PARENTS: PARTNERS ON THE 4-H TEAM
Good youth development programs do not just happen. It takes the combined effort of parents and volunteers
along with the guidance of Extension youth development professionals to establish a good 4-H program.
In 4-H we have a team.. a 4-H team which contributes to the ultimate development of boys and girls. On this team
are the parents who become partners of the team. If this team is to be successful, then the parents must become
"regular players" not "bench riders."
Why parent participation?
Through research and experience, a number of positive efforts on 4-H, 4-H clubs and 4-H members can be attributed to active parent participation.
1. Active parent participation can strengthen and broaden the 4-H program in local unit or in any county.
2. 4-H work would be totally impossible without the active support of interested parents.
3. It has been found that boys and girls do better club work when parents show interest, not only by work but also by deeds.
4. Extending a helping or encouraging hand to a boy or girl is one of the finest ways you can express affection to your children and other youth.
5. 4-H is a family affair offering parents many opportunities to participate in a program with their child and build family unity.
6. When parental support is positive, the chances are good for the club to become stronger, larger and more active.
7. In clubs where parental support is good, individual club members receive more personal attention and guidance from leaders and parents.
8. Club activities and events will develop and expand with the added support of parents.
9. 4-H has a positive influence on the lives of thousands of boys and girls. This happens only when parents care enough to share their time, efforts and talents.
4-H brings the Family Together
Family unity increases from planning, sharing and working together. When a family works as a team the
strengths, talents, skills, and worth of each family member can be developed and appreciated. With love and
understanding, patience and counsel a parent can offer their child a solid start in a pleasant and beneficial
experience. The family then becomes a team.
What can parents do to support and/or help in the 4-H program?
1. Learn what 4-H is all about (purposes, objective, etc.)
2. Exhibit a genuine interest and enthusiasm in 4-H and in your child.
3. Encourage participation in 4-H activities. Participation stimulates interest and enthusiasm.
4. Assist your child in selecting a project they will enjoy, a project they have the ability to accomplish, and one for which you can help furnish facilities, financing, needed materials and guidance.
5. Provide encouragement. Help in project work with recordkeeping, demonstrations, judging, and
completion of attempted work and leadership responsibilities.
6. Provide transportation for members to local club meetings, county events and various activities.
7. Attend at least half of the club meetings each year with your child.
8. Get informed about "what's going on" and continue to keep informed.
9. Provide a meeting place for the project group. When possible, assist leaders and club by providing refreshments or other help.
10. Volunteer to be a project leader. All adults have abilities that would greatly assist the 4-H program.
11. Serve on a committee to help plan and conduct special club activities and events.
The Walker County Extension Office
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This page last modified on: January 4, 2000