Common Sense Parenting classes offered

Common Sense Parenting classes begin soon at Lansing United Methodist Church, 107 E. Kay St.

Common Sense Parenting is an award winning, practical, skill-based parenting program. It teaches parents easy-to-learn techniques and logical strategies to address everyday issues of communication, discipline, decision-making, relationships, and self-control.

The six-week course runs from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays May 2 to June 3. Registration will be 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday April 18.

A $15 fee covers the cost of a book. Scholarships are available. For more information, call Libby at (913) 775-1069.

The aim of Common Sense Parenting is to help parents develop an effective discipline plan. The methods were developed at Girls and Boys Town in Nebraska.

Topics include:

• Parents as teachers – effective discipline, clear communication, using effective consequences to change children's behavior
• Effective praise – to increase children's positive behavior
• Preventive teaching – teaching expectations and setting children up for success
• Corrective teaching – stopping children's misbehaviors and teaching positive alternative behaviors
• Teaching self-control – remaining calm when responding to emotional situations, and teaching children to calm themselves