The Hancock County Children’s
Council will offer a FREE 7-week series on “Positive Parenting for
Parents of Young Children" beginning Wednesday, January 23, 2008,
2:00pm-4:00pm at Downeast Health Services, 52 Christian Ridge Road,
Ellsworth, ME 04605. Linda Levesque has designed this series for
parents, guardians and caregivers of young children.
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. Please
call Candy Eaton at 667-5304 ext. 261, or email
children@downeasthealth.org
to register by January 15th, 2008.
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.
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.
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.
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.
