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 Tim Bohrer at 406-756-1414, 800-204-0644 or tim@nurturingcenter.org.

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. Contact Alicia or Debbie at 756-1414 or Alicia@nurturingcenter.org / Debbie@nurturingcenter.org to pre-register

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. . Pre-registration is required.

Active Parenting for Step families ** Pre-Register Now ~ Class begins September 12, 2011)

This workshop will teach you the skills you need to build a successful step family. You'll learn how to:

blend family histories, traditions, and values
cope with loss and encourage healthy grieving
establish parental authority using non-violent discipline techniques that work
improve communication and build new relationships based on respect and trust
teach responsibility, cooperation, and other important values
prevent or stop problems such as loyalty conflicts, power struggles, and more
cope with difficult topics such as drugs, violence, and sex
set boundaries that work for your whole family
encourage your children to be their very best!

Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Cost is $40 single or $60 couple (includes book). This six-session class will be held: Monday evenings, 6:30 - 9:00pm, September 12 - October 17, 2011. .Contact Alicia or Debbie at 756-1414 or Alicia@nurturingcenter.org / Debbie@nurturingcenter.org to pre-register

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 held in October 2011. 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, Contact Alicia or Debbie at 756-1414 or Alicia@nurturingcenter.org/ Debbie@nurturingcenter.org to pre-register. The class fee is $40 single/$60 couple (includes book). The six-session class will be held in November 2011.

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 Alicia or Debbie at 756-1414 or Alicia@nurturingcenter.org / Debbie@nurturingcenter.org to pre-register.

The Nurturing Center presents the Circle of Security ™ Parenting Program beginning in April. Circle of Security™ is an innovative relationship based parenting program aimed at helping parents understand the needs of their children. Circle of Security™ increases parent’s skills in observing parent/child interactions and helps parents to recognize and sensitively respond to their child’s needs.

Learn skills to understand your child’s behavior, and the skills to understand your own cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to your child. Learn how to help your child feel safe while exploring the world.

This 7 session class will be held from 3:00-5:00pm April 19 – May 31, 2011.

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 10:30am-12:30pm. For more information contact Sarah Lamson 257-2801 or sarahjane93@hotmail.com

As the weather warms up and dries out we may meet outside at Safe Havens so please have appropriate clothes for outside.

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

The group meets the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:00-8:00pm at Northridge Lutheran Church.

The Nurturing Center's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren & Kinship Care Support Group will meet on Friday, April 15 6:00-8:00pm at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Drive in Kalispell.

This month Attorney Ed Higgins, from Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) will be joining us to discuss some of the unique legal challenges faced by Grandparents and other relative caregivers rasing grandchildren such as, establishing and developing parenting plans, guardianship, and adoption issues.

Members of the community may check out books, videos and audio tapes for free on information such as child development, divorce, special needs, single parenting and more. Stop by the Nurturing Center or call 756-1414 for more information.

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