Experiential activities that go beyond intellectual learning to reach the heart for real change

Participants will learn to teach experiential activities, demonstrations, and role plays that help parents “get into the child’s world” and go beyond intellectual learning to practical application of what works to empower children.

The Parents Helping Parents Problem-Solving Steps

We all know how easy it is to solve a problem for someone else. Parents will learn what wonderful consultants they can be to each other. During this process, a volunteer presents a real problem. The group then role plays the problem, guesses the mistaken goal, and brainstorms suggestions. The volunteer can choose the suggestion that fits for him or her, and then practice through another role play. Parents are enthused about the help they receive through this process. Participants will learn how to continue using this process in their own settings.

A program that can be used with or without a parenting book

Although this program can stand alone, outlines are included for use with ten major parenting books including Positive Discipline, Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World, Positive Discipline for Teenagers, STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting), Children: The Challenge, Active Parenting, and Siblings Without Rivalry.

Adaptable to group
focus of your choice

The principles can be applied to any group focus: parents of teens, parents of preschoolers, single parents, parenting in recovery, or general parenting. The program is excellent for parents of all cultures with limited reading skills and/or special problems with children—because activities are processed through their experiences.

Understanding yourself and your children

Participants gain self-awareness (what their personality style invites from their children) and an understanding of the belief behind the behavior of their
children. Encouragement and empowerment begin by gaining a better understanding of self and of children and of the long-range results of discipline methods. Learn what really works to teach children self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and problem-solving skills—the ingredients for success in life.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

An important element of the workshop is that participants don’t sit passively and listen to lectures. Instead they have the opportunity to practice the skills they are learning so they will have more confidence when working with parents.