Parenting Skills Programs, Education and Classes

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

11 minutes read
woman and man in a therapy with psychologist

Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

A Mission For Michael delivers all-encompassing treatment for those who find themselves experiencing persistent or worsening mental health symptoms. Our residential treatment centers provide care to adults within our California, Washington, and Virginia healthcare facilities. Our programs are designed for adults 18 and older.

Our facilities offer a well-rounded approach for various mental health disorders and dual diagnosis conditions. Treatment programs that provide care for adolescents and young adults commonly offer parenting skills programs to help parents create a home environment that is conducive for recovery. While AMFM does not provide treatment for those under the age of 18, we do work with young adults experiencing mental health concerns. We will review the benefits of a parenting skills training, so you can be familiarized with its role in mental health treatment programs.

What is a Parenting Skills Program?

Parenting skills programs are commonly offered in mental health counseling to help adults learn essential parenting skills for success. These programs provide structured guidance to help set boundaries and reinforce rules, improve communication skills for parents, and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

You will learn the differences between permissive and strict parenting, and which approaches establish healthy boundaries. These programs are often tailored to your families unique needs to ensure that you receive the support you need. This can include the use of counseling services, workshops, and teletherapy sessions. Parenting skills programs may be included in your insurance coverage, which is why we encourage you to complete our insurance verification form.

Parenting skills can help parents learn positive discipline strategies that can help improve child behaviors. Research has indicated that these programs can have a positive impact on family dynamics, and help parents understand topics like the differences between permissive and strict parent. Programs that offer personalized programs tend to have a stronger impact than generic programs.

A key factor in the effectiveness of parenting classes is the participation and dedication. Therapists and counselors can introduce you to various parenting skills and approaches that can help decrease the presence of unhealthy or unwanted behaviors. It is up to the parents to apply this knowledge, and be consistent with it.

Parenting skills programs commonly focus on behavior prevention, child development, social skills, and reducing aggression. These programs are often integrated into behavioral therapy for children and adolescents, aiming to enhance the parent-child relationship. They are particularly relevant for addressing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and conduct disorders.

Research highlights the effectiveness of parenting programs, particularly those delivered in group therapy settings. A review of eight studies found that parents reported positive outcomes from participation, although self-directed programs were less effective. Programs offered within mental health treatment settings often emphasize collaborative learning and real-world application, fostering stronger connections and better outcomes for families.

How Do You Know Which Parent Training Program is Right For You?

It can be challenging to determine which parenting program is right for you without professional support and guidance. There are a number of factors to consider, including your families’ specific needs and challenges. The child’s age will have a direct impact on the type of counseling and behavioral health interventions that are used.

You can begin with an online search using phrases like “Parenting education programs near me” or “Parenting classes near me” to learn about local program options. We encourage you to contact these mental health treatment facilities for personalized support and guidance to ensure that you receive the care and support you need. For support regarding young adults, 18 and older, who are struggling with unwanted behaviors, we encourage you to call us today for your free and confidential mental health assessment. We can review our available treatment options, and discuss how they can support you and your loved one.

What Are Examples of Parenting Skills Programs?

Parenting skills programs can introduce effective parenting techniques and conflict resolution skills for parents. Your program will be tailored to your families’ dynamics, and personal needs. Examples of parenting skills programs that may be offered in mental health counseling programs include, but are not limited to:

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a program that focuses on developing healthy parent-child interactions. This approach often combines structured techniques to address disruptive, or unwanted, behaviors and play therapy. Parents can receive guidance in managing child behavior challenges that can be used outside of session.

Parent Management Training (PMT) can help parents learn how to reinforce positive behaviors. This can lead to a decrease in unwanted, or problematic, behaviors. This approach requires consistency, clear communication, and proper consequences. You may learn about this approach with parenting workshops and resources.

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is an approach that offers tiered support through the use of self-guided modules that use intensive interventions. This approach can help develop a positive parent-child relationship, develop resiliency, and build confidence. This approach does incorporate methods that are similar to gentle parenting techniques.

Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training (BEST) is an approach that focuses on emotion regulation skills in parents, and behavioral challenges that they experience. Parents will learn to create a nurturing and structured environment for children while developing strong parent-child relationships.

Parenting Skills Programs Near Me

A Mission For Michael offers family programming in addition to evidence-based and holistic residential treatment programs. This can include support for parents who have young adults over the age of 18 who are receiving residential care within an AMFM facility. Dial (866)478-4383 today to explore available treatment options.

What Are Some Topics of Parenting Skills Programs?

Holistic therapy programs that offer parenting skills programs can provide support for a diverse range of parenting and child development topics. Your care will be dependent on the struggles that your family is experiencing and your family dynamics. Examples of topics that are commonly included in these programs includes:

Positive Discipline and Behavior Management

Positive discipline and behavior management strategies can be helpful for children who are having difficulties in school and at home. Parents can learn effective strategies for managing unwanted behaviors and teaching children responsibility. Setting boundaries and enforcing rules can create a consistent environment, which can help lead to positive change.

Communication Skills

Communication skills for parents can be a game changer! Learning how to communicate your thoughts clearly and appropriately can have a significant impact on the parent-child relationship. This often goes hand in hand with emotion regulation skills, decreasing conflict. Parents also have a chance to model effective communication skills to their children.

Emotional Regulation and Support

Emotion regulation skills are an important component of parenting skill programs. With the right coping skills, you can learn to cope with the emotional reactions you experience and stick to the parenting skills you have learned. This can decrease conflict, improve communication, and help create a healthy environment for the family as a whole.

Developmental Milestones

For parents who find themselves struggling with the differences of parenting toddlers vs. teens, it can be helpful to learn about age-appropriate behaviors and skills. Psychoeducation is commonly incorporated into individual therapy and group therapy to help parents better understand their child’s experiences.

Building Strong Relationships

Parents are often interested in developing strong parent-child relationships. This can be difficult when you’re struggling with unwanted behaviors, but can make a significant difference. Children who feel secure in their relationship with their parents generally have improved functioning compared to those who do not.

Academic and Social Support

Academic and social support can be important for age-appropriate development. Behavioral challenges can have a negative impact on a child's academics and social skills' development, which can have a lasting impact. Parenting programs can help parents learn how to support their child within school and in creating healthy friendships with peers.

Parenting in Special Situations

Situations like being a single parent, or raising a child with special needs, can come with inherent challenges. These challenges are often manageable with the proper support and encouragement. This can include psychoeducation, talk therapy, and support groups for parents.
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    General Inquiry Form

    Complete the form below to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% Confidential.

    Contact Us

    More Resources

    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    How Can Parent Training Programs Help With Kids' Behavior Problems?

    Parents who are struggling with managing their child’s negative or unwanted behaviors often benefit from parent training programs. Parents will learn how to address unwanted behaviors currently, in a manner that is safe and effective. This can also include emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills to improve their ability to manage tough situations.

    Parent training programs can help parents learn to be consistent in their parenting strategies, which has a direct impact on their effectiveness. You can learn about specific parenting skills for fostering independence within adolescents and young adults, which can help them feel as though they are making progress.

    teenage girl in therapy with a psychologist

    What Is the Importance of Parenting Skills Programs?

    Parenting skills programs can help foster positive family relationships between adults and children or adolescents. There are notable differences between parenting for toddlers vs. teens, and sometimes this transition is difficult to navigate. Parent skills groups can teach you culturally responsive parenting skills, reduce conflict, and build emotional support.

    Parenting skills programs can help parents feel confident in their parenting behaviors. Treatment programs may offer online parenting classes, or community parent support groups. If you feel as though you would benefit from family programming that includes parenting skills for a young adult, we encourage you to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center.

    • Studies have indicated that the most common topics in parenting skills program include behavior prevention, child development, social skill development, and reducing aggressive behaviors.
    • A clinical review of eight studies shoes that parents who participated in parenting programs experiences positive outcomes, though self-directed programs were not found to be as effective.
    • A study of 35 mental health treatment programs that offer effective parenting classes were offering services in a group therapy setting, more often than individual or family therapy settings.
    • Some of the common mental health disorders among children and adolescents include depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and opposition, defiant, or conduct disorders.
    • Parenting skills programs are commonly incorporated into  behavioral therapy programs for children and adolescents to strengthen the relationship between parent and child

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.