Parenting Supports

Here are some examples of programs offered by Family Resource Centers (and other community organizations). These programs give you chances to spend time with your kids and meet other families. Trusted educators lead the programs, sharing tips, support, and ideas for you to help your child learn and to handle behavior in positive ways.

All the programs listed are offered by some FRCs in Wisconsin, but not every FRC offers all of them. Sometimes other community organizations offer them as well. To find the types of programming listed below, you can use the FRC map and contact the nearest FRC or check with 211 Wisconsin, using either the website or call-in line.

Playgroups

Playgroups are weekly or monthly programs with activities for parents and kids to enjoy together. They are usually for children from babies through preschool age, though not always in the same group. Playgroups give parents and children a relaxed place to play and spend time with others. In Wisconsin, group leaders get special training. They learn how to plan playtime so it helps parents bond with their children and support learning. Leaders also introduce children to fun activities, crafts, and toys that families may not have at home as well as talk with parents about common questions or concerns.

Five for Families Program

The Five for Families program has 56 individual and group activities, divided into sections that focus on each of the Five Strengths. These activities are a fun way for parents to understand and explore their strengths more fully. Sometimes activities are added to other programs and sometimes they are shared on their own.

Parenting Programs - Positive Parenting Program

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is a set of programs that give parents (of babies through teens) simple parenting tools that they can use every day. It shares ideas for building strong family relationships, encouraging good behavior, handling common problems, and lowering stress so family life feels calmer and more positive. Triple P has different options for parents to take part in – groups, one-on-one, or online. Program leaders can help parents choose the program that is right for them based on their needs, and the needs and age of their child.

Other Parenting Programs

Triple P is one of many parenting support programs offered at FRC and other community-based agencies. These programs can be offered one-on-one or in a group setting. Connect your local FRC to see what is available in your area.

Nurturing Parenting Program
Early Childhood Education/Families and Schools Together
Period of PURPLE Crying
Stewards of Children
Strengthening Families
24/7 Dad
Los Ninos Bien Educados
Conscious Discipline Parenting Education Curriculum

Parent Cafes

Parent Cafés are welcoming gatherings where parents and caregivers can talk about important and sometimes hard topics in a safe and supportive place. They are run by trained leaders, including other parents, and are based on The Five Strengths. Parent Cafés often start with a shared meal and offer activities for children while parents join table talks, but they can also be offered online.

Be Strong Families Parent Cafés bring parents and caregivers together to talk about their Five Strengths by sharing stories, asking questions, and learning from each other. The Cafés are led by trained parent hosts who guide conversations in small groups. Parents talk about real-life challenges and successes, build connections, and leave with new ideas and support. The goal is to help parents feel stronger, less alone, and more confident in raising their children.

Here are a couple of parent café topics that are available at some FRCs:

Bodies and Boundaries Parent Café Series

The Bodies and Boundaries Parent Café Series helps parents think about how to talk with their children about their bodies and what parents can do to prevent sexual abuse. The cafés respect parents’ values. They have all the usual parts of a Be Strong Parent Café, plus extra sections with information for parents on each subject. Table questions match the café subjects.

Healthy Media Habits Parent Cafes

Healthy Media Habits Parent Cafes helps parents understand how to set up healthy media habits for their young children and receive easy-to-use tips on how to guide your child’s media use. These cafés have all the usual parts of a Be Strong Parent Café but are about media use for young children. The table questions follow the video series and handouts. To learn more see the Healthy Media Habits Video Series page.

Reading Roots Parent Cafés

Reading Roots Parent Cafés focus on how reading and stories affect the Five Strengths, how stories have helped parents, and why reading to children is good for their learning and growth. These cafés have all the usual parts of a Be Strong Parent Café but are about stories and books. The café leader reads a book to parents. The table questions also follow the theme of reading and stories.