Opening your home to someone new can take courage.
When Nashima welcomed home visitors from Tiwa Babies in Taos, New Mexico, questions floated in her mind.
“It’s always kinda iffy to have someone new come in,” she said. “Like, are they gonna judge you, what’s going on, are they gonna be comfortable, have a good flow to the house?”
Today, those home visitors have become trusted adults in her daughter, Gabby’s life, and a source of encouragement and affirmation for Nashima.
“They just kinda fit into the family,” she said.
Nashima began a home visiting partnership with Tiwa Babies just after Gabby’s birth. She appreciated the fact that the program was located on Taos Pueblo, where her family lives, and it’s continued to be a source of cultural connection between her family and the community.
Last year, Tiwa Babies hosted an intergenerational play group where Gabby had a chance to spend time with all the aunties in the pueblo. Nashima envisions them passing on their cultural knowledge to Gabby.
“That’s what she needs to be around,” said Nashima, “is the older generation.”
Other group connections have fostered relationships between families in similar stages of life. During activities like Easter celebrations and Earth Day crafts, children have a chance to socialize and parents can build friendships.
“It’s opened up a bigger community,” Nashima said. “It’s like, we’re not just one family, we can be a little group and hang out and be there for each other if need be.”
Gabby is Nashima’s first child, and her home visitors have been a consistent source of trusted information about her development. From assurances about parenting to insight on developmental milestones, when Nashima has concerns about a particular behavior or situation, she discusses them with her home visitor.
“That’s kinda the whole thing; there’s another support system there for me.”
For Nashima and her family, having the courage to open the door to her home visitor launched a lasting partnership in parenting support.