ParentLink

09/01/2026

September is National Kinship Care Month! 🎉

Help us honor the grandparents, other relatives, and close family friends stepping up to raise children whose parents cannot.

Call or text the Missouri Kinship Navigator Program at 1-833-546-4543 to connect with a Kinship Resource Specialist.

Explore the toolkit and join the
celebration:
gksnetwork.org/kinship-month-2026

08/24/2026

Regardless of the child’s foster care or custody status, or the caregiver’s legal relationship to the child, all kinship caregivers are welcome to access the free services provided by the MO KIN-4-KID program. These include:

Assistance completing Medicaid and SNAP applications
Assistance with school enrollment of children
Assistance obtaining food, clothing, and other tangible items
Connection to medical, dental, and vision care for children
Connection to specialized services such as services for children with Autism
Parenting classes
Child development screenings
Emotional support and connection to peers
Assistance developing a daily routine that works for your family

Call or text us at 1-833-546-4543 to speak with a Kinship Resource Specialist.

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

Some days feel rewarding. Some days feel overwhelming. Most days are a little bit of both. If no one has told you lately, you are doing important work.

By providing a safe, loving, and stable home, you're helping a child grow, heal, and thrive. Your presence, patience, and care matter more than you know.

Call or text us at 1-833-546-4543 to speak with a Kinship Resource Specialist.

08/14/2026

Teens are discovering who they are, and your encouragement can help them build confidence along the way. Try looking beyond achievements and noticing the qualities that make them who they are: their kindness, honesty, creativity, responsibility, perseverance, and sense of humor.

Need parenting support? Call or text the ParentLink Warmline at 800-552-8522 for personalized parenting advice and listening support!

08/13/2026

Teens are searching for independence, but they still need to know you are there.

You can support their growing independence by respecting their opinions, including them in family discussions, being available when they need advice, and giving them opportunities to make age-appropriate decisions.

Giving teens more independence means staying connected while helping them build confidence and life skills.

Need parenting support? Call or text the ParentLink Warmline at 800-552-8522 for personalized parenting advice and listening support.

08/12/2026

Some days your teen may have plenty to say, while other days you might get nothing but a one word answer. Keep the door open by staying curious, listening, and asking simple questions.

Small conversations can lead to stronger connections over time. 💛

Need parenting support? Call or text the ParentLink Warmline at 800-552-8522 for personalized parenting advice and listening support.

08/11/2026

This week, let's chat about connecting with your teen. It starts with the little things.

Take a few minutes to show interest in what they care about, listen without interrupting, or simply spend time together without an agenda. These small moments can help your teen feel seen, heard, and supported. They will help strengthen your relationship over time.

Need parenting support? Call or text the ParentLink WarmLine at 800-552-8522 for personalized parenting advice and listening support.

08/10/2026

Back-to-school mornings don't have to feel rushed or stressful. A few simple routines can help children know what to expect and make mornings smoother for everyone.

Try:
Packing backpacks the night before
Laying out clothes
Eating breakfast together
Leaving a few minutes early

Small, consistent routines can help children feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn especially when the rest of their world has changed. What morning routine works best for your family? We'd love to hear your tips in the comments!

Call or text us at 1-833-546-4543 to speak with a Kinship Resource Specialist.

08/03/2026

It's August! A new school year can bring excitement, nerves, and a lot of questions, for both children and caregivers. Remember that you don't have to have everything figured out and the love, consistency, and support you provide each day make a lasting difference.

Visit https://www.mokin4kid.org/legal-information to view our School and Medical Care video and fact sheet to make sure you have everything you need to start the school year successfully.

Call or text us at 1-833-546-4543 to speak with a Kinship Resource Specialist.