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Parenting 101: Get Into a Parenting
Class
If it were only possible! Wouldn't it be just great if you
could rewind your life tape, be a parent once again, and
correct errors you now realize you made? Unfortunately, you
only get to rear your kids once – and you have to learn all you
need to learn on the fly. Because when it comes to raising
kids, everyone is a first-time parent.
If at birth, kids arrived with labels and manuals it would save
parents a lot of time and pain. But life is not like that.
Being a parent, and dealing with kids as an inexperienced one
is part of the spice of life. There really is no way to
practice, and parenthood doesn't come with a script.
Fortunately, people can learn from some of the wisest teachers
around, their own parents. There is much that can be learned,
especially when you consider that your own parents have learned
a lot from their own hits and misses. This kind of knowledge –
the first hand kind from parents – plus the inimitable research
prowess of scientists have made the body of knowledge revolving
around parenting quite extensive, and interesting.
Today, this body of knowledge has given birth to parenting
classes. These parenting classes aim to help parents – first
time ones or not – to understand themselves better. This is one
of the first steps towards becoming a better parent.
Parenting classes also teach parents about the nuances and
mysteries surrounding parenthood. If the parent is able to
understand himself or herself a little better, and is able to
understand how kids think, then the avenues open for a better
parenting experience.
If you are considering attending parenting classes there are a
few things for you to note:
1. Where To Find Them – Parenting classes can be found pretty
much anywhere. The most common institutions that offer these
classes are hospitals, churches and temples, community centers,
and other social organizations and support groups.
You can look through newspapers, directories, and other
listings to find the location of these classes. Local municipal
offices usually have a list of where these classes are held.
Local hospitals and churches are also usually aware of
locations for these classes.
The Internet is another great place to find parenting classes.
There are even online parenting classes available. However,
actual classes are, as of now, considered more effective than
online ones.
2. How Much Do They Cost – Some organizations offer free
parenting classes. However, some of these classes are limited
engagement classes and do not offer regular on-going advice and
counseling. There are some that offer classes for rates as low
$10 to $20, while others may be a lot pricier, but they all
depend on your situation and preferences.
Parenting classes usually encourage their members to purchase
additional material such as instructional tapes, books, and
other materials. These additional materials are worth the
investment as they will add significantly to your learning
experience.
3. Why Should You Take a Parenting Class? - A parenting class
is not only those that have parenting problems. All parents are
encouraged to join one, as long as they have the desire to be
better parents, and to have a better understanding of their
children.
Parenting classes provide a great opportunity to learn
different approaches to parenting. Should you have the
opportunity to join these classes - do it! You can only gain
from the experience.
by Carl DiNello -
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