Every day, parents across South Carolina work to improve the lives of their families, neighbors and communities. One of those parents is Quentoria Jones.
Quentoria is a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, and has four kids.
I’m a high school and college graduate ( Associate’s in Applied Science with a minor in Criminal Justice)! Summer semester I will be enrolling back into Greenville Technical College to obtain a degree in Human Services! I serve as a member of The School Improvement Council Board for Sterling, Blythe, and Hughes Academy; Policy Council for Share headstart; PTA( all 4 schools); classroom mom; Mentor; Ambassador for The Nicholtown Child and Collaborative Program (Parent Cafe); and Advocate for our community, especially when it comes to Affordable Housing! So I have a very busy schedule!
Amanda recently shared some of the joy and wisdom of her parenting journey, and how participating in Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) with New Directions of Horry County and Tidelands Health helped her family.
What parenting advice would you give your younger self?
The advice I would give my younger self is: You have to give yourself grace! Parenthood doesn’t come with instructions or a handbook. It’s trial and error. I don’t care how many books you try and read or parenting classes you take you will never be prepared.
I would also tell myself to be acceptive of the fact that you’re going to make mistakes. You will not have all the answers.
Last but not least, I would definitely advise my younger self to reach out for and accept help. Parenthood is a full-time job with multiple titles so wanting and needing a break doesn’t make you a bad parent.
How did Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) help you as a parent?
Triple P has helped me to have a different perspective and understanding of Parenting. It has helped me with ways to communicate with my children better. And it has even given me the tools needed to help with discipline, bedtime routines and even temper tantrums. It’s also provided me with a community of friends, support and resources. So I’m forever grateful to them for that.
What’s your favorite game or activity to play with your children?
When it comes to a favorite game or activity it just depends on the day and what mood the Fab 4 are in! They all have huge personalities.
So to name a few I would say reading, Connect 4, Go Fish, rock, scissors and paper, cooking and baking, arts and crafts, painting and coloring, directed drawing and puzzles.
We have a rule were we all have a day we get to choose an activity or game we love, and everyone has to participate whether they want to or not. It’s our way to bond and keep each other in the loop of what’s going on with them at school, grades, friends and how they’re feeling about whatever.
Pictured are Quentoria
—
Triple P is a parenting support program for parents that provides easy, practical strategies to help caregivers navigate challenges and build healthy relationships with their children.
It is offered in Georgetown County by Tidelands Health, the local coordinating agency of the program, through a grant from Children’s Trust of South Carolina and The Duke Endowment. Learn more about Triple P in Georgetown.