No doubt about it. Raising tiny humans into full grown members of society is a tough job.
That's why Tucson Unified School District's Family Resource Centers is hosting a free three-day seminar on parenting, facilitated by Stephanie Castillo-Leon, community education and outreach coordinator for Casa de los Ninos. The class is open to everyone.
Castillo-Leon, a mother of two children, knows that being a mom is tough.
"I want parents to understand no parent is perfect," Castillo-Leon said. "I talk about my own struggles to create a level playing field to show we are all trying to do something different to be better every single day."
The Nurturing Families seminar will cover topics such as child development, improving communication, positive discipline and handling the stresses of parenting, among others.
The idea is that nurturing is the foundation for all of these things, Castillo-Leon said.
"Do everything with love and respect, so the strategies you use will always have those in the background," Castillo-Leon said. "We really emphasize how parents need to take care of themselves and their needs and be in tune with their own emotional regulation to be able to take care of their children in that nurturing way."
Here are three quick tips from Castillo-Leon on ways you can be a more nurturing parent.
1. Pay attention to yourself
We talk about discovering ways to help deal with stress in parenting...We need to take care of ourselves before we take care of others.
2. Use respectful communication in everything we do
Whether it's in regular off-the-cuff conversations or if we’re talking about difficult things or disciplining. We always want parents to communicate with dignity and respect for the child.
3. Understand that there is no such thing as a perfect parent
There's no one way to be a perfect parent, but there are a million ways to be a good one. Keep learning. Go to classes...If you feel stuck don't be afraid to ask for help. Every parent is facing issues and there are a lot of resources online and in the community to help parents feel empowered and successful.
Seminar details
What: Nurturing Families seminar
When: Jan. 23-25, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Catalina Family Resource Center, 2800 E. Broadway
Cost: Free
More info: Continental breakfast and light lunch included. Free childcare for TUSD families. Parents who attend all three days can win $50 gift certificates. Click here to register.
FYI: Casa de los Ninos has a community education program with free classes for anyone who plays a role in the care giving of a child. Upcoming topics are building successful step-families and the "Dad Difference". Click here for details.
TUSD's Family Resource Centers department hosts a variety of classes and workshops for TUSD parents and families on topics such as home buying, financial literacy, parenting and more. Follow the FB page for updates.
