Parenting Workshops
Parents of youth often feel inadequate and poorly equipped to deal with the complexities of raising children. Many fear the inadequate parenting style they experienced will be the same model they will fall into as they parent their own children. Simply put, many parents feel ill equipped and alone.
In 1994, under the direction of Directors Tim Skrivan and Pastor Rich Hamlin, the YFC "Breaking Free" Parenting Workshop was birthed. The six-week program is overseen by Judy Schmidtke who organizes registration, meals, classes, small groups, and childcare.
The curriculum is skill-based, practical, and presented interactively. Parents leave each session with skills to implement immediately. Topics include self-esteem, communication, behavior development, discipline, family meeting, and single and step parenting. The sessions are offered to the public for free with a meal and child care provided. Small Groups of 8 to 10 parents, are overseen by mentoring couples and are designed to encourage parents to build relationships with each other as a way of meeting each other's needs. Typical workshop space allows for 40 parents and 80 youth to attend. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Parenting Workshops have been offered in the following communities: Spanaway, Parkland, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, University Place, Graham, Tacoma Northend and Eastside.
For more information or to register for an upcoming workshop, call (253) 572-7888 extension 50, or contact Judy at kjschmidtke@aol.com.
