Social Connections

Positive relationships that provide emotional, informational, instrumental and spiritual support.

Core Meaning

• Building trusting relationships; feeling respected and appreciated
  • Having friends, family members, neighbors and others who:
  • provide emotional support (e.g., affirming parenting skills)
  • provide instrumental support/concrete assistance (e.g., providing transportation)
  • provide informational support/serve as a resource for parenting information
  • provide spiritual support (e.g., providing hope and encouragement)
  • provide an opportunity to engage with others in a positive manner
  • help solve problems
  • help buffer parents from stressors
  • reduce feelings of isolation
  • promote meaningful interactions in a context of mutual trust and respect
• Having a sense of connectedness that enables parents to feel secure, confident and empowered to “give back” to others