Fall 2000
As we enter our first autumn of the third millennium, it’s good to know that parent education is alive and thriving. Programs conducted in schools, churches and social service agencies are expanding while creative leaders are finding new and innovative ways to reach parents AND their children. In Wisconsin, a Free the Horses camp experience took things to an experiential level for over 100 lucky children. Spanish-language programs are thriving in such places as Texas, Arizona and California. Families in Action, with its new teen-narrated video, is bringing parents and teens together for “family education.” Over 1500 leaders have already ordered our FREE smoking prevention video, “Take 10,” and are using it to model for parents how to have this important conversation with their children.

Reaching parents is still a challenge, which is why I am particularly excited about the leadership role being undertaken by Layne Thome and Sherilynn Bare at The Home Depot. Making parent education available in the workplace is not just good for employee retention, morale and productivity; it is also good for our communities. Lunch-and-Learn programs can make parent education available to millions of parents who would otherwise miss out.

Thanks to all of you who lead Active Parenting programs or support those who do. Your work is making a difference in ways you may never even know.

Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D.
Founder and President, Active Parenting Publishers

Reprinted from Leader magazine.
Copyright 2001 by Active Parenting Publishers, Inc.