Session One: Introduction
- Greetings
- Completion of the Nurturing Quiz
- Introduction to the Nurturing Programs® Curriculum
Session Two: Self-Esteem
- The importance of getting one’s needs met in a positive and constructive manner
- Self-esteem as it relates to one’s ability to parent
- How to instill positive self-regard in a child
Session Three: Early Childhood Development Stages (birth to five)
- Discussion of normal growth and development concerning physical, intellectual, language, brain, social and emotional maturation for children, ages infancy through five years old
- “The First Years Last Forever” video
Session Four: Childhood Developmental Stages (five to 18)
- Discussion of normal growth and development concerning physical, intellectual, language, brain, social and emotional maturation for children ages five through 18 years old
Session Five: Child Abuse and Neglect
- Definitions of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Causes and effects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Prevention of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Definitions of physical abuse and domestic violence
- Prevention of physical abuse and domestic violence
- Spanking as a form of abuse
Session Six: Stress Management
- Signs and symptoms of stress
- Causes of stress
- Coping strategies for stress
Session Seven: Behavior Management (Part I)
- Definition of Discipline
- Recognizing and understanding children’s feelings
- Rewards and punishments are defined
- Ignoring as behavior encouragement or discouragement
- Establishing and enforcing family rules
Session Eight: Behavior Management (Part II)
- Verbal and physical re-direction
- Selecting and imposing choices and consequences
- Clarification of age-appropriate expectations
Session Nine: Communication Skills
- Use of “I Statements” versus “You Statements”
- Respectful confrontation and feedback versus criticism
- Listening skills are defined and practiced
- Anger management principles
- The differences between “passive,” “assertive,” and “aggressive” communication
- How to fight fair
Session Ten: Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Practice solving problems using skills acquired in earlier sessions
- Problem identification and ownership
- Establishing goals toward resolution and brainstorming
Session Eleven: Health/Nutrition, Safety/Environment & Substance Abuse
- Discussion of different food groups and appropriate portions
- Health concerns and milestones
- How to child-proof a home and car safety
- Protecting and teaching children about water, traffic, fire safety, firearms, household chemicals and substance abuse
Session Twelve: Separation & Loss
- Definition of separation and loss
- The effects of separation and loss on children in foster care
- The effects of separation and loss on parents
- The effects of separation and loss on a child’s development
Session Thirteen: Parent Support Group
- Plans are made to stay in touch, network and preserve the support group going forward
- The post-Parent/Child Observation session is scheduled
- The evaluation of the course is administered
- Consent for follow-up is administered
Session Fourteen: Wrap-Up & Graduation
- Graduation
- The post Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory (AAPI-2) is administered
- The post Parenting Stress Index (PSI) is administered
- The Nurturing Quiz is administered
