PARENTING...THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB IN THE WORLD!
Parenting is the most important thing we will ever do. Raising children is also one of the
most difficult jobs we try. Mothers and fathers are not filled with parenting instincts
upon the birth of their first child, and babies do not come with instruction books. We all
learn the "how to's" by trial and error. Our "on-the-job-training" is
seldom supervised. Nurturing Parenting Programs are designed to take some of the guesswork
out of parenting. Easy-to-follow guidelines about ways to teach children are provided.
TOPICS
Nurturing Parenting Programs provide information about important topics for building
happier families. Parents are people too. When a family is overwhelmed by stress, it is
hard for adults to be consistent and patient with children. Some of the topics that help
parents learn to take better care of themselves include:
- What to do with strong feelings
- How to talk with other adults
- How to find answers to problems
- How to feel good about yourself
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| All parents already use their own "bag of tricks" in raising their children,
which may or may not be working well. Topics that give parents more choices include: |
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- Setting up routines for children
- How children grow
- How to praise and redirect
- How to use time-out and ignoring
- Giving choices and consequences
- Healthy diets
- Helping children to like themselves
- Talking with children
- Teaching children about sex
- Teaching children self-protection
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MEETINGS
Nurturing Parenting Programs are group
experiences involving small groups of parents with children about the same ages. Everyone
has something to teach, so sharing triumphs and failures is important. Topics are explored
together through discussion, films, games, artwork, and acting. Children are an important
part of Nurturing Parenting Programs and they attend their own groups to learn some of the
same skills their parents are practicing. Families come together for part of each meeting
for joint activities. Group meetings are fun, and there is usually a lot of laughter each
week.
PROGRAMS
Research shows Nurturing Parenting Programs
help develop stronger family relationships. Nurturing Parenting Programs are social
activities. Families can make new friends and have fun together. Nurturing Parenting
Programs become support groups for both parents and children. Everyone gets to share their
fears and dreams with others in similar situations. The following Nurturing Parenting
Programs are currently available in Catawba County:
- Parents with children birth to 4 years
- Parents with children 5 to 11 years
- Parents with Teens
- Fathers
- Teen Parents
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Groups typically meet one evening a week for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Completion of the programs requires attendance for 12 to 23 weeks, depending on the
program. If necessary, transportation and quality childcare may be provided. Nurturing
Parenting Programs are free.
What Graduates of Nurturing Parenting Programs say:
"I have learned how to have the heart to discipline my children."
Single mother, age 24
"I learned that my son is just a child. I need to let him be one."
Single father, age 19
"I learned everyone is their own person. Everyone has their own needs. I learned
more about myself and what has led my life down the path that I followed. There are better
ways to correct a child than spanking and yelling."
Married mother, age 32
"I really enjoyed this program and hate to see it come to an end. I met
interesting people and made new friends. I have a new perspective toward caring for my
kids. I hope I will be able to put all I have learned to good use. Thanks! I will miss
this."
Teenage mother
For more information about Nurturing Parenting Programs, please call the program
coordinator at (828) 695-4431 or 695-4427.
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