Outreach Ministries: Parenting Classes

This is a class that can be taken in two different directions. The first offers new parents instructions on how to take care of an infant. The second is geared to helping existing parents learn how to raise and communicate with their children.

Choose your instructors: Yes, that’s plural. Any class that address couples should have both a male and female instructor. It is up to you weather they both lecture at the same time or individually. The key is to make both parents feel as if their needs are represented.

Choose your Location: The location should promote comfort and interaction. A casual meeting around a small table and chairs has a much different feel than a stark classroom filled with rows of desks.

Choose your Focus: Now it’s time to decide which type of parenting class you would like to sponsor. Keep in mind that if you choose one now, there is now reason you can’t host the other at a later date.

New Parenting Class: This class teaches expectant couples how to care for their baby’s arrival and subsequent care. A classroom is definitely out as the moms-to-be will likely not be able to fit in the desks. Instead, look for a location with large couches or cushioned chairs. Topics your class is likely to cover are:

• Going to the Hospital- what to pack, who to call, what to expect
• The Nursery- furniture and supplies, safety issues
• Feeding an infant- breast and bottle method
• Clothing an infant
• Changing a Diaper
• Bathing an infant
• Burping
• Bedtime- (Or, how to survive on 4 hours sleep.)
• Home Safety
• Sharing the Joy-sharing tasks equally, bonding with baby, and asking for help

Parenting Skills Class: This is a class that helps parents develop their ability to raise happy and healthy children. It is recommended that this class be hosted by a couple with children of their own. That way, students will be able to relate and accept advice. Topics this class is likely to cover are:

• Effective communication
• Effective communication
• Discipline and Boundaries
• Teaching responsibility
• Building Self-Esteem
• Sibling Rivalry
• Anger management
• Family bonding
• Nurturing creativity
• Learning to listen
• Character development

Helpful Links

Positive Parenting- a list of common parenting issues and methods of dealing with them.

Pregnancy and Newborns- an extensive collection of articles dealing with a wide variety of new parent issues.

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