What is Smarter Parenting?
Smarter Parenting is a free resource to help parent and families improve relationships through the teaching of parenting skills. Yes, parenting skills. All parenting skills are taught through video lessons that show how families just like you using the skills.
Why parenting skills? I don’t need to change. It’s my kids that need to change.
We focus on parenting skills because we know lasting change happens from the top down. When parents know, and use, the skills of the Teaching-Family Model their children’s behavior will change.
What are the skills?
The parenting skills are proven ways to interact with your children to get results.
Effective Communication teaches your family how to communicate so there are no mixed messages.
Decision Making (SODAS Method) teaches your children how to think through all possible outcomes and options when making a decision.
Preventive Teaching teaches your children what is expected in a given situation and practice it beforehand.
Correcting Behaviors teaches you how to stop your children from acting out.
The ABC’s of Behavior teaches you how to understand your child’s behavior and what skills you should use.
Eventually Smarter Parenting will include these additional skills:
- Observe and Describe
- Following Instructions
- Effective Praise
- Effective Rewards and Consequences
- Teaching vs. Punishment
- Importance of role-playing
- Effective Family Meetings
- Intensive Teaching
- Putting It All Together
Why do the skills work?
There’s a lot of science behind why the skills work. You can learn more about that here. The skills work because:
First, they provide a framework for expectations. Your children know if they do A then B will happen.
Second, they break down whatever you’re dealing with into manageable steps.
Third, they show your children they can change their behavior.
Why is role-playing important?
Role-playing is important because it allows your child to practice and become comfortable with the skills giving them confidence. Role-playing helps you prepare your children for future situation so they know what to do before a given situation arises. Role-playing also makes learning a new skill fun.
Will it really work with my kid?
Yes, a thousand times yes. Over the years these skills have worked with some of the most difficult children. Children who have suffered mental, emotional, physical and sexually abuse. These children have eventually thrived and turned their life around, so it will definitely work with your child who doesn’t follow curfew.
How long before I see results?
That depends. This isn’t a quick overnight fix. Some parents have seen results in just a few days or a few weeks while others have worked for months before lasting change happened. Stick with it and eventually you will see the changes you want.
Can I use multiple skills at the same time?
Absolutely. Most of the skills work seamlessly together and are meant to be used in conjunction. Almost every skill is going to require the skill of Effective Communication.
How do I start?
First, figure what issue in your family you want to change. Is fixing family fights (Effective Communication) or stopping tantrums (Correcting Behaviors)? With that problem in mind, watch the skill lesson video. Then watch the video again and again until you and your family understand the skill. Sit down with your children and come up with a plan of action for your family.