Help for parents on the way

There’s a new resource for parents to help them raise their children, and this one is scientifically based and tested.
The Positive Parenting Program, dubbed Triple P, is offered free of charge by way of First 5 Santa Cruz County, in partnership with several Santa Cruz County agencies.
Ben Lomond’s Heather Thomsen, who earned her doctorate in prenatal and perinatal sociology , will teach three free seminars in Scotts Valley in the next several months.
Thomsen said she believes in the Triple P program because of the research that has gone into perfecting it.
“It’s an evidence-based practice and intervention,” she said. “There have been very rigorous standards for it.”
Thomsen, the mother of a 4-year-old son, Chase, took rigorous training in Triple P and has seen the changes in her own life.
“It is impossible not to implement this stuff at home,” Thomsen said.
She talks about a recent shopping trip when she reiterated three simple rules to Chase before going into the store: Use an inside voice, keep your hands to yourself, and no running. She had him repeat the rules, and then they entered the store.
To her surprise, Chase was on his best behavior. Because of it, they went to get an ice cream cone as a reward.
“All children want to make mom and dad happy,” she said.
Thomsen will lead three seminars funded by First 5 Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency and Human Services Department.
The first, “The Power of Positive Parenting,” will cover the basics, such as the environment, discipline and parental expectations for children. The second seminar, “Raising Confident, Competent Children,” will discuss strategies for social, intellectual and interpersonal competency. The third, “Raising Resilient Children,” teaches parents how to cope with feelings, including working with self-esteem.
The Triple P program has been taught worldwide, Thomsen said, and she maintains that it is the cutting edge of parenting programs.
“I believe in it, and that’s why I’m offering these services.”
Positive Parenting Program
Three free seminars at Club One, 100 Enterprise Way, in Scotts Valley.
**“The Power of Positive Parenting,” 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 19
**“Raising Confident, Competent Children,” 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 26
**“Raising Resilient Children,” 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 10
Cost: Free; register in advance
Info: 336-9859 or

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