Teaching youths to make good decisions

The Daily Inter Lake

Mac Bledsoe offers parenting session Tuesday in Whitefish

After nearly 30 years in education and even longer as a parent, Mac Bledsoe knows a thing or two about kids.

Since the 1980s, the Kalispell resident and father of former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe has shared his expertise in a curriculum for parents in classes and workshops around the country.

His first book, "Parenting with Dignity," was published in 2004, the same year he addressed a crowd of 3,000 at Majestic Valley Arena.

Bledsoe, who lives in the Helena Flats area with his wife, Barbara, is putting on another presentation this week in the valley, this time at Whitefish High School.

On Tuesday, Bledsoe will share tips on teaching children to make good decisions, rather than reacting to problems that crop up. His presentation will include five techniques to get youths to do what parents want while feeling good about themselves.

The event, a joint effort between Whitefish CARE and Parents Committed to Kids, should provide the audience with powerful, practical parenting tools, Whitefish CARE director Michelle Kuntz said.

"It's not an event to judge how any of us parent, but that we all can use reminders and tips on how to be the best parent we can be," she said. "If we can get parents to step up and know how to parent their kids, I think we can help our community and make changes in our community that start with our families."

The evening begins with a dinner hour from 6 to 7 p.m. featuring music by John Dunnigan. Bledsoe's presentation will take place in the high school gym from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Child care will be provided, Kuntz said, and there will be additional information available, including copies of Bledsoe's books and literature about other parenting agencies and services. Parents will also have the opportunity to sign up for follow-up classes, which will use Bledsoe's nine-week parenting curriculum.

Tickets are valued at $20 per family but may be available for less. Those who purchase any item at one of six Whitefish businesses - the Buffalo Cafe, Dairy Queen, Montana Espresso, Subway, Imagination Station and Montana Coffee Traders - may purchase tickets for $5.

Students may pick up tickets for $5 at the Whitefish School District office. Whitefish PTA members attend for free.

Limited tickets will be available at the door, Kuntz said.

For further information, call Kuntz at 862-8600 extension 449 or visit www.parentingwithdignity.com.