Millions of parents have achieved success with Active Parenting, the internationally acclaimed video and discussion programs by parenting expert Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D. Active Parenting programs use entertaining video scenes to demonstrate common parenting challenges—and solutions. Group discussion allows parents to exchange ideas. Now you can learn these valuable communication, discipline and encouragement skills when and wherever you choose—online.

How does it work?
Active Parenting Today is a 6-session class designed for parents of children ages 5 to 12. Each class lasts 6 weeks, one session per week. You can log on and participate in each session whenever it’s convenient during the week.

First read a chapter in the Parent’s Guide (included in your materials) to prepare for each session. Then use your CD-ROMs and the Internet to go through the fun, interactive program online—reading information, watching video scenes, . . .and participating in online parent discussions (led by your certified Active Parenting Online Leader). There's even an optional live chat area where you can "meet" with other parents and Leaders!

You’ll be learning proven Active Parenting techniques from the comfort of your own home!

Valuable skills you will learn:
In this program you will learn skills that will help you develop cooperation, responsibility, courage and self-esteem in your children. You’ll also learn positive discipline techniques so you can avoid those all-too-familiar power struggles.

Skills: Session I: - Styles of parenting - Method of choice technique Session II: - Building courage and self-esteem Session III: - Why children misbehave - Techniques for avoiding paying off misbehavior

Session IV: - Effective discipline skills - "I" messages - Natural and logical consequences - Mutual respect Session V: - Effective communication skills - Avoiding communication blocks Session VI: - How to hold family meetings - Problem-solving discussions - Saying no to drugs

Who will lead the course?
Each Active Parenting Today Online Group is led by a certified Active Parenting Online Leader. Leaders have extensive training in both Active Parenting principles and the online method of learning. In order to be certified, each potential leader is tested and evaluated by Active Parenting's Director of Training, Susan Reed.

Your leader will be Mark Ratta, M.A., PC. Mark received his B.A. in Psychology from The University of Toledo and his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University. He then attended Heidelberg College for post-graduate licensure coursework before sitting for his Professional Counselor examination. Mark is currently both a Licensed Social Worker and a Professional Counselor, as well as a college instructor and educator in the state of Ohio.

In addition to college instruction, Mark teaches a variety of high quality parenting-skills educational classes through Progressive Parenting Solutions in Toledo, Ohio. Mark receives referrals from child and family agencies in Northwestern Ohio, and as a Professional Counselor has expanded the range and depth of his services to best meet the needs of the public.

Pricing and the materials you will receive:
The cost of the course is $85.00, plus shipping & handling. Your registration includes:

• Participation in the 6-week online group, guided by a certified Active Parenting Online Leader
• One Active Parenting Today Parent’s Guide (164 pages)
• 2 CD-ROMs containing the course materials, including 159 minutes of video and instructions for use. You can use these materials for review even after the online course is complete!
• User Name and Password for accessing the online interactive program features

Note to court-ordered parents: Please check with your ordering authority about its certification requirements before registering for the program.

A parenting partner in the same household (sharing the materials) can register for an additional $65.00 (+s/h). The second parent's registration includes:

• Participation in the 6-week online group, guided by a certified Active Parenting Online Leader
• User Name and Password for accessing the online interactive program features

Satisfaction guaranteed
Active Parenting offers a 100% unconditional guarantee. If you find that the Active Parenting Today Online Group does not help you create a more satisfying family life, return the materials within two weeks of the end of your 6-week course for a full refund. You pay only return shipping charges. (Please return your materials via UPS or insured mail.)

What are the technical requirements?
The computer you use to access the online materials on the Internet should have the following:

• 486 66MHz compatible processor or better (PC)
• 680x0 processor w/ Color QuickDraw support w/ at least 8MB or RAM or power
• PC w/ 16 MB of RAM (Mac)
• Windows 3.x or later (PC)
• Mac OS 7.1 or later (Mac)
• 4x CD-ROM drive or better
• Sound card with speakers (PC)
• 14.4Kbps dial-up Internet connection or better
• Netscape 2.0 or later, Internet Explorer 4.0 or later. America Online's interface is not recommended, but AOL users can download and use a Netscape or Explorer brower free of charge.
• Windows Media Player 7.1 or higher or QuickTime (either can be downloaded free from the Web)

A note about firewalls:
Some firewalls (devices used by many private organizations for extra security, such as access from a corporation or other information-sensitive organization) will cause certain aspects of the course to be inaccessible. If you access the Internet from behind a firewall, it is best to check with your network administrator about compatibility. The optional live chat requires access to Port 6667.

Sign me up!
A spot in an Active Parenting Today Online Group is waiting for you! As explained above, the cost for one parent is $85.00+s/h and for two parents is $150.00+s/h. Payment is accepted using MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. You will be notified by e-mail of your class start date after registration. You will receive your materials prior to the start date.

When will my class start?
Due to a maximum group size of 25, it may be necessary to place you on a waiting list for the next group. While Active Parenting will make every effort to place you into a group as soon as possible, usually within two weeks, your group's start date may be up to seven weeks after you register. You will be notified by e-mail of your class start date after registration. You will receive your materials prior to the start date. Questions? Send us an e-mail message.

Note to court-ordered parents: Please check with the deciding authority about its requirements before registering for an Active Parenting Today Online Group.

Note: Active Parenting Publishers does not guarantee changes in parents as a result of attending parenting classes. Our programs are educational in nature, not therapeutic. Throughout the program, parents are taught that change occurs when they (the parents) work to make the changes.