Do not be concerned if you feel like you need a little extra help raising your kids as the family dynamic has changed over time. A 2015 Pew Research study shows 26 percent of kids live in a single-parent household, up from 19 percent in 1980 and 9 percent in 1960. Dads have also become more involved with their kids, though the study show fathers think less of their parenting skills than mothers do. Only 39 percent of fathers believe they are doing a good job compared to 51 percent of mothers. It has led to an increase in interest in parenting courses like last month’s Focus on Fathers program hosted by UW-Extension. Human Development and Relationships Educator Renee Koenig says it is great for moms and dads to reach out to other resources and each other so they can become better parents.
UW Extension will host another online parenting course during the fall through Zoom. Parent Connect will focus on skills such as decision making, mindfulness, and problem-solving and how to talk about them with your kids. You can click on the link to learn more about the six-week course, which begins on September 23rd.