Parent-Child Classes Can Foster Relationship

Parenting can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time mothers and fathers. Many wonder what they should be doing and aren't, or what they aren't doing that they should be. What is best for the child - nutritionally, in constructive play toys, in developing motor skills and coordination?

It may be contorting to know that such queries are not unusual. Many others ask the same question. Even more comforting is the knowledge that there is help available through parent-child classes. Parent-Child classes are offered during the summer and the regular school year, for mothers and infants, toddlers and preschool children, for a minimal fee.

The classes combine lectures, film strips, and discussions for parents; the opportunity for guided interaction between parent and child; and field trips that has the potential to benefit both parent and child.

No one would deny that the early years are vitally important to the development of the child. It is during these formative years that the groundwork is laid for the child's educational development. It can be stifled or nurtured.

Decades ago the extended family took care of the child in the absence of the parent support and information was available for new mothers as well as alternative stimulation for the child.

The Parent-child classes are surrogates of that extended family relationship. Many mothers are going through the same experiences. It is comforting to be able to share those experiences, doubts, fears or whatever and to know that you are not alone.

Objectives of the classes include the provision of basic information about child development, demonstration of ways in which parents can encourage normal development, encouragement of positive interaction between parent and child and the provision of an opportunity for parents and children to interact with other parents and children.

In general classes are divided into two segments. The first consists of activities geared to the individual needs of the parent and the child. Activities might include art, music, motor activity, language development and problem solving.

The second segment of the class consists of an informal discussion group which provides an opportunity for the parents to discuss concerns and accomplishments. Topics reflect the needs of the parents in the class and may range over such subjects as nutrition, communication skills, safety, discipline, toys, stretching the dollar, sibling rivalry, and "fathering." Speakers, films, or field trips may be used to stimulate discussion and provide helpful guidance on effective parenting.

In parent-child classes you get more than just indoor activities. Outdoor activities such a field trip to a farm is common. During the farm field trip the children are introduced to the workings of a farm. Such field trips are proven to give rich learning experiences for both parents and children. The activities in the farm may include farm tour, descriptions of machinery and farming processes, playing with pet animals (such as goats and cows) and a tour to the milking parlor.

Conclusion

Parent-child classes provide a clearing house for new research being done on child development, nutrition, etc. It is a compilation of information provided to those busy parents who may not have the time to assimilate it all themselves. You should note that parent-child courses are only offering the solutions and methods. They are not meant to preach you anything since culturally and time-wise, things change. Discipline methods, for instance, are changing over the time. Each family handles discipline problems in a different way but the parent-child classes may be able to offer alternatives and better methods. It is entirely up to you whether you want to practice them or not.