always realize how important those first three years are.” But parenting — especially for the first time — can be overwhelming. There are lots of new skills you need to learn when there’s a young child at home. And many parents may face other challenges in their lives in addition to parenting. All of this is why Healthy Families started more than 20 years ago. The free, voluntary program gives families in Boone, Colfax, Nance and Platte counties the tools and support they need to raise children in a positive and loving home. Meeting families where they are Healthy Families offers in-home visits to support families with children from before birth through age 3. Knowledgeable and caring staff members — like Karla Rosendahl, a home visitor with Healthy Families — are there to help guide new parents on caring for their baby and creating a safe home. The home visits Rosendahl and Janssen offer focus on children’s growth and development, as well as fun activities kids and parents can enjoy together. “For example, a visit could be, ‘Let’s do an activity with your 10-month-old — here’s the activity and its benefits,’” Rosendahl said. Kids also receive developmental assessments so their parents can make sure they’re meeting key milestones. If a child is experiencing a delay, Janssen and Rosendahl can promptly refer them to a pediatric specialist, such as a physical, speech or occupational therapist. Over the years, the program has assisted many families in helping children reach their full potential. Many of those kids are now teenagers or older. Help with parenting struggles Additionally, Healthy Families connects parents to community resources so they can receive help with everything from financial struggles to relationship issues and mental health concerns. “We empower people by showing them what’s available and working on it together,” Janssen said. “They gain confidence.” Start here To learn more about Healthy Families, call 402-562‑4813 or email jcjanssen@columbushosp.org. Children served by Healthy Families open presents from the hospital’s Health Science Pathway program.
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