Parenting classes... how do i find some??

[NappiesGaloreQueenofFaffing]

am looking for good positive parenting classes, the sort of thing where behavioural 'issues' are dealt with and parents are armed with ways and means of bringing up young (boys in our case) in a loving, calm, positive, self-esteem building way without screaming or smacking or imploding in a demented heap at the impossibility of it all.

we are near Southampton.

any ideas?

Social services department? Surestart? Education department? not sure, but do think it is a good idea. Definitely recommend Steve Biddulph "Raising Boys". Brilliant book.

dunno - your HV may know

they advertise them here at the clinics (where you go for jabs and the like)

i found through our HV.

hmmm.

yes i have the steve biddulph book (and several more) its that sort of thing, but a class, that im looking for.

i HATE my HV. would rather pull my own teeth out than go to her for anything at all.

i expect i could find government run classes if i looked, but i was kind of thinking that if i went somewhere a bit more ....advanced?... i might get some tips i can use rather than hours of 'how to make formula up' and 'reasons why you shouldnt smoke round the baby'.

a la the parent practice in london.

anyone know of anything like that down this way? Winchester, Salisbury perhaps?

see if there's anything near you on here

parentline

actually, there's not much on there!

This is what I do but mostly in London.

Do you know any friends who you could group together with as I do sessions for groups like this too?

Otherwise try NSPCC or Surestart.

HTH

Or what about a one to one session?

oh nannyme, i think youve been to my house in a professional capacity! i think its you anyway...

yes, i like the idea of getting some people together and doing a group thing... let me have an ask around (not that i know many people round here, but theres one or two)

thanks foxinsox - there didnt seem to be much on there, did there?

i'll also try writing to the parent practice and ask if they know of any similar places down here...

I thought it was you!

How are you? Is it not going so well with les petits garcons?

oh it is... its just, well, as they get a bit older theres new challenges and new dynamics...

i dont know what to do with ds2 when he gets all ignore-y on me and continues pulling books onto the floor/pushing his brother/squirting shampoo all over the floor seemingly without even noticing me talking, then shouting, then physically stopping him from doing it. he just tries to go back to it like i dont exist. drives me nuts! and if im tired and im on my own with them all and one of the others is nagging too... well, im deeply ashamed and horrified to admit (for the first time actually) that i smacked him. about 3 times in the last week or so. not hard. but its so awful, pointless, counter-productive and childish...

i just think you can never arm yourself with too many strategies for tough moments, can you?

Do you want me to mail you some stuff that might help? I'm moving house over the next couple of weeks but after that I'll send something when I get a minute if you like.

You are such a fun and spirited mummy with a really mature and down to earth approach - a couple of smacks is obviously upsetting for you because it isn't the parent you are iyswim but it is completely understandable.

You have such a lot going on there with 3 little nutters zipping about all over the place ;) It's the same in my house.

yes nannyme, i would appreciate that a lot. and no, smacking is not the parent i want to be. nor is a shouty, angry mummy the parent i want to be.

its quite funny b/c my children tell me off when i shout, in such a deliciously uncontrived, unguarded way 'mama, youre naughty. you mustnt shout. i dont like it'. its such an antidote. ds1 even wags his finger at me as he says it...

i strive to be like Ruby on Ruby and Max. she always has a calm voice, no matter what Max does. i love that.