ST. GEORGE – St. George offers many opportunities for local families to become better parents, whether it be from the early childhood years all the way until your children reach adulthood.
One local resource that should be taken advantage of by parents are the classes that are offered through Dixie Regional Medical Center. These mainly focus on the very beginning of a child’s life, with topics ranging from things to make the childbirth process easier or learning how to breastfeed properly.
You can view a schedule of upcoming events online at http://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/dixie/classes/Pages/home.aspx. Some of the classes require minimal fees to participate, and are offered frequently for those with busy schedules.
The TurningLeaf Wellness Center (located at 1240 East 100 South Building 22 Suite 121) offers classes for parents that give great educational tips towards raising children through a method they call “Value Based Parenting.” They hold an eight week course frequently that can help parents instill some of the values to their children. Check the website for upcoming classes.
According to TurningLeaf’s website, the course gives parents the knowledge and tools to instill and reinforce solid principles and morals that their children can carry into adulthood. For more information (or to purchase the CDs) visit http://deannixon.webs.com/valuebasedparenting.htm.
One other option that parents can turn to when children start growing into their teen years is through the Hope Pregnancy Care Center (located at 427 West 100 South Suite B.) The center is also a place that occasionally offers free classes to help parents learn to communicate effectively with their adolescents. Their latest forum just took place on Tuesday, March 1. Guest speaker Jeffrey Dean offered tips on the importance of promoting abstinence to this age group, but also a variety of helpful tactics to help deal with talking about sensitive topics including sex, drugs/alcohol abuse, and even being safe online. For information on what kind of services are offered through the care center and when possible upcoming classes will occur, you can visithttp://www.hopepregnancyutah.org or e-mail [email protected].
For families who have suffered through traumatic experiences like sexual abuse or domestic violence, the D.O.V.E. Center is committed to serving individuals of Washington County. They offer resources including shelter, food and support to help children and parents regain a healthy living situation. They offer both individual and family recovery classes. There are two separate options, which includes holding children supports group that take place while the parents are in their own support groups. Or there are also parenting classes with children’s groups in the same session the parents at the same time available. If you or someone you know has been in a situation like this, please call the crisis hotline at (435) 628-0458.