John Gregg Elementary continues parenting class for families

John Gregg Elementary School is continuing its successful Persistent Parenting class to help improve dynamics at home.

School counselor Tiffany Moses began the program three years ago and meets with parents every Tuesday from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in the school library. The program runs through March 31, and she said it has included topics on morning and bedtime routines, logical and natural consequences, quality time and school involvement, technology and screen time, handling big emotions, defiance and disrespect, sibling rivalry and chores. About 30 parents have taken part in the program since it began, and it has made a difference.

“I started this program because every year in my 15 years as a school counselor, I have always said that we miss working with our parents in our community. I’ve seen so many parents want to do well but who sometimes lack the resources or knowledge, and I was motivated to start these classes,” Moses said.

She has since implemented a small group for previous participants to continue discussions and offer support. About five people currently attend, and she said it has been equally helpful.

“This group is called ‘Coffee and Conversation’ and takes place Thursday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. This group is more like a parent support group where they openly bring their problems, concerns or questions and we discuss parenting needs as a group,” she said, adding that those meetings will continue for the remainder of the school year.

Cafeteria staff provide a coffee station for the sessions, while Assistant Superintendent Julie Kireta has offered funding for giveaway items related to lesson topics. Among the items were morning charts to help parents follow through with best practices regarding morning routines; sound machines to replace screen time and improve the child’s bedtime routine; and conversation cards and a scavenger hunt game for quality time with kids to bolster meaningful conversations each day while also playing games.

Moses said feedback has been positive, and one parent mentioned how chaos decreased in the morning while they better understood their children. A second said the information was helpful and made routines and chores better at home.

“We never want our kids to stop learning and growing toward the best version of themselves so we need to lead by example,” another said. “Through this class I learned a lot about myself and my kids. I better understand them, their mindset, and having realistic expectations for being imperfectly perfect.”

“I do get positive feedback from parents each year,” Moses said. “I give out an anonymous survey at the conclusion to give feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses of this class.”

Some results noted that attendees preferred one-hour sessions each week for a nine-week period, while 93% liked the “to-do” assignments each week and sharing outcomes with the class. Additionally, everyone enjoyed sharing the “to-do’s” with other parents, and the vast majority felt comfortable interacting and sharing openly in class. Moses said she was pleased with the overall response to her program and hopes to carry it further.

“Once this round of ‘Persistent Parenting’ ends, I am considering a pop-up class on how to handle anxiety in your child, and I am also considering starting a book study with all of the parents who have already completed the class.”