Candace Tomlin has had two less-than-helpful experiences with parenting classes in recent years and certainly didn’t want to try for a third.

To say that she was reluctant to sign up for Parent Project classes at Juvenile Services is an understatement.

“My lawyer suggested Parent Project and my thought was ‘are you kidding me?’” recalled Tomlin, a 36-year-old Great Bend woman. “I attended a couple of those and didn’t like either with a passion.

“But then a Juvenile Services staff member suggested it too. So, I said ‘fine, I guess I’ll go.’”

To say that she is grateful would be another understatement, she said, noting she and her daughter plan to attend the next class, which begins Tuesday, Aug. 27.

“The main thing I enjoyed was that Casey Rowland didn’t make me feel crazy or alone,” Tomlin commented, referring to the leader of Parent Project. “Every parent has these thoughts sometimes.

“The other classes I went to talked about things such as nutrition and gave advice for parents of young children. When I realized this class would be different, I could relate to Casey and my classmates. It was a safe place to talk.”

Tomlin, a single mother, has four children who range in age from 13 to 19. Her main reason for attending the classes was her daughter who was 16 at the time.

“She was sneaking out and lying repeatedly,” her mom said. “She stole her grandmother’s credit card and ran up a big bill. I got after her and threatened to call the cops. After that, she made a false report that I hit her.”

A judge recommended that mother and daughter take a break because tempers were running high. The teenager lived with her aunt for a while and is now back home.

The daughter is now 18 and pregnant, and plans to take the class to help her communicate better with her mom.

“She was improving and then she met a boy,” Tomlin said. “Now, she is back on the right track again. Parent Project is not a cure-all but it has taught me how to react better to situations.

“I am more tolerant, less aggressive and use a calmer voice. This has helped me grow and not stress out as much. I would be a hot mess without the classes; I have learned that it is okay to breathe.”

Tomlin realizes that kids are going to make mistakes “but I am here for them when they fall. Understanding that they have to make their own mistakes is extremely difficult because you want to protect them.

“But I have learned to help myself be strong so that my kids can become strong adults.”

Next class

As family engagement advocate at Juvenile Services, Casey Rowland leads Parent Project classes with the help of colleagues and other local professionals.

The next sessions begin Tuesday, Aug. 27 for eight consecutive Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Juvenile Services office, 1800 12th in Great Bend. There is no cost and dinner will be provided. 

While in-person attendance is preferred, a Zoom option is available for out-of-county residents.

Participants in the upcoming classes will hear from Tomlin, who plans to share what she has learned; she has addressed the class a couple of times.

“Candace talks about several issues that put newcomers at ease,” Rowland said. “She discusses how she felt in the beginning and what to expect. Candace encourages people to stick with it throughout the eight weeks, even though it can be difficult at times.”

Other guest speakers often include law-enforcement officers who share information about the harmful effects of drugs and social-media abuse, and other topics.

Juvenile Services staff members and medical professionals also address the group at times.

“This creates more diversity in our presentations and gives parents the opportunity to ask questions,” Rowland explained.

Rowland, mother of five children, also emphasized that class sessions don’t have to be a “one-and-done thing. My door is always open to parents. I am here to walk you through it, even if you haven’t taken the class.”

20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.