Incredible Years class returning in February
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 12, 2010 1:46 PM
Training for parents of children with challenging behaviors will be offered again in the new year.
"Incredible Years" has been a successful program offered by the Partnership for Children of Wayne County since 2008, said Valerie Wallace, director of early care and education.
"Every parent that comes through this class always states that they ended up taking a look at how they parent," she said.
Many turned out initially seeking answers on how to "change" their child into a better-behaved, compliant person, she said. Instead, they learned that their own behaviors as a parent not only would make a difference, but improve the situation.
Oftentimes, Ms. Wallace said, "It's them, their reaction to their children."
The classes have been so successful, she added, that there is usually a waiting list for the next session.
The training has met with such positive reaction, in fact, that in addition to the session for parents of children ages 3-5, another has been added, for parents of children between ages 6 and 12.
The range of behavioral issues encompasses children who are overly active, have difficulty paying attention or following directions, or experience difficulty making friends or accepting discipline.
The free 16-week program follows "The Incredible Years" curriculum and is dedicated to supporting and strengthening families through play, praise and rewards, and encourages limit setting, communication, creative ways to handle misbehaviors and preventive approaches.
The next sessions are planned for February 2011, Ms. Wallace said. Classes will be offered in the evening, typically from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the WAGES office on Royall Avenue.
A meal is usually provided and child care made available.
For more information or to register in advance, call 735-3371 ext. 229.