Parenting is no small feat. That’s why state and non-profit organizations have banded together to offer classes for parents to receive support and develop the skills needed to parent successfully.
Nurturing Parenting classes will begin Thursday, Jan 21 at 10 a.m., and are scheduled for each subsequent Thursday at the same time for eight weeks. They will be held in the Charlotte Taylor Center at 426 E. G St. If parents miss the first class, they are welcome to begin in the second session. March 10 is the completion date, though classes are held year round.
The program is internationally recognized and designed for parents and teen parents to enhance their senses of self-worth, empathy, discipline and empowerment.
Raising children is a complex endeavor, and many parents are in the role for the first time. Coaching can help parents to be positive influences capable of setting standards and holding their children accountable.
“Parents oftentimes feel unsure of what boundaries they can provide their children with,” said Katherine Combs, Child and Family Therapist with Frontier Health. “Many parents are fearful that what choices they make as a parent may affect their child’s future, and this seems to hinder parents’ ability to be confident in their parenting skills.”
Combs said that skepticism towards parenting classes is not uncommon, but that those that are open to learning benefit greatly from the experience.
“Parenting is challenging and there is no shame in gaining support and education for yourself,” said Combs. “Many parents have begun the program with suspicion and have completed the program with pride in themselves and more confidence in their ability to raise their child.”
Each one-hour class will begin and end with a brief assessment which allows the parent educator to identify strengths, weaknesses and improvements. Parents will receive a certificate and letter when requirements are complete.
The classes offer parents an opportunity to get advice from professionals, to identify areas for improvement and to learn effective discipline.
“Parents can gain education towards how to relate to their child, what appropriate expectations occur according to the child’s age, effective methods of discipline and consistency, alternates to spanking, healthy family roles, and ways to promote your child’s well-being,” said Combs.
Classes are free through funding from the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Grant through the state of Tennessee. Sponsoring the program are Kid Central (Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services program), United Way, and Frontier Health. Childcare is not provided. For more information, call 423-547-5950.