Understanding Parents

OBJECTIVE Explain the benefits of positive parent involvement in 4-H activities. Why should parents be an active part of the 4-H Program? What benefits result from positive parent involvement in 4-H activities?

Understanding Parents Benefits to 4-H Members Gain support and confidence from working with interested adults Participate with their parents in a common interest  4-H becomes a family activity Receive more individual attention and guidance Parents with positive, enthusiastic attitudes are contagious!

Understanding Parents Benefits to Parents Opportunity to help their children learn and grow Chance to share experiences with their children May improve relationships with their children Opportunity to contribute to youth in the community Able to get to know their children’s friends May make new friends and acquaintances Can show love and concern for their children through their involvement

Understanding Parents Benefits to 4-H Volunteers Can delegate jobs to responsible parents  volunteer can focus on club development Able to more effectively reach each member with positive adult influence Experience greater satisfaction from watching parent/child relations grow

Understanding Parents Benefits to 4-H Clubs Club is strengthened, larger, and more active Club activities may be expanded and enriched Favorable attitudes Parent Interest Parent Cooperation

Understanding Parents OBJECTIVE Describe four general types of parents. What types of parenting have you observed? How can we help all types of parents participate in the 4-H program?

Understanding Parents Types of Parents Parents can be classified into four general types: Balanced Overindulgent Overstrict Unconcerned

Understanding Parents Balanced Parents… Share planning, decision making and project work with their children Think of 4-H as part of their family Teach children the self-discipline necessary to do 4-H projects Are kind but firm and consistent Self-directed, but want to be informed of program activities and opportunities Value learning over specific awards or recognition

Understanding Parents Overindulgent Parents… Protect and pamper their children Enroll children only because they think 4-H will be “good for them” Do much of the project work and record keeping for their 4-H members Find it easier to do the work than to help children develop self- discipline Have children who may lack initiative Hinder the development of their child’s imagination and creativity

Understanding Parents Overstrict Parents… Are “fault-finders” who give very little constructive criticism Do not praise or recognize youth for their achievements Force adult standards on young people Have children who may be insecure, frustrated or rebellious Lead children to fear that they are not “good enough”

Understanding Parents Unconcerned Parents… Give their children little or no encouragement Have children who tend not to join clubs at all or have limited involvement Provide little guidance or encouragement to children May need frequent contact, reminders, and reports from club leader May need encouragement to develop interest and involvement in child’s 4-H activities

Understanding Parents Challenges for Parents Why did you want your child to join 4-H? So your child can win? You will be disappointed So your child can learn and grow? You will be satisfied Recognition comes from doing the best your child can do Be a supportive parent and help your child and 4-H volunteers to “Make the Best Better!” Remember…the development of your child is the priority!

Understanding Parents Challenges for 4-H Professionals & Volunteers Each parent and family is different Each will require various assistance to be involved positively Remember these differences as you facilitate the program and encourage parent involvement

Understanding Parents ACTIVITY Spinner Activity

Understanding Parents REFLECTION What do you see as the primary benefits of parent participation in the 4-H program? Which of the four types of parents do you believe is the most prevalent in the 4-H program? Balanced Overindulgent Overstrict Unconcerned What implications does this type of parent have for your 4-H club?

Understanding Parents REFLECTION What goals can your program reach with parent involvement? What steps can you take to ensure that the parents of your 4-H members are positively involved in the club? What strategies will you employ to work with each type of parent in the 4-H program?

Understanding Parents CONCLUSION Key Concepts With positive parent involvement: 4-H members gain support and confidence 4-H parents build relationships with their children 4-H volunteers can reach each member more effectively 4-H clubs are strengthened and more active 4 types of parents we may encounter include balanced, overindulgent, overstrict, and unconcerned. Refer to the Understanding Parents Fact Sheet for more information.

Understanding Parents REFERENCE “Involving Parents in 4-H,” 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Series, University of Arkansas Extension. Kress, C. Essential Elements of Youth Development. (n.d.) Retrieved January 30, 2007 from Lerner, R.M., Lerner, J.V., Phelps, R., and Colleagues. “Waves of the Future: The first five years of the 4-H study of positive youth development.” Tufts University.

Understanding Parents REFERENCE McKinley, S Essential Elements of Youth Development Lesson Plan. Purdue University Cooperative Extension. Osborne, L.J. (2004, November). “Plan to Involve Parents.” Seminar conducted at 2004 North Central Region Volunteer Forum, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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