Parenting perspective Chris Gordon

 Understand the strength based approach in relation to support for the family  Consider the application of this approach in regard to parenting  Introduce the concept of positive parenting programmes

 The central value is the client as the expert in regards to their own life, focus on their strengths  It promotes collaboration and encourages that we take a holistic view of the client and their family  It recognises the power of optimism on our part and the clients’  It challenges us to reflect on the subtle ways our attitude/language enables or disempowers  It draws our attention to the client’s resources in their formal and informal networks In what situations may we find this approach unviable?

 Look at the strengths of the individual  What assets do they have?  What has helped them cope so far?  Is there family or community support?  What about other resources: religion, ethnic community, activities, friends and family

 What is it?  A collaborative conversation which strengthens motivation & commitment to change  Why would it be used?  It is person centred and goal oriented. It is communication which uses the “language of change”

 Expressing empathy – convey an understanding of the client’s situation  Avoid argument – challenging the client is counterproductive  Supporting self efficacy – what may have occurred in the past is not inevitably going to occur again

 Alternative thinking – offer ideas to help them but not create resistance  Identifying opportunities – to help the client move on from where they are

 Positive parenting is grounded in the scientific study of healthy development  Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with children, positive, strength-based approach to parenting focuses on what’s right with children and their parents  The research focus is shifting and beginning to examine what makes a family strong

 Family support  Positive family communication  The asset framework  Strong families are part of strong communities, and strong communities typically foster strong families

 U68&feature=related U68&feature=related  Triple P is an evidence-based parenting program founded on over 30 years of clinical and empirical research.  Triple P is a parenting and family support strategy that aims to prevent severe behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents.

 &feature=related &feature=related

 hzsw&feature=related hzsw&feature=related

 NRqE&feature=related NRqE&feature=related  b4_A&feature=related b4_A&feature=related

 Brun, C. and Rapp, R. (2001). Strengths-Based Case Management: Individuals’ Perspectives on Strengths and the Case Manager Relationship. Social Work. Vol 6, Issue 3, p  Editorial (2007). Perspective analysis: McKnight’s Careless Society and the Strengths Based Approach. Social Work. Vol 52, Issue 3, p  Healey, K. (2005). Social Work Theories in Context: Creating Frameworks for Practice. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.  McKnight, J. (1995). Careless Society and the Strengths Based Approach to Social Work. New York, Basic Books.  Saleeby, D. (2008). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. 5 th Edition. London, Pearson Education.  Search Institute (1997). 40 Developmental Assets for adolescents (ages 12-18). Accessed