Partnering With Parents Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L6

Warm-up Read pages 4 through 8

“Kids with highly involved parents are more active in extracurricular activities than kids whose parents are less involved.” - Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Overview Standard practices for working with parents Getting parents involved in CAP Helicopter parents Addressing parents’ concerns

1. Standard Practices Parents’ welcome & orientation Included in Cadet Great Start Roster & contact information Calendar of events Parents’ Guide to CAP

2. Getting Parents Involved in CAP What are your success stories in these areas? Parent orientations On-going communication Socials & awards nights Parents’ committees Recruiting

3. Helicopter Parents Today’s Parents in the News: The World’s Longest Umbilical Cord: The Cell Phone ABC NEWS Dear Parents: Relax, It’s Just Camp NY TIMES Hovering Parents Need to Step Back at College Time CNN Helicopter Parents Try to Help Their Kids Land Jobs USA TODAY NEWSWEEK / MICHAEL ELINS

4. Addressing Parents’ Concerns If you were a cadet’s mom or dad, how would you want the squadron to respond to your concerns?

Summary Parents expect the commander to be a partner. calendars, rosters, websites Parents’ Guide Involved parents means involved cadets. parent committees cadet sponsor members Address concerns promptly and fairly. listen well show your concern for fairness and the cadets’ best interest