Parents show up for children in many different ways. They may be biological parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, relatives, guardians or other trusted adults who have stepped into an important caregiving role.

While every family may look different, children benefit from having caring adults who provide stability, encouragement, guidance and a sense of belonging.

This National Parents’ Day, observed July 26, Boys Town South Florida is recognizing the many people who help children grow while reminding parents and caregivers that they do not have to navigate every challenge alone.

“Consultants help families create and achieve their Family Service Plan goals,” says Christine Ruiz, Director of Community Support Services. “We connect them with community resources and services, monitor progress, and advocate for needed changes. By sharing their knowledge and helping families navigate complex systems, consultants empower families to build confidence and achieve positive outcomes on their own in the future.”

Parenting is rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming. Families may be balancing work, school schedules, behavioral concerns, mental health needs, changing family dynamics, and the everyday pressure to make the right decisions for their children.

Boys Town South Florida experts say parents and caregivers can support stronger family relationships by:

• Focusing on connection before correction. When children are upset or struggling, taking time to listen and understand what may be contributing to the behavior can make it easier to work through the problem together.
• Providing clear and consistent expectations. Children benefit when they understand what is expected, know what routines look like and receive consistent responses from the adults caring for them.
• Recognizing that asking for help is a strength. Reaching out for advice, counseling or additional support can give families new tools and help prevent concerns from becoming more difficult to manage.
• Giving themselves room to learn and adjust. Parents do not have to handle every situation perfectly. Acknowledging mistakes, trying a different approach and continuing to work on the relationship can teach children important lessons about communication and resilience.

Boys Town South Florida offers support for families at many different stages and levels of need. For instance, through Care Coordination Services, trained consultants work closely with families and other members of their support team, including school staff, mental health professionals, mentors, dependency case managers, and juvenile probation officers. Together, they identify the youth’s strengths and develop goals for success. Boys Town Behavioral Health provides support for children and families experiencing emotional, behavioral or mental health concerns.

This National Parents’ Day, Boys Town encourages families to recognize the many people who help care for and support children while reminding parents and caregivers to give themselves grace and seek support when they need it.