Our Approach is Supporting Parents

At Family Resource Center, we recognize the ever-changing landscape of parenting and we know it’s not easy to keep up!

But, what really is parenting education? It can be as quick as reading an article, or as involved as joining a group series. We aren’t born knowing how to handle a toddler tantrum or how to manage a teens connection to social media. You aren’t supposed to know all the answers, just knowing where to begin learning and finding support is the perfect start.

We believe parents are in charge of their parenting decisions. To make those decisions, you want information you can trust from people who see your strengths and honor your values.

We offer just that; evidence-based programming, information, and resources for raising children. But, it’s not just information parents need, parents also need support and community. Our programs offer weekly opportunities to connect with fellow parents and lean into the understanding, encouragement, and grace we can offer each other.

For nearly 30 years, Family Resource Center has supported Central Oregon families and caregivers with parenting education, resources, and referrals.

What do you learn in Parenting Classes?

Classes are usually grouped by the age of children: 0-5 years old, 6-12 years old, 13+ years old. If you have children that fit into multiple age groups, we can help you choose the best fit. Classes typically run from 5-12 weeks, depending on the series. They are offered in-person and virtually. Workshops and other events are targeted towards specific parenting strategies, challenges, or activities. All of our programming is evidence-based; not just some mumbo-jumbo someone put up on their blog. With Family Resource Center, you will learn critical parenting information to support you along the way:

Age appropriate developmental expectations
Discipline - what science tells us about spanking, time-outs, and other discipline strategies
How to develop a trusting relationship with your child
How to play with your child
Ideas for family time and activities
How to handle an angry child
How to handle parenting stress in the moment & and prevent stress
Emotional regulation
Helping your child regulate their emotions
School readiness
Routine setting
Positive parenting strategies
Understanding trauma and parenting
Outbursts
Screentime, cell phones, and TV
How to handle power struggles with your child
ADHD, ADD and parenting
Promoting Growth Mindset
Empathy in Parenting
Mindfulness & Parenting Approaches
Domestic Abuse

Ready to explore more? Take a look at our current offerings!

What kinds of questions come up in class?

Babies (0-2 years old)

Sleep

When is it safe for my baby to sleep on their tummy?
When will my baby start sleeping through the night?
Do babies dream?
Why won't my baby sleep?

Crying

Do babies cry in the womb?
Why do babies cry?
How do I stop my baby from crying?

Breastfeeding

What do I do if I feel judged breastfeeding?
When is it time to stop breastfeeding?

Baby Feeding

How do I know what to feed my baby?

Baby Development

How do I baby-proof my house?
How do I take a pacifier away?
Can my baby see at 1 month?
Do babies sweat?
How can I tell if my baby is teething?
Are babies color blind?
How do I dress my baby for the different seasons?

Toddlers (2-5 years old)

Toddler Development

Why does my toddler repeat words?
Why is my toddler constantly asking questions? Why? Why? Why?
Why won't my 3 year old listen to me?
What's the best way to handle a toddler who bites?
When should kids start sharing?
When do children start to understand the consequences of their actions?
What if I spank my child?
People pleasing & Toddlers
How do I get my children to put their clothes, shoes, and toys away?

Toddler Bedtime

How do I get my toddler to bed without fuss?
How do I handle sleepovers?

Toddler Feeding

What should I feed my toddler?
Why is my toddler eating so much?
How do I get my child to stop throwing food?
Why isn't my toddler eating?

Potty Training

How do you potty train a boy?
How do you potty train a girl?
At what age should I start potty training?
Who should potty train my child?
What if I'm a single dad and my young daughter needs to use the bathroom at the mall, for example?

Child (5-12 years old)

Child Discipline

How do I stop yelling at my kid?
How do I handle sibling fighting, rivalry, and competition?
How do I discipline my child without spanking?
How can I use time-out?
What is positive discipline?
How do I use praise?

Child Social and Emotional Development

Why is my child hyperactive?
How do I help my children appreciate what we have and our privileges?
How do I support my child when they are afraid of the dark?
How do I talk about separation and divorce with my child?
What if my child or teen wants to use different pronouns?
How to help my child develop self-awareness and use "I statements"?
How do I not hurt my child's feelings when I can't tell what they are drawing, making, or painting?
How do I talk about separation and divorce with my child?
How do I talk to my child about a traumatic event?

Child Physical Development

When can my child get their ears pierced??
What do I if my child needs a surgery?

Children and Food

Children and Sleeping and Bedtime

How do I get my kid to brush their teeth?
How do I get my kids used to the school routine?
How do I get my child to bed without fuss?
Is it okay to co-sleep?
Is co-sleeping safe?
At what age should we stop co-sleeping?
What are the pros and cons of co-sleeping?

Teens (13-18+ years old)

Teens & Screens

How do I handle cell phones and screens with my teen?

Teens & Risky Behavior: Drugs, Sex, Alcohol, Smoking, Addiction, Self-Harm

Why do teens do drugs?
How do I talk to my teen about drug and alcohol use?
Why do teens cut themselves? Why do teens self-harm?
Why do teens drink alcohol?
Why do teens smoke marijuana or tobacco?
Why do teens vape?
How do I talk to my teen about suicide?
What are some resources for helping my teen access sex education?

Teens & Self-Esteem

How do I support my teen with self-esteem issues like acne and weight?
How do I promote a positive body image with my child?

Communicating with Teens

How do I learn to understand my teen?
How do I communicate with my teen
Why does my teen lie?
When should I talk to my teen about sex?
When should I talk to my teen about puberty?
Why does my teen respect me sometimes and disrespect at other times?
How do I let my teenage daughter have the emotions she is going through? How do I help her funnel them appropriately?

Teens Physical Development

What is a period party? Why might they be helpful?
How do you help your daughter celebrate womanhood?
Why does my teen sleep so much?
Why are teens so impulsive?

Parenting Questions

Parenting Stress

How do I handle parenting stress?
What are stress reduction techniques I can do with my child?
How can I use music to relax?
How can I relax instantly?
What if I don't have enough time to exercise?
Using movement to regulate emotions as a parent
How do I handle stress in front of my kids?
Developing a parenting gratitude practice
How to check in on your parenting stress?
Where do parents hold stress?
How to ground yourself during parenting?
How can I immediately calm down so I don't blow up in front of my kids?
Breathing techniques for parents
How to sleep better as a parent?
How to handle parenting anxiety in the moment?
How do I regulate my emotions?
How to offer yourself compassion as a parent.

Parenting Mistakes

What do I do if I yelled at my child?
How do I apologize for a mistake?
What if my children see my spouse and I arguing?

Family Bonding & Connection

How do I make family traditions?
How do I use empathy to connect with my child?
How to model meaningful friendships for my child?
What is gentle parenting?
How do I support bodily autonomy as my child grows up?

We support families thanks to generous support from our partners

OPEC
United Way
Oregon Community Foundatioin
Partner with us!

Crafted by Firespring

Privacy Policy

What Information Do We Collect? When you visit our website you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and website use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our website.
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What is Parenting Education?