MUMS and dads will benefit from parenting courses only if the values propagated in the classes match theirs, said academic Pauline Straughan, who has written extensively on family issues.

Even supposedly universal values such as bringing up 'good' children are open to interpretation, said Associate Professor Straughan, who teaches sociology at the National University of Singapore.

For some parents, this could mean raising the child to be obedient and always respectful of authority.

To others, it could mean teaching him to be curious, non-judgmental and open to other points of view.

But what the courses can do is raise awareness of the challenges of raising a child.

Such courses may also goad parents into thinking about the values they want their children to embrace.

Prof Straughan added that too many parents today equate 'good parenting' to raising children who do well in school.

Chairman of the National Family Council Lim Soon Hock said that such courses could impart skills to parents, teaching them how to juggle the myriad demands of career and family.

'These days, parents don't have the luxury of time to bring up kids through trial and error,' said Mr Lim.

'So the tips and insights from other parents that these courses offer are definitely useful.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Feb 02, 2008