BALTIMORE, Md. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — In big cities and small towns, families across the country are facing economic struggles, immigration challenges, and the growing impact of our changing environment. But in many communities, families are not just navigating these challenges — they are leading the charge in solutions. Child-first parenting — how giving parents a voice and putting children at the center of community decision-making — is helping build stronger, more resilient communities while instilling sustainability values in the next generation. Child-First Communities
Between playtime and school, 8-year-old twins Victoria and Olivia Wyche find the time to help others.
“Coats, socks, gloves, shoes…” listed Victoria.
“So, we can help families in need,” said Olivia.
Their mother Heather Thomas knows every little bit helps. Once a social services worker, she, and her family experienced homelessness.
“We were part of the middle class, but then we lost everything. The catalyst was not having access to affordable quality childcare,” explained Heather.
Meanwhile, Maria came to the U.S. 24 years ago, but finding local resources to continue her education was almost impossible.
“That’s why I start advocating for that. ‘Because I don’t want other families to face the same challenges that I face,” she told Ivanhoe.
Now Maria and Heather embody the principles of child-first parenting — advocating to make sure all the children in their community have the support they need.
“Many of the mothers even in some of the most challenging circumstances to really put their children first. Not just in word, but in what they’re doing. I think that’s a massive strength,” said Colleen Vesely, PhD, professor of inclusive early childhood education at George Mason University
Dr. Vesely, who conducts community-based research in partnership with families believes supporting families and protecting the environment go hand-in-hand. For instance, Maria teaches other immigrants the importance of recycling and healthy eating — relying on plant-based foods to feed their families.
“We talk a lot about modeling, how you spend your money, who you spend your time with. All of those things are really important,” Dr. Vesely told Ivanhoe.
Recycling programs teach kids about waste reduction, community gardens and food sharing initiatives help combat hunger and minimize food waste, and green spaces boost mental and physical well-being — all accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status.
“El Pueblo Unidos, el juntos unido, siempre sera mas fuerte. And that really means that together united, the people will always be stronger,” said Dr. Vesely.
Helping children become active in their communities does more than solve local problems — it teaches them to become engaged, responsible adults and contribute to a more sustainable environment for future generations. Even something as simple as choosing plant-based foods can help the environment. Experts say when kids see the impact of their actions, they gain confidence, compassion, and a sense of purpose that lasts a lifetime. Child-First Communities
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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