Zoom meetings have become commonplace these days but Casey Rowland wasn’t sure the remote format would be conducive to her Parent Project classes.

Despite her reservations, the Juvenile Services family engagement coordinator decided to give it a go during the recent classes that started in September.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” Rowland said. “Zoom worked very well and classmates interacted and stay engaged with one another and with me.”

The next series of Parent Project classes begins Tuesday, Jan. 23. The Juvenile Services program consists of one class per week for 10 consecutive weeks from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1800 12th in Great Bend.

“Prior to the start of the last series of classes, a few parents from outside Barton County wanted to participate but the logistics of arranging travel time and daycare were big barriers,” Rowland recalled. “We understand these barriers and want to help.

“Since Parent Project classes are chock-full of good information for families, we want to accommodate as many as we can.”

Rowland emphasized that in-person attendance is the best format. “We encourage Barton County residents to actually come to the classes. But if out-of-towners simply cannot make it work, Zoom is an option now,” she said.

If someone doesn’t have a home computer, a phone will work.

Class information

There is no cost for the program; participants receive class materials and a home-cooked meal.

Class topics include family conflict; poor school performance; childhood trauma; truancy and dropouts; teen violence and bullying; early teen sexuality; teen drug use; youth gangs; media influences; and runaways.

“Parents are the answer to many of these problems,” Rowland commented. “The class curriculum offers concrete, no-nonsense solutions to even the most destructive adolescent behaviors.

“Some parents deal with out-of-control teenagers, while others report issues such as talking back and not obeying the rules. Everyone is welcome – even parents of adult children.”

Rowland noted a few comments from parents after the recent class sessions. They included:

• We are learning to control anger.

• Home situations get better. What you take away from this class will help you better understand your child and your family.

• Our kids are listening more. Our family has a better dynamic. Our parenting partnership has improved and strengthened.

• I learned a lot and am still working at it and using what I learned.

For more information, contact Rowland by calling 620-793-1930.

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.