Transform Your Parenting Skills with Evidence-Based Classes Starting June 26

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles in life. Whether you are a first-time parent or have years of experience, navigating the ups and downs of raising children often raises questions and concerns. Starting June 26, a new series of parenting classes will offer practical, research-backed tools to help you build confidence and improve your family life. These classes use the Positive Parenting program, Incredible Years, which has over 30 years of evidence supporting its effectiveness.

What Makes These Parenting Classes Different?

The Incredible Years program is based on decades of research showing that positive parenting techniques can reduce conflict, improve child behavior, and strengthen family relationships. Unlike quick-fix advice or one-size-fits-all solutions, this program offers:

• Age-appropriate strategies for children from infancy through teenage years

• Techniques to handle common challenges like tantrums, sleep issues, and peer pressure

• Tools for improving communication and cooperation within the family

• Support for parents facing major life changes or raising children with trauma histories

  
  

Classes meet once a week on Fridays from 11 AM to 12:30 PM for 10 weeks. They are held in person at a convenient location, allowing for hands-on learning and group support. The cost is $300 per person, with income-based payment plans and scholarships available to ensure access for all families.

Who Can Benefit from These Classes?

These sessions are designed to support a wide range of parents and caregivers, including:

• First-time parents who want to build confidence and set realistic expectations for their child’s development

• Parents of toddlers and preschoolers managing tantrums, routines, and early behavior challenges

• Parents of school-age children and teens dealing with peer pressure, technology use, and growing independence

• Caregivers facing challenging behaviors such as aggression, defiance, anxiety, or difficulty following directions

• Families going through major life transitions like divorce, remarriage, relocation, or welcoming a new baby

• Foster parents, kinship caregivers, and grandparents raising children

• Parents of children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse, seeking trauma-informed strategies

• Co-parents aiming for consistency in discipline and routines across households

• Anyone wanting to learn positive discipline techniques that reduce conflict and increase cooperation

  
  

What You Will Learn in the Classes

Each week focuses on practical skills that you can apply immediately at home. Topics include:

• Understanding child development and setting age-appropriate expectations

• Building strong, positive relationships through effective communication

• Managing difficult behaviors with calm, consistent discipline

• Creating routines that support healthy sleep and daily habits

• Navigating technology use and peer influences for school-age children

• Supporting children through transitions and emotional challenges

• Using trauma-informed approaches to help children heal and build resilience

  
  

The group setting encourages sharing experiences and learning from others facing similar challenges. This community support often makes a big difference in maintaining motivation and applying new skills.

Real-Life Impact of Positive Parenting

Research shows that parents who use positive parenting techniques see fewer behavior problems and stronger bonds with their children. For example, one study found that children whose parents attended Incredible Years classes showed significant improvements in social skills and reductions in aggression compared to those who did not participate.

Parents often report feeling more confident and less stressed after learning how to respond calmly and consistently to their child’s behavior. This approach helps children feel understood and supported, which encourages cooperation rather than conflict.

Parent and child playing together on the floor, showing positive interaction and bonding

How to Register and Prepare

Registration is open now for the class starting June 26. To sign up or learn more about payment plans and scholarships, contact the program director Becky Kirk at safeharborbecky@gmail.com. Spaces are limited to keep the group small and interactive.

Before the first class, think about your current parenting challenges and goals. Bringing specific questions or situations to the sessions will help you get the most out of the program.

Take the Next Step in Your Parenting Journey