Parenting Advice Available at Mall

Parents with questions about bringing up children can now pick up answers and a bit of advice while they shop.

The South Orange County Family Resource Center has set up shop in Mission Viejo Mall.

The center, on the lower level by Montgomery Ward, is the first of its kind in South County to provide free classes, literature and family workshops to parents looking for child-rearing assistance, officials said.

“It isn’t only about serving families that have serious problems, it’s about education and support,” center director Donna Farris said. “It’s really a prevention and wellness program.”

The resource center conducts workshops and classes for both parents and children on topics ranging from setting a baby’s sleeping patterns and taming tantrums to managing family stress and teaching job skills to teens.

The 3,000-square-foot center also has a children’s play area, library and community room large enough to seat 50. Space is available for arts and crafts projects and other group activities.

Funded in part by federal and state grants, the resource center is the collaborative effort of six local nonprofit organizations: Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Orange County, Community Services Program Inc., Children’s Bureau of Southern California, Junior League of Orange County and Children’s Hospital at Mission.

Since the center opened in October, Farris said, “we’ve really had a tremendous response from the community. I’m really excited.”

Both the Capistrano and Saddleback Valley unified school districts also participate in the program by helping to circulate information about the center’s teen classes and projects to middle and high school students.

The center earned a good review from Laguna Niguel parent Shannon Coleson, who happened on it while window shopping with her 3-year-old son, Dylan.

“This is very interesting,” Coleson said. “I plan on using it.”

The resource center is open to the public Mondays through Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Information: (714) 364-0500.