Positive Parenting Program helps parents with children’s behavior

 The first of two free programs to assistbetter parenting skills begins Aug. 29 in better parenting skills begins Aug. 29 in Kendall, supported by the Children’s Trust funding through sponsorship of the Arc of South Florida, one of the largest volunteer organizations in the U.S.

The Positive Parenting Program also known as “Triple P” will be offered in group formats in four separate eight-week sessions in south Miami-Dade during the next 10 months: two in Kendall, starting in August and in February 2013, and two in Florida City, beginning in November and in May 2013.

“The focus is on specific strategies that parents can use to help improve their children’s behavior, both promoting desirable attitudes and managing misbehavior,” said Laura Secord, Kendall program director for 15 years.

The Kendall series will be conducted in Building 7 of the county’s Dewey Knight Campus, 11025 SW 84 St. The Florida City program is scheduled at 40 NW Fifth Ave., adjacent to City Hall.

A typical “Triple P” eight-week program includes five group sessions and three individual or family telephone sessions. Parent groups meet once a week from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for two and a half hours on Wednesday nights. “Triple P is one of the world’s most effective parenting programs, providing skills to build healthy family relationships,” Secord said.

Based on more than 90 trials and studies worldwide, the program was developed by Matthew R Sanders, a professor of Clinical Psychology and director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre at The University of Queensland, Australia. Triple P, the unique system of parenting intervention, is used extensively around the world in diverse cultural contexts, Secord noted.

The program is specifically designed for parents with children ages 2-12 who wish to improve family harmony as well as those experiencing significant difficulties with children’s behavior, she explained.

“Many extras are included to help busy families attend,” she said. “Child care is available and family participants may choose either English- or Spanish-speaking groups. There are no costs for this wonderful opportunity.”

Before regular sessions begin, an initial group meeting will acquaint parents with program topics as well as expectations, she added. Participants must register in advance due to limited space.

Interested English-speaking parents should contact Secord at 1-954-242-1503 or at www.LSecord@aol.com. For details in Spanish, contact Lizzbeth Ixchu, group leader, at 786-271-5240 or www.lizixchu@hotmail. com


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