TEMECULA - With so many library programs focused on children, the Friends of the Temecula Libraries will turn some attention to parents as a six-month series of seminars is scheduled to begin later this month.

"We felt the library was a natural place for parents to learn about the most important job they will ever do, which is raising children," said Grace Mellman, president of the Friends. "There will be classes for parents with all ages of children."

The series of classes, "Parents Empowering Amazing Kids," will begin Jan. 28 and continue each month through June 5 at the Temecula Public Library. Six seminars are scheduled.

Barbara Tooker, executive director of the National Parenting Institute, will conduct the parenting seminars, which will address a spectrum of child-rearing topics as well as allow parents to network with parents facing similar issues.

"We're not born with all the tools needed to be the best parents we can be," Tooker said. "But through education, we can learn to be. There is always something new people can learn to create healthier families."

The National Parenting Institute, founded by Tooker in 1989, is headquartered in Temecula. The nonprofit educational organization aims to provide classes, seminars, individual coaching and programs that enhance parent effectiveness.

"When our parenting class first started, everyone thought it was a great idea to have those classes for everyone else, except themselves," Tooker said. "Now, parents are eager to learn new skills or confirm their parenting approaches."

Tooker, who also is a trustee on the Temecula Valley Unified School District board, said some of the biggest obstacles facing today's parents are lack of time, multitasking and improperly used technology.

"There is also a tendency with parents wanting to be their children's friends, not the parents," Tooker said. "What I tell them is that they were born a generation too early to be their friends. Parents have a definite role to play."

The parenting seminars at the library will span topics that include motivating middle schoolers, discipline, values and homework help.

With Temecula's large population of children and teenagers, Tooker hopes parents can find at least one class that will enhance their family life.

According to Temecula Assistant City Manager Aaron Adams, nearly 40 percent of Temecula's 98,000 inhabitants are younger than 20 years old.

"It really takes a community to provide a safe place for the kids," Tooker said. "In this city, we find that the demographics reflect that education is a high priority. People want to learn. And when parents are eager to learn, they instill those priorities with their children."

Mellman, through her involvement with the community and the libraries, said she was excited to see that one of the six seminars will be "Hands-off Parenting: Knowing When to Let Go and Let Your Teen Grow."

"Our teens really need understanding," said Mellman. "I am in a position to see that teachers and parents have forgotten what it is like to be a teenager. Teens don't know where they are going; they don't understand what is happening to their bodies; they have a lot of angst.

"Teens look to parents and they don't have the answers. They look to teachers and they don't know the answers. They look to their peers, and, of course, they don't have the answers."

The parenting classes are free and open to the public. The classes will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room of the library, 30600 Pauba Road. The first class, "Eight Keys to Homework Harmony," will take place Jan. 28.

For more information on the program, call (951) 693-8900. For more information on the National Parent Institute, visit www.teachparents.com.

Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.

"Parents Empowering Amazing Kids" Parenting Classes

- Jan. 28: Eight Keys to Homework Harmony.

- Feb. 25: Timeout for Little Ones: Discipline that Works

- March 20: Hands-off Parenting: Knowing When to Let Go and Let Your Teen Grow

- April 21: Kindergarten Capers: Helping Parents Help Kids Learn

- May 8: Motivating Middle Schoolers: Can it be Done?

- June 5: Do as I Do, Do as I Say: Teaching Values.

All classes take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Community Room of the Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road.

Classes are free and open to the public