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10 Ways to Keep NYC Family Strong
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Bond with your child. Children need to know they are loved. Take time to connect, listen, talk, laugh, and have fun together.
- Create positive family rituals and routines that you and your children look forward to on a regular basis like walking to school together.
- Talking, reading and singing helps build your baby's brain. Learn how interacting with your infant makes a lifelong difference.
- Go to your local library and enjoy story time and other fun and free family activities.
- Take your child to the museum and explore together. Did you know that a NYC ID card allows you and your family to visit many fun and interesting places for free? Get an IDNYC today.
Parenting is tough. You don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to those close to you. Call 311 and ask for parenting support.
- Reach out to your family, other parents, place of worship, school, or a community center for support.
- Free services are available throughout the city to help with financial stress, take care of your home, help you cope with tantrums, and provide family counseling. Learn More
- Is your teen skipping school, using drugs, being disruptive, struggling with mental health issues? See how the Family Assessment Program can help.
Education is power. Get involved at your child's school and support a love for learning. Schools offer a variety of programs including continuing education for parents, leadership opportunities, and many offer health and family services.
- Get plugged into your child's school and check out events, parent conferences, and ways to get involved.
- After-school programs can build your child's skills and confidence, and support their performance in school. Find after-school programs close to you.
Learning starts early. Sign up for high quality child care and early education programs that prepare your child for a successful future.
- Choosing who will take care of your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. There are free and affordable programs across the city that are open 8 hours a day, all-year round. Learn more.
NYC kids are our kids. It takes an entire city to help raise healthy, hopeful kids. Lend a hand as a volunteer, tutor, mentor, or coach.
- Make a difference. Visit www.nyc.gov/helpkids to find opportunities that match your interests and talents.
If you see something, say something. All children deserve to live a safe, happy life free from abuse. Call 311 to make a report.
- If you suspect a child is in danger or being neglected, call 311. In an emergency call 911.
Protect your child. Be careful who takes care of your child. Learn how to keep your home safe from lead and other household dangers.
- Get safety tips, watch videos, and download a guide.
- Protect your child from falling out of a window. Your landlord may be required to install window guards if your children are under 10 years old. Learn how window guards save lives.
- Your own safety impacts your child's well-being. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call 311 for the NYC Domestic Violence hotline. See what help is available.
Develop healthy habits. Healthy eating and staying active builds strong bodies, reduces stress, and prevents chronic illness.
- Get simple tips for saving money, making healthy habits, and setting an example for your children.
- Make meal time family time. Cooking together and eating together is a great way to build relationships. Visit one of the 50 Greenmarkets or 15 Youthmarkets across NYC to find healthy food options and get recipes.
- If you need help getting groceries, apply for SNAP benefits.
- Did you know that NYC Parks offers free and low-cost recreational activities, fitness classes, summer camps, swimming lessons, and more?
Your baby should always sleep safe. Every Nap. Every Night. Sleeping with your baby is just not worth the risk.
- Create a safe sleep environment for your baby.
Find the help you need to make ends meet. Job loss, health issues, and other pressures take a toll.
- If you're struggling to stay in your home or need help paying bills, visit www.nyc.gov/hra.
- Low or no-cost health insurance is available and you can get help paying for it. Get covered today.
- Reach out before you're forced out of your home. You can avoid getting evicted.
- You can receive legal assistance to help with benefits, immigration issues, staying in your home. Get information.