THE NDSU EXTENSION parent and family resource center Strengthen a parent and you strengthen a child.

MR. FRED ROGERS

It has been said that the NDSU Extension Parent and Family Resource Center (PFRC) is one of Fargo’s best kept secrets, but that certainly is not the intent. The PFRC wants parents and families to know about the helpful resources and classes it provides to the community.

The Parent and Family Resource Center provides focused parenting and family education programs to empower parents, families and caregivers with the ability to build upon their strengths, learn new skills, and to thrive in our diverse society.

In every career or job, training is needed to learn the skills required. As parents, we often overlook parenting education opportunities to help with the very important and challenging job of being a parent. The PFRC offers classes, educational materials and other tools to learn effective discipline skills and gain insight into child development. Parents and caregivers also learn strategies to build stronger adult/child relationships, reduce power struggles, and make connections with other parents — helping parents realize they are not alone in their parenting journey.

Parent education is vital to becoming intentional in teaching our children. What we say and do matters. What we don’t say and do matters too. We are our child’s first and best teacher. Parent education is not about perfection or focusing on our weaknesses or mistakes. It is about building upon the positive strengths each family already has and providing additional resources to accomplish key parenting goals. As Mr. Rogers has stated, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Parents can be positive role-models by effectively learning to teach their children the beauty of kindness, diversity and inclusion.

With the onset of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, the PFRC has opened the door to online classes, meeting the growing needs of parents and caregivers across the state. This opportunity has been a valuable experience allowing greater reach to a broader audience and increased participation.

Fall classes are being scheduled now with both in-person and online options. Classes include such titles as Active Parenting; Ages 0-5, Ages 5-12 and Teens; Love and Logic; and the Nurtured Heart Approach. In addition to parenting classes, the PFRC coordinates special events during the month of April for Child Abuse Prevention Month and organizes professional development workshops. They also have a lending library filled with topic specific books, DVDs and other educational materials.

In addition to the PFRC based in Fargo, there are resource centers located in Dickinson, Grand Forks, Mandan, Minot and Valley City. Each center is affiliated with the NDSU Extension Parent Education Network whose mission is to deliver research-based parent education throughout the state of North Dakota by working with various agencies and settings to offer ongoing training, collaboration, delivery and evaluation of consistent programing to serve children and families. Most programs are free of charge and delivered by trained NDSU Extension educators and facilitators. Parent education programs are funded by NDSU Extension, county dollars and a grant from the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

or questions about upcoming classes available in your area, please visit the NDSU Parent Education Network, www.ag.ndsu.edu/pen.

In Cass County and the surrounding area, contact Jeanne Erickson, parent educator, at 701-277-5700 or visit the Parent and Family Resource Center website at www.ag.ndsu.edu/ casscountyextension/home-and-family.