Top 10 Parent Tips
1) Don’t wait until they ask questions.
2) Share your thoughts & values. Express that loving relationships are the best part of intimacy.
3) Start early.
4) Reassure your kids that they can talk to you about anything. Then you have to be open, so they aren’t afraid to tell you something later.
5) Listen.
6) Coach them on how to get out of risky situations & let them know you’d rather them ask for help then not ask, because they think you’ll be mad.
7) Use teachable moments to start a conversation.
8) Be an example.
9) Stay involved, even through their “I’m too cool for family” stage.
10) Find an adult that you trust to talk to your teenager if they are too uncomfortable to talk to you.
Parents Speak Up National Campaign
The Parents Speak Up National Campaign (PSUNC) is an education campaign sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
Their goal is to encourage parents & guardians of preteens (9-12 year-olds) to talk with their children about sexuality.
Parents, more than the media or peers, have the greatest influence on young people’s decisions about sex, but many parents feel uncomfortable talking about this tough topic.
PSUNC was developed to give parents the resources & confidence to effectively communicate with their children about sexual issues.
Their campaign includes TV, radio, print & online advertising. A major element of their campaign is working with community & member-based organizations that either work directly with parents or work on issues related to teen sex.
There are numerous handouts and resources for parents. At the cornerstone of their campaign is their Ready to Talk train-the-trainer education kit. The kit includes a DVD with videos for organizations and parents, a leader manual, campaign PSAs & multiple handouts for parents.
All of the campaign resources are free, and many are available in both English & en Español.
Click here to visit PSUNC’s web site to learn more about the Campaign.
The Parenting Network's Parent Helpline
Do you need help? It's only a call away: The Parent Helpline is a confidential, 24 hour phone line that provides counseling for parents & child caregivers.
Counselors will listen, share information, give encouragement & offer parenting techniques, child development information and referrals to a wide range of community resources.
Experienced counselors respond to calls weekdays 8:30 am - 9:00 pm. 211 Impact staff respond to calls on weekends & weekdays after 9:00 pm. A Parent Helpline Counselor is always on-call for crisis situations.
Call: 414-671-0566 or email: HelplineCounselor@theparentingnetwork.org
Current Class Schedule at The Parenting Network
Open Parenting Programs
Participants can register & usually start attending within a week. FREE with free childcare for participants.
Positive Parenting
An ongoing parenting class offered at 4 different locations in Milwaukee, on Tues. mornings and Wed. & Thurs. nights. Topics covered
include discipline, family communication, handling stress/anger, child development & other family related
issues.
Effective Black Parenting
A 10 week series, on Thurs. nights, focuses on parenting & family issues from the viewpoint of the African‐American culture. Topics covered are similar to Positive Parenting and examine differences between traditional culturally‐based parenting methods & current parenting methods.
Dad Matters
A parenting series, on Sat. mornings, for dads only, that looks at parenting from the male point of view. The focus is the importance of dad as a positive role model in his child’s life. Topics include child development, discipline & the role of dad.
Open Educational Support Groups
Participants can register and usually start attending within one week. FREE with free childcare for participants.
Raising The Spirited Child
On Thurs. am & pm, for parents & caregivers whose children are more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent & energetic.
Grandparents Parenting Again…and Other Relatives, too!
On 1st Thurs. in afternoon. Support for issues facing grandparents, parenting again and any relative in the parenting role.
Young Parents Support Group
On 2nd Thurs. in pm. Light meal also included.
Time Limited Parenting Series
Becoming a Love & Logic Parent
A 6-week parent education program, teaching parents to lovingly hold their children accountable for their actions. Parents learn
to be empathetic, set expectations & help children make positive choices. The course uses video segments, discussion & workbook. There is a fee for this program and childcare may be available for a fee.
Fireworks: An Effective New Approach to Dealing with Anger
A 10‐week series that helps parents understand the emotion of anger, learn to manage it more constructively & effectively handle their children’s anger. Small and large group discussions, roleplaying & journaling are all a part of this experience. There is a fee for this program & no childcare is available.
Grandparents & Other Relative as Parents
This short educational series focuses on issues that confront grandparents & other relatives as they seek to raise minor children in today’s world. This program is free to participants & free childcare is provided.
9:30-11am, Weds. through April 28
Welcome, Baby!
A free, 10‐week program, education & support group for expectant and new parents. A happy blend of information, discussion & play for expectant parents and parents of newborns & infants-1 year.
Time Limited Support Group
Parents and Caregivers of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused Support Group
Support group for parents & caregivers of children 6-17, who have been sexually abused. Call Luci Staudacher at Pathfinders: 414-964‐2565 x17 for more information & to register.
Coming soon:
As One
A healthy relationship program for unmarried couples who are expecting or parenting an infant. Classes will begin this spring.
A revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize & react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse, and motivates them to courageous action. TBA
Registration is required for all classes. Times & dates are subject to change. To register for any program, or to learn more about our services, please call the Parent Helpline at 414-671-0566.
For more information contact:
The Parenting Network
7516 West Burleigh Street
Milwaukee, WI 53210-1030
Phone: 414-671-5575
Fax: 414-671-1750
email: info@theparentingnetwork.org
Click here for our other Parent Page
You'll find more information with Parent Tips, on talking to your kids about tough issues like sex & technology, plus find support & learning opportunities from community organizations that are there to help parents just like you!