The Hancock County Children’s Council is pleased to announce a new “Positive Parenting – Nurturing Young Children” 7-week series beginning Tuesday, September 23, 2008, in collaboration with 3 area Adult and Community Education programs. Linda Levesque will teach this series designed for parents, guardians and caregivers of young children, in the following locations:

• Bucksport Adult & Community Education
  10:00am-noon: $85 resident/$95 non-resident fee includes all materials for all classes. Register by calling 469-2129 or www.bucksportadulted.com

• Sumner Adult & Community Education
  2:00pm-4:00pm: $70 fee includes all materials for all classes. Register by calling 422-9100 or www.sumneradulted.net

• Ellsworth Adult & Community Education
  6:00pm-8:00pm: $70 fee includes all materials for all classes. Register by calling 667-6499 or www.downeasthost.com/eae

This is a multi-session, group-based program where parents and children learn about empathy; appropriate behaviors, brain development; rewards and punishments, praise and self-esteem, non-violent discipline and ways to have fun as a family. This series will be weekly on Tuesdays from September 23rd through November 4th, 2008. Scholarships are available for classes in all locations by contacting Candy Eaton at 667-5304 ext. 261, or email children@downeasthealth.org for financial aid application by September 15th.

Parents know their children best – their unique behaviors, interests, and abilities. But it is challenging for any parent to be an expert on all aspects of infant and child development or the most effective ways to support a child at each stage.

The philosophy of Nurturing Parenting emphasizes the importance of raising children in a warm, trusting and caring household. Nurturing is a universal parenting practice. To nurture is to nourish, to nurse and to promote the positive growth of children’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. It is the one common characteristic all the families of the world share. In addition, we will cover topics of bullying, TV violence, communicating with young children and building self-esteem in the early years. We will practice strategies to be effective with discipline, help your child learn to cooperate, and increase your enjoyment and effectiveness as a parent.

There is extensive research linking healthy child development to effective parenting. Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence. Successful parenting fosters psychological adjustment, helps children succeed in school, encourages curiosity about the world, and motivates children to achieve. Parenting skills cannot be static; as children grow and mature, parents need to change the way they respond to their children’s needs. In addition, parenting styles need to be adjusted for each child’s individual temperament and unique circumstances. [i]

When parents share their concerns and perspectives on their children, there is an opportunity to explore solutions and share resources. Information about parenting and child development may help you assess your child’s development relative to others of the same age, help you to have realistic expectations for your child’s behavior and explore ways to communicate those expectations effectively. You will learn how to guide a child’s behavior and reinforce desired / appropriate behavior, ways to model desirable behavior, and non-punitive disciplinary techniques, such as setting limits, redirecting attention or behavior, and logical consequences for actions.

The Maine Children’s Trust has generously contributed to the support of these parenting classes. The mission of the Maine Children’s Trust is to prevent the abuse and neglect of Maine’s children. Visit the Trust’s website at www.mechildrenstrust.org or call 207-623-5120 for more information.

Downeast Health Services Inc provides for the health, safety, and well-being of children and their families in Downeast Maine through 10 core program services areas. Please contact the Hancock County Children’s Council to learn about other parenting classes and workshops available in your community or visit our Parent Resource Library at 52 Christian Ridge Road, Ellsworth. You may visit our website at www.downeasthealth.org for additional information on child safety and family educational resources available or contact Candy Eaton at 667-5304 ext. 261 or email children@downeasthealth.org.