Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs out there. But don’t worry; you’re not alone! Let me tell you about a program in Cortland County that can make things easier for both parent and child: Parenting Wisely.
Parenting Wisely is a program that helps parents build communication and conflict resolution skills with their children. This program guides parents through scenarios that can help with strategies for preventing substance abuse as well as other common issues including school and school and homework resistance, while helping to promote positive interactions between parents and children.
So how does Parenting Wisely work? It is a free course that can be completed entirely from home, on your own time. Before starting the course, you have the option to view a demo video to ensure that the course material matches your parenting goals.
Prevention specialists from Cortland Prevention Resources are available to help parents learn about situations you might encounter with your children through engaging strategies, skills, and tools. Of course, as children age, so do the challenges of parenting, so Parenting Wisely offers groups for parents of children aged 3-10 and 11-18.
Topics covered in the course for parents of children aged 3-10 include sibling conflict, acting out in public, communicating effectively, and getting ready for school. Topics in the course for parents of children aged 11-18 include curfews, resisting drugs, waking up on time, and effectively monitoring school, homework, and friends.
Does Parenting Wisely work? Parenting Wisely is considered an “evidence-based program.” That means that this program was tested previously with parents and families and then evaluated to see if it actually works. Which it does! Parents reported seeing quick and also long-term results with their interactions with their children.
Parenting Wisely chooses relatable scenarios that families may be experiencing at home. For example, some of the modules within the Teen Edition is, “Monitoring School and Friends,” “Getting Up on Time,” and “Sibling Conflict.”
Want to learn more about Parenting Wisely? Visit www.cortlandprevention.org/empower, or contact Valerie Chapman, Prevention Specialist at (607)-756-8970.
