In keeping with our mission statement, we offer Parenting Education classes that will challenge and encourage all parents. These classes can be held at our Center, at Churches, or at other local settings as needed. We do contract parenting programs for other organizations in the community, supplying certified staff to lead and facilitate the training programs.
Some of our more popular DVD-driven programs in use are Kevin Leman’s Single Parenting That Works and his Value Packed Parenting. For parents of teenagers, Running the Rapids of Adolescence is an excellent study. Dr. Leman’s latest book, Have a New Kid By Friday, has been on the New York Times Best Seller list. The video series focuses on a different approach with your children for each day of the week. A more philosophical approach involving 12 principles is Hal Runkel’s ScreamFree Parenting. In this video series, Mr. Runkel, anLMFT, reminds us that our focus needs to be on being calm ourselves, and staying connected with our children. Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right by Tim Kimmel is the series used for helping parents develop a parenting plan that will guide them in directing their families in the future. Especially aimed for parents of newborns is the study Happiest Baby on the Block.
When parents come to the Resource Center for parenting instruction and support, they fill out a simple “Getting Acquainted” form, which gives insight into their family of origin, how they themselves were parented, and indicates needs that possibly should be addressed in their specific program. They may also fill about a simple paper “Disc” personality evaluation. These two forms become part of the permanent file for the family. From these materials and the inital interview, a plan of study is developed by the Resource Center for each family.
At the end of the training, each participant receives a certificate of completion, specifying their satisfactory participation in the training process. For some, this is simply an encouragement along the way for their efforts. For others who have either DFCS or Court-ordered parenting training requirements, it is a step toward regaining custody or visitation rights with their children. For some families, it may be the final step toward completing or averting a divorce.
All of these courses are helpful and suitable for any parent to improve and grow in the area of parenting!!
Cindy Smith, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center, has helped shape and develop many of the programs and materials used. She and her husband Ray have 3 sons, 1 in high school, and 2 in college. The oldest is married! She is a Certified ScreamFree Facilitator, a Certified Life Coach, and a CASA trained volunter. Cindy has traveled the USA ministering to families of military servicemen, often through the Military OneSource program. She oversees every facet of the Resource Center programs, providing direction and training for paid leaders and volunteers. She also leads numerous women’s Bible study groups, and has developed an education program for teen parents called Teen Inspirations.
Tom Bandy and his wife Lisa have 2 grown daughters in college. He is an LPCCI Certified Life Purpose Coach, is a Board Certified Biblical Counselor, and is a Certified ScreamFree Facilitator. He works with couples and single individuals in the parenting programs. Tom has had opportunity to work with and encourage numerous families through years of teaching various age young people in Sunday School and retreats. His focus is with Life Purpose Coaching with men and young men, Premarital Coaching, and the Parenting Education program and classes.
Please contact the Bartow County Women’s Resource Center at 770-382-7224 to learn more about the available options of Parenting Education for individuals or groups.
Below are some links to parenting information that we find helpful, and are comfortable in recommending. Some of the websites allow you to sign up for a daily email tip on parenting, or to get a weekly e-newsletter. Others may be more useful in ordering resources for your family:
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0,1701,M%253D200741,00.html
Check out our video on YouTube!