Parenting is an extremely rewarding, yet very challenging, job. Our future depends on the way today’s children are raised.

The Center’s Parent Education Program is based upon the belief that good parenting is a learned, not inherited, behavior. Most of us learned what we know about parenting from our own parents. This schooling could prove beneficial or possibly damaging, depending on how we were treated as children.

The program is designed to provide parents with the tools for appropriate disciplinary methods, the ability to be aware of the needs of their children, the capacity to improve communication skills within the family, and the capability to learn developmental age-appropriate expectations of children. These techniques not only improve family management practices, but also increase the parents’ involvement in their children’s lives, thereby protecting them from getting involved in delinquent behaviors.

The curriculums implemented by the Parent Education Program are the internationally recognized Nurturing programs that promote nurturing family interactions and prevent and treat family dysfunction. These programs help in increasing family cohesion, empathy and self esteem through education. Nurturing is the ability to care for and foster growth in yourself and others.

Where Classes are Held and How Much Does It Cost?

Classes are held at the Vicksburg Child Abuse Prevention Center, the Claiborne County DHS Office, the Vicksburg Family Development Service, and the Vicksburg-Warren School District's Parent Center. Classes can be offered at other agencies and churches as requested.

Classes are offered at no charge.

Parent Support Group

Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It places great demands on a parent’s time and patience. At times, it can seem overwhelming, thereby leading to frustration and stress. The lack of parenting, indifference, neglect, and abuse are leaving some children emotionally crippled, self-centered, and alienated from society. The Parent Support Group consists of parents needing to bolster their parenting skills. It offers emotional support to parents facing the challenge of child rearing. Topics chosen for discussion arise from the concerns and interests of the group. Support between meetings is provided via telephone networking. Parents meet other parents who are struggling with the stresses of parenting. They listen to each other without passing judgment. The meetings are confidential, so the parents need not to worry about their home life being discussed in public.

There is no cost to join the Parent Support Group.

For more information about the Parent Support Group meetings and Parent Education Classes, contact the Vicksburg Child Abuse Prevention Center at 601.634.0557