Nurturing Families for 125 Years: Celebrating Parenthood with Child & Family Service

by Nancy Arcayna

Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to supermarket tantrums, raising children can often feel like navigating uncharted waters. While there’s no manual for parenting, there are resources available to help guide Hawaii parents as they do their best to raise healthy, happy and resilient keiki.

In recognition of the diverse challenges parents face, The Parent Line, funded by the Department of Health and operated by Child & Family Service, helps local parents and caregivers on their parenthood journey. This free, statewide telephone line provides a premier resource on child behavior, child development, parenting, caregiver support, and community resources. The Parent Line also provides a confidential and nonjudgmental space for parents to seek guidance, advice, and support on a wide range of parenting topics.

Karen Gibson, a Mililani resident, relied on The Parent Line when she faced challenging parenting issues. Gibson tapped into these resources when she became frustrated when her toddler daughter would not stay in bed. “The Parent Line suggested that I take her back to bed without any interaction each time she came to my bedroom. Several times, during the night, I followed their suggestions,” Gibson said. “After a few nights of being consistent, this strategy worked. Problem solved!”

Gibson was grateful to have received support and it served as an inspiration to help others. She later became a private tutor and has worked with students and their parents for the past couple of decades. As the Founder of Letting Go With Aloha, she now serves as a Parenting Coach and author of two books, “One Hundred Parenting Tips Inspired by the Pandemic” and “Mama’s Gotta Let Go.” The Parent Line led her to forge this career path and “embrace our children as imperfect humans with perfect souls and trust their journey.”

A Hawaii-born nonprofit, Child & Family Service (CFS) is celebrating 125 years of strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children. CFS offers programs and services to those who want to help themselves to transform their lives. The nonprofit partners with families to provide hope and healing in ways that are healthy and empowering. Resources such as The Parent Line propel positive changes into the future.

“As Child & Family Service celebrates our 125th anniversary, we reflect on the countless families we’ve had the privilege to serve over the years. From new parents seeking guidance to those navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, we serve as a trusted source of support for families,” said Amanda Pump, CFS President & CEO. “Founded in Hawaii for the people of Hawaii, our commitment to nurturing families remains as strong today as it was 125 years ago, and we are honored to continue this important work for generations to come.”

The experienced phone line team at The Parent Line help callers to problem solve parenting challenges, help decode child and adolescent behaviors, and can advise on how to deal with difficult conversations, especially when situations of crisis arise such as community tragedies or school lockdowns.

Free virtual workshops

The Parent Line provides free virtual workshops each month. The topics include building safe sleep habits, praising children and their behavior, motivating keiki to stay active, practicing self-care for parents, understanding discipline, understanding and owning your feelings, and helping children express anger appropriately. Visit www.theparentline.org to learn more.

Available for all caregivers

The Parent Line serves anyone with concerns about parenting, including expectant parents, grandparents and other caregivers, teachers, child care and healthcare providers, social workers and home visitors, mental health specialists and other professionals. CFS supports caregivers by providing encouragement to face new challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Whether it’s managing screen time, dealing with sibling rivalry, or discussing sensitive topics like puberty and sexuality, the hotline is available to help parents navigate these often-complex situations.

Statewide programs for all families

The CFS statewide community programs include preschool education, prevention of child abuse and neglect, programs for at-risk youth, domestic violence emergency services, therapeutic counseling, employment assistance, and programs for elder care. Using the organization’s core values of H.O.P.E. (Humility, Ownership, Perseverance, and Engagement), CFS works with families to help them achieve their dreams including, financial independence, planning for a thriving future and caring for all generations of their ‘ohana. CFS team members partner with individuals and families to provide them with the tools and resources they need to create meaningful and lasting change.

“No one should have to navigate the challenges of parenthood alone. Through The Parent Line, we can offer support and guidance statewide whenever it’s needed. We also provide a wide range of services across all islands to help keiki and parents live their best lives,” Pump continued.