Beginning Tuesday, the Richland County Family Resource Center will offer another 15-week session of the Nurturing Parenting Program. Classes are free and will be held from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 7:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club (second floor) at 200 3rd Ave. S.E. in Sidney.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children, as a family-style dinner and childcare will be provided at each session. Classes will run every Tuesday until Dec. 28.

The goal of the Nurturing Parenting program is to provide parents with additional tools and techniques that help provide a healthier home environment for the family. Every week each class begins with a family meal which is generously provided by a member or group in the community. Following dinner time parents and children participate in an interactive song and activity that helps transition the children to a separate classroom from their parents. Examples of topics include family morals, values and rules, empathy, behavior encouragement, discipline, child development, parental expectations, empowering ourselves and our children, helping children manage their behavior, communication, understanding feelings, nurturing parenting routines, problem-solving and positive self-talk. Children learn the same topics as the adults do, through playtime interaction and educational games. Lessons take approximately one hour, and at the end of each session, the families are brought together for a family activity, such as games, crafts or story time. All classes are taught by trained facilitators.

For more information or to register, please contact Nicole Hackley, Family Resource Center coordinator, at 433-4097 or e-mail richlandcountyfrc@yahoo.com.