August 16, 2007

Grandparenting Class: Mercy Education for Grandparents Available Online

Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City gives Siouxland residents an opportunity to point and click their way to becoming better grandparents.

For several years, Mercy offered a novel class in “grandparenting” as part of its broad menu of community education classes. More recently, however, the hospital has made its grandparenting course available on the Internet – at no charge.

“The goal of our online grandparenting class is not to tell participants how to become a grandparent, but rather to bridge the generation gap,” explains Beth Sitzmann, community education coordinator for Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City.

“Grandparents today may be taking on expanded responsibilities. They are often sought for guidance and are considered sources of information at a time when new parents or parents-to-be may be feeling somewhat uncertain or overwhelmed. As a result, grandparents can play a very important role in the life of the child.”

“Grandparents, however, may quickly find that many things have changed since they raised their own children. That’s why we want to give grandparents the most up-to-date information concerning infant care essentials, safety concerns, current childbirth practices, parenting techniques and methods to enhance childhood development.”

“We want them to become the best and most supportive grandparents they can be,” Sitzmann adds.

Prenatal care, advancements in labor and delivery, and changes in infant care are among the topics covered in Mercy’s grandparenting course. A number of safety-related topics are also addressed.

“We’ve even included a special section on farm safety,” Sitzmann notes.

The online course also discusses the many roles of grandparents and gives grandmothers and grandfathers many pointers related to bonding and having fun with their grandkids.

“The information presented should give participants greater knowledge and understanding with which they can make their transition to grandparenthood,” Sitzmann says. “The class should also teach online participants how to better keep the lines of communication open between their families.”

“Mercy knows that becoming a grandparent is one of the most joyous occasions in one’s adult life,” Sitzmann says. “That is why we want to help grandparents make the most of that very special experience.”

Anyone taking the free course right now also has the opportunity to receive a free 32-page keepsake journal to share with his or her grandchild.

To take the online grandparenting class, visit the Community Education section on the Mercy Medical Center web site at www.mercysiouxcity.com. You will be able to access the free course by looking under “Mercy Family Birth Center Pregnancy and Parenting Programs.