Raising a child can be exciting, overwhelming, stressful - and also filled with laughs and hugs. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to parenting.
Parenting in Faith is a new resource that can help you with these challenges and rewards. LHOS is partnering with Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls and Sanford Health Systems to bring you reliable, high quality content that weaves together faith and child development concepts. This is an opportunity to bring together people in your congregation with similar interests and concerns. You can use these presentations to stimulate great discussions and develop relationships among parents, grandparents and other caregivers.
The classes are recorded and accessible on the internet, and will soon be available in DVD format. You can offer them to small groups in your congregation when and where it is convenient for you.
What Classes Do You Offer?
Three series of four classes each are available for distribution. The first series, "The Balancing Act," is geared toward parenting and faith issues regarding children, birth through elementary school. The topics include: From Worry to Encouragement, Life's Not Fair and the Bible Tells Us So, Where's the Gratitude? and Letting Go.
The second series of classes, "What Is A Parent To Do?," is geared toward middle school age children and the parenting and faith issues that emerge in those ages. These topics include: Bullied or Being the Bully?, Everyone Else Has It - Why Can't I?, Who Am I? Helping Children Develop a Healthy Self-Identity, and Who's Influencing Your Child's Thinking?
The third series of classes, "Surviving and Thriving in the High School Years" addresses some of the unique faith and parenting challenges that can arise during the high school years. Topics include teen decision-making, independence, and identity issues - all with a strong faith component.
Who Runs the Classes?
We hope to encourage lay people to lead these classes. We offer small group leader training geared toward these classes, both live and recorded sessions. At these sessions you will learn what you need to do to set up the room, how to access the classes, and some great small group leader skills.
How Do I Sign Up?
It's as simple as requesting a password, logging onto a website and letting people in your congregation know about the class. If you are interested in offering these classes please contact our Parenting in Faith Coordinator, Pat Eidsness at pat@westsidelutheran.com.