Parent Education:
the key to prevention of multiple family problems
by Judy Sherlock, LPCC
In the past 30 years the experience of being a parent and a child has changed considerably. Most faith communities, likewise, have felt the impact of how their members are raising their children. Different social issues are before us and we are eager for advice, support and spiritual guidance.
As a marriage and family counselor at PPI, I became aware that helping adults with basic parenting techniques usually decreases the general family stress. Parents experience some confidence with resulting stability in the home. Parents are delighted to see budding responsibility and cooperation fostered as the weeks progress. It became apparent that we needed a concise and comprehensive parenting program to offer to our clients that would enhance and hasten their progress in therapy.
Simultaneously, I have been privileged to be a leader of Mom's Group for over seven years in my home parish. During this period I have observed that when I introduced parenting techniques into the group sessions, there was a common valuing of this profession. Basic skill building and on-going support seemed to be a winning combination. Other moms wanted to join us through the friendly evangelizing of our "turned on" moms.
These mothers experienced less stress because they come to see the effectiveness of these proven interventions. The community support of other women with similar experiences also freed more psychological space so our members could pursue their spiritual journeys. By trial and error we had unknowingly addressed a primary concern that had been eroding self-esteem and snatching motivation for faith development of women with children at home.
Last year I discovered an innovative video/discussion based parenting program called "Active Parenting Today." I have used this for parents with children ages 2-12. The families who have completed this six week series have given positive evaluations. They state that there has been an enhancement of the parent/child bond, road blocks in communication are decreasing and the cohesiveness of the family unit has increased.
"Active Parenting Today" is based on a decade of experience, and is acclaimed as the leading program of its kind in North America. The format is six fast-moving sessions that are entertaining and effective because:
- You learn how to talk to your kids. These communication skills help you teach effective problem solving, something you can also use outside your role as a parent.
- You learn how to eliminate power struggles with discipline skills. By using "logical consequences" and "give them a choice," the parent fosters the child's ownership of their problems.
- You learn the subtle art of developing your children's pride and inner strength. This enhances the spirit of cooperation and responsibility in the family.
- You build an open atmosphere to prepare your child for the dangers and temptations before any damage is done.
Every two hour session is quick paced with video and discussion. Each parent or couple purchases a parent handbook at a small cost. It has commentary and activities to be worked between sessions, which sustain the learning process. Upon completion, I find the parents reluctant to stop their formation. They want to stay in touch with one another. They look and sound revitalized.
The prevention movement builds skills, creates community and rewards with confidence. PPI is dedicated to ongoing work with these skills with groups and families.
I welcome the opportunity to bring this video/discussion program to your group or congregation. Please call me at PPI, 513-791-5990 to make arrangements.
Reprinted with permission from the Spring, 1997 edition of PPImprints, the Journal of The Professional Pastoral-Counseling Institute, Inc. To be notified when PPImprints is published, please register.
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