Parenting classes
 

A nursery school (that shall remain nameless) sent out flyers via all the children at my kids' school advertising Parenting Classes. A few days later a woman was in the school yard trying to encourage parents to go to these classes.

She came over to me - I asked her what it was all about. She said it was all about teaching us how to be better parents. At the time I was mid-cuddle with Maddie so I asked Maddie if I needed any lessons in parenting, she shook her head. I turned to the lady and told her that "no thanks" and "I found the whole thing very patronising".

Is it just me? And surely, if someone was a 'bad' parent they wouldn't be likely to go to a parenting class in the first place would they?

Re: Parenting classes
 

french lady??

Re: Parenting classes
 

She could have been, I'm not very good at recognising accents.

Re: Parenting classes
 

How did the lessons go Emma? :p:rolleyes::D

Re: Parenting classes
 

lol, thats ussi, she's actually very nice. she was doing the push at tys school the other day,she is a friend of a friend.

It is a parenting course, its supposed to help you control your childs behaviour and learn how to build a better relationship with them.

Re: Parenting classes
 

I got one of these flyers from our nursery too and i didn't find it patronising.
It just looked like a class where parents could get together with other parents and give tips, have a chat about what works and what doesn't and talk to outsiders about problems they may see a solution for.
She could have put it in a nicer way 'teaching us to be better parents' is not the best way of saying it but i don't think thats what its about anyway.
The leaflet says its to "bring out the best in your children,give you support,increase your confidence and share ideas".
I think our area needs something like this-i know those that are considered bad parents are not likely to attend but if even one family gets something from the 12 week course i think its worth it.......and its free which is even better :)

Re: Parenting classes
 

you only know i was there because you were sat behind me pulling my pigtails :p

Re: Parenting classes
 

I had arranged security to stop the kids stealing anything from the school :D

Re: Parenting classes
 

To my knowledge there are still no manuals on how to be the perfect parent, so how come people can be/feel qualified to give classes :confused:

Re: Parenting classes
 

they obviously have a qualification in managing childrens behaviour...... you can learn different strategies that may or may not work with your child..... if it doesnt work then at least you tried.

Re: Parenting classes
 

Strategies ?? This is parenting not the Iraqi war :)

Re: Parenting classes
 

lol, thats what they are called...some of its common sense like praise and encouragment some of them are a bit more in depth and target specific behaviours....

Re: Parenting classes
 

For a parent that is having a rough time or struggling with children, it can only be a good thing to know that sort of thing is available. Of course a parent has to be willing and it does become a grey area when teaching someone else how to be a parent, but it's good to hear that the grey areas haven't scared the organisers off. If only one parent is helped and hundreds offended then it's well worth it.

It's better than turning towards Channel 4 for 'Supernanny'. Urgh. Horrid woman.

Re: Parenting classes
 

its also a chance for parents to build up a support network and make new friends.

Re: Parenting classes
 

They are not teaching people to be perfect parents, just more confident and aware.