Building the Foundation of a Happy Home

Alexandria is a bright-eyed one-and-a-half-year-old who regularly greets her mother with a high-pitched squeal of excitement when she comes home to their two-bedroom apartment.

It is hard to believe that less than two years ago, Kayla and Anthony Randolph faced homelessness. In the early months of her pregnancy, fearing they would lose their daughter, Kayla reached out to Kershaw County First Steps to support their journey towards stability.

Kayla credits Rudine McLeod, director of parenting programs, in helping them get back on their feet. With Rudine’s assistance, the young parents were able to secure housing and work through their own anxiety as first-time parents in order to focus on what really matters─providing a nurturing and loving home for Alexandria.

Since starting the Parents as Teachers program, Kayla and Anthony have seen massive changes in their confidence as parents.

“Our attitudes are different, our respect for ourselves, each other, and ultimately our kid,” Anthony said. “For me, when I was first starting off as a dad, I sucked. I didn’t know how to be there. I didn’t know how to communicate how I felt. I was scared of that level of commitment, but I’ve grown so much as a father and as a person.”

Kayla and Anthony are not the only ones who have grown since starting the program. Over the last year, Alexandria has adapted and learned very quickly and is eager for story time. Kayla and Anthony read as a family every night, thanks to the books Alexandria receives from their parent educator.

The transition to parenthood can be a stressful one, muddled with self-doubt and anxiety. With the right support from programs like Parents as Teachers, parents can feel more confident and capable of providing the best for their child and in doing so, strengthen bonds with each other.

“First Steps gave us the opportunity to be the parents we want to be, and they do everything they can to make that possible,” Kayla said.

Learn more about Parents as Teachers and other parenting programs offered by First Steps.

Topics: Local Partnerships, Parenting