source: http://www.centralctcommunications.com/bristolpress/article_91026a04-5a9d-11e6-93e0-c3cb4a2f14aa.html

Parenting classes begin Aug. 16

August 4, 2016

BRISTOL — Bristol Hospital’s Parent and Child Center will offer the following class and program options for parents of young children in August.

Nutrition and Your School-Age Child Tuesday, Aug. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m. This class will discuss what to feed your young child, what nutrients your child needs to develop appropriately, and what portion sizes should be served. Get new ideas for healthy snacks and meals, and share ideas for serving a picky eater. Parents will receive pamphlets and get to sample healthy snacks. Fee: $7 for parents, $8 for childcare providers.

The class is partially funded by grants from the Petit Family Foundation and the Douglas and Noreen Schumann Special Interest Fund, the Bristol Savings Bank Fund, and the Eva M. Pierce Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation. A sliding fee scale and scholarships are available to low-income families.

Kids Cook Monday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In this interactive workshop, parents and kids together will have the opportunity to try some healthy after school or anytime snack choices, and make snacks that kids can do on their own or with minimal adult supervision, depending on the child’s age. Nutritional guidelines and information on healthy portion sizes will be included. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Participants should bring a mixing bowl and mixing utensil, such as a large spoon or spatula, to class. Families who have already attended this class in the past are welcome, as new recipes will be featured.

Fee: $10 per child. Scholarships are available to low-income families thanks to funding from the United Way of West Central Connecticut.

Handling Children’s Anger Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6 to 8 p.m. This workshop will focus on common causes of childhood frustration and anger, and the impact of a child’s emotional, social and intellectual development on his or her ability to manage anger. The class will brainstorm strategies to help children learn to express anger in more socially appropriate ways.

Fee: $8 for parents, $9 for childcare providers. Classes are partially funded by grants from the Petit Family Foundation and the Douglas and Noreen Schumann Special Interest Fund, the Bristol Savings Bank Fund, and the Eva M. Pierce Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation. A sliding fee scale and scholarships are available to low-income families.

Shake, Rattle and Roll for Toddlers Thursdays, Aug. 25 through Sept. 15, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. This music-based program is designed to orient toddlers toward language development and improving their basic motor skills. It is appropriate for ages 18 to 33 months.

Fee: $20 per child. Scholarships are available to low-income families thanks to funding from the United Way of West Central Connecticut.

All classes are at The Parent and Child Center, 9 Prospect St., Bristol. Pre-registration is required for all classes. To register, contact Kimberly Carmelich, program director, at 860-585-3895 or kcarmeli@bristolhospital.org.

— Bristol Hospital