Starting a parenting course in your community

Being a parent is one of the most demanding roles imaginable – and yet it’s one for which training is not compulsory. And so parents arrive home with a newborn baby, and panic can set in. Or they watch their two-year-old having a very public tantrum, and can feel judged and inadequate. Or they hear their teenager slamming the door yet again, and wonder how on earth they can keep the lines of communication open.

So all parents can appreciate meeting with others and hearing they’re not the only ones who find it difficult sometimes – and learning a few valuable tips to help them in their important task.

As there are parents in nearly every community, this is a great opportunity for the church to reach out. And with schools now being required to do more with parents, there are more opportunities for going to schools and suggesting a parenting course. Many schools are more than happy for a local church, respected in the local community, to come in and do some of the work for them! You could also consider venues such as civic centres, libraries, community halls, sports clubs and hotels.

So, if you’re planning a course, where do you start?

Plan well ahead

• Choose and book your venue, bearing in mind the space, heating, equipment, refreshment facilities and insurance cover.
• Create a team to help with the organisation.
• Approach local business people for sponsorship.
• Create publicity, using local radio and newspapers, a letterbox drop, community noticeboards in GPs’ surgeries and libraries, etc.
• Decide on the resource you’re going to use. For some ideas, you could start by looking at ‘Are you looking to start a parenting group?’. Be sure to give yourself enough time to order the chosen resources, become familiar with them, and ensure you have all the necessary equipment.
• Draw up a budget, not forgetting the cost of refreshments and publicity. Consider whether you are going to charge parents.

On the evening (or mid-morning, for young mums – or Saturday morning, for dads!)

• Arrive early – with your team - to set up.
• Check that the equipment you need is working.
• Establish a relaxed atmosphere, greeting parents and having light refreshments available. Allow a little time for mingling and chat.
• Arrange seating informally, with the ability to form several small circles of chairs for discussion groups, if appropriate to the course you’re using.
• For further help on leading the group, click here to view the PDF of Care for the Family's 'Guide to Leading a Small Group'.

There's lots more information on running a parenting course at www.careforthefamily.org.uk/21Cfamily - including a more detailed planning schedule, ideas for sponsorship, and guidelines for holding a ‘taster evening’.

Of course, not all parenting courses have to be big and held in larger venues. For a more informal parenting group, developed from a toddler group and run in one mum’s home, take a look at the story ‘I don’t need no education’.

Last Updated 13 December 2010