March 8, 2000
We often hear advice from child care experts that giving kids a good start is critical.
But many times, new parents don't
know what to do
or where to turn for help.
One resource they can turn to
is the state of Utah, as you'll see in today's Family Now report.
Kellie and Darin Jones had already experienced parenthood, twice.
But when their triplets arrived, they discovered how challenging parenting can be as they tried to nurture baby times three.
Darin Jones/Father: "NO, THERE'S NO MANUAL THAT COMES WITH A BABY, SO IT'S NICE TO HAVE SOMEONE THAT CAN HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OTHER THAN FAMILY."
That perspective comes from Nickie Andreason - a registered nurse - who is working with the Jones as part of a program run by Utah County.
Nurses like Andreason help parents give their children a healthy start.
Nickie Andreason/Registered Nurse: "WE MAKE GOALS EACH MONTH AND TALK ABOUT THE PARENTS' CONCERNS AND THAT SHOULD BE THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT WE LOOK AT ARE PARENTS' CONCERNS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR BABIES BEST."
Since the Jones already had two children, at first they were unsure what Andreason could offer them.
Kellie Jones/Mother: "THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT WAS THEY THINK I'M A POOR MOTHER. THEY WANNA CHECK UP ON ME BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, SOMEBODY WANTS TO COME IN. BUT AFTER THE FIRST VISIT WITH NICKIE, THE HANDOUTS THAT THEY GAVE ME AND THE REINFORCEMENT THAT I WAS DOING THE RIGHT THING, WAS VERY WELL WORTH IT."
Kellie Jones says she would recommend the program to any parents throughout Utah who needs a little boost to give their kids a healthy start.
For More Information:
Provo Health Dept. 801 370-8700
Utah State Health Dept. 801 538-6101
