Michael's Story

Sylvia* arrived at her first Incredible Years parenting class at Brigid Collins in January with more than a little skepticism. She stayed through the whole group though, explaining, “I want to do the right thing for this child.”

“This child” is Silvia’s three year old grandson, Michael*, who is living with her for a while, maybe longer. Her daughter, Michael’s mother, struggles with depression and alcoholism. She was neglecting Michael, putting his safety and health at risk. Now in a chemical dependency treatment center, Michael’s mother is working on becoming healthy and in the meantime, Michael is happy to be with his grandparents.

“I wish I had known all of this when I was young and parenting my own children,” says Sylvia regarding what she has learned at the Incredible Years class. Many parents in the group acknowledge how frustrating it is when their children won’t behave and are looking for “what works.”

Facilitated by specially trained parenting instructors, groups include discussions, role playing and homework. Based on a research proven curriculum, topics include child development, discipline and how to talk with your kids.

In November 2008, Brigid Collins began offering the Incredible Years classes for parents in addition to one-on-one parenting skills training and Parents Helping Parents support groups.

Parenting is a hard job, and it’s even harder when families are stressed out by job losses and reduced resources.

Brigid Collins provides support for families in order to strengthen families and to keep children like Michael happy, healthy and safe.

Names have been changed to protect confidentiality