Here are the five protective factors that are shown to help families be strong even during hard times. Every family can cultivate these traits:

1. Nurturing and Attachment: Cuddling, playing, talking and listening build positive bonds.

2. Parental Resilience: Parents who develop the flexibility and inner strength to cope with the stress of everyday life and the occasional crisis are able to bounce back when things are not going well.

3. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development: No one is born knowing how to parent. It helps to learn success strategies for safely calming a crying baby, potty training, exercising age-appropriate discipline, and dealing with teenagers who no longer want to follow rules.

4. Social Connections: Getting together with friends, family and neighbors and attending school and community events helps families build positive, supportive relationships and reduces the sense of isolation that is a risk factor for child abuse and neglect.

5. Concrete Support in Times of Need: Especially in difficult economic times, families can feel like they're falling apart and don't know where to turn. Whether the need is food, shelter or treatment for substance abuse or mental illness a variety of state and community resources are available.