1. How can your agency help me to be a better parent?
2. How do I discipline a toddler?
3. Is spanking acceptable?
4. What do I do if my children fight all the time?
5. What can I do for a baby that constantly cries?
6. There are days that I am so stressed out as a parent that I am literally at "Wit’s-End". I am a single parent, have a full-time job, three children and a house to run without any help. After working all day, there is dinner to get, homework, laundry, and baths and bedtime. I have lost patience with my kids who sit in front of the TV and have to be asked over and over to do homework and help around the house.

1. How can your agency help me to be a better parent?
Our agency offers various classes for parents. Call and get on our mailing list and register for a class that fits your needs. Ask to talk to a staff person about special needs that we can discuss with you or give you an appropriate referral.

2. How do I discipline a toddler?
For most situations, redirect a toddler to a new setting or a safe toy to distract him or her from dangerous or inappropriate activity. Time out in a place without toys and stimulation is also usually effective; leave a child in time-out one (1) minute for each year of age. Never put a child in a closet or in restraints of any kind. The point of time out is to be away from others until behavior is acceptable.

3. Is spanking acceptable?
Spanking is not against the law. However, spanking an infant or toddler is never acceptable. This age child is most vulnerable to injury. Never use a weapon, board, rod, coat hanger, extension cord, belt or other objects on any person. If you choose to spank a child, use an open palm on the buttocks. The child should never have bruises, welts, lesions, marks or contusions. Discipline is meant to teach, not punish. A very good rule is to never humiliate a child; discipline should teach and reinforce positive behavior.

4. What do I do if my children fight all the time?
Separate them every time they fight each other. As they get older, teach them to remove themselves from an angry scene or disagreement that cannot be settled without hitting. Be sure to acknowledge cooperative behavior and conflict resolution. Parents and older siblings must role model problem solving behavior.

5. What can I do for a baby that constantly cries?
First, check all the obvious things: Diaper changes, feeding, burping, soothing, walking, rocking, swaddling( recommended for newborns; wrap baby in a blanket in a snug cocoon fashion, leaving the head out. After you have tried all things, put the baby in the crib and allow him/her to cry, checking every few minutes until baby gets settled. You should talk to your doctor about this if your baby cries excessively.

6. There are days that I am so stressed out as a parent that I am literally at "Wit’s-End". I am a single parent, have a full-time job, three children and a house to run without any help. After working all day, there is dinner to get, homework, laundry, and baths and bedtime. I have lost patience with my kids who sit in front of the TV and have to be asked over and over to do homework and help around the house.
First, remember that you are the parent! If your children are old enough, begin having a family meeting night. Make it pleasant and hopeful. Explain your feelings and ask your children to plan with you how to get organized. Make a written plan with responsibilities for each person in the home. Review with the children daily at first. Then move to weekly as the plan becomes routine. Plan to celebrate success in a special way—rent a family movie and have a fun family night, go to McDonalds or anything you can afford and the children choose as a fun activity. If a child does not follow through, consequences are to take away TV, video games, or whatever your child likes to do best. Reinstate that priviledge when he/she completes chores. Single parents also need to try to have some time for themselves. Ask friends to trade kids with you for an evening and get some fun into your life.