Communicating with family members could become easier for county residents.
The Prince William Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is running three parenting classes.
Each course — “Systematic Training for Effective Parenting,” “When Families Get Angry,” and “Juvenile Justice Parenting Program” — seeks to teach parents how they can build strong relationships with their children.
Participants will learn how to address emotions and outside factors, according to a release from Prince William County.
“Parents have the greatest influence, but, looking at the boundaries of that influence, there is a lot more that is influencing kids today,” VCE’s Parent Education Volunteer Coordinator Rozlyn Giddens said in a release. “When parents communicate with their children in a respectful way, in terms of hearing their perspective and their point of view, it helps children share their point of view and concerns.”
Instructors will focus on reflective listening, as well.
“Instead of shutting them down and saying, ‘No, you can’t do this because I said so,’ it keeps that line of communication open so that parents are a resource. Kids know that they can still come to their parents and talk to them,” VCE Administrative Support Assistant Julie Stiles said in a release. “The parenting classes empower parents with tools and techniques that they can use at home.”
The courses will be offered between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday. They will occur at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge and the North Government Building in Manassas.
To learn more information, visit the county website or call 703-792-6288.
Community members who speak Spanish can call 703-792-5940.
