Why Are Parents Needed in 4-H?

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Why are Parents Needed in 4-H?

Parent participation in 4-H helps the members gain self-confidence and a feeling of security. 4-H involvement provides an opportunity for parents to spend more time with their children on practical, educational experiences.

Many of the basic needs of youth that 4-H strives to provide are also the goals of good parenting:

Belonging:	Being accepted by others promotes a sense of security.
Independence:	Young people want to stand alone, yet they need the reassurance of a helping hand close by. Generally, the younger the individual, the more need for the helping hand.
New Experiences:	Provide new challenges and growing opportunities.
Affection and Recognition:	Approval through recognition and attention serves as encouragement.
Achievement and Success:	Setting goals and progressing toward them can bring a feeling of success.

Parents can help their 4-H members in so many ways - getting them to club meetings, workshops and competitions, assisting with record keeping and competition preparation, providing refreshments or transportation, or becoming a Volunteer Leader.

Back to Volunteering in 4-H

University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
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Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
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