Examines the evolution of a parenting class that combines concepts and interventions associated with solution focused and strategic family therapy. The class is targeted for all types of families and parenting situations. Parents reported that the class was very helpful and gave them access to information that had not received from other parenting…

Examined effects of parenting courses (Parent Effectiveness Training or Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) on family relationships in 31 married couples. Found courses were generally seen as beneficial; revealed no perceived differences in the two courses. (Author/ABL)

Assesses possible correlates of attendance at a time-limited parenting program for adolescent and young adult parents (N=161). Results revealed these positive predictors: receipt of aid to families with dependent children; endorsing goals of meeting other parents and learning how to relax; and number of children. Implications for practice are…

Surveys 32 men between the ages of 16-30 who have not yet fathered a child to explore how they envision fatherhood. Interpretative analyses yielded two interrelated substantive dimensions: fatherhood readiness and fathering visions. Provides theoretical themes for understanding the dimensions, and discusses how these dimensions inform…

A parent education program using a classroom format was effective in teaching parents concepts and application of social learning theory to child behavioral development. Results are discussed in terms of efficiency, prevention of childhood behavior problems, program content, and changes in parent behavior. (Author)

Using past experience, describes important issues in working with adolescent parents. Discusses why teenage parenthood is a vital social concern, who is at risk, what methods promote competent parenting among adolescents, how can parental competence be promoted among youth, and what issues require further attention from researchers and…

Reviews current resources (books and films) that are available for family life educators offering general parenting courses. Focuses on contemporary views of parenting, parenting and psychological theory, parenting strategies and techniques, changing family configurations, and developmental needs of children. (Author/ABB)

Reports responses from Home Economics Family Life teachers (N=436) on the importance of teaching emerging concepts in family life education and on their qualifications to teach the new concepts. Found that traditional concepts were reported to be significantly more important to teach than were emerging concepts. (Author/ABB)

Using an ecological framework, the various contexts for parenting in Appalachia are discussed. Characteristics of parenting styles, parents themselves, and their children are reviewed. Attention is paid to how family life professionals respond to these characteristics. Suggestions are made for professional cooperation and for parent education.…

Conducted telephone interviews were 40 parents of children birth through 6 years, questioning parents about resources they used in coping with their child-rearing concerns. Major resource of most parents was their own network of friends whom most consulted weekly or daily. They occasionally turned to the media for information; made little use of…

Suggests that family life educators can help break the cycle of child abuse by teaching positive discipline strategies to future parents. Teaching suggestions are offered including inviting student perspective and reaction and role playing to help students confront attitudes toward discipline. (Author/JAC)

A review of 29 current high school family studies texts reveals that almost a third evidence a pronatalist bias. Results indicate these texts are of questionable value to teachers who want to encourage independent thinking about parenthood. Only three texts were commended for unbiased approaches. (Author/JAC)

Assessed parent education needs of secondary students (N=265) as a basis for the development of parent education programs. Data were collected by administering the Parent Information Inventory. Students expressed strongest needs in planning and decision making, parenting and adolescent social development. Significant sex and age differences were…

Conceptualizes parent development as an outcome of parent education. Describes implementation of a cognitive theory-based educational design for facilitating parent development in four parent education sites. Implications of focusing parent education on complex parent development outcomes are discussed. (SNR)

Describes and evaluates a low-cost learn-at-home delivery system employed by the University of Wisconsin-Extension covering parenthood, family management, consumer decision-making, credit, and nutrition for young families. Results indicated that this delivery system was both efficient and effective. Implications for future programing are…