Hands-On Parenting Programs
Guiding Light has three parenting programs – “Being Strong Fathers 1.0” (For fathers of children 0 - 11), "Being Strong Parents" (For mothers and fathers of children 0 - 11), and “Parenting Teens In Challenging Times 1.0.” (For fathers and mothers of children 12 – 18) The underlying focus of our programs is helping parents relate with their children in such a way as to promote health and safety, and build confidence and self-esteem, all with a culturally based overlay. All three programs run for 12 weeks, and parents meet once a week for 4.5 hours. Each session is divided into thirds. The first third focuses on skill building. The second third is parent-child visitation. The final third focuses on self-reflective processing and learning how to best navigate teh DHS system.
Being Strong Fathers 1.0
(For fathers of children 0 - 11)
Being Strong Parents 1.0
(For mothers and fathers of children 0 - 11)
Module 1: Communication
Focus on fathers engaging with their children in a supportive manner emphasizing listening and redirecting, positive reinforcement, and encouragement. From the outset we observe how the fathers relate with their children and help them improve. This becomes the foundation of all of our work and we continue throughout the program.
Module 2: Self-Control - Stress/Anger Management and Disciplining Children
Fathers and children are taught to become aware of their state and develop strategies for stress relief and stress inoculation. Both also develop strategies to manage anger and maintain their composure. Fathers build their capacity to maintain their composure and support their children. Father learn a range of disciplinary approaches that they can use to help their children be successful.
Module 3: Home Safety / Home Management / Meal Planning and Nutrition
Fathers learn the basics of creating a safe space for their children. Fathers learn how to organize their time, activities, and surroundings in a way that best supports their children. Fathers and children learn how to divide the chores in the home; fathers learn what are reasonable expectations for their children and both learn how to establish agreements as to fulfilling their roles. Fathers and children learn the basics of nutrition and healthy eating. Fathers and children learn to plan their meals together and work to establish family dining time.
Parenting Teens in Challenging Times
(For fathers and mothers of teenagers 12-18)
Module 1: Communication
Focus on parents engaging with their teens in a supportive manner emphasizing listening and redirecting, positive reinforcement, and encouragement. The goal here is to help parents create an environment in which their teen feels comfortable communicating with them about anything. We provide families strategies to resolve conflicts and develop open lines of communication.
Module 2: Self-Control - Stress/Anger Management
Parents and teens are taught to become aware of their state and develop strategies for stress relief and stress inoculation. Both also develop strategies to manage their anger and maintain their composure. Parents and teens build their capacity to maintain their composure and support each other when one or the other is out of sorts and not themselves.
Module 3: Motivation/Self-Discipline /Academic Support and Advocacy
Families develop goals and set agreed upon behavioral/performance expectations. Families learn how to hold each other accountable and set up punishment/reward structures for expectations met and not met. Families are provided strategies for developing self-discipline. Strategies are developed to help teens stay on track or get on track) in school. Families are taught how to organize school work, study, and train their memories. Parents develop greater comfort as advocates for their children in school and teens develop greater comfort advocating for themselves.
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