LESSONS FOR PARENTS — John Gregg Elementary School Counselor Tiffany Moses developed Persistent Parenting lessons for parents of students in grades preschool through eighth. Moses led weekly sessions during the fall and winter, with topics ranging from improving morning and bedtime routines to helping with big feelings. Approximately 25 parents took part in the program. Participants included, from left, Olivia Stone and Presley Mayle, who received -- Contributed

BERGHOLZ — Parents in the Edison Local School District received a little guidance when it comes to bringing up children in this day and age. The help came through an original program held at John Gregg Elementary School, where counselor Tiffany Moses launched the Persistent Parenting program.

Daytime sessions were held with parents of students in grades preschool through eighth. A nine-week session took place during the fall and an eight-week session was held in the winter, with the latter having wrapped up earlier this month.

Moses said she developed the idea after recognizing there was a need in the community.

She explained parenting can be difficult and wanted to help apply practical and applicable skills for parents to use at home. Her ideas were based on her experience as a counselor and as a mom.

Moses has worked with students and at a residential treatment and in-patient counseling facilities that involve youth who have behavioral issues.

She is a mother and stepmother of three children. She used research on best practices as part of her lessons. Some of the topics entailed morning and bedtime routines, natural and logical consequences, quality time and school involvement, technology and screen time, defiance and disrespect, sibling rivalry and chores and helping with big feelings.

A total of 25 people participated in the program. Approximately six people took part in each session. Activities included giveaways and completing to-do assignments. Events were held for one hour on Thursdays during the school day. Moses said mothers and fathers were involved.

Best practices that were incorporated included having a set time to wake up and go to bed — and to remain consistent; having lunches, backpacks and water bottles in a specific spot; using charts that the child can mark off as tasks are completed; having clothes and lunches ready the night before; and eating a healthy breakfast.

When dealing with big feelings, parents help the child name their feelings and scale the intensity of their situation and emotional reaction, Moses explained.

She stated this teaches them self-regulation skills and praise-desired behaviors when they experience strong emotions.

Moses said a few of the to-do items ranged from creating a morning chart to completing a family technology plan, sharing with the group.

Parents who implemented what they learned stated the results were improved behaviors at home.

“They said the morning routines decreased chaos at home and helped their child get ready for school,” Moses commented. “The quality time lesson gave them ideas on ways to show their kids how they are valued. Their bedtime routines also improved.” She said feedback was very positive. A survey taken by parents indicated the sessions were well-received.

“They gave me new ideas for classes that I’m considering for the future,” Moses concluded. “The parents were very receptive and a lot of them said it doubled as a parent support group. I’m so glad I did it. I think all parents want to do their best and I wanted to help them.”

Moses shared her program during a presentation at a Local Professional Development Committee meeting in February at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.

She is looking to hold a book study with the 25-parent group and others this month.

Moses said she is considering recording online classes and holding a one-time class with a new topic throughout the year.

For information, contact Moses at tiffany.moses@edisonwildcats.org.