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The Latest
DIY Parenting When Your Kid is Struggling
When your child is in danger of failing third grade, it's easy to feel like you're failing too. Guy Schingoethe shares what happened when he and his wife stopped trying to figure it out alone and started doing what Parent Cafés teach every parent to do — ask for help, and use it.
My Journey to Vitality
Nadia Washington was wearing a superwoman cape and a mask, but underneath, felt like she was falling apart. Her honest reflection on grief, the Protective Factors, and her journey to vitality is a testament to the power of safe spaces and authentic connection.
Parent Engagement through the Lens of Equity
Weiss et al. highlight how family engagement is key to achieving equity for kids in schools, and offer examples of how engaging parents as co-creators, co-learners, community-builders and decision-makers creates the condition for equitable learning.
Living the Protective Factors
After losing both parents within 18 months, Robyn Harvey found herself leaning on the Protective Factors for support. Her reflection is a reminder that this framework isn't just for parenting — it's a foundation for navigating life itself.
From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Vanessa’s Story
Vanessa Banks lost her children, her home, and nearly her hope. What brought her family back together wasn't a magic wand — it was the Protective Factors, activated one hard-won step at a time. This is her story.
Bolstering Families’ Immune Systems through Parent Cafés
What if strengthening families worked the way immunology does — building inner resilience rather than targeting problems? BSF's CEO shares the theory of change behind Parent Cafés and why empowered parents are the real agents of transformation.
Be Strong Families Helps Launch New York City’s First Primary Prevention Initiative
As key players in New York’s City’s first primary prevention initiative, the Be Strong Families East Team headed out to New York City in November to introduce the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors framework and Parent Cafés.
HARAMBEE TOTO: BUILDING STRONGER FAMILIES IN KIBERA, NAIROBI, KENYA
In November, BSF's Katthe traveled to Nairobi to participate in Harambee Toto — a collective impact initiative focused on early childhood education, community development, and Parent Cafés in Kibera. The trip's centerpiece was a full cultural adaptation of the café model, now called Kikao Cha Wazazi — the sitting of the parents.