Extend a hand to troubled parents

Parenting is the most challenging job most of us will ever have, and parents are often frustrated with their child's behaviors and attitudes. This can be especially true with adolescents and teens.

The recent news coverage of parents who have "dropped" their adolescent/ teen children off at a safe haven because they couldn't handle them is an example of how often parents feel very alone and unsure of how to parent during stressful times. These feelings are normal. Every parent feels this way sometimes.

Fortunately, North Dakota has parenting resources available for parents who want to learn more about how to manage their child's unique behaviors; or just want to learn more about how to help their children through the "growing up" stages. Nurturing Parenting programs are available in several communities and there are Parent Resource Centers in seven regions of the state offering opportunities for parents to attend parenting classes, receive parent education and attend parent support groups.

There are centers located in Dickinson, Williston, Bismarck-Mandan, Minot, Valley City, Fargo and Grand Forks, and there are often classes and support groups available in surrounding communities. For more information, visit www.Stop-ChildAbuseND.com.

Don't wait until you want to "drop off" your child somewhere. Talking to other parents and sharing ideas is a healthy and normal response to the challenges of parenting children of all ages.

Talk with community leaders and legislators about the availability and accessibility of parenting support services. If you don't have resources in your community, it might be time to rally together other parents and find a way to offer what every parent deserves - parent support.