‘Loving Solutions’ to offer advice for parents of strong-willed children

MADISON – When he doesn’t get his way, Little Johnny hits his dad. If Sally doesn’t like her food, she throws it in the floor. Bobby Jr. won’t let you change his clothes.

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, parents can learn about helpful strategies in the upcoming sessions for “Loving Solutions.” A parent training program, Loving Solutions is designed specifically for parents raising difficult younger children, who are five to 10 years old.

Madison City Schools is offering Loving Solutions as a 10week series for MCS parents of an impulsive child . . . or children. Parents are required to attend all 10 classes. Night and weekend classes are not available.

Each session or unit will examine a different topic: • Unit 1: Parenting the Strong-Willed Child – Includes comparison of ‘strong-willed’ versus ‘compliant.’ Interaction with positive consequences.

• Unit 2: Parental Influence – How do ‘influence’ and ‘control’ differ? How to choose your battles.

• Unit 3: Encouraging Positive Choices – Reviewing family values and standards, expectations, ‘I Love’ messages and active listening.

• Unit 4: Redirecting Negative Choices – What is couch parenting? Parents will consider communication versus motivation, emotional responses and parental consistency.

• Unit 5: Structuring for Success – Discussion will include active supervision, creating structure and looking at media and technology.

• Unit 6: Improving School Performance – Parents will study grit versus talent, intrinsic versus extrinsic thought, parents as educators and achieving better grades.

• Unit 7: Concrete Solutions for Tough Kids – Looking at sibling rivalry, out-of-control behaviors, effective action plans and timeouts.

• Unit 8: Sleep, Diet and Behavior – Strategies for picky eaters, sleep routines, ‘more is better’ and overall diet for child.

• Unit 9: Stay the Course – Evaluating ‘the honeymoon phase,’ problem solving, unsuccessful procedures and revisiting demanding situations.

• Unit 10: Recognizing and Supporting Success – Parents will discuss a program review, working in groups, confidentiality and sharing success.

Loving Solutions also addresses the needs of children with Attention Deficit Disorder. The workbook provides a brief but informative introduction and overview of the field, guiding parents in this complex subject.

Classes for Loving Solutions will meet on Mondays, starting Sept. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Central Office, 211 Celtic Drive in Madison. Class fee is $40, which covers the required parent guide. After registering, parents will receive email with a link to pay and reserve a class spot. A spot is not reserved until MCS receives payment. For more information, email Briana Hawkins, System Social Worker, at bbhawkins@madisoncity.k12.al.us, or visit parentproject.com.