WakeMed launches new parenting class for grandparents

Attention expecting parents: Worried that the grandparents in your kids' lives might be passing out a few too many sweets and other treats? WakeMed has a class for that.

Grandbabies, as the class is called, is designed for soon-to-be grandparents. The program will cover topics such as childcare basics; safety and first-aid; how to best communicate with a grandchild's parents; and tips to avoid conflict. Participants also will learn how to change a diaper all over again; gain insight on discipline; get advice on how to avoid overindulging a child when it comes to food and treats; and how to perform CPR on an infant and rescue an infant who is choking.

Instructors are certified in Basic Life Support and are grandparents themselves. The goal is is to guide new grandparents on how to help, not hinder, when it comes to raising a family's newest member, a press release said. 

The first class is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. The cost is $15 per participant. It is open to anybody in the community, not just the grandparents of children born at WakeMed.