Free classes offer support and advice for parents (From Watford Observer)

Free classes offer support and advice for parents

8:00am Friday 31st August 2012 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

Parents or carers can pick up useful hints and tips on managing difficult behaviour in their children from a series of free classes which are currently running across South West Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council’s ‘Family Toolkit’ provides four free information sessions to support anyone in a parenting role but is primarily aimed at parents and carers of children aged between two and five.

The weekly sessions will each have a different focus; understanding your child’s needs, nurturing relationships in the home, understanding and managing behaviour and early child development.

Richard Roberts, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "We as parents or carers may feel inadequate, having to ask for help or advice, and we shouldn’t.

"We all need support at some stage in our children’s lives – parenting is not easy.

"At last, through our children’s centres and many other agencies, it is becoming easier today to find the help and advice we all need."

Children’s centres in the area have been running the programme since July and they are still ongoing at The BECC in Borehamwood; Croxley Green Children’s Centre; Heath Lane Children’s Centre in Hemel Hempstead; the London Colney Children’s Centre; Alban Way Children's Centre in St Albans and Leavesden Children’s Centre.