This September, a new free Parent Support Group will begin at the Community Center in the Meadow Mall. We know that raising children is a tough job, with new challenges every day. Parents/caregivers can share their concerns with the group, and together we’ll come up with solutions using positive methods to address those concerns. The group will be for parents or caregivers of children from pre-school age through 2nd grade and will meet every other weekend from the end of September through May/June 2017. Free on -site babysitting will be provided, so that parents can be free to participate.

Tough questions: Here’s an example of the kinds of “problem behavior” the Parent Group will discuss:

“I have two boys, a baby and 2 ½ year old, George. Whenever we’re getting into the car, George takes off down the driveway towards the road while I am buckling the baby into the car seat. Then, the more I chase him, the faster he runs, giggling all the way. Needless to say, I’m frightened to death that he’ll make it to the street and get hit by a car. What can I do? “

“Easy” solutions: And here is a positive behaviour solution to help prevent this scary scenario:

You’re experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare when their children start to walk and run. However, there is a simple solution. Whenever you have a scenario like this that tends to happen frequently and that you can predict, (i.e. it happens every time we have to get in the car) it helps to explain to your child how things are going to go before the situation arises. In your case, have a “huddle” with him as soon as you are all ready to head out the door. Look him in the eye and say, “Ok, George it’s time to go get in the car. I’m going to need your help. You carry your book and I’ll carry the baby. When we get to the car I need you to stay next to me and hand me the book when I’m done buckling in the baby. Got it? I need you to carry the book and stay next to me.” Have him repeat back to you what he is to do.

As you’re walking out to the car and buckling in the baby, provide attention and praise to George. “You’re doing a great job staying next to me and carrying the book.” Make sure not to mention the behavior of running away. You don’t want to give him any ideas.

It’s most likely that your son is running down the driveway to get your attention. After all, it does get your attention and having you run after him is a fun game. Therefore, it’s important to make the safe alternative of him staying next to you just as fun and attention getting. So if he stays next to you as you instructed, give him a big smile, tickles and a hug as you pick him up to put him in the car.

If he doesn’t stick to the plan and does take off, of course you have to go catch him. But when you do, say nothing and don’t give him any eye contact. You don’t want to reinforce the running away with any kind of attention. Be calm (at least on the outside) and just buckle him in to his car seat.

Share successes as well as challenges: parents will also be encouraged to share their success stories. We all learn the most from our peers. Positive discipline methods will be discussed, along with several other topics (nutrition, sleep, child-proofing) to help parents provide a healthy, safe and nurturing environment for their children.

Learn more: for more information, and to sign up for this six-month free parent support program, call liz lussier at 633-1162 or jane good at the community center, 633-9876. Or, stop by the Community Center, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.