Loudoun County offers parent support program

Loudoun County families with youth experiencing challenging peer and family relationships and life crises can get support. Loudoun offers a parent support program to help parents learn strategies and techniques to better support their children and manage difficult situations in the home. Parents will learn constructive skills proven to decrease problem behaviors, reduce family conflict and improve the family dynamic. The program is based on the evidence-based curriculum Parenting Wisely. All programs are free, but seats are limited, and registration is required. The schedule of upcoming sessions is as follows:
 
Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition
The Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition program is available to Loudoun County families with a child between the ages of 11-17 that has had one of more of the following problems: running away, failing grades, truancy and poor school attendance/avoidance, drug and alcohol experimentation, or concerning behaviors, to include aggression at home, school and/or in the community.

Families may participate in individual sessions or multi-family group sessions. The program works to: help families to understand the barriers and behaviors that may be impacting the family dynamic; share information on parenting styles and adolescent development; and teach coping strategies to help improve communication and create mutual respect. In addition, the curriculum can assist families with developing family contracts and safety plans, as needed. 
 
The Parenting Wisely – Teen Edition is offered in English and Spanish. 

The English language program is offered virtually for 5 weeks on Wednesdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m. The dates of the next sessions are:

• Jan. 8 – Feb. 5
• Feb. 26 – March 26
• April 23 – May 21
• June 4 – July 2

The Spanish language program is offered in person for 10 weeks on Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Loudoun County Department of Family Services – Family Engagement and Preservation Services office, 45201 Research Place, Suite 110, Ashburn. The dates of the next sessions are: 

• Feb. 4 – April 8
• April 22 – June 24

For details about the program and to register, visit loudoun.gov/ParentingWisely.
 
Parenting Wisely – Young Child Edition
The Parenting Wisely – Young Child Edition is available to Loudoun County families with a child between the ages of 3 – 11 that has had one or more of the following problems: interrupting on the phone, getting kids up and out the door on time, acting out in public, homework and poor grades, conflict with other children/siblings, and/or getting ready for school. 

Families may participate in multi-family group sessions. We work with families to help parents improve communication skills, use planned ignoring and self-talk, set realistic and consistent expectations, use assertive discipline and prompts/commands, and use non-directive play and mindfulness techniques. 
 
Parenting Wisely – Young Child Edition is offered in English and Spanish. 

The English language program is offered virtually for 5 weeks program on Thursdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The dates for the next sessions are:

• Jan. 23 – Feb. 20
• March 20 – April 24
• May 15 – June 12

The Spanish language program is offered virtually for 5 weeks on Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The dates for the next sessions are:

• Jan. 16 – Feb. 20
• March 6 – April 10

For details about the program and to register, visit loudoun.gov/ParentingWisely. For more information on the youth and family support services offered by the Loudoun County Department of Family Services, visit loudoun.gov/FamilyServices or send an email to dfs@loudoun.gov.