Parenting Positively

Parenting Positively

 

Discover effective parenting skills that will benefit you and your family. Parenting Positively is based on the STEP Program (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) and offers parents down-to-earth, practical ways to meet the challenges of raising today's teenager. It will enable parents to help their teens behave responsibly in the face of today's social pressures. It will also assist parents who want their relationship with teens to be more satisfying and enjoyable.

 

The programs deals with a number of special challenges faced by parents of teenagers: their teen's growing independence and increased social pressures; dating, curfews, and use of cars; part-times jobs, career plans, and the increase importance of school work; relating to other adults who have problems with their teen; lying, stealing, anger, violence; use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; sexual activity, pregnancy, early marriage.

 

Through systematic presentation of concepts and skills, Parenting Positively seeks to help parents:

 

* Understand a practical theory of human behavior that can be applied to parent-teen relationships

* Understand emotions of both teens and parents

* Encourage teens more effectively

* Improve communications between parents and teens so that all feel they are being heard and understood

* Develop skills for listening, resolving conflicts, and exploring alternatives

* Learn to prevent discipline problems

* Learn to use natural and logical consequences as methods of corrective discipline

* Prevent and resolve challenging problems

* Become aware of how building their own self-esteem, developing the courage to be imperfect, and being responsible for their own actions can help parents improve relationships with teens

 

Research on STEP has produced the following important results:

 

* 93% of the participants recommended the program for other parents.

* 91% agreed that STEP increased their knowledge of parenting.

* 76% believed that STEP improved family relationships.

* 80% believed that STEP improved their communications with their children.

 

Getting Started

 

What is my commitment? This program requires your attendance at four consecutive 2-hour sessions. There are also some assignments from each group session. The main commitment is in your heart and mind.

 

How much does it cost?

 

The total cost of the four week session is $75/person or $125/couple, which includes a handbook.

 

When are the classes?

 

April 28, May 5, 12, & 26, 2011;  7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Outreach offices.

 

Where are they held?

 

Classes are held at Outreach, in local schools, or wherever participants are willing to go.

 

How do I sign up for Parenting Positively classes?

 

To sign up for classes call Outreach Teen & Family Services at

 

412-561-5405

 

or e-mail info@outreachteen.org