Getting kids to behave and to cooperate can be a real challenge, especially with foster and adoptive children. It's easy for both parents and children to slip into negative and frustrating interactions. In this first course from the Positive Parenting series, parents learn three techniques for keeping parenting positive, gaining cooperation, tracking behavior, and using encouragement.

Running time: 31 minutes

Includes: Interactive DVD, discussion guide and reproducible questionnaire on a CD-ROM

Click here to go to FosterParentCollege.com Online Training

Positive Parenting I is the first in a new three-part series of courses featured on Foster Parent College (FPC). For those who may not yet know about this revolutionary resource, FPC offers state-of-the-art training, both online and on DVD, that is specially designed for the foster, kinship, and adoptive parent. There are 14 courses now available, with more on the way. The training helps parents get a handle on the most challenging child behaviors by presenting easy-to-understand background information about a problem, realistic interviews with parents who are trying to cope with the problem, and insights and intervention strategies from parenting experts.

A counterpoint to the other courses on FPC, Positive Parenting emphasizes preventing, rather than managing, full-blown child behavior problems. This first course deals with three indispensable behavior management strategies: getting kids' cooperation, tracking their behavior, and using encouragement. The course is hosted by Dr. Rick Delaney, the ever popular speaker, trainer, and clinical psychologist seen on many of FPC's other courses. Dr. Delaney guides the viewer through each of these three parenting skills by first setting up the steps involved in the skill, then presenting how the steps are put into action in a couple of different family situations. After each scenario, he carefully reviews how the skills were applied. Some of the segments are supplemented with handouts, for example, a blank copy of the Tracking Behavior Form.

The course presentation is exceptionally effective, with its multimedia approach, Dr. Rick's easy narrative style, the course's clear organization, and the compelling story scenarios told by parents. Each skill segment wraps up with an interactive Q&A section that covers typical issues parents may face in either understanding or implementing the skill. The course finishes with a general recap of the skills covered and an interactive review questionnaire.

Trainers using the DVD will appreciate the Discussion Guide that's included to help stimulate group discussions. The DVD also comes with the questionnaire and supplemental handouts that can be copied. For parents taking the course online, they will complete the questionnaire online, and can print out the viewer guide, and a certificate of completion.

Another real bonus of the online course is the opportunity to participate in an interactive discussion board with other parents about the course. Wow, this approach goes a long way toward taking the "distance" out of distance learning!

-Caesar Pacifici, Ph.D.