It helps prepare expecting parents for the challenges of parenthood. Middle Way is a 15-week class that meets on Tuesdays. It teaches basic parenting skills and the different stages of childhood. Chandra Shaw, program director for Parents Anonymous, said the organization also offers a weekly support group for children, teens and parents. Shaw said the support group is unique because parents help one another by offering personal advice and stories from their own experiences.
Topics range from stress to child custody cases.
Shaw said she wants to do everything she can to help families become stronger so that violence and abuse does not exist in their homes. Shaw and Melanie Copeland, executive director, travel outside of Abilene to speak at conferences and teach classes. Shaw said she advertises about Parents Anonymous by sending out flyers and media releases. She said most parents find out about the program from flyers in their doctor's offices or hospital. Shaw said interested parents could come to the Thursday support group meeting without notice.