This holiday season, a new statewide campaign is reminding Nebraskans that the smallest moments of connection can have the biggest impact on children’s lives.
Nurture Nebraska aims to boost awareness around the importance of children’s social and emotional development from birth to age 5. The campaign highlights how everyday interactions — a warm greeting, a kind response or a little extra patience to work through big feelings — help children develop confidence and skills that will benefit them throughout life.
Led by Husker students and faculty, the effort comes at a crucial time. An estimated one in four Nebraska children face social, emotional or behavioral problems.
Social and emotional development refers to a child’s ability to build positive relationships, manage their emotions, resolve conflicts and make thoughtful decisions. The campaign emphasizes that these skills start early and grow stronger when families, educators and communities work together to promote them.
Nurture Nebraska, part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s TransformED initiative, was created by Jacht, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ student-run advertising agency, with guidance from co-investigators Jemalyn Griffin, associate professor of practice in advertising and public relations and Changmin Yan, associate professor of advertising and public relations.
“We want Nebraskans to understand what social and emotional development looks like in everyday moments and how nurturing these skills helps children connect, feel and belong,” said Yan, a CYFS research affiliate. “This creative effort, grounded in research and lifted up through real Nebraska stories, is designed to spark small acts of care today that will help ensure a brighter future for the youngest generation — and for all of Nebraska.”
Nurture Nebraska draws on evidence-based research from UNL and other sources that show children with strong social and emotional skills are more likely to experience positive outcomes. Studies also show supportive relationships in early childhood lay the foundation for learning, well-being and long-term success.
The campaign makes the science of early childhood development accessible to Nebraskans through a multi-media mix of visuals, storytelling and practical tips. Messaging is featured in statewide radio spots in both English and Spanish, digital signage and videos at the Lincoln and Omaha airports, community events and social media. Its website offers resources related to social and emotional development, including videos, printables and links to early childhood experts and organizations.
Funded by a Grand Challenges grant from the UNL Office of Research and Innovation, Nurture Nebraska operates within TransformED, a research initiative dedicated to supporting Nebraska’s young children and early childhood educators.
A key piece of the initiative is raising awareness of why children’s social and emotional development matters.
“Responsive, caring relationships are essential for healthy development,” said Lisa Knoche, CYFS co-director and principal investigator. “Seeing this campaign take shape and now reach communities statewide has been exciting. It underscores that every Nebraskan has a stake in supporting these skills. Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver or neighbor, your interactions with children can make a difference.”
To learn more, including how to get involved, visit nurturenebraska.org or engage with the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
