Tried and tested with hundreds of families, in a variety of contexts and often with those facing life's most difficult circumstances - a deserted wife having to raise her children alone in unsuitable accommodation; a teenage mother without the comfort of a family to support her; those who are struggling through ill-health and financial insecurity - often such losses cause anger and despair, with many parents believing there is nothing they can do. This course's easy-to-follow sessions let facilitators take parents - of children of any age - carers, grandparents, foster-carers and parents-to-be - through a variety of exercises to: understand their anger and depression; become more able to cope with changes; and, become more confident, resilient and positive about life, and so be more able to recover from events and to move on with their lives. Young people are uncertain about themselves and their future, and often very uncomfortable with change. Our attitude, as parents, sets an example for our children: if we are self-aware, able to cope with our emotions, and able to relate well to others, we will model for our children a way of dealing with adversity.
In common with other successful parenting programmes, this course: has been developed through regular monitoring, evaluations, and review, with quality ensured through training and supervision; uses evidence-based content for the sessions with a comprehensive manual of guidance; and, has been effective with parents from many different backgrounds and has sustained their attendance for at least 6-10 sessions. In addition, unlike many other courses and manuals, this course: is easy to follow for both parents and facilitators; eliminates the need for expensive training; may be adapted to suit specific needs of trainers and parent groups, and in response to parents' own ideas and evaluations; is accessible for use by smaller voluntary agencies, with restricted time and budgets, as easily as by larger organisations; provides user friendly handouts for parents; and, can be used entirely on its own, or be linked to other training delivered by the author and her colleagues.
This work encourages further learning about the underpinning ideas of Individual Psychology; a Person-Centred Approach; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy; Solution Focused Brief Therapy; Neuro-linguistic Programming; Emotional Literacy; and Resilience. "Life Changes: Managing Parents' and Children's Emotions" offers guidance and materials that enable practitioners (counsellors, nurses, teachers, youth workers, social workers, family and children's centre staff) to offer a complete course of 6-10 sessions, including 12-20 hours contact time with parents, in groups of up to 15, or individuals. The session plans, facilitator's notes, photocopiable handouts and extension exercises can be adapted to suit local needs. No audio-visual or IT equipment is necessary. The course's manageable length and bite-sized chunks reduce drop-out rates and tempt parents on to further learning. Purchasers of the manual can subsequently obtain the course's photocopiable material in electronic format, together with a follow-up email service from the author.