WATTS : Parents Hone Skills in Raising Children

Dressed in a plaid school uniform, Gloria Ybarra smiled and applauded as she watched her mother, Maria, walk toward the front of the auditorium at the San Miguel Community Center in Watts.

“She doesn’t scream at us that much now and I can talk to her a lot more about things,” 10-year-old Gloria said proudly during a graduation ceremony for parents who completed an 11-week parenting education program Wednesday.

Maria Ybarra was among 28 residents who took part in the program aimed at helping parents cope with difficulties of child-rearing. The free weekly bilingual classes focus on child development and discipline, as well as providing support for parents.

“This program is here to enhance parents’ ability to raise their kids, to reduce child abuse and to let parents know what to expect from their kids,” said Ernestine Myers, region program director for El Nido Family Center, a nonprofit counseling center that has sponsored three such workshops in Watts this year.

For parents such as Ofelia Gonzales, the weekly meetings provided a chance to talk with other parents who faced similar problems.

“We parents think sometimes that parenting just means giving your child a roof over their head and food,” Gonzalez said. “I’m here because I have three kids and the youngest is 11. They are getting a bit difficult now . . . I should have started these classes earlier, but it’s not too late to try.”

Program coordinators hope to establish a support group for the graduates, said Ava Chavez, an instructor with El Nido.

The next parenting course is scheduled to begin in June. The program is funded through a $134,000 grant from the city.

Information: (213) 587-5234.