Unlike the Marriage Course, the parenting courses use a similar format to Alpha: a meal followed by a talk and group discussions.

Volunteers conduct a gospel choir, lead group-therapy sessions, coach sports, instruct classes in art and comparative literature and teach "positive parenting" courses.

The social worker was blunt with Ms. Lopez: she could reclaim her children when she got off drugs and enrolled in a parenting course.

Educational opportunities include GED, ESL, continuing education and parenting courses.

Or, possibly, your local social services department or court has ordered you to take a parenting course if you want to retain custody of your children.

Priceless Parenting - an online parenting course which teaches proven techniques for effectively dealing with misbehavior without hitting or yelling.

We made arrangements to protect him, monitoring his progress, and organised for the mother to go on a parenting course.

Discussion question: Should prospective parents be required to take parenting courses?

Ms. Rodriguez has taken a parenting course, is in a methadone program and is starting computer training.

The centre also offers parenting courses, and music and dance classes.