Introduction:
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The Partners in Parenting module was designed to address the needs
and concerns of parents in substance abuse treatment programs. The
manual provides materials and instructions for leading a workshop
that focuses on concepts important for parenting effectiveness such
as communication skills, guidance techniques, and positive discipline
strategies. The emphasis is on building skills, providing support,
and helping parents understand the needs and abilities of children
during different stages of development. The program is designed for eight structured workshop sessions
that can be implemented according to program and participant needs.
Session One: Building a Partnership
The first session centers on group building and introducing the
philosophy and tone of the workshop. Participants are encouraged
to think about current parenting concerns and challenges,
their goals and expectations for the workshop, and the strengths
and
skills they contribute to the group.
Session Two: Child Development
Effective parenting requires a clear understanding of the developmental
limitations and abilities of children at different ages. This
session focuses on child development, common parenting issues
at different developmental stages, and parental expectations.
Guidance strategies for children of different ages are introduced
and discussed.
Session Three: Family Communication: Active Listening
This session introduces participants to the skill of listening
as a foundation for effective family communication. Techniques
for conveying acceptance and emotional support through active
listening skills are highlighted and participants are invited
to explore their current listening style. How effective listening
can be used in various parenting situations is discussed.
Session Four: Family Communication: Building Understanding
Continuing with the theme of family communication, this session
introduces participants to speaking skills that help
increase understanding and cooperation.
The impact of nonverbal communication is emphasized, and parents
are introduced to "I-Messages" as a strategy
for communicating clearly about feelings and for setting
limits and making requests.
Session Five: Helping Children Behave
This session is designed to help participants master strategies
for increasing desired behaviors in their children through the
use of praise, reinforcement, setting limits, redirection, and
modeling. Ineffective methods of handling children's misbehavior
are discussed and communication skills that work well for providing
child guidance are reinforced.
Session Six: Sensible Discipline
Discipline strategies are aimed at decreasing unwanted behaviors
in children. This session focuses on techniques for effective
and fair discipline, including ignoring, time out, and natural
and logical consequences. The reasons for children's misbehavior
are explored, along with common discipline problems and recommended
solutions.
Session Seven: Self-Care for Parents
This session acknowledges the stress, insecurity, and low
sense of self-esteem experienced by many parents who
feel overwhelmed
by parenting responsibilities. Participants are encouraged
to focus on self-care and to pay attention to the potential
negative impacts
of not caring
for
themselves. Assertiveness, affirmations, time management,
and strategies for dealing with the stress that results
from negative "self-talk" are
addressed.
Session Eight: Tomorrow and Beyond
The final structured session emphasizes problem-solving, planning,
and encouraging resilience in children. Parents are introduced
to a problem-solving model for working through future parenting
challenges. The session also provides closure for the workshop
by asking participants to review their parenting goals from the
first session, to assess progress, and to set goals for the future.
Time is allowed for a recognition activity (e. g., distributing
completion certificates or awards).
The Partners in Parenting workshop has been designed to guide
and support parents as they improve their communication, problem
solving, and guidance skills with their children. It is hoped that
by offering a forum where recovering parents with similar concerns
can discuss options and solutions for better parenting, the result
will be stronger, happier, and more supportive families.
