BROOKINGS, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW)

The Child and Family Resource Network at South Dakota State University will hold a series of parenting classes throughout September which focus on helping parents discover what their children’s behaviors could mean.

“Understanding Me Up to Age 3” is a four-week class series that helps parents of children from birth to age 3 understand the world from a child’s perspective. The lessons allow parents to respond in ways that encourage and enhance a child’s development.

April Flemming, assistant outreach coordinator with the Child and Family Resource Network. Said young children tell us what they are thinking, learning and feeling through their behaviors. Understanding these behaviors can help you find out what your child is telling you.

The free classes will be offered in Watertown at the Beacon Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from Sept. 12 through Oct. 3. The Brookings classes will be held at the Pugsley Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from Sept. 5 through Sept. 26. In Huron, the classes will be at the Huron Public Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Sept. 4 through Sept. 25

Classes in Brookings will have an optional Zoom link for remote learning.

Registration is required by calling 605-688-5730, emailing the Child and Family Resource Network at sdsu.frn@sdstate.edu or going to www.sdstate.edu/child-family-resource-network.

The certificate awarded for course completion is approved by Court Services and the Department of Social Services.  The focus of classes includes:

Session 1 – Why I Do What I Do: This class explains children’s behavior as they think, learn and feel with strategies to encourage a child’s development.

Session 2 – Keep Me Safe: This class gives tips to make homes a safe place for children to grow and learn.

Session 3 – How I Learn: This class provides tips and tools to encourage a child’s natural desire to learn.

Session 4 – Help Me Manage My Feelings: This class provides insight on guiding and encouraging a child through the stressful moments of growing up.