Families Graduate From 'Parent University'

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A program aimed at helping Baltimore mothers and fathers improve their parenting skills is graduating its first class.

The 11 parents and 12 children in Parent University graduate Wednesday. The parents have completed six weekly one-on-one instructional sessions.

The University of Maryland School of Social Work program teaches parents about nutrition, child safety and safe sleep and how to manage challenging behaviors. The families taking part in the program live in the Upton and Druid Heights neighborhoods.

Officials say the classes offer parents information about raising their children and help build community by introducing them to neighbors who also have young children. It also offers parents the chance to share stories about their challenges and successes.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)