Research from the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education shares that “no matter their income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior and adapt well to school.”
Parent involvement has also been shown to reduce the likelihood students will participate in dangerous behaviors such as alcohol and substance use.
The data is clear: As a whole, we are struggling. Depression and anxiety are at an all time high and climbing. Families need significant support in areas related to emotional management, stress resiliency, behavior management, healthy communication and relationships, positive role modeling, cohesive parenting tools, and so much more.
If we-as adults, mentors, community leaders, and parents are struggling- so too, are our youth.
Unfortunately, reaching already overloaded parents remains difficult. Getting them to attend an event even more so. Community programs need to deliver, providing tools parents are seeking, when they are seeking it, and in a manner that engages audiences and meets them where they’re at.
Certified Family Life Educator, Susan Graham at Achieve Life Balance, has worked alongside educators in the schools for over 15 years, including 6 years coordinating Parent Engagement at a school-wide Title I Elementary. In addition, Susan has spent 10 years developing and facilitating one-on-one court-mandated programs for parents working toward reunification.
“Working one-on-one with families allows me to see patterns in parental struggles before they show up in our children. If our kids our struggling, our parents likely struggled first. We must provide parents with the tools necessary to live and model a positive, healthy and successful environment.”
Documentation is available for grant-funded programming used by Title I, Head Start, family and youth coalitions. Each workshop includes learning goals and objectives, an agenda, evidenced-based curriculum and documentation, handouts, and a post-workshop survey. Schools and organizations requiring a record of attendance may choose to handle registration privately or request options from Achieve Life Balance.
Bonus: FREE Parenting Teens Support Packet
Given the evidence that parenting practices and the family environment have a strong impact on child outcomes, Achieve Life Balance’s primary goal is to provide data-driven, evidence-based support and resources to help parents, guardians, and educators learn concrete ways to encourage children’s growth and wellness at home and in their community. All programs are designed to meet families where they are at. Achieve Life Balance takes great care regarding the diversity, inclusion and privacy of all participants.
Achieve Life Balance is dedicated to providing the most effective and easily accessible programming in a manner that is simple to understand. Support parents and families when, how and where they need it most. Workshops are available in-person. For even more flexibility workshops can be conducted live, on-line, as interactive workshop events. Workshops are also available on-demand. No need to travel, spend money on gas or find a babysitter. Parents can learn in the privacy and comfort of their home, at their pace.
Learning is a community effort. In order to remain up-to-date as a Family Life Educator, I consistently collaborate with industry specialists and leaders, including researchers, parenting specialists, marriage & family counselors, educators, health professionals and others. In addition, I often work with community leaders in an effort to support and grow our local communities.
Family Life Educators obtain the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The CFLE credential is the nationally recognized standard in Family Life Education and validates a professional’s experience and knowledge as a Family Life Educator.
Family Life Education is the professional practice of equipping and empowering family members to develop knowledge and skills that enhance well-being and strengthen relationships through an educational, preventive, and strength-based approach.
The National Council on Family Relations, founded in 1938, is the oldest nonprofit, nonpartisan, multidisciplinary professional association focused solely on family research, practice, and education. NCFR members are dedicated to understanding and strengthening families.
The skills and knowledge needed for healthy family functioning are widely known:
The goal of Family Life Education (abbreviated FLE) is to teach these skills and knowledge areas to family members across the lifespan, and foster positive individual and family development so families can function optimally.
Family Life Educators have knowledge based in the discipline of Family Science, and are employed in a variety of settings and roles. They consider societal issues — economics, education, work-family issues, parenting, sexuality, gender, and more — within the context of the family. They believe that societal problems like substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, debt, and child abuse can be more effectively addressed from a perspective that considers individuals and families as part of larger systems.
Family Life Educators empower families themselves to apply knowledge about healthy family functioning to prevent or minimize problems.
Learn more about how Family Life Education compares to two other practice areas that apply Family Science: family therapy and family case management.
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Hey There, I’m Susan!
I’m a Certified Family Life Educator, Parent Coach & Course Creator, wife & mother of 3 incredible humans. I know all about the challenges parents struggle with as we juggle multiple hats and busy lives.
I know because I’ve lived it myself.
You Are Not Alone In Your Parenting Journey.
My programs and workshops utilize the most effective, evidence-based methods available, designed for convenience and simplicity.
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& So Much More !