Parent Education
Wouldn’t it be great if our children came with a manual? Unfortunately, children do not come with a set of instructions that tell you exactly how to raise them or how to troubleshoot when you encounter a problem. Children have very unique personalities and temperaments, which can make parenting somewhat difficult. We want you to enjoy raising your child. Our staff of trained and experienced educators is here to help you make parenting successful and fun. In this Parent Education section you will find tips, resources, and recaps of workshops that we hope will help you learn more about your children.
Coffee & Conversation with Ms. Alicia – September 29th
These sessions are wonderful opportunities for parents to get advice on diverse issues characteristic of childhood as well as to ask questions, discuss concerns, and hear other parents' ideas. This time we discussed Positive Discipline. Oftentimes discipline is erroneously believed to be about punishing children’s inappropriate behavior. When we talk about discipline, we are speaking about teaching children appropriate ways to behave. It is very important to set clear and appropriate expectations or boundaries for children. This allows them to have order. Children are not left wondering how they are supposed to behave or why mom or dad are getting upset at them. Ms. Alicia had parents change several statements they often use with their children to positive statements. For instance, instead of telling your child, “Don’t run,” one should say, “Walking feet.” Young children hear the end part of a statement; therefore, with the first example, children hear “run”. Asking your child to do what you are expecting is more effective and less confusing.
Ms. Alicia also spoke about not labeling your child. There are no “good” or “bad” children. All children are good, but there is appropriate or inappropriate behavior. She also advised that parents should always follow through, be consistent, and team up with their spouses when guiding their children to better behavior.
The attending parents had time to ask questions and receive advice specific to the difficulties they were facing with their children. We hope to see you next time!
