Rockland — Most parents want their children to be respectful; to follow family rules; to help out at home; to learn from their mistakes; and to succeed at school.

The Active Parenting Now program offered by Broadreach Family & Community Services supports parents of children aged 5 to 12 to help their children meet those goals. Active Parenting Now classes will begin in Rockland on Thursday, March 8 at the Rockland District Middle School. Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. This program offers six two-hour sessions and has been shown to improve parents’ confidence and ability. This program is part of a scheduled series of classes offered by Broadreach in Waldo and Knox counties.

Active Parenting Now is a video-based education program for those who want to improve their parenting skills. Class material promotes mutual respect among family members within a democratically run family. The program teaches parents how to raise a child by using encouragement, building the child’s self-esteem, and creating a relationship with the child based upon active listening, honest communication, and problem solving. It also teaches parents to use natural and logical consequences to reduce irresponsible and unacceptable behaviors.

These parent classes will be open to all parents and child care will be provided during class. Because of grant funds awarded by the Maine Children’s Trust, there will be no cost for parents who want to participate.

To learn how to register for Active Parenting Now, or learn more about other parent education offerings, please call Patrick Walsh at 338-2200 ext. 109 or contact by email, pwalsh@brmaine.org.