Parents, caregivers and educators are invited to boost their parenting skills by discussing their needs with trained consultants, attending parenting skills classes, or participating in targeted discussion groups this fall.  The workshops are part of the Smart Parents, Strong Communities public health initiative launched recently by Project Self-Sufficiency.  Classes will help participants identify their parenting goals, address behavioral problems, and promote healthy child development. The Smart Parents, Strong Communities features the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, a comprehensive education initiative targeted to parents, healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and school-aged children.  Interested participants are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500, or register online, www.projectselfsufficiency.org.

Discussion groups designed to address specific topics, such as bedtime routines, disobedience, aggression, mealtimes, and shopping excursions with children will be held at a variety of locations throughout Sussex and Warren Counties.  The Prince of Peace Church in Hamburg will host discussion groups on Tuesdays, September 12^th – October 10^th, 5:00 p.m.  The Phillipsburg Housing Authority will offer discussion groups on Wednesdays, September 13^th, 27^th, and October 11^th, and 25^th, 3:00 p.m.  Groups will also be held at Project Self-Sufficiency, Wednesdays, October 4^th and 18^th, 6:00 p.m.

An eight-week parenting skills course will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency on Thursdays, September 14^th – November 2^nd, 6:00 p.m. Participants will learn how to address behavioral challenges, reduce stress, and build confidence.

Project Self-Sufficiency will host individualized Primary Care Consultations, in person and over the phone, on Mondays, October 2^nd – 30^th, 11:00 a.m.

The Phillipsburg Free Public Library will host a seminar, “Raising Resilient Children,” on Wednesday, September 20^th, 5:00 p.m.

“’Triple P’ gives parents and educators simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage children’s behavior, and prevent problems from developing,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.

In addition to parenting skills seminars, one-on-one consultations, and group meetings, the program offers online options as well as targeted support for educators.  The curriculum is used in more than 35 countries and has been shown to work across cultures, socio-economic groups and in many kinds of family structures.