Positive Parenting Workshop at the Geyer Family YMCA

Whether you’re raising a toddler or teenager, communication difficulties can be extremely frustrating and emotional.  Parents and caretakers can learn hands-on strategies to help smooth the ruffled feathers on both sides of the conversation rift at the upcoming course at the Geyer Family YMCA called The Art of Positive Parenting.  The six-week course, which meets Thursday mornings from 9:45 to 11:15, will help parents and care-takers explore positive and effective strategies in communication, discipline, healthy encouragement, avoiding power struggles, and creating a more peaceful family environment.

Mary Funari, a certified parent coach, will lead the course which uses the book The Art of Parenting as its base.  She emphasized that the course is meant to support and assist parents who want to improve communication in their homes, and that the techniques can be used with children and family members of all ages.  At the information coffee hour last Thursday, more than one parent shared being frustrated with the inability to communicate effectively without shouting – which, to at least one mother’s dismay, is not considered positive parenting.  Other parents and care-takers shared the difficulties in caring for children with widely differing personalities.  And yet another parent spoke about floundering with the transition from toddler care to tween care.  This group workshop will allow parents to share frustrations and come together to develop positive parenting techniques that work for them.

Child care is provided during the workshops – free of charge! This is a wonderful opportunity to come together with other parents and care-takers while the children play in the Geyer Y Nursery.  It’ll be good for everyone involved.  Classes being this Thursday, January 12, 2012. They run from 9:45 a.m. through 11:15 a.m. Registration can take place over the phone or in person at the Geyer Family YMCA.

Here are the basics:

Positive Parenting Workshop
Who: Parents and care-takers to children of all ages.
What: A six-week course focused on The Art of Positive Parenting
Where: The Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07042.
When: Thursdays, starting January 12 from 9:45 am – 11:15 am.
Cost: $105 for the six-week course, the text is included. Also, a 2nd family member can attend free of charge. Childcare is included for the 1.5 hour sessions as well. Call Cynthia Garcia with any questions at 973-415-6124