A local woman who recently attended Parent Project classes reported she now has more tools “to be a better mom to my son and the resources I might need.”

She also noted she “wasn’t sure how to handle some of my son’s behaviors” but learned more about accountability, setting clear expectations and the importance of listening to her child.

“We are not perfect and our kids carry just as much stress as we do,” she added.

These types of comments are typical after someone attends Parent Project sessions, said Casey Rowland, family engagement advocate at Juvenile Services (JS).

“They also regularly mention their homelife is much calmer because of what they have learned,” she noted.

While many parents submit handwritten comments to Rowland, other feedback comes from evaluation forms, with response options of strongly agree, agree, unsure, disagree and strongly disagree.

The forms include statements such as:

• Parent Project increased understanding of how kids think.
• Parent Project increased knowledge about teen drug and alcohol use.
• Parent Project increased knowledge about local gang culture.
• Parent Project provided emotional support in dealing with a strong-willed child.
• I have a better understanding of the connection between discipline and supervision, and love and affection.

“While we can’t say every response on the form is ‘strongly agree,’ that is what we hear most often,” Rowland said. “Actually, we rarely hear anything other than ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree.’”

Next classes

Rowland encourages those interested in better relationships with children to attend the upcoming Parent Project sessions that begin Tuesday, Sept. 1. Classes meet from 6-9 p.m. on consecutive Tuesdays for 10 weeks.

A meal is provided and there is no cost.

Rowland wants everyone to be aware that a family doesn’t have to be facing a crisis to benefit from Parent Project.

“We help parents who report their children are talking back, not obeying the rules, acting out a lot and everything in between,” she explained. “We are here for parents, guardians and anyone else who deals with children on a regular basis.

“This can include teachers, first responders, school counselors, therapists and others.”

Rowland also emphasized that she is available to families before, during and after the class sessions. “I am just a phone call away for any family that needs help – even if they are not involved in Parent Project or any other Juvenile Services program.”

Anyone with questions is encouraged to 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.