1 The Power of Positive Parenting Conducted by [Practitioner Name]

2 Today’s Agenda Overview of Triple P Being a parent Five key principles of positive parenting Take home messages Question time

3 Overview of Triple P Triple P = Positive Parenting Program Developed in Australia 30 years of research Used in 22 countries Local program sponsored by First 5 Santa Cruz County

4 Triple P Services Seminars: General parenting information –The Power of Positive Parenting –Raising Confident, Competent Children –Raising Resilient Children Workshops: Brief help with specific and common parenting issues Groups: Brief (4 sessions) or In-depth (8 sessions) One on One Consultations : Brief (1-4 sessions) or In-depth (10 sessions) Additional Triple P Support

5 Our hopes and dreams To raise healthy well-adjusted children who have the skills to: –communicate their needs –get on with others –try to do their best –manage their emotions –feel good about themselves In a safe, secure, loving and low- conflict environment

6 Parenting can be: –rewarding –enjoyable –demanding –frustrating –exhausting We all learn through trial and error Every parent has to develop their own goals and approach to discipline Being a parent

7 Employment opportunity One couple to raise a child. No experience necessary. Applicants must be available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and must provide food, shelter, clothing and supervision. No training provided. No salary - applicants pay $180,000 over the next 18 years. Accidental applications accepted. Single people may apply but should be prepared for twice the work.

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9 Most parents: are confident in their parenting (77%) find parenting rewarding (86%) find parenting fulfilling (89%) The good news

10 The tough part of parenting Children’s behavior

11 The challenge Some misbehavior is normal Some discipline problems are inevitable Managing everyday behavior problems can prevent more serious ones

12 Positive parenting Promoting children’s development and managing their behavior and emotions in a positive way Building strong relationships Good communication Emphasizing the positive Planning ahead to prevent problems Using everyday situations and creating opportunities to help children learn

13 Develop skills Do better at school Build friendships Feel good about themselves Have fewer behavioral and emotional problems Less likely to become involved in drug abuse or delinquent behavior Benefits for children

14 Benefits for parents Feelings of confidence and competence in parenting Less depression Less stress Less conflict with their partner Less conflict with their children

15 Skills children need Good communication and social skills Ability to manage feelings Independence skills Problem solving skills

16 5 core principles 1.Creating a safe, interesting environment 2.Having a positive learning environment 3.Using assertive discipline 4.Having realistic expectations 5.Taking care of yourself

17 Principle 1 Creating a safe, interesting environment

18 Strategies Develop predictable routines Provide supervision Have interesting things to do Tips for safety: Teach your child road safety rules Provide safety equipment Be safety conscious near schools Teach your child about personal safety

19 Benefits Children: feel secure and wanted are safe live in a predictable world have lots of interesting things to do have opportunities to learn Parents: can be more relaxed

20 Having a positive learning environment Principle 2

21 Strategies Spend time with your child Speak nicely Chat and listen often Share your own experiences Be affectionate Use descriptive praise Give your child attention Use incidental teaching Get involved in your child’s school

22 Promoting Development Promoting Positive Relationships Encouraging Desirable Behavior Teaching New Skills & Behaviors Managing Misbehavior

23 Promoting Self-Control Promoting Positive Relationships Encouraging Desirable Behavior Teaching New Skills & Behaviors Managing Misbehavior

24 Principle 3 Using assertive discipline

25 How discipline helps Discipline helps children learn to: accept necessary rules and limits develop self-control consider others express their feelings in ways that respect the needs of others take responsibility for their actions

26 Discipline works best when: children live in a predictable world children receive plenty of attention for good behavior parents have reasonable expectations parents use fair, predictable consequences consistently parents support each other When discipline works

27 Strategies Prepare in advance Arrange activities Set some ground rules Praise good behavior Watch and supervise Use planned ignoring for minor misbehavior Use your voice effectively

28 Strategies Use directed discussion for rule breaking Give clear, calm instructions –start instructions –stop instructions Take away a problem activity Back up instructions with quiet time Use time-out for serious misbehavior

29 Principle 4 Having realistic expectations

30 Strategies Consider: Your expectations of your child –What do I expect? –Is this rule necessary? –Can my child understand / do this? What other parents expect What your child’s school expects Your expectations of yourself –Are my expectations reasonable?

31 Principle 5 Taking care of yourself as a parent

32 Balancing work and family Have realistic expectations of yourself Reduce unnecessary commitments Develop good transition time routines Avoid conflict after work and prepare for the ‘second shift’ Teach your child to be independent Organize good, reliable child care

33 Negative thinking Unhelpful thoughts: He knew I was tired She did that on purpose to upset me He’s never going to learn She’s just bad Helpful thoughts: We were both tired Maybe she’s bored when I’m on the phone It will take time for him to learn Her behavior is annoying

34 Notice when you are feeling upset with your child Identify what negative / unhelpful things you are saying to yourself about the situation, particularly why it is happening Try to change negative thoughts to helpful, more rational thoughts Changing how you think

35 Working as a team Talk with your partner and other caregivers about daily experiences with your child Share the workload fairly Reach agreement on discipline Back each other up Model problem solving skills Hold regular problem solving discussions

36 Take home messages

37 Make your family a priority Create a warm, loving, safe environment Encourage your child’s learning Use assertive discipline Have reasonable expectations Take care of yourself: –look after your own needs –balance work and family responsibilities –talk back to negative thinking –work as a team Take home messages

38 Review it with your partner or by yourself. Review it this week! Choose one strategy you learned today to try at home. Tip Sheet

39 Attend the next seminar [insert date] Contact [insert name] for more services [insert info] Contact First 5 Santa Cruz County for more services (831) or or visit Next Steps

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41 Question time

42 Positive Parenting… Small changes, Big differences