NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency will offer a series of online and in-person parenting courses beginning in September, including programs designed to help parents and caregivers develop positive parenting skills.
The ACT Raising Safe Kids Program, developed by the American Psychological Association, is designed for mothers and fathers of young children and focuses on building positive parenting skills, preventing behavioral problems and encouraging effective anger management.
The program aims to educate parents and other adults who care for young children about creating environments that protect children from violence. Classes will be offered via Zoom on Tuesdays from Sept. 15 through Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.
Fathers are also invited to participate in the 24/7 Dad program, which will be offered online and in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Created by the National Fatherhood Initiative, the program focuses on five characteristics of nurturing and effective fathering. The curriculum is designed for expectant fathers as well as experienced dads and covers topics including what it means to be a man, health, handling emotions appropriately, discipline and co-parenting.
Twelve consecutive sessions will be held at 6 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency from Oct. 6 through Nov. 10, with classes available both in person and online. Pizza and child care will be available for those attending in person.
“We are delighted to continue offering these innovative parenting courses to the general public,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “Effective parenting is an important factor in preventing behavioral issues and violence, and the curriculum in both programs invites participants to examine their relationships with partners and children, and address topics like anger, competition, communication, and fun. We are confident that families will be transformed as a result.”
Those interested can call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 or register online through the organization’s parenting classes webpage.
