BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — “Parenting with Respect,” a class designed specifically for men involved with either the Department of Corrections or the Vermont Department of Children and Families, recently took place for the first time in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
The class was co-hosted by Parks Place Community Resource Center and the Greater Falls Community Justice Center. This course was designed by the Montpelier Community Justice Center and had only been taught there until a grant from the Sills Family Foundation made it possible to expand the program to other centers around the state, according to a press release from Parks Place.
Some of the main goals and objectives of the class include: increased awareness of child development and what children need from their fathers, an improved understanding of children’s rights and father’s responsibilities, and a greater motivation to learn about their children’s needs in order to become a more responsive parent.
“Get my kids back, watch them grow. Be there for them. Love them unconditionally.” These were just some of the responses that the graduates of “Parenting with Respect” had to the question, “what are your top goals as a parent?”
“We are so glad to have had the opportunity to offer this program, and for the community support that we received in order to do so,” organizers with Parks Place said.
Lola’s Pizzeria in Walpole provided discounted meals so that participants could eat dinner together as a group at each class. Greater Falls Pharmacy provided napkins, cups, and bottled water for the groups at no charge.
When we asked our group of dads what they would say to a friend who was going to take the course, one response was “it has helped a lot to explore other ways to look at how to teach my children.” When asked if it has changed their thinking or improved something they did as a parent, one reply was “discipline, and how I react to my children,” and the number one take-away was to “love your children unconditionally.”
The group enjoyed the course so much that they have requested a follow-up meeting down the road to check in and share how the class has impacted their parenting in the long-term.
For more information about the services and resources available at either Parks Place Community Resource Center or the Greater Falls Community Justice Center, call (802) 463-9927.
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