Parenting Matters

Program Description:

Parenting Matters fills the need for parenting training for court mandated and Department of Social Services (DSS) referred parents. The program consists of an eight-session user friendly curriculum, which can be easily implemented by experienced Extension agents or parent educators. The curriculum uses the Experiential Learning Model and incorporates key elements of the National Extension Parent Education Model. After each session, participating parents complete follow-through activities, which are take-home activities designed to provide the opportunity for parents to reflect on what was discussed and to make practical application of knowledge gained. The curriculum is currently being pilot tested and will be available for distribution in 2004.

Target audience:

Court mandated and DSS referred parents

Goals and Objectives:

The overall goal is to reduce or eliminate instances of child abuse by providing educational learning experiences that increase the use of positive parenting practices among participating parents.

The objectives are to help parents identify and use ways they can:

1. be a positive influence in their children's lives,

2. take better care of themselves so they can successfully handle parenting challenges,

3. communicate effectively to improve their relationship with their children,

4. discipline appropriately,

5. manage stress effectively, and

6. build a stronger support system

Contact:

M. Jean Baldwin, PhD, Family Life & Human Development Specialist
Cooperative Extension Program
N. C. A&T State University
P. O. Box 21928
Greensboro , NC 27420-1928
Phone: (336) 334-7956 Fax: (336) 334-7207
E-mail: jeanb@ncat.edu