With content designed after a survey asking what local parents would like to see offered when it comes to parenting information, the courses are being offered in the city and county until the beginning of December. Early Years Integration Director Betty Halman-Plumley says parents have been receptive to the workshops and programs.

“We know from research the early years from birth to six impact how children learn, their health and their behaviour for the rest of their lives.”

Nineteen parents attended Good Discipline, Good Kids, a session held at Queen Mary Public School Oct. 23 “which was a good turnout,” notes Betty.

It was “an evening with video and discussion to help parents get past the daily power struggles with their children,” says Betty. The session emphasized “giving them the tools, information and a way they can communicate with their kids so it’s positive and kids can respond to it and still feel they have some self-esteem. The self-esteem of the parent and the child are intact.”

Betty uses the example of a routine morning struggle to get a child off to school on time. Perhaps the parent and child could sit down together and make a list of ways to make the morning routine easier and post it on the refrigerator. It’s a way of problem solving together instead of having an argument, she notes.

The resource centre, an Ontario Early Years Centre, recently released the results of an extensive community consultation study examining what services, information and education, area families would like to see offered. The group mailed approximately 12,000 surveys to areas of Peterborough County, specifically Havelock, Lakefield, Curve Lake and homes in the areas of Queen Mary Public School and St. Peter’s Elementary School and Kawartha Heights Public School and St. Catherine School. PFRC is using this information to help shape its strategic plan, says Betty.

For the classes and sessions, PFRC consciously selected locations in the city and various areas of the county so all parents have the opportunity to attend.

Here are some of the fall classes:

Diapers and Delirium: It’s an evening of video and discussion for new moms and dads to talk about the changes and challenges that come with the arrival of a new baby. Monday, Nov. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., 201 Antrim St.

Dads Make a Difference: It’s an evening of video and discussion for fathers of babies to explore the experience of becoming a father. Monday, Nov. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., 201 Antrim St.

Baby sign language: Learn how to communicate with your baby (aged six to 30 months) before he or she can talk. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 to 8 p.m., 201 Antrim St.

Infant massage: The single session equips parents of new babies with tips on helping baby relax and feel connected with its parents through massage. Bring baby and baby oil. Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 to 7 p.m., 201 Antrim St.

Building Better Behaviour: Discover how the power of encouragement helps children learn positive behaviour at an early age. Thursday, Nov. 27, 7 to 9 p.m., Chemong Public School, 1029 Gore St., Bridgenorth.

For more information about additional sessions and workshops, call 748-9144 or visit www.pfrc.ca

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