Instructors try to limit their teaching to 50 percent of the time, insuring that parents have a chance to talk too. As a result, many parents use the time to vent their frustrations, commiserate with one another, or offer their own parenting advice. Weary-eyed Alicia Conchas is on the parenting track again, raising her teenaged grandson in the absence of a daughter who is on and off drugs. Alicia tells the group she was so upset by the style of her grandson's clothes she called the police for help, but the police advised her to let him wear whatever he wished. Miguel Alvarenga appears relaxed and easy-going.
Parents erupt in laughter.
Lorena Ramirez complains she has to be the strict one in the family while Alfonso is too soft on the kids. The class is almost over, so Rita attempts to regain control of the discussion and summarizes the evening's lessons. Take the time to really listen to them and to encourage them when they do things like complete their homework without you having to get after them. There are no deep insights into parenting here, just a combination of pep talks and reminders of how to be better parents, but the group seems grateful. It's a good practice to regularly find out how your child is doing in school, Rita tells them.