Social Connections Protective Factor Conversation Guide

All parents need emotional support. Social connections (supportive friends, family, neighbors, and community groups) help parents care for their children and themselves.

Social connections support children in multiple ways. A parent’s positive relationships give children access to other caring adults, model important relational skills, and increase the likelihood that children will benefit from involvement in positive activities.

Building positive relationships may require extra effort for some families—including those who are new to a community, recently divorced, or first-time parents. Additionally, some parents may need to develop selfconfidence and social skills before they can expand their social networks.