Parent Programs
Research points to parental involvement as being the single most important factor in an adolescent’s relationship to alcohol and other drugs. Drug-free kids cite parental influence as the #1 reason for their choice not to drink and use other drugs. School-based prevention efforts are strongly reinforced by parental involvement on many levels:
- Committee and advisory board participation
- Establishing communication networks and organizing alcohol and other drug-free activities.
- Supporting and attending parent education and training initiatives at school and in the community.
The focus of the parent seminars and presentations is to provide opportunities for dialogue, interaction, and sharing experiences. Each presentation provides basic information on adolescent development as it relates to the initiation of substance use and progression to dependency. Parents learn accurate and up-to-date information about substance use and strategies to support children in choosing a drug-free lifestyle.
Our Parent Presentations Are Ideal For:
- A School Parent Evening
- Orientation/Welcome Back-to-School Night
- Sports Orientation Meeting
- Town or County-Wide Parent Education Initiative
- A Parent Council New Members Meeting
- A Parent Coffee or Luncheon
The Wolfsberg Model
The guidance and advice we provide is the result of input from thousands of parents worldwide with whom we’ve spoken as well as research, reading, and interviews with other experts.
- A positive, strength-based approach to prevention and parenting
- Parent “as the expert” and Jeff as coach and guide.
- Simple language and practical examples to empower parents to recognize the essential role they play in keeping their kids alcohol and other drug-free
- Sensitivity towards different styles of parenting
- Research-based and theory driven – integrating multiple parenting theories
- A sense of fun
Our Parent Education Programs
- Empower parents with training in effective communication skills when talking with their children about alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.
- Address the effects and consequences of gateway drugs and other drug trends.
- Review the importance of clear rules and consequences regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs.
- Evaluate protective factors and developmental assets that help protect kids from the initiation of substance abuse.
- Educate parents about other resources available should they require additional support.
Reflections
- What was your own experience with alcohol as a teen? Why did you make those decisions?
- What beliefs and values do you and your spouse (if you are married) share about raising your teen and the topic of teen drinking?
- What beliefs and values differ?
- What are your biggest fears and concerns regarding this topic and the risks?
- Have you conveyed these concerns and fears to your teen?
- What formal messages do you send to your teen regarding your views on alcohol and other drug use?
- What informal messages do you send to your teen regarding your views on alcohol and other drug use?
- Does your parenting and these messages differ by child based on gender, age, or birth order? Is this intentional or unintentional?
Parent Education Programs and Topics
- You Matter! – Discovering and Using Your Power to Raise Drug-Free Children
- Dads and Donuts: A Program for Fathers
- The Parent Academy: A Half or Full Day Skill Building Workshop
