Children's Service Society

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING...

• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
• When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking'

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

What are Parents Saying about Utah Parents as Teachers?

Jessica and her husband are young parents raising five children: three girls ages 8, 4, and 3 and two boys ages one year and 18 months. Jessica gave birth to three of her children and two are her sister's children.

Jessica's sister and her husband used drugs, which led to their incarceration. Their children were placed with Jessica and her husband. They adopted one child and are in the process of adopting the other child.

Because the children had developmental and behavioral issues caused by their exposure to living in an unsafe environment, Jessica's family felt overwhelmed. She called Utah Parents and Teachers (UPAT) at Children's Service Society of Utah.

UPAT provides in-home parenting assistance to families, child development and health screenings, reading readiness, and community resource referrals for families with children from pregnancy to kindergarten entry.

Jessica says, "The Parents as Teachers program opened a huge door for me. The program is free and a parent educator comes to the house. The visit is personalized for me and each child." Jessica and her husband now feel able to handle situations when they arise.