BROOKINGS – The South Dakota State University Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership’s Family Resource Network will hold parenting classes throughout January in Brookings. 

The classes are free to attend and intended for parents who have children ranging from newborns up to 3 years old. The classes will help parents understand their children’s behaviors.

While there are four sessions, participants are not required to attend all four. 

However, participants are required to register by contacting the Family Resource Network at 688-5730 or sdsu.frn@sdstate.edu. Certificates will be given to attendees.

The “Understanding Me Up to Age 3” parenting series complements the Common Sense Parenting training currently provided by the Department of Social Services, which focuses on children ages 3 to 16. These complementary programs offer a comprehensive system of parent education from birth through the teenage years.

The classes, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brookings Public Library, 515 Third St.

The class topics are:

• Jan. 9 - Why I Do What I Do: This class will explain your child’s behaviors as they think, learn and feel with strategies to encourage your child’s development;

• Jan. 16 - Keep Me Safe: This class will give you tips to keep your home a safe place for your child to grow and learn;

• Jan. 23 - How I Learn: This class will provide you tips and tools to encourage your child’s natural desire to learn; and

• Jan. 30 - Help Me Manage My Feelings: This class will provide insight on guiding and encouraging your child through the stressful moments of growing up.