Parenting is not easy. Sometimes an illness or a temper tantrum can leave parents feeling baffled and inadequate. Parenting classes are designed to help parents deal with issues they come across while dealing with their children. Problems which parents face with their children may be emotional or physical but with proper training, they will be able to handle the situation in the best possible way.

How can you find a good parenting class? There are several sources you can approach.

• If you are a first time parent, you are sure to be apprehensive about how good a parent you will be. There will be questions about infant and baby care, nutrition, breast feeding, baby sleep and so on. Your Ob/Gyn should be able to suggest a good parenting class meant especially for first time parents. Many hospitals and doctors’ offices partner with places offering parenting classes so it is worth a try.

• Another person who can direct you to a good parenting class is your pediatrician. It does not matter if you already have children or if you are facing difficulty dealing with an exceptionally difficult or temperamental child, discuss the matter with the pediatrician. He or she may be able to recommend a good parenting class for you.

• Check out whether your community health centers offer parenting classes. Such health centers sometimes conduct meetings, seminars and classes for parents. The topics range from infant care to dealing with teenagers and adult children so if you find such programs, go ahead and enroll.

• Hospitals sometimes conduct special classes for parents. By signing up for such classes, you will be able to learn the basics of first aid, CPR and so on. These are things every parent ought to know.

• Problems at home usually surface in the class room. Check out whether local public schools in your locality offer parenting classes. Many public schools offer such classes to help parents understand the issues their children face and how to deal with them.

• Public health and wellness centers in your area may sometimes offer curses in health care, nutrition, disease prevention and so on. Enrolling for such courses is one step towards positive parenting.

• There are support groups meant especially for parents. By joining these groups you will be able to interact with other parents like yourself and learn about their problems and share yours. Together you can come up with effective ways to deal with children. Some organizations conduct parenting classes in collaboration with such support groups so by joining the group, you will be able to avail of good parenting classes.

• Churches sometimes have special classes and counselling sessions meant especially for parents. These programs are designed and conducted by experts.

• Check the internet for information on parenting classes in your locality. If you wish you can sign up for online courses in parenting. An advantage of such courses is that they permit you to attend classes as per your convenience and it can be done in the comfort of your home.

Jonathan Pitts

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jonathan Pitts