Just curious from parents that have took parenting classes are they really worth going to? What are some of the things you have done in parenting class. Just curious and would like to know your ladies/men's thoughts. The agency we are goign through for my son's behavior referred to us to do parenting classes.
went to a parenting class today through the agency, was not really thrilled with the first session, they took the kids to a different room n the parents to another room, and while us parents were in the other room all it was basically lecture of information i already knew and we watched clips of pretty much what the lady said.
I LOVED the Love and Logic Parenting classes I took and recommend them to everyone. www.loveandlogic.com to find a teacher near you, and read their books or watch their DVDs.
I took parenting classes before she was born and they were great. I learned a lot about what to expect. I learned how to take proper care of a newborn and how to dress her (winter/summer). How to swaddle her and be careful not to overheat/overchill her. I also read books like loving without spoiling and happiest baby on the block. I didn't need to when she was a newborn, but I grew and learned and handled her "mean" days better than my parents did with me. I wish I had taken developmental psychology before she was born lol. That class made me learn a lot about things we do that distort their emotional reality and stuff like that.
I just finished up leading a small group parenting class, following the book, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" The premise of this book and the ReThink Group is for churches and parents to partner up, because two combined good influences are better than just two good influences. I highly recommend this book, whether you go to church or not. I would suggest starting a small group with other parents, and I would offer my help to you as well if you choose to do so!
I loved the Love and Logic classes. I take them every chance I get because I always relearn something I have forgotten. Find the method that works for you and then stick to the lessons.
Love and Logic parenting classes are great, the one I went to gave out homework, which was great because you had to apply/practice rather then just listen to lectures...
I enjoyed Redirecting Children's Behavior (RCB). This is about the language we use with children to help them make choices and natural consequences. It lends a fairly dispassionate way to look at children's behavoir rather than getting caught up in power struggles or tantrums.
Before you take a "parenting class" research the theory behind the teachings. Not all are the same and some may jive with your parenting style better than others.
Love and Logic teaches how to respond to kids and empower them to make their own decisions therefore their own consequences. This approach takes anger out of things. Instead of being punitive it teaches kids they are responsible for their own actions. The class is several weeks of helping you to understand how to do this. It works with ALL ages, tots to teenagers, as well with dealing with other adults. I can't stress how much it helped us.
i grew up the oldest of four, i had handled babies before but it had been awhile. for ME personally, our infant care class made me more confidant. it covered the basics and the "current" thoughts on things like "back to sleep", burping, etc. like i said, it made me rest easier. i was a nervous first time mom, so that was pretty valuable. plus it was exciting to be around so many other new parents and feed off that eager happy energy :) i have really good memories of our birthing classes. we didn't take lamaze, or any other childhood/parenting classes, just a basics course that covered infant care.
I would highly recommend it. We did "Love and Logic" and also "Train Up a Parent" which was a 10 week course at Living Word Bible Church. Even though we thought we were great parents, it help us a lot especially in dealing with our son with ADHD but overall was helpful with all our children. We really don't get enough training on raising children, especially more challenging situations, except what we learned from our parents.
We are having issues with our 10 year old son and seeked a psychologist. He referred us to a book, Parenting with Love and Logic. It is really good and has changed our family dynamics and our son is happier. The authors who wrote the book, have a website and offer parenting classes which we will take when offered in our area.
If your son is having behavior problems I would definitely sign up for some classes. You may not agree with all they teach but you will definitely come home with some new ideas and understanding. Classes are good because there are other parents there and usually there is lots of discussion/dialog about different methods, and you can ask about specific problems that you may be having. Parenting classes are not about how to swaddle or burp your baby - I took several classes about parenting teen-agers. You need to find a group appropriate to your son's age. I'm sure your agency can steer you to one. Good Luck!
