Parenting Classes Give Military Families the Tools to Thrive

Military families are getting stronger thanks to the hard work and dedication of a few staff at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone and their dedication to our cause.  The first iteration of the Cohen Clinics at Centerstone free virtual Nurturing Parenting workshop wrapped up recently and participants praised the experience.

“We received incredible feedback from these classes,” Bethany Lavigne, LMSW, case manager and class facilitator said. “It was heartwarming to witness so many families take the lessons we shared, put them in to practice and express that they were feeling not only more confident in their parenting skills, but their families were growing stronger as well.”

The eight-week workshop came at a vital time as many families find themselves with the added stressors of parenting during a pandemic. From virtual learning challenges to physical distancing, families are facing new and unique obstacles.

“Parenting on the best of days comes with its own hurdles.  Add in the current state of the world and the unprecedented challenges we face, ensuring our families remain strong and connected is extremely important,” Lavigne said. “We want to offer the tools and support that will help make that possible.”

Lavigne and co-facilitator, Morgan Pospisil, intern therapist, are already set to start a second round of the workshop. In fact, classes begin this month on January 12^th and will be offered every Tuesday evening virtually.  In addition to covering various familial topics the group sessions allow parents a chance to share their stories, learn from each other and have a little fun.

“These classes are perfect for any parents looking to build strong family relationships,” Pospisil said. “We cover everything from identifying and strengthening family values, understanding feelings, communicating with respect and more. We encourage participation as well. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs we can do, but is also one of the most difficult so having support from others can be essential.”

Thanks to its virtual setting, military families across all of the states the Cohen Clinics at Centerstone serve can participate. To register for classes that begin Tuesday, January 12^th log on to https://www.signupforms.com/registrations/24734.