'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 at 406-756-1414, 800-204-0644 or michelle@nurturingcenter.org.
“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 my personal life.”
Pam R.
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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. Contact Michelle at 756-1414 or michelle@nurturingcenter.org to pre-register.
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 will be held in late summer or early fall. 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 held this fall. 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 will be held again this fall/winter .
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). This six-session class will be held again this fall/winter. To register, contact us at 756-1414 or michelle@nurturingcenter.org.
“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. |

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 10:30am-12:30pm. For more information contact Sarah Lamson 257-2801 or sarahjane93@hotmail.com
July / August 2010 |
| We will not have regular meetings in July and August. I will try and organize a few group activities and make phone calls to everyone with the plans. If anyone else wants to plan an activity, you can do the same.
Let me know if you haven’t been to ParentShare in the last two months and would like to be on the phone list.
We will begin meeting regularly again on Tuesdays in September.
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“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. |
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Kinship Support Group
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.
Next Meeting:
Friday, June 18, 2010
Join us for a potluck at Marantette Park in Columbia Falls, 6:00-8:00pm.
Each family should bring a salad or dessert. The Nurturing Center will provide hamburgers and hot dogs.
RSVP to Jeanne Reinsberg at 314-4294 by Monday, June 14 & let her know the number attending and what you'll be bringing.
“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 contact:
Tony Shelton 892-0607 or Jeanne Reinsberg 314-4294 or
www.montana.edu/wwwhd/grg/
Resource Library
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.
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
Raising Healthy Children
Articles,tips and videos on how to parent children into healthy, happy adults
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