Worsley Elementary School will be hosting a free parenting course entitled Triple P: Parenting your Pre-teen or Teen.
The eight-week course for parents of children aged 10-16, is set for Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. beginning Apr. 15. The school is located at 31-40th St. S.
Among the topics to be examined are strategies for encouraging appropriate behaviour, misbehaviour management, factors influencing behaviours and positive parenting principles. Family survival tips for this challenging age group will also be discussed.
The course is one of a number developed for the Making the Difference Together (MTDT) series presented through the Learning Centres of Simcoe County.
Parents attend for a variety of reasons. Some are seeking options to deal with a particular issue.
Some come looking for alternatives to ways that they were parented. Others are hoping for affirmation of what they’re doing is right. They may be adjusting to being a single parent or have been referred by another agency or school. Whatever the reason, the goals of MTDT are the same:
-to strengthen families and build resiliency;
-to promote positive school involvement by parents;
-to increase parenting capacity;
-to decrease family violence and child abuse.
Kim Taylor and her husband Bill are raising four children aged eight to 17. Over the years, they have taken a variety of the Making the Difference Together courses.
“I found the classes invaluable. Sometimes it’s just a refresher when you find yourself stuck in a parenting rut,” said Taylor. “But you also learn different ways to deal with situations positively.”
Making the Difference Together began in 1992. Programs are based upon the Institute for Affective Skill Development’s well-researched curricula presented in both a general or age-specific manner.
Skills and principles incorporated support the teachings of familiar authors such as Barbara Coloroso. From two-hour workshops to the more intensive eight- to 10-week Positive Parenting, Effective Parenting and Cool Solutions-anger management/conflict resolution courses, a variety course lengths and commitment levels are available.
The Cool Solutions program teaches effective ways to handle anger and conflict. Participants gain an understanding of what anger is, how it develops and what its effects are. Parents who have completed the course say that the techniques learned can be used in any situation inside and outside the home.
“If we can model and teach more positive ways to deal with anger, then we are giving our children a gift,” said Taylor.
In addition to a Ministry of Education grant, funding for the MTDT programs relies upon a variety of community partners, sponsorships, service clubs, school councils and individuals.
Spring programs are running at various schools and community centres throughout Simcoe County with some individual topical workshops still slated to begin.
According to program co-ordinator Jean Harnden, instructors are being sought to expand Wasaga Beach, Stayner and Collingwood area course availability.
To register or for further information, contact Making the Difference Together, The Learning Centres, Bayfield Mall, 320 Bayfield St., Barrie. You can contact them at 725-8360, click the link, or e-mail parenting@thelearningcentres.com.
