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Even the best of parents need more wisdom from time to time (or reassurance that they really are on the right track!). Show that you care about families by hosting a parenting seminar for your neighborhood.

Invite an outside speaker to give talks on topics relevant to your attendees. Choose one or more of the following: especially gifted parents from your church congregation, a local social worker or family counselor, a Red Cross parenting class instructor, or a child development teacher from a local college. You might also include a panel of parents for an open-question session. Among the topics you can discuss:

• How to set boundaries with teenagers
• The challenges of single parenting
• Building character in younger children
• Maintaining a healthy marriage for the sake of healthy children
• Insights into how your child’s (or teen’s) brain really works
• Parenting with love and logic

Provide a pleasant, warm atmosphere. Include a wide selection of refreshments. Invite a few friends from church to attend the event, and use the opportunity to show your neighborhood what a church family looks like, too.

Helpful hint: Don’t stop at your seminar. Provide opportunities for both your attendees and you to follow up on what they’ve learned. Invite participants to attend your church or other related events there, or offer short-term small groups on the subject you’ve covered.

Instant Intentions

If you feel it would be of interest to your audience, include as a topic how to understand and develop your child’s faith.