Active Parenting of Teens

by Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D.

The revised Active Parenting of Teens, by Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D., is a program that helps parents meet the challenges of parenting teens and preteens in today’s turbulent society. Using this program you will provide parents with the skills they need to communicate effectively with their teens, encourage better behavior, use positive discipline techniques and teach responsibility.

Each session also helps parents learn how to address sensitive issues that are vital to today’s teens, such as:

• drug & alcohol use
• sexuality
• violence
  
  It’s easy to lead a group using our video and group discussion format!
  The Leader’s Guide, included in the Program Kit version of the program gives you step-by-step instructions on when to show the video portions and how to lead the discussions. Parents follow along using their Parent’s Guides, which offer examples and activities so they can practice their new skills at home. We recommend holding six 2-hour sessions with a group of 10 to 20 parents. However, the program is flexible, so you can choose a format that works for you. We offer optional one-day Leader Training Workshops for those who want in-depth training on leading a group.
  
  
  Video vignettes will get great reactions from parents!
  Parents may see themselves in the entertaining video sketches featuring parents and teens grappling with common issues. Presented with humor and empathy, each scene that presents a problem also offers a solution. (Available with open captions.)

Also available in Spanish
The Video Library edition of this program is also available in Spanish. Click here for details.

Here’s what you’ll teach in each session:

• Session I:
  - Current teen issues
  - Styles of parenting
  - Drugs, sexuality and violence: the problem
• Session II:
  - Building courage and self-esteem
  - Drugs, sexuality and violence:
    the “think, feel, do” cycle
• Session III:
  - Problem-solving
  - Five goals of teen behavior
  - Problem-prevention talks
  - Drugs, sexuality and violence
• Session IV:
  - Helping teens develop responsibility
  - Respectful discipline skills
  - Mutual respect
  - Drugs, sexuality and violence:
    stages of drug use
• Session V:
  - Effective communication skills
  - Avoiding communication blocks
  - Drugs, sexuality, violence and communication
• Session VI:
  - Family talks
  - Family council meetings
  - Drugs, sexuality, violence and active
    problem-solving