Healthy Families program helps parents make best decisions for children

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Published: Monday, 15 August 2016 20:05

Nothing brings joy to the heart like the arrival of a new baby. But what happens once parents get baby home and reality sets in?

Parenting is a hard job. Every parent wants to do what’s right, but how does one know whose advice to follow?

For those parents facing the additional challenges of teen parenting, single parenting, and/or parenting with limited financial resources, knowing where to look for answers is even more critical to ensure that both parents and children thrive.

Kayla and Ronald Bretzinger of Francesville eased their parental concerns by connecting with Sherry Landrum and the Healthy Families Pulaski County program.

“Even before Grayson arrived people wanted to share their parenting advice,” said Ronald Bretzinger. “Everyone means well, but how do you know what is right when everything is new? The Internet? I don’t think so.”

For nine years Sherry Landrum, a Healthy Families support specialist and supervisor, has devoted herself to building trusting relationships by working one-on-one with moms and dads in the home to help them make the best decisions for their baby.

“Sherry has become like family to us,” said Kayla Bretzinger. “Her approach to sharing information is not to tell us whether we are doing something right or wrong, but to ask the right questions that lead us to the best decision for our son.”

“This work is important to me because I get to make a real difference in the lives of families by building confidence in their parenting skills, and sharing best practices regarding positive child development to ensure that children are happy, safe and ready to learn,” said Landrum.

For nearly 25 years, Indiana has invested in the future of children through the evidence-based, strength-focused Healthy Families home visitation program model in all 92 counties. Services are voluntary and available free of charge to families who qualify. The program provides guidance to both new and existing parents by promoting healthy child development, strengthening parent-child interaction, preventing adverse childhood experiences, and helping families link with necessary community resources, while enhancing their self-sufficiency.

“Healthy Families has taught us that everything Grayson does is a lesson and has purpose for his healthy development, whether it’s his fascination with a balloon or why he puts things in his mouth,” said Kayla Bretzinger. “We know what to expect at each month of his development. We are better parents than we thought we could be.”

Melinda Roth of Winamac works in partnership with Sherry Landrum at Healthy Families Pulaski County.

 “My 'ah ha' moment happens every time a parent and child excel in their development,” said Roth. “When during their enrollment in the program mom completes her education and moves into a job and baby is meeting or exceeding development milestones—there is no better feeling in the world than to know you empowered a family to meet its life goals.”

To learn more about Healthy Families Pulaski County and its eligibility requirements call (574) 946-6017 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..