When he became a parent himself, Jose experienced new empathy for that frustration, although he quickly points out that abuse is never justifiable. His wife, Sue Gonzalez, also has a master's degree in social work and works with children with developmental disabilities in the St. Paul Public School system. Many of the children she works with have developmental delays complicated by a variety of challenges associated with family poverty and dysfunctional family systems. They need a routine they can count on. She's noticed that food is a big issue for kids who don't have secure attachments to their primary caregivers.
Meal time is the one time that many children get individual attention.
Some eat even when they're not hungry because they crave that attention so much. At her center, Sue Gonzalez recommended a change in the snack and meal schedule, so some of her students get breakfast and that individual attention right away. The Gonzalezes would be the first to admit that professionals don't have all the answers and getting parenting support or education is nothing to be ashamed of. A child of an alcoholic father, Jose says he grew up in an explosive environment where spanking was the only form of discipline. These personal and professional experiences have carried over into his violence prevention work.