MUSCATINE, Iowa–From raising toddlers to teenagers, parents strive to raise independent and thoughtful children. As they work through each age and stage, they often have questions about how to best set up their children for success but worry about inadvertently asking too much of them or codling them. To help parents feel confident they can help their children learn and succeed at every age, the Muscatine Community Y will hold a 13-week Raising Highly Capable Kids class. A free resource for parents, those interested in participating may attend weekly meetings starting on Tuesday, July 11 at 6 p.m. at the Muscatine Community Y (1823 Logan Street in Muscatine).

Throughout the program, parents will learn from evidence-based research about parenting techniques for raising healthy, responsible, and empathetic youth and building stronger, better-connected families. Lindsey Phillips, director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muscatine County and director of the Family Program Services department of the Muscatine Community Y elaborated, “The program increases caregivers’ knowledge and skill level of the essential building blocks every child needs- the 40 development assets- which are proven to increase resiliency and academic success.”

Muscatine Community Y’s Family Program Services department looks forward to offering the 13-week Raising Highly Capable Kids class. Photo courtesy of the Muscatine Community Y.

While the program may sound like a natural fit for parents of young children just starting their journey, Phillips emphasized that Raising Highly Capable Kids has something to benefit all parents, regardless of their experience level or the age of their children. “It’s never too early or too late to add tools,” she stressed.

To make it easier for families to participate in the class, caregivers and their children can enjoy dinner at the start of the session. The Y also has complimentary childcare available for kids under age 8.

Any parents or guardians who want to participate in Raising Highly Capable Kids may sign up by calling Phillips at 563-263-9996 or by emailing her. Though registering in advance helps the Y ensure enough materials for everyone, Phillips welcomes walk-ins too. ” If you are undecided until the last minute, we want you to just come,” she said. “There will be room for everyone, and it is 100% free!”

An opportunity to connect with other parents with similar experiences and questions and to learn new ways to help children succeed, Phillips encourages everyone with children to consider joining the upcoming session of Raising Highly Capable Kids. “Parenting is hard, and there isn’t a simple manual,” Phillips acknowledged: “This class gives you connections to hopefully make it a little easier. It also provides the tools you need to confidently parent and hear and see that you aren’t alone in the challenges.”