The Nurturing Center

Parent Education and Support Groups
Parenting is the hardest job you’ll ever have. Let us be your safety net.

Parents who have a strong support network feel more successful and are less stressed than parents in isolation. The Nurturing Center is committed

to offering programs that meet the individualized needs of families in our community. There is no “one size fits all” answer for parents.We encourage you to call to discover the right “fit” for you! The more you know about your child’s development, the better you’ll feel about your role as a parent. As

you can see, we’re all about families – whether you’re in an intact family,

For more information on all the parenting education and support groups, contact Michelle Wheat at 406-756-1414, 800-204-0644 or michelle@nurturingcenter.org.

A birth to five support group that meets in several locations around the County. ParentShare brings together mothers with young children to talk about the joys and challenges of being a parent. It provides an opportunity to connect with other parents who share similar interests and concerns. The weekly meetings include speakers and discussion and child care is provided.

The Kalispell ParentShare group will be meeting every Tuesday from 10:30-am-12:30pm.For mor information contact Sarah Lamson 257-2801 or sarahjane93@hotmail.com

For specific information about fathering issues, visit any or all of the following websites:

This group addresses the unique needs facing grandparents who, like millions across the nation, find themselves raising their grandchildren.

The group meets monthly at Northridge Lutheran Church.

Children In the Middle
Children in the Middle is a class for families experiencing divorce. Two intensive sessions will assist parents in learning how to manage the divorce process with the least amount of stress for their children. Meets monthly in two 2-hour sessions.

After the Storm is for parents who have completed the “Children in the Middle” class needing more help learning to shield children from exposure to conflict between parents. This class will help you problem-solve parenting issues and communicate your needs without conflict. The next two-session class is Thursday, February 18, 7:00-9:00pm and Wednesday, February 24, 7:00-9:00pm. Pre-registration is required.

1, 2, 3, 4 Parents!
Is parenting your toddler tougher than you thought it would be? This workshop for parents with children ages 1 to 4 will teach you:

The next 4-session class will be on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm on April 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2010. The series cost is $30 per individual or $45 per couple. Pre-registration is required.

This workshop will show you effective ways to...

Use non-violent discipline techniques that work
Improve communication with your children
Teach responsibility and other important values
Handle problems as they come up
Cope with difficult topics ...such as drugs, violence, and sex
Defuse power struggles with your children
Stimulate independence as your child grows older
Encourage your children to be their very best!

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. For more information or to enroll, call 756-1414 or e-mail michelle@nurturingcenter.org. The class fee is $40 single/$60 couple (includes book). The six-session class is held on Wednesday evenings at the Nurturing Center from 6:30-8:30pm beginning March 3, 2010.

Active Parenting of Teens

This workshop for parents of teens and 'tweens, will give you the guidance and support you need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth. You'll learn:

Methods of respectful discipline
Skills for clear, honest communication
Concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior
How to be an encouraging parent
...and much more, plus insight into important issues such as teens online, bullying, and depression.

The challenge of successfully ushering children through their teen years has always been among parents' hardest-won achievements. But in today's society where children seem to become adults overnight, and where they often make decisions about drugs, sexuality, and violence they understand the consequences, a parent's job is more important than ever. So how can you ensure that your teens develop the skills and character they need to not only survive but to thrive as they gain independence?

You can create harmony and stability in your family while raising your teens to be responsible, courageous and prepared for independent life. Active Parenting of Teens, a video and discussion program by parenting expert Dr. Michael Popkin, will show you how. In six sessions packed with activities, discussion, real-world examples, and feedback, you'll learn a proven approach to parenting, plus indispensable techniques and insights for overcoming obstacles, that will bring happiness and harmony into your home. You'll leave each session energized and motivated to make positive and realistic changes in your own family's daily life.

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Cost is $40 single or $60 couple (includes book). To register, contact us at 756-1414 or michelle@nurturingcenter.org. The six-session course is held on Wednesday evenings at the Nurturing Center from 6:30-8:30pm, April 14 - May 19 , 2010.

Pre-registration is required for all parenting education classes. To learn more about our parent education classes, the current class schedule or to pre-register, contact michelle@nurturingcenter.org or call us at 406-756-1414 or 800-204-0644.