Unraveling Childhood Trauma Through Parental Guidance: The HealthySteps Approach
In the heart of Brooklyn, Teresa Cox-Bates sits in her living room, a testament to the transformative power of parenting support. Her journey, intertwined with the HealthySteps program, reveals a pivotal movement in addressing childhood trauma.
Teresa’s Struggle and Triumph
The story unfolds with Teresa’s recollection of her tumultuous childhood after her father’s passing—days of scant meals and her mother’s battle with alcoholism. Such adversities, termed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), bear the potential to impair lifelong health. As a mother, Teresa aspired to shield her children from these hardships. Her involvement with HealthySteps, initiated when Isaac, her second son, was an infant, marked the beginning of a new chapter.
HealthySteps: A Beacon of Hope
HealthySteps stands tall in nearly 250 clinics across America, reaching over 370,000 children. Dr. Kevin Fiori and Rahil Briggs, instrumental figures in the program, emphasize its role in breaking the vicious cycle of intergenerational trauma. The program offers a unique blend of childcare and parental support, particularly aiding families under financial duress and those with a history of trauma.
The Transformation of Parenting
Teresa’s interactions with Allison Lieber, the director of HealthySteps at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, were pivotal. Regular consultations helped her navigate the challenges of parenting, transforming her approach from one marred by her past to one of nurturing and understanding.
The Far-Reaching Impacts of HealthySteps
The research underscores the program’s efficacy: children in HealthySteps are more consistent in attending medical check-ups and keeping up with vaccinations. Parents, particularly mothers, report enhanced support in managing breastfeeding and depression, leading to better social-emotional outcomes for their children.
A New Horizon in Childcare: HealthySteps’ Vision for a Trauma-Free Generation
In the landscape of pediatric care, HealthySteps emerges as a crucial player, redefining the support system for parents. By nurturing the parent-child relationship from the earliest stages, it aspires to lay a solid foundation for a healthier, trauma-free future for children.
