MCS’ 10-week class, ‘Raising the Strong-Willed Child,’ to begin Sept 14

MADISON – “Jake takes after his grandfather.” “Oh, it’s just a phase.” “Ashley is as stubborn as his mother.”

Parents may say or hear these statements about their child and have legitimate concerns. One advisory for parents is “Loving Solutions: Raising the Strong-Willed Child,” sponsored by Madison City Schools.

This 10-week class targets parents with children, who are five to 10 years old, that have difficult behaviors or strong wills. The Parent Project organization developed the “Loving Solutions” guidelines for classroom instruction, with special applications to Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD issues.

Parent Project’s mission statement states, “Our mission is to develop parent-training programs for parents raising difficult or out-ofcontrol children. We are committed to providing highly effective programs that are affordable for every parent.”

During 30-plus years, Parent Project has worked with more than 1.5 million parents raising out-of-control children. “No matter how difficult the situation may be, we can help. ‘Little miracles’ is what we do,” according to Parent Project.

Classes will begin on Sept. 14 at the MCS Central Office, 211 Celtic Drive. During the 10-week schedule, all classes – with one exception — will meet on Mondays from noon to 2 p.m. The exception occurs on the date of Wednesday, Nov. 11; the class time will remain the same: noon to 2 p.m.

Topics for the classes will include “Parenting the Strong-Willed Child”; “Parental Influence”; “Encouraging Positive Choices and Expectations”; “Redirecting Negative Choices”; “Structuring for Success”; “Improving School Performance”; “Concrete Solutions for Tough Kids”; “Sleep, Diet and Behavior”; “Stay the Course”; and “Recognizing and Supporting Success.”

The Parent Project uses activity- based curriculum that allows parents to learn and practice behavior management techniques at home.

For information, call Julie Ehlert, LMSW at 256-464-8370, ext. 10249 or email jaehlert@madisoncity.k12. al.us. For more information about the classes, visit parentproject.com/ who-we-are.