Helping parents set rules at home

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   For parents who find getting their children to follow rules to be an exercise in futility, disciplining them can only exacerbate the problem.
   In hopes of making the job of disciplining children yield a positive outcome, the South Brunswick Parent Academy will host a parent workshop titled Rules and Logical Consequences at Home. The workshop will be held Sept. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Crossroads North Middle School.
   ”This is an excellent workshop and gets our year off to a great start,” said SBPA Director Christine Mariano. “This helps parents set rules and consequences that fit. It helps to show how effective good parenting can be.”
   The goal of the workshop is to provide strategies for a clear and consistent approach to disciplining children in a manner that fosters responsibility and self-control, according to Ms. Mariano.
   The workshop will be facilitated by Lynne Fox and Michelle Downey who will work with attendees to set clear and reasonable rules and expectations for children as well as proactive and reactive discipline, according to Ms. Mariano.
   ”Parenting isn’t easy so the more support and information a parent can get the easier you can make the job,” Ms. Mariano said. “These workshops provide concise information in an interactive format.
   The SBPA will hold six other workshops on a range of topics dealing with curriculum, technology, character education and safe schools.
   ”It’s a great way for parents to get together and support each other,” Ms. Mariano said. “Sharing information helps you to become a more effective parent and raise healthier children. We take the little pieces and combine them to help parents become more effective.”
   Those interested in attending can register online by visiting www.sbschools.org and clicking on the South Brunswick Parent Academy icon or by e-mailing [email protected]. Child care will be provided for children over the age of 3.