When Vivian Bustamante found out she was pregnant at 17, she shared that it was like entering a new world that she did not know much about. Vivian started attending weekly parenting classes at Catholic Charities Dallas to prepare herself to become a mother.
“I wanted to understand about my baby and how they develop so I could be a better parent,” Vivian said.
Vivian shared that when she first started participating, getting diapers and other items like clothing and food was helpful for her growing family. As she continued to come to the classes, Vivian learned a lot about being the best parent for her son. The lessons have covered car seat safety, communicating with your child, gentle parenting, and more. Vivan shared that one of the most important things she has learned is being patient with her son.
“Not everyone grows up being very patient, but this class has taught me how to be more patient and more creative,” Vivian said.
She added she also learns about taking care of herself, too.
“Even though I’m a parent, I still need to give myself time. If I do not take care of myself, if I do not love myself, there is nobody else that is going to give that love to my baby,” Vivian shared.
Regardless of the lesson, Vivan said she always tries to take one or two of the things she learned and apply them in her daily life. She recommends the classes to anyone who is a new parent.
“The classes are good because you learn, and you get diapers and clothing. It is always something new. It’s going to really benefit you.”
CCD’s Pregnancy, Parenting, & Adoption team offers weekly parenting classes throughout the Dallas area. For more information and to see available courses, please visit https://www.ccdallas.org/services/children-family-senior-services/pregnancy-parenting-and-adoption/.
