We Believe In The Future:

Local Parenting Classes That Build Strong Family Bonds

Parents' Source, September 20, 1998.

Most parents wish to give their children opportunities that will foster self-esteem, self confidence, responsibility and a long list of other promising traits and values that will not only benefit the child, but strengthen the family as a whole. Unfortunately, achieving these goals is not always as instinctual as we are initially lead to believe. As they grow with each stage of their life, from toddler to teen, we are faced with new challenges in building strong relationships while trying to avoid some of the day-to-day struggles that families encounter.

Take a look at some of the many programs offered in our community that can strengthen the tools you need for more effective parenting. Each has a unique approach that could benefit everyone in your family. (Look for class dates and times in The Parenting Connection.)

The 10 Greatest Gifts Project: Parenting from the Heart. This free program held at the Reading Hospital, offers parents 5 basic parenting tools necessary to nurture the qualities and values that they would like to give to their children. Parents will also discover what is important in creating a happy, productive family, while taking the struggle out of parenting and putting the joy back in. The class is designed to benefit anyone from a new parent to a more seasoned one. The parenting skills learned will help to increase children's cooperative behavior, success in school, and their ability to make good choices while strengthening family bonds. Parents learn how to move from reactive to proactive parenting while becoming aware of how this new parenting style can positively effect their children's values, behavior, and lives. Child care is available. For more information call: (610) 208-5147.

Berks Counseling Center. This program, funded and supported by the Council on Chemical Abuse and the Department of Health, offers a parenting program for teen mothers and fathers. Meetings incorporate both education and parenting skills training as well as a supportive environment in which teen moms and dads can socialize and share their experiences with one another. The program is open to teen parents (both moms and dads) throughout Berks County. This program is funded as a substance abuse prevention effort and includes a strong focus on teen parents remaining drug and alcohol free. For more information contact Betty Winings at (610) 373-4281.

Friend, Inc. Two free programs (listed below) are offered to parents looking for support or encouragement. A calendar of specific topics is scheduled throughout the year on subjects such as: setting loving boundaries for your kids; sibling rivalry; family communication; teens; nurturing a close family; and more.

• Parents Talking Together: An informal discussion group utilizing videos, speakers and handouts along with the "Active Parenting Film Series" to inform and support the parents who attend. Check to see if child care is available.
• Support Over Supper: Speakers throughout the year are scheduled to present information on a variety of parenting topics. A light meal is served and child care is free. For more information concerning dates and upcoming topics call: (610) 683-7790.

Police Athletic League of Greater Reading Parent Program. This program offered in English and Spanish, is tailored on an individual basis with focus on: parenting skills; family communication; building your child's self-esteem; setting limits; stress management; and involvement in your child's educational experience. The program is geared toward parenting children and young adolescents.

• Pride Parent to Parent: This is an awareness and intervention program for drug and alcohol use. Parents will learn how to determine if your kid is a user, how to talk about different issues so kids will listen and what resources are available in the community. The open discussion forum addresses topics brought to life by the participants. It also looks at
  how an individual problem such as drug use or a tense family relationship can effect the entire family unit. Child care provided. Parking available. For more information
  call: (610) 376-7229.

Redirecting Children's Behavior, The Gentle Art of Parenting. This program, supported by the CTCE Federal Credit Union, teaches practical skills for building children's self-esteem, encouraging cooperation and developing a sense of responsibility, through the positive use of discipline. Participants will come to view discipline as a motivating tool to teach children self-control. Creative ideas, role playing and a specific set of techniques are demonstrated for handling everyday situations. Participants will learn how to set limits and boundaries for themselves and their child. The goal is to create more enjoyment and fun in the relationships between children and adults. At the completion of the course you will be able to discipline without yelling, redirect mistaken goals, build self esteem, prevent sibling rivalry, and create an encouraging family. For information, call (610) 777-4748.

Reading Urban Ministry. (FAST) Family Action Support Team provides classes and support groups for parents focusing on child development, how to communicate with your children, discipline, and behavior management. Classes are free and open to everyone.
Groups available on specific topics for individual needs:

• Parents of Preschoolers (3 mos. ­ 5 yrs.): Classes focus on child development, discipline and child safety issues. Parents may attend alone or with kids.
• Parents of School-agers (6 ­ 12 yrs.): Classes focus on child development, behavior management, stress reduction, helping with school problems and more.
• Parents of teenagers (12 yrs ­ 18 yrs.): Class discussion focuses on teen sexuality, drug and alcohol use, school problems and behavior management.
• Dad's Parenting Classes: This group is by fathers, for fathers and about fathers. Topics include discussion on communicating with your children (and their mother), child development, how to discipline without screaming or spanking, and the important roles fathers play in parenting.
• Parents Anonymous: A discussion group for parents to talk with other parents concerning stress reduction discipline and other parenting issues.

Child care is provided. For more information call: (610) 374-6142.

Women's Counseling Services. There are a variety of classes and support groups offered to women, men, children, and families among the many low cost psychological and educational programs available. The various topics range from parenting your adolescent, improving communication skills and working on coping skills as it relates to divorce, separation, and/or custody issues.

• Parenting Classes: This is psycho-educational group designed for parents to improve communication and parenting skills, as well as developmental stages, and discipline techniques. Spanish translation available.
• Father's Support Group: This is a men's group to explore the issues of fathers involved in the primary caretaking of children, discipline alternatives, and the important role fathers play in a child's development. For more information call: 610-372-7234.

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