Family Nurturing Center® Parenting Classes

Nurturing Parenting Programs are family based parenting education programs that help families establish a nurturing way of life. Parents and children attend together so that all family members can benefit from participation in the program. The program is free and is offered in a variety of locations throughout the community. Pre-registration is required. You can request an enrollment packet on-line or contact Carol Lapin at 525-3200 ext 14.

View our Schedule of Classes

View a summary of program activities, outcome, and satisfaction for FY 2009

Download our Nurturing Parenting Brochure

Classes are offered for the following age groups:

Adam Carter, FNC’s HOPE Program Coordinator agrees. “The Nurturing Father’s Program allows for men to learn how to share their thoughts and feelings in a single gendered environment. In this format the participants do not feel pressured to ‘act masculine’ or feel pressured to say or do things that men in mixed company tend to do. It’s been an important addition to the services we offer.”

The Nurturing Fathers Program is a unique program that is tailored to meet the learning styles of men and take into account cultural and societal norms that affect parenting.  Understanding the important role that fathers play in the lives of children is significant.  “Unfortunately, society has suggested that the father’s role is dispensable and not necessary for rearing healthy children. The Nurturing Father’s Program supports the importance of fathers (or a male role model) in the lives of children by showing how fathers teach little boys how to be men/fathers, and teach daughters how to relate to men and to know they deserve of love and respect in their relationship with men,” explains Lapin.

Carter has seen positive results in the Nurturing Father’s Programs that he has led. “The men only format allows for the focus of the group to be on the father’s parental attitudes and influences. The men in the group spend time in reflection on their own childhood and how the way they were fathered influences the way they father today. I have seen fathers form bonds of support with other fathers that I never thought possible. The fathers in our groups often feel marginalized by the system; this type of group allows them to draw support from each other and the facilitators.”

The free program meets for 13 weeks. For more information, or to register, contact Carol Lapin at 859-525-3200 ext 14, or via email at carol.lapin@familynurture.org.

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS WITH CHILDREN (AGES BIRTH – FOUR)
Begin early in your child’s life to develop sound discipline and nurturing skills. This 18 week program focuses on the unique developmental needs of young children and sets the foundation for nurturing and healthy family relationships. Parents learn skills in developmentally appropriate activities and expectations, nurturing touch, including infant massage, effective discipline techniques and alternatives to spanking and self-nurturing skills. Children participate in nurturing childcare designed to create a safe environment and build trust and self esteem in infants and young children.

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS WITH CHILDREN (AGES 5-12)
This 15 week program is designed to increase parenting skills and promote healthy family life. Classes provide information and practical experience on a number of important topics, including: communication, establishing routines, positive discipline and self-nurturing. Children meet in separate, age appropriate groups and learn the same skills through entertaining and educational activities. Parents and children come together each week for a snack and family centered activity.

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR PARENTS WITH ADOLESCENT CHILDREN
This 12 week program helps strengthen relationships with parents and teens. The program addresses the specific needs and challenges faced in parenting adolescents. Topics include: nurturing communication strategies, negotiation and compromise, setting reasonable limits, recognizing and understanding each others’ needs, understanding adolescent development and increasing personal power, self-esteem and self-concept. Parents and adolescents meet separately for the beginning of the group, and then meet together for parenting and communication skills activities.

NURTURING PROGRAM FOR NON-CUSTODIAL/NON-RESIDENT PARENTS
Parents who do not live with their children can take these 12 week courses to gain skills needed to re-establish visitation and/or custody rights. Topics include communication, understanding child development, setting reasonable expectations, positive discipline, alternatives to spanking, establishing healthy routines and more.