Parents

Pennsylvania 4-H Youth Development is dedicated to our young people. The program fosters citizenship, leadership, social understanding, better family living and growth through a variety of learning experiences.

4-H is a family affair.

Parents, grandparents, guardians, brothers, sisters—everyone in the family can be a part of the 4-H experience. 4-H offers many opportunities for families to do things together. Picnics, fairs, trips, camps, shows, and special club and countywide events are designed for family participation.

Family involvement in 4-H can help you and your child to develop common interests. It can also put you in touch with other 4-H families and help to strengthen your family’s social network. We invite you to become a 4-H family.

What Parents Can Do

Your involvement in 4-H can ensure the best learning experience for your child. You will also have opportunities to grow and learn.

• Show enthusiasm for your child’s 4-H participation. Furnish interest and support.
• Take an interest in your child’s 4-H projects and activities. Listen, look and offer suggestions, but don’t take over. A child learns by his or her mistakes and successes.
• Help your child to select 4-H projects. Find out what is to be learned and how. Teach him/her the value of projects and presentations done well and on time. Promote learning of time management skills and the importance of follow-through.
• Encourage regular attendance at club meetings and involvement in 4-H activities. Attend meetings with them. Get to know the 4-H leader. Lend a hand whenever you can. Stay informed about what your child and club are doing.