Every day, parents across South Carolina work to improve the lives of their families, neighbors and communities. One of those parents is Rhonda Jones.
Rhonda Jones and her daughter, Jamiyah
Rhonda lives in North Charleston, South Carolina and is a single mom of six, raising four of her biological children and two of her nephews. Her youngest is ten years old, and her oldest is 30.
Rhonda participated in the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) at the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) with her youngest daughter, Jamiyah. Rhonda shared how SFP impacted her life, parenting and relationships with all of her children. Rhonda 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?
To give my children verbal praise and to show up. To not just give them money and things, but to give them my time. We can starve our children emotionally. I was a mother to my older children in name only. We have to show our children emotions in order to shape their emotional makeup, which starts as a child. Everything isn’t about money, so do things with your children that don’t cost money, like mommy and me dates. The intentionality I give my 10-year-old has made her more well-rounded and I cannot financially give her what I gave my older children. It is important to emotionally satisfy our children.
How has the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) helped you as a parent?
SFP gave me the honor to gather myself and work on my flaws, shortcomings and strongholds as a parent. The program taught me to be emotional, and I learned that what my child needs isn’t personally about me. SFP taught me that I’m the fertilizer and caregiver of the plant of my child, and I have to raise it to be a healthy flower.
What’s your favorite game or activity to play with your child?
I love the family meetings with Jamiyah because she’s very vocal with me (whether I like it or not). My daughter is a very creative child; she loves music, drama and video creation.
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.
