Caregiver Education

Through Monmouth Medical Center’s Department of Community Health Education, The Children’s Hospital offers a host of parenting education classes, including:

• Make Room for Baby (Ages 2 and up)
  This class is designed especially for children preparing for the birth of a sibling. Included in this class are a discussion about babies and a movie about becoming a big brother or sister. The children, accompanied by their parents, will have a look into the nursery windows.
• Happiest Baby on the Block
  Helping parents have “The Happiest Baby on the Block” is the goal of a special program that strives to help participants learn an extraordinary approach to keeping babies happy in this unique, innovative class. New parents will learn step-by-step how to help baby sleep better and how to soothe even the fussiest baby in minutes. The class is based on the highly effective approach to babies pioneered by pediatrician Harvey Karp, M.D., in his best-selling book and DVD that helps parents turn on their baby’s “calming reflex” to quickly help fussy babies be calm, calm babies be serene, and all babies sleep an extra one to three hours at night.
• Infant Massage
  This four-week program presents information on the theory of infant massage, bonding benefits and ways to vary massage techniques as your baby grows. With the guidance of a massage instructor, you will practice massage techniques to help your baby relax. Massage book and oil will be provided.
• Understanding Your Toddler
  Babies between 1 and 3 are starting to walk, say "no" and throw tantrums. This program features a discussion of coping strategies for toddler life, including real mom-tested techniques. Communication, discipline, building confidence and learning patience will be covered. Ample time for questions and answers is provided in this interactive class.
• Parenting Young Children Through S.T.E.P
  Using the nationally known S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) approach to developing parenting skills, this five-session program focuses on helping parents gain a better understanding of the needs and behaviors of young children from infancy to age 6. It addresses such topics as communication, encouraging cooperation, effective discipline, and nurturing the social and emotional development of children — all of which can help build healthy family relationships for a lifetime.

Registration is required for all programs, and fees may apply. For additional information on any of these programs, call The Community Health Education Department at 732-923-6990.