Search Results for: blog choosing parenting classes

Single Parents and Childbirth Classes

I often write about single parenthood from the perspective of someone who has been at it for a long time, because I have. I don’t often think about what it is like for those who are just starting out or may, in fact, be pregnant with a child and going through that pregnancy as a single parent—whether by choice or evolution of circumstances. Those childbirth classes are often a single parent’s first experience into the world of feeling like and “outsider.” Here are some tips for making the most and the best of childbirth preparation classes as a single expectant … Continue reading →

Older Teens Really DON’T Come with Parenting Manuals

When I was a new parent, I could find dozens of books—hundreds of books—that were geared toward helping me figure out how to quiet a colicky baby, what to expect in terms of child development and all sorts of other parenting tips and tools. They were abundant and I probably turned to those books and manuals on a daily basis in those early years. Now that my kids are nearly grown, I seem to be on my own. The shelves at the book store are pretty sparse when it comes to parenting books… Sure there are books on troubled teens … Continue reading →

Choosing Parenting Classes

While parenting books and television programs can be great, sometimes a parent needs the up close, hands on, and personal interaction that can only come from a class. It may seem like classes are just available for “first-time” parents or to prepare people for becoming parents—but, in fact, if you know how to look and choose, you can find classes for any stage and phase of parenting and child development. Churches, non profit organizations, community colleges and adult education programs all tend to offer different types of parenting classes. Some are for parents and their children to attend together and … Continue reading →

Celebrity Moms’ Unique Ways to Get Fit and Inspire Kids

Supermodel Cindy Crawford doesn’t want her daughter to fall into society’s trap of being super skinny, so she employs a simple tactic to encourage 7-year-old Kaia to snack: She goes out of her way to eat ice cream and potato chips in front of her. Does anyone else see the humor in this? Grimaces aside, Crawford is serious about keeping her kids fit and encouraging them to establish healthy body images. The 42-year-old mom recently told reporters that she is determined to keep her daughter from sacrificing her health for her figure, so she goes out of her way to … Continue reading →

Is it Too Late for a Child Development Class?

The most recent course curriculum guide for our local community college arrived in the mail the other day and as I was casually flipping through the newsprint pages, my eyes were drawn to a list of classes on parenting and child development. I remember taking a couple of these classes before becoming a parent and when I had very young children, but I hadn’t thought of taking a class in years (decades, really.) I started to think about how helpful it would actually be and wondered how many other parents out there assume that since we have come this far, … Continue reading →

Things We Wish We’d Done While Waiting

In my Fast Start blog, I set out some steps to take so that you will be ready to proceed with the various stages of adoption as soon as possible. (Follow the advice of your own adoption agency, of course.) Still, some waiting is inevitable. Here are some things to do. Some of these you have heard before. Learn basic baby care, if applicable. Learn about child development and what children typically do at the age your child-to-be is currently, if you have a child identified, and at the age he/she is likely to come home. Learn about any special … Continue reading →

Not Quite Like I Expected

“Before I became a parent I honestly thought I was a nice person.” “Once you become a parent, you understand how wars start.” I can’t remember where I heard the above quotes, but I have to laugh. Being a parent really can throw you for a loop. I had a fair bit of experience with kids under my belt by the time I became a parent. I had taken a lot of classes in communication, and read lots of parenting books. When my kids were young I even took some parenting classes offered by the local community college and the … Continue reading →

Mother’s Day: Gifts for Health and Well-being

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Still looking for Mother’s Day gifts for that special mom in your life? Why not give the gift of health? I have noticed, as we get closer to Mother’s Day, many advertisements for health-related gifts for moms. For instance, as I was walking this morning there was an ad enticing listeners to give their mom (or special mom in their life) a gift membership to a health club. I’ve heard or seen ads for mammograms, exercise classes, spa treatments and health screenings. I think these types of gifts are great ideas. They are thoughtful and send the message that we … Continue reading →

Homeschool Co-ops

Homeschool Co-ops are one way where many parents are choosing to meet their children’s social and/or academic needs. Co-ops can range in anything from offering one or two classes to a full day with a complete schedule that has classes for everyone. If you’re home school group doesn’t have one, you can start one fairly easily. A Defined Purpose Good groups have a defined purpose. You can walk in or pick up a brochure and you’re immediately aware of what the purpose is. Sometimes the purpose is to have a social outlet. Sometimes it’s to trade expertise in a variety … Continue reading →

Hot Summer Fun

Now that the school year is coming to an end, many parents will need to make alternate childcare plans. For most single parents with younger children, daycare will be the place they will most likely stay throughout the day during the summer months. Older school age children, who are not able to be left unsupervised during the day, and who have been in the daycare setting for several years, may feel that traditional daycare can be less than ideal for them during the summer months. In order to help relieve the doldrums of summer, many daycare centers are creating a … Continue reading →