The DESC Lab conducted a pilot study called the HOME project with mothers of toddlers ages 18- to 24-months-old in Yolo County. The objective was to explore how parents nurture toddlers' abilities to cope, while managing their own emotional responses during challenging situations. Specifically, we focused on low- and middle-income families in Yolo County investigating how adept coping mechanisms and effective emotional management can serve as protective factors against the repercussions of financial difficulties. Many families encounter financial stress which impacts their emotional well-being and interactions with their loved ones. The HOME project aimed to contribute to the well-being of families by uncovering strategies that enable parents and toddlers to navigate adversity and stress effectively.