Nurturing Parenting Benefits All
It's the toughest job anyone can do, according to Oprah. And she hasn't actually ever done it. Being a parent - whether toughest or best job you ever had, very few of us parents have had any previous training for it.
Fifteen local parents just graduated from The Nurturing Parenting program, an internationally recognized program that promotes nurturing-family interaction. Nurturing, as defined by this program, is the ability to care for and foster growth in yourself and others.
"Nurturing is the foundation of the parent-child relationship" said nurse Judi Williams, who coordinates the program and co-leads the sessions in La Plata County with Scott Kuster. "For this reason it plays a vital part in assuring that our next generation will be healthy, responsible, happy and caring adults."
The 16-week program directly addresses parenting issues, frustrations and challenges, said Williams. It does this by focusing on five key concepts: self-awareness, empathy, discipline alternatives, age appropriate expectations and bonding and attachment.
San Juan Basin Health Department brought the program here almost two years ago to address a growing need to develop more positive, nurturing families.
"We saw the tip of the iceberg in our prenatal clinic," said department Director Lynn Westberg. "Life is harder these days for a variety of reasons... stress on families, the economy, meth and drinking issues along with a lack of extended families and good parenting role models."
While the program serves some identified high-risk parents, its curriculum and group support provide benefits to any parent who wants to simply become better at their job. Parents are recruited through word of mouth, general publicity and referrals from local agencies, as well as pediatricians, schools and mental-health professionals. Families at risk of child abuse, recovering from substance abuse or mental illness are referred to the program, but any family experiencing stress, conflict or communication problems can be referred as well. This means basically any parent of children as old as age 5 is welcome.
The mix of parents in groups provides an additional element that Williams thinks is invaluable. No one feels targeted or facing problems alone. Parents serve as role models for one another in opening up, trying out new behaviors, admitting mistakes and celebrating successes. This bonding has led to most groups wanting to continue staying connected with one another and to Williams after the program finishes.
Nearly 100 parents have graduated from eight Nurturing Parenting sessions held in Pagosa and in Durango.
"Our parents have made shifts in their discipline techniques. Some who previously believed in spanking have adopted the nurturing philosophy of non-violent alternatives. All indicated an increase in healthier and happier family dynamics," says Williams. "Everyone, parents and children included, need understanding, warmth, praise and respect - as well as limits and rules."
The next Nurturing Parents session begins in September.
For information, call Judi at 247-5702, ext. 1529 or email judi@sjbhd.org. In Pagosa Springs, call Lily at 749-5541 or email lily@sjbhd.org. You can also visit the Nurturing Parenting website.