Virtual Program Offers Tips for Parenting

Raising children has its challenges but it also can be a gratifying, surprising, hilarious adventure. Parents and caregivers can gain skills to better handle the challenges and enjoy the adventure, according to Malisa Rader, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

"ACT Raising Safe Kids" teaches positive parenting skills to parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 8. The series of lessons is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach.

"Starting in October, we are bringing this educational offering to families in a virtual format," said Rader, who specializes in family wellbeing. "It is what ISU Extension and Outreach has done for over 100 years -- respond to the needs of Iowans where they are."

In the series of lessons parents and caregivers will gain strategies for:

• Dealing with children's difficult behaviors using developmentally appropriate responses.
• Controlling their own anger.
• Helping children control their anger.
• Teaching children how to resolve conflicts without using violence.
• Using positive discipline methods that fit the children's age.
• Reducing the influence of media violence on children.

Participants will receive the ACT Parent Handbook, which includes sets of fact sheets with information on children's typical problem behaviors and outlines basic child development information. The handbook also includes handouts on anger management, positive discipline, media literacy and positive ways to resolve conflict.

The program is based on research that indicates that effective parenting is a critical factor to prevent youth behavior problems, said Rader.

Parents, foster parents, grandparents, primary caregivers and others in a parenting role are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming series scheduled for Tuesdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 29 at 6:30-8:30 p.m. or Fridays, Oct. 7 through Dec. 9 at 1-3 p.m. Professionals working with families are encouraged to share this information with their clients.

The ACT Raising Safe Kids series consists of nine two-hour sessions. Cost is $40 per family. Financial scholarships are available if needed. To learn more or to register, www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/act or contact Malisa Rader at mrader@iastate.edu or 515-708-0622.