On three Wednesday evenings throughout the summer (June 4th, July 2nd, and August 6th at 6:30pm - 8:00pm), White River Presbyterian is offering a parenting seminar to the community. A time for teaching and also a time for sharing will take place with an emphasis on helping parents solve the real problems they face everyday. A children’s program is offered so that the whole family can attend.

“Too many parenting seminars give vague, general principles that we all know like, ‘be consistent,’ ‘follow through on what you say,’ or ‘don’t be so angry with your kids.’ We’re going to help parents know how to do those things in very practical ways,” says Deborah Taylor-Hough, Director of Neighborhood Outreach at White River Presbyterian.  “We’ll also be offering a Vacation Bible School at the end of July—for both children and their parents—based on these practical parenting techniques.”

Each session will begin by showing a segment of a video series entitled, “Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes ... in You and Your Kids.” This series is produced by the National Center for Biblical Parenting, out of Lawrenceville, NJ and features the team teaching of Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. Using drama, stories, and an interactive style, these two teachers provide practical advice that parents can put into practice right away.

A children’s program is also provided for children 3-12. “This isn’t just babysitting. We’re teaching the children material that complements what the adults are learning,” says Taylor-Hough. Crafts, activities, stories, and games teach children how they can get along in family life more effectively. Older children/teens are encouraged to sit in with the adults.

Although the seminar is being offered free of charge, White River Presbyterian asks you to register so they can plan accordingly. They’ll have refreshments available and they want to make sure they have enough helpers working with the children.