ndusextserviceBismarck (CSi) Parents with children birth to age 12 can now enroll in Nurturing Parenting Programs that will be held in nine North Dakota communities beginning in January. Nurturing Parenting Programs are family-based parent education classes that help parents strengthen their parenting and nurturing skills through interactive dialogue and engagement with other parents.

The North Dakota Department of Human Services contracts with the North Dakota State University Extension Service to offer the Nurturing Parenting Programs. The programs are offered at no cost to families.

The Nurturing Parenting Programs will be offered in Belcourt, Bismarck, Devils Lake, Fargo, Harvey, Jamestown, Minot, Valley City, and Williston.

Certified facilitators guide families through a 16-week program, which features different training modules each week to address a different parenting issue. Some topics include understanding a child’s growth and development, establishing nurturing family routines, building self-worth, managing and communicating feelings, developing family rules, managing anger and stress, understanding healthy ways to discipline, and more.

The classes are conducted in a group setting with separate parent and child sessions and a family time activity. Participants complete a weekly self-assessment that helps measure their family’s progress and success with the program. A nutritious meal is also provided each week and transportation assistance is available with prior approval.

To register or for more information on the programs being offered in cities throughout North Dakota, call 701-845-6652, toll free 855-NURTND (855-687-8163), or visit

www.ndnurturing.org.

Additional parenting information is also available through the North Dakota Parent Education Network at

www.ag.ndsu.edu/pen and Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota at www.pcand.org.