Feature/General
Positive Parenting ... Stronger Families
By Pat Nielsen
March/April 2008

Parenting is the hardest and most rewarding job in the world and one that most of us have very little preparation for.  No instruction booklet tells us how to raise our little bundles of joy into happy, healthy and well-adjusted human beings.  Prevent Child Abuse Athens (PCAA) and Athens Parent Magazine are proud to co-sponsor a special community event designed to give parents with children of all ages some tools to make the job easier. 

“Positive Parenting ... Stronger Families” will be held on Saturday,  April 5 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at First Presbyterian Church in Athens.  Marilyn Gootman, Ed.D., of Gootman Education Associates will present the keynote talk at 10:00 AM.  

In her book, The Loving Parents’ Guide to Discipline: How to Teach Your Child to Behave Responsibly – with Kindness, Understanding and Respect (The Berkley Publishing Group, 2000) Gootman offers insights into setting rules and limits, encouraging appropriate behavior, using praise wisely, and more.  She encourages parents to give children skills to cope and survive in the world which will develop real, not artificial self-esteem.  Gootman says, “A child raised with discipline learns to judge between right and wrong, to reach his or her greatest potential, and to treat others with kindness and respect.”

Break-out discussion sessions will follow the keynote talk at 11:00 AM.  Sessions include:

• Parents of Children Zero to Five led by Grace Arthur, Parenting Educator at Prevent Child Abuse Athens.  Parenting classes she conducts for PCAA include the Nurturing Parenting Series and The ABC’s of Parenting.  She was formerly the Coordinator of PCAA’s First Steps Program. 
• Parents of School-Aged Children led by Marilyn Gootman, keynote speaker.
• Parents of Teens led by Lenore L. Katz, LPC, NCC, a licensed professional counselor in private practice.  She specializes in working with adolescents and their families as they navigate issues related to identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities and transitioning to college. 
  

Pizza donated by Papa John’s will be served at noon.  There is no charge for this event and childcare will be provided.  Please register for sessions and childcare by April 1 at 706-546-9713.

About PCAA
Prevent Child Abuse Athens (PCAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse in all its forms – physical, sexual, emotional and neglect – in Clarke, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties. For over twenty years, PCAA has worked toward this mission through its programs: Healthy Families home visiting for overburdened new parents, First Steps parenting support, Parenting Classes and Community Education. For information, call 706-546-9713 or visit www.pcaathens.org.

7 Ways to tackle child-rearing that can help you feel more fulfilled as a parent and make family time more enjoyable.

NURTURE SELF-ESTEEM - Children start to develop self esteem as babies when they see themselves through their parents’ eyes. Your tone of voice, expression and your body language are picked up by your children.  Your words and actions affect them more than you know. Praise your child’s accomplishments.  Help him or her learn from failures and encourage independence.

PRAISE GOOD BEHAVIOR - Think about how often you catch your child being good. It may be far less often than you think. Take time each day to focus on the good behaviors you see in your children and tell them you notice. Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to promote good behavior.

SET LIMITS AND USE CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE - Discipline is necessary for every family. The goal of discipline is to help children make good decisions and learn self-control. It is normal for children to test the limits you set. Be firm about your expectations.  Make sure your children understand what you want from them.

MAKE TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY - In our busy world, it can be easy to neglect family time. Take time to sit down and eat meals together as a family. Encourage family activities that promote talking and laughter. Take a walk after dinner, go to a museum together or plan a game night each week.  Turn off the television and interact with one another.

BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL - Children learn by watching your reactions to different situations. Before you lash out or lose your temper in front of your child, think about this: Is that how you want him or her to behave when upset or angry? Teach by example. Model the behaviors you want to see in your family.

SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - As a parent, you are responsible for guiding your child’s development.  Show your children you will love them every day.  Avoid using your love as a reward and do not with hold affection as a punishment.

BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN NEEDS - No one is a perfect parent. We all have strengths and weaknesses.  Know your limits and take time for yourself. If your needs are not being met, it will be harder to meet the needs of your family. Have realistic expectations for your family and yourself.

Adapted from a publication by Prevent Child Abuse Georgia: 1-800-CHILDREN, www.pcageorgia.org