Response-Ability: Parenting Strategies for a Harmonious Family
Created by: Elizabeth L. Currie Shier, B.Sc.
Many families of children with dyslexia, ADHD or ASD create negative interaction patterns that repeat or have made allowances for negative behavior in the past because they recognized that their child was unable to learn from conventional parenting programs and methods. Now, that can change. Parenting
This course allows parents to make positive changes to their parenting skills at the same time their child is making positive changes to their behavioral skills in a progressive, step-by-step way. Note: This is a separate and distinct program from the Davis Programs offered at Learning Tools.
Format
The course takes 7 weeks to complete. Each week we explore a strategy, plan to implement it, use the strategy, and discuss how it worked. This allows for the “slow and steady wins the race” gradual implementation of the strategies layered into the family dynamic one at a time. This is the best way to make changes that will last and become natural to all.
Each strategy draws out the child’s new awareness of self and others and their emerging understanding of consequences and gives the parent tools to assist the child to get the most benefit from their newly acquired concepts. Parenting
The weekly topics are:
- How this program works, how long it takes and how it is structured,
- Positive reinforcement for positive behavior,
- Consequence statements “When…, then…”; “If…, then…”,
- Setting out expectations and rewards,
- Siblings,
- Motivation methods for your child, and
- Managing other adults in your child’s life.
Timing
Typically, we schedule seven 60 to 90 minute in-person meetings, phone conferences, or Zoom meetings – the choice is yours. If enough families are interested in one area, a group with a weekly scheduled meeting can be formed. This can also be accomplished online with zoom or other communication apps.
“When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou
