The inaugural ‘Common-Sense Parenting’ session, organized by the Child and Family Resource Network, took place at Pugsley Hall on Tuesday, February 20th.
Janet Stange, the program coordinator and training specialist, described the six-class series as a valuable resource for parents dealing with discord within their home environment. The classes aim to assist parents in understanding and addressing their children’s behaviors as they progress through various developmental stages.
Throughout the program, parents are guided to identify the underlying reasons behind their children’s actions and learn effective strategies to foster positive changes in behavior. Emphasis is placed on explaining consequences to children and implementing appropriate disciplinary measures in response to their actions.
The initiative, initiated in November 2022, serves as a complement to existing parenting classes tailored for parents of newborns to 3-year-olds. This expansion was facilitated by April Flemming, the assistant outreach coordinator, who highlighted the importance of offering diverse parenting resources to meet the needs of families.
Each weekly session focuses on specific themes such as effective discipline, positive reinforcement, managing challenging behaviors, and preparing children for success. Certificates that have been approved by Court Services and The Department of Social Services are awarded to those who successfully complete the course.
To ensure practical application of acquired knowledge, classes are spaced one to two weeks apart, allowing parents to implement learned strategies in real-life situations. Stange stressed the significance of building a respectful relationship with children, underscoring the balance between rational discipline and emotional connection.
The classes cater not only to parents but also to individuals who regularly interact with school-aged children, such as educators or caregivers. Stange noted the diverse demographic of participants, ranging from late 20s to late 40s, with a common interest in enhancing their parenting skills.
While the classes primarily target parents, Stange mentioned that students at SDSU could benefit from attending if they engage with school-aged children. Active participation in discussions is encouraged to maximize the learning experience.
Despite the challenges posed by scheduling conflicts and childcare responsibilities, efforts are underway to address these obstacles. The organization plans to incorporate childcare services to facilitate parental attendance, acknowledging the importance of accessibility and inclusivity.
The classes, funded through a grant from Child Protection Services, offer a valuable resource for parents facing various challenges with their children. Stange highlighted the proactive approach of many parents voluntarily seeking support to improve their parenting skills.
Flemming acknowledged SDSU’s role in promoting these classes, leveraging faculty support and campus resources to reach a wider audience. The trainer, Kelly Trenhaile, brings over 20 years of experience working with children and undergoes certification to ensure the quality and integrity of the program.
Looking ahead, Stange envisions collaborations with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and public schools to expand outreach efforts and provide additional support to families. By leveraging existing networks and community partnerships, the aim is to make parenting resources more accessible and inclusive.
The upcoming series of classes, commencing on Thursday, April 11, offers interested individuals an opportunity to register through the Child and Family Resource Network office or their website.