San Antonio Metro Health offers free parenting classes to help families adopt positive approaches and prevent child abuse, following a rise in cases post pandemic.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is reminding families that free parenting resources are available for adults who may be struggling with the challenges of raising children. This comes a day after the cause of death and identities of the two children found dead inside a burning car were revealed by the Medical Examiner on Tuesday.
The program, called Triple P, short for Positive Parenting Program, is designed to help parents and caregivers learn healthier and more positive parenting approaches aimed at preventing child abuse.
Metro Health officials said the program was created in response to an increase in child abuse cases following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Metro Health, the classes are free for anyone 18 and older. Participants who complete the courses can receive incentives including H-E-B gift cards and parenting-related books.
The program offers a variety of classes covering topics such as handling disobedience, managing aggression and fighting, and creating routines at home.
“There are a lot of anxieties parents face when it comes to raising children,” said Thais Barron, program specialist with Metro Health. “So we’re trying to break cycles of trauma and help people learn healthier approaches through emotional and physical health. This is all interconnected.”
Metro Health said classes are offered year-round in both online and in-person formats. Longer courses typically last eight to nine weeks, while shorter sessions run between three and five weeks.
Officials said in-person classes also give parents an opportunity to build support networks with other families in the community.
To sign up for classes and for more information, visit the website here.