Discipline, Communication, and Self-Esteem

Parenting Essentials: What Professionals Need to Know to Help Parents with Discipline, Self-Esteem, and Communication

Parents often need support as they struggle with their childrearing concerns. Those who work with children or parents are often called upon to offer advice and expertise to parents, and to do so in a non-judgmental, nurturing manner. This training provides current information and strategies about discipline, building self-esteem, and effective parent-child communication- the building blocks of successful childrearing. Professionals will learn practical approaches to sharing this knowledge with parents in ways that are useful, respectful, and empowering. (6 hours)

Positive Approaches to Discipline

Professionals who work with parents and children can model effective strategies that parents can learn and use themselves. Understanding where styles of discipline come from, why children do the things they do, and how to positively change behaviors takes time and practice. Participants leave this training with a clear understanding of their own expectations for children and many strategies for working with children and parents to help children achieve these expectations. They also learn positive and effective ways to help children learn self-control and strategies to guide parents in this process. (3 hours)

Getting on the Same Page: Effective Communication with Parents

Effective communication with parents is a vital part of many professional roles. At the same time, maintaining productive communication can be quite difficult and frustrating. This training provides practical strategies for building and maintaining alliances with parents through communication. Participants will learn and practice the essential skills of listening, empathy, and respect. The workshop also covers assertiveness, strategies for overcoming communication challenges, and sharing difficult information with parents. (6 hours)

Sharing Difficult / Negative Information with Parents

Effective communication with parents is a vital part of many professional roles. At the same time, when the topic is sensitive or complicated for the parent, maintaining productive communication can be quite difficult and frustrating. This training provides practical strategies for building and maintaining alliances with parents through communication. Participants will learn how to convey information that may be difficult for a parent to hear by practicing the essential skills of listening, empathy, and respect. The workshop will also cover how to express the information assertively without being reactive or aggressive. (3 hours)

Working with Hard to Reach Parents

Many child and family professionals are challenged by how to best connect with parents who are hard to reach for various reasons. This workshop will explore the attitudinal, situational, and cultural barriers that can impede parent-professional relationships. This training offers creative and effective outreach and participation strategies, active communication, and feedback skills. Various ways to talk about differences in child-rearing styles and expectations will also be examined. (3 hours)