'The Nurturing Center's goal is to ensure that children are treated with
respect and live in safety with secure, healthy relationships.'

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,
a single mom or dad or a grandparent, we have something for you.
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.
Child care may be available for classes and groups.
“I never dreamt I’d need the services of
The Nurturing Center. With grateful enthusiasm, I am proud of
The Nurturing Center and how helpful they have been in m y personal life.”
Pam R.
|
Raising Healthy Children
Articles,tips and videos on how to parent children into healthy, happy adults


ParentShare
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.
Kalispell ParentShare
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
February 2010 |
| Feb. 2nd |
Musik Garten demonstration |
Get some ideas of musical things to do with your kids. Marty from Musik Garten will give us a demonstration of what she does in her early childhood music and movement classes for children birth to 5 years. Please let me know by Monday a.m. if you think you will make it to this meeting so that she can have the right amount of materials.
|
| Feb. 9th |
Valentine Art |
Painting with red! Finger painting for the little ones, brushes and sponges for the bigger kids. Wear your painting clothes
|
| Feb. 16th |
Parenting books |
Bring your favorite book that deals with any parenting issues. We could even lend some out if anyone is interested.
|
| Feb. 23rd |
Free play |
Free play at Safe Havens
|
March 2010 |
| March 2nd |
Bread Baking 101 |
Join us and practice baking your own bread. It will be delicious.
|
| March 9th |
Free play |
Free play at Safe Havens |
| March 16th |
St. Patrick’s Day celebration |
Wear green and we will do a green art project.
|
| March 23rd |
Positive Sibling Relationships |
I will share some good information that I have gathered on how to help kids get along. Please bring any ideas that you have.
|
| March 30th |
Bird Feeders |
We will have materials to make feeders for the little critters in our yards.
|

“The Nurturing Center’s support has helped me be the father I am today. The staff is very supportive and willing to help with any parenting issues that arise.”
Jeff H. |
Fathers Resource Web Links
For specific information about fathering issues, visit any or all of the following websites:
www.fathers.com
www.chswpirc.org
www.childcareaware.org
www.fathersworld.com
www.fathersdirect.com
www.fathermag.com
www.fathering.org
www.postpartum.net
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
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.
Next Meeting:
To Be Announced
Northridge Lutheran Church
323 Northridge Drive, Kalispell
“The Nurturing Center sponsors the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group where we have a good time together and find the support we need from each other.” Wanna G. |
For more information call Michelle at 756-1414 or michelle@nurturingcenter.org.

Parent Education Classes:
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.
The “Children in the Middle” class is a life saver and I would recommend this class strongly to all parents who find themselves going through the trauma and agony of divorce. The class helped me immensely and
recommend it hands down.” Pam R. |
After The Storm: Surviving High Conflict Divorce
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:
- Discipline methods that work
- How to prevent tantrums
- How to make rules your child will follow
- Routines that make life easier
- The best ways to childproof your home
- How to care for your child at different stages
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.
ACTIVE PARENTING NOW for parents of children ages 5 to 12
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.
“The Nurturing Center provided me with
a lot of help; a lot of hope and has given
me the courage to be a better Mom;
the courage that real change can happen.”
Jamie W. |
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. |