FOUNDATIONAL PARENTING
We Can All Benefit From Parenting Skills & Support
All parents— regardless of demographics, mandated and non–mandated—can benefit from evidence-based parenting education. Parents who have attended classes and learned effective discipline and parenting techniques report having children with higher grades, fewer behavior problems, less substance abuse issues, better mental health and greater social competence.
~John Geldhoff, Oregon University Associate Professor of Behavioral and Health Science
Foundational Parenting
Parenting Is Generational…And That’s a Problem
You’ve heard it before, kids don’t come with manuals. However, parenting has generational roots-meaning today’s parents are likely using some of the parenting methods used by previous generations. Often this happens unconsciously; we are simply relying on what we know. After all, many of us became very familiar with our parents’ moods, reactions, rules and expectations, and learned how to navigate our worlds (typically from birth to 18) relying on this knowledge.
In addition, it’s natural to model what we’ve observed through all those years: (mannerisms, communication styles, coping mechanisms, healthy and unhealthy parenting tools). This is often true, even for parents who vowed to “parent differently”. Sometimes, we simply can’t help but fall back into some of those familiar patterns that guided us through our most formative years. Of course, many of us have been able to move away from unhealthy parenting methods. Still, forging a new path can, at times, feel daunting, leaving parents wondering, “Am I doing a good job?”.
At The Same Time, We’ve Experienced A Significant Shift In Generational Parenting. Here’s Why:
Unlike generations in the past, many families no longer live in close proximity to one another. Sure, we connect on social media or gather in person from time to time, but there’s plenty of separation to sever daily support. We’re also far less connected to our neighbors and communities than ever before.
Additional changes seen through the generations years:
A significant increase in dual working families, single-parent homes, and blended families. Families simply don’t look, act, engage, or even connect, in the same manner they did in past generations. Parenting tools need to reflect these changes.
With the rise of these dual-working and single households, many parents quickly became overloaded, stressed and even ill-equipped for the change, leaving little time to pass on valuable life skills. Some of those skills that were passed on, simply weren’t the best as family dynamics continued to evolve.
The last few generations have experienced massive shifts. Technology is a prime example. We connect and communicate differently. News and information (including inaccurate information) are available 24/7 and extend across the globe. Our children have access to strangers and content that parents can’t always control. In addition, societal views have changed dramatically, including a call for increased diversity and equality, a rise in global awareness, and essential new expectations on how boys and girls should be raised to view and respect one another. Life is very different today, and our kids need to be prepared.
Last, we have extended research that sheds a light on the true impact of parenting over generations. We now have solid evidence to shed light on what parenting skills, traits and tools will help mold our babies into happy, healthy, self-sufficient adults. We finally have access to the most effective parenting manual possible.
What precedent do you want to set for your children and their children? What foundation do you want to lay? And are you equipped to help your child properly navigate the societal shifts of today’s world?
Foundational Parenting
We ARE the role models:
Parents are role models. As noted above, whether we like it or not, we tend to model what we know. Children are sponges, mimics, and silent observers, yes–they even spy on us. That is how they learn. So whatever it is you’re modeling (from what you eat, to what you say and how you say it, how you interact with others including your co-parent and your children, and how you treat yourself) your kids are noticing all of it! Are you satisfied with your model? If you’re like many of us, you’re probably considering a few habits that are less than desirable. Don’t worry, you are not alone!
Perhaps, a more helpful question to ask: are your children exhibiting behaviors that may be reflective of your own? Yelling during fights, for example? Losing their patience quickly?
It’s worth repeating, we all have moments we regret, even parenting coaches! But if you want to improve your child’s behavior, or simply want to ensure the best outcome for your future adult, the right parenting tools will help!
Powerful Positive Parenting Bonus: Because parents are models, a good parenting program should include supportive healthy-living tools for you– (not as mom, dad or another parental role) but as an individual. You’ll be gaining the skills first!
CFLEs have proven knowledge in the 10 Family Life Education Content Areas:
- Families and Individuals in Societal Contexts
- Internal Dynamics of Families
- Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
- Human Sexuality
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Family Resource Management
- Parent Education and Guidance
- Family Law and Public Policy
- Professional Ethics and Practice
- Family Life Education Methodology
We are struggling:
We were a stressed out, overloaded, anxious society before the pandemic, and sadly, studies continue to show our mental health has continued to suffer. Worse, our children are showing significant increases in depression, anxiety and even suicide rates, as young as 10 years old. For the sake of our health, and our kids’ health, we can all benefit from any knowledge and support related to mental and emotional health.
You Are Not Alone!
If you’re struggling in any of these areas, don’t fret. Do be proactive. Support (whether from a counselor, physician, church leader, or other professional) is available. And yes, there are many valid and valuable healthy-living programs that can reduce the negative impact of stress and overload.
Need a few more reasons to work on your personal stress level or anxiety? When we’re on overload, or struggling in general, our ability to think and act clearly and effectively is significantly diminished. Stress impacts our physical health, including our sleeping patterns (which in turn, adds more stress), as well as our ability to be empathetic and patient with our children. It impacts our ability to make decisions, problem-solve, tackle behavioral issues, and stress slows us down. The more stressed, anxious, or overloaded we are, the less effective we become in almost every aspect of our life. There’s very little value to this type of stress.
Last, did you know, our kids learn how to handle stress by watching us! Talk about a stressor. And, because parenting and modeling have generational components, yep–they’re likely to pass their coping mechanisms (ours) to their children. Our stress, and how we navigate it, is so impactful to our children, Powerful Positive Parenting Plus (along with other Achieve Life Balance programs) provides thorough stress management support and tools for parents, making it one of the most effective individual and parenting programs available.
Remember, our kids model our reactions. This includes our coping skills. If we’re stressed out or struggling, it’s very likely they will be too. Our kids are very good at sensing our feelings and moods, even before we do. And it’s not just our actions that impact our kids, it’s the overall atmosphere in the home. Stressed, anxious, explosive homes have an energy to them, a weight. This is even true in homes where stress and anxiety comes and goes. In fact, when stress levels and thus reactions fluctuate, family members never know what to expect, and in some cases, this leads to children who are often on guard just in case.
Powerful Positive Parenting Courses
Become the parent, and person, you’ve always wanted. Become a happier, healthier parent, Improve your child’s behavior, and set your family’s foundation for life in just 5-weeks, guaranteed. Work directly with Certified Family Life Educator, Susan Graham. Or take the course online, at your own pace.
Research Has Provided Insight & Access to the Best Parenting Skills Possible
It’s worth repeating, we have the knowledge of what it takes to be an effective, affectionate parent, to raise children who have the traits and skills to be as physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared for adulthood. Research shows we can help our children be happy, healthy, successful, and well-rounded individuals. On a more detailed level, the research shows these adults tend to live longer, earn more money, have healthier, long relationships, are confident, and are able to navigate stressors and problem-solve more effectively.
All this is possible through you. No more feeling guilty, no more worrying if you’re doing things right, no more fear that the kids will be all right! With the proper parenting tools and support, you can do this.
Here’s to Powerful Positive Parenting, a healthy you, and a healthy family!
One more very important note:
Being the best parent you can be, doesn’t mean you have to be a perfect parent. In fact, good parenting is often the opposite of perfect! Life isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning. It’s even about making mistakes sometimes. The best parenting is REAL parenting with the right tools and plenty of life lessons. It’s affectionate parenting. It’s patient parenting. It’s thoughtful and reflective.
Positive Parenting Skills Are Extremely Valuable & Absolutely Worth It!
A good parenting class or parenting coach, particularly one that focuses on positive parenting methods, can help you gain significant insight into your child(ren)’s world.
The right class can help you modify your parenting techniques, honing in on your best skills while eliminating ineffective ones. Parenting classes can help you bring structure back into your home, improve co-parenting concerns, make discipline simple and address behavior issues.
A recent study suggests there are 10 very specific factors that significantly impact a child for life, including their level of happiness, your relationship with your child, and their future relationships, as well as how successful they are.
While our goal is to raise that independent, self-sufficient adult, we also want children who are comfortable in their own skin, who trust their emotions, and decisions, and feel capable and confident enough to take on their world—as an adult—and as a child navigating an adult world.
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