February is Parent Leadership Month, and we are celebrating parents across South Carolina who work to improve the lives of their families, neighbors and communities every day.
Krystal Edwards and her sons, Zayvion, 9, and Zyahire, 11.
Krystal Edwards is mom to Zayvion, 9, and Zyahire, 11. She lives in North Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently in school to become a barber.
She recently shared some of the joy and wisdom of her parenting journey, and how the Strengthening Families Program at National Youth Advocate Program – South Carolina helped bring her family closer together. Krystal has also participated as a parent leader in Circle of Parents, another space for caregivers to openly discuss the successes and challenges of raising children.
What parenting advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that it is okay. It’s okay to say that you don’t know. It’s okay. Sometimes you can be okay with someone else’s kids and not your own. It is okay, but know when to ask for help.
How did the Strengthening Families Program help you as a parent?
SFP helped me with my 11-year-old. He wasn’t communicating and it helped me know how to help him express himself and discuss with him his emotions.
What’s your favorite game or activity to play with your children?
Both boys are so different. With my oldest, we do a lot of nerdy things. With my youngest, we do anything that is freeing, like jumping and running–nothing that has rules.
The Strengthening Families Program is a 14-week program for families with children ages 6 to 11. The goal of the program is to help parents and caregivers improve parenting skills, develop positive discipline practices, stay resilient in tough times, reduce conflict, and assist children with social skills, relationships, and school performance. It is offered across South Carolina through local partners in settings that include community centers, schools and churches.
Children’s Trust provides training for partners, collects data, and monitors the program to ensure it reaches the maximum potential for children and families as part of its overall mission to prevent child abuse and neglect in South Carolina. The Duke Endowment and the S.C. Department of Social Services serve as the funding partners in this effort.
