Intense, difficult, or defiant children can challenge parents at a deep, emotional level and impact family harmony.

The “Effective Parenting with Challenging Children” workshop, hosted by Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, teaches parents how to change their interaction with their child and develop feelings of competence and effectiveness in their parenting strategies.

In this 6-week workshop led by Dilyse Diaz, M.A., L.M.F.T., a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, parents will understand and learn how to appreciate their challenging child; acquire techniques to create successful interactions with their child; discover how they can stop feeding negative behavior; uncover and encourage the wonderful, positive qualities and strengths in their child; foster accountability; recognize how to develop a solid foundation of self-worth and value; and build a deeper, more loving, and enjoyable relationship.

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“The most powerful way to change your child’s behavior is to change your own behavior, and learn how to communicate and set appropriate boundaries that express love instead of anger,” Diaz said. “You can mold your child’s intensity into a strength with the skills and tools learned at this workshop. You can begin to make extraordinary strides towards a positive connection with your challenging child, and develop a discipline style that lays a foundation for a more peaceful home. Your relationship with your child will flourish in ways you never dreamed possible.”

For parents with children ages 5 to 12, the workshop meets Mondays, 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. (1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, no meeting on 2/14, resuming on 2/21, and final class 2/28).

For parents with children ages 12 to 19, the workshop meets Wednesdays, 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. (1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23).

The workshops will be held in the pavilion conference room at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, 25727 McBean Parkway, Valencia. Cost is $260 per person or $340 per couple for the six-session workshop.

Reserve your space now; this popular workshop fills up quickly. For more information or to register for the workshop, please call (661) 253-8607.