Re: Parenting classes
 

I was going to say that too.
Every child is unique so it is hard to be a perfect parent.

This is where the extended family of years gone by came into its own.....aunties parents and grandparent used to compare notes, but even that wasn't perfect.
I think there are lots of pressures on parents today....the last one they really need is to be made to feel like they need lessons in bring up their children properly......I think if I had been confronted with an invite to something like that, I too would have felt affronted.

Re: Parenting classes
 

What about those who feel to afraid to ask for help?This is a perfect opportunity for them.

Re: Parenting classes
 

I can't understand being afraid to ask for help.......unless you are talking about practical help.
There are a whole load of places to get information from......I think that calling them Parenting Classes is a very negative way of dealing with something...if it were called a Parents Forum, or even Parents Club, then perhaps it would be seen in a better light.

Re: Parenting classes
 

It will be the same as parents nights, the ones who need to go will not do so, and the parents that do not need to go will

Re: Parenting classes
 

"Teaching how to be good parents......." it's very patronising isn't it? Now if the lady said it was a support group for parents and families, which is more what it sounds like, she might get more takers. As Margaret P rightly said the extended family, with all the support and help it often gave, isn't as prevalent these days. On top of that the general lack of discipline in the environment (not necessarily in the child's home) makes it more difficult for many parents to cope as well as they might.

The principle of the "classes" is sound, they could probably be beneficial and, not least, a way of getting to know other families. The advertising, however, needs to be a bit more inviting.

Re: Parenting classes
 

Re: Parenting classes
 

Think your spot on there Willow, you don't see the parents of kids who are forever in trouble actually asking to be taught how to be better parents, they usually don't give a stuff, or or to occupied down the pub to care

Re: Parenting classes
 

i think social services can refer parents to this course....... i think ussi is a social worker

Re: Parenting classes
 

They could hold these classes in the Railway Pub 7 days a week:do-one::confused:

Re: Parenting classes
 

Parenting classes aren't for bad parents, they are for parents who want to learn about new methods of caring for their children. Not everyone is a naturally fantastic parent with angelic children!

I think parenting classes are a good idea and can only bring parents and their children closer together so what is the harm?

Re: Parenting classes
 

The phrase 'you can take a horse to water, but you cant make it drink', springs to mind

Re: Parenting classes
 

While you may feel that parenting classes are a good idea......and they may well be, but you have to get the parents who need the help to recognise that they DO need help.
And I'm not sure that parenting classes will necessarily bring parents and children closer together, if the closeness does not exist in the first place, I fail to see how parenting classes will facilitate it.

I think the very name Parenting Class is a barrier to the uptake of such a scheme...it could be promoted in a much less condescending and patronising way....and for it to be effective, it would have to be.

Re: Parenting classes
 

Ive just found the leaflet thatcame from school....its says "Parent survival course"

WHAT IS THE PARENT SURVIVAL COURSE

The courseis aimed atparents atcarers who care full time for children between the ages of 2 and 8. It is based on theidea thta being a parent is hard work and most parents find it difficult to deal with their childs behaviour atsome point. We also know that some children are more difficult to manage than others. The course aims to help parents feel more confident in dealing with their child behaviour, without looking to find blame

The course aims to

help you bring out the best behaviour in your children
Build upon your skills and techniques for dealing with difficult behaviour
Provide supoort to families
Increase your self-confidence.

there will be chances to talk about your own experiences and practice new ideas and meet other parents who are having similar experiences and share ideas with each other,

Re: Parenting classes
 

If that is what it is about, then I think it needs to be well advertised, and promoted differently.
I don't think that approaching parents in a nursery/school playground is the way to go....especially if the person promoting calls them 'parenting classes'.

I still think that most parents are savvy enough to seek out help if they are in difficulty....the ones who don't do this are the ones who would not attend such a course anyway.

Where is the funding coming from for such a venture? Does anyone know?

Re: Parenting classes
 

I think I know which nursery this was but I won't name them. One of my friends was telling me about these classes. They advise you how to speak to your children, how harsh tones can make children afraid, not to resort to shouting as after a while they children block you out, no smacking, they advise you on other ways of punishing bad behaviour.

I wouldn't pour scorn on anyone who attends these classes, they are only trying to do their best for their children.....however, like others have said, the people who really could do with these classes wouldn't dream of going as they never think they need help with parenting. :(