In 2018, County Health Rankings reported that 33% of the children in Hickman County live in poverty and 35% live in single-parent homes.  In 2016, an estimated 13 percent of children in Kentucky have an incarcerated parent, nearly double the national average of seven percent, according to a survey conducted by Kentucky Youth Advocates. Children who live absent from their biological fathers are two to three times more likely than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents to be poor, experience educational, health, emotional, and behavioral problems.   Healthy parenting relationships benefit the well-being of adults and children, as well as promote family stability.

Nurturing Families is one of the seven initiatives of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension in Kentucky. Parenting education is an active component of this initiative. Hickman County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences program partnered with Family Resource Youth Service Centers and Local Food Bank / Family Assistance Programs to offer Parenting Toolbox classes.  Fifty-five participants seeking holiday assistance chose to participate in classes to increase knowledge and tools for positive parenting. Parenting Toolbox teaches tools for positive and responsive discipline that encourages thinking, shows concern, confronts the situation, and practices care for yourself. 92% of participants reported improved knowledge of their responsive discipline techniques; how to communicate consequences; and practice self-care. All participants practiced creating a plan of action. 100% of participants felt they would use what they learned and made a commitment to take action on a family communication plan. Many participants stated that after the class they felt more empowered to parent in a positive manner.