AMES, Iowa – Raising children has its challenges, but it can also be a rewarding, surprising and hilarious adventure. Parents and caregivers can gain skills to better handle challenges and enjoy adventure, according to Malisa Rader, a human sciences specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
ACT Raising Safe Kids teaches positive parenting skills to parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 8. The series of lessons is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach.
“Starting in October, we will bring this educational offering to families in a virtual format,” said Rader, who specializes in family wellness. “It’s what ISU Extension and Outreach has done for more than 100 years: respond to the needs of Iowans wherever they are.”
In the series of lessons, parents and caregivers will gain strategies for:
Address challenging behaviors in children using developmentally appropriate responses. Control your own anger. Help children control their anger. Teach children to resolve conflicts without using violence. Use positive discipline methods that are age-appropriate. Reduce the influence of media violence on children.
Participants will receive the ACT Parent Handbook, which includes sets of fact sheets with information on typical problem behaviors in children and outlines basic information about child development. The manual also includes handouts on anger management, positive discipline, media literacy, and positive ways to resolve conflict.
The program is based on research that indicates effective parenting is a critical factor in preventing behavior problems in youth, Rader said.
Parents, adoptive parents, grandparents, primary caregivers, and others in a nurturing role are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming series scheduled for Tuesdays, October 4 through November 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. pm or Friday, October 7. through December 9 from 1-3 pm Professionals who work with families are encouraged to share this information with their clients.
The ACT Raising Safe Kids series consists of nine two-hour sessions. The cost is $40 per family. Financial scholarships are available if needed. For more information or to register, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/act or contact Malisa Rader at [email protected] or 515-708-0622.
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Source: www.extension.iastate.edu