Parenting Teens Class

The course on Parenting Teens and Difficult Teens we have chosen, created by parenting expert Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D., is video, lecture, and discussion based, and addresses the challenges of parenting teens and preteens in today’s turbulent society.

Dr. Popkin's programs have become the programs of choice for thousands of schools, social service and mental health organizations, churches, synagogues, hospitals, corporations, government organizations and more.

This course for Parenting Teens and Difficult Teens educates parents on communicating effectively, encouraging better behavior, using "positive" discipline techniques, and teaching responsibility. Each class also addresses sensitive issues that are vital to today’s teens, such as:

drug & alcohol use
sexuality
violence

Video vignettes get great reactions from parents!

Parents may see themselves in the entertaining video sketches featuring parents and teens grappling with common issues. Presented with meaningful humor and empathy, each scene that presents a problem also offers a solution.

In class video vignettes, Parent’s Guides, and discussion are combined with homework so parents can continue to learn between classes.

All the courses we have chosen present parents with knowledge of how good communication, cooperation, responsibility, and self-esteem develop in children and teens. Parents also learn about "positive" discipline verses those all-too-familiar power struggles. Each course differs, however, in the ways they are specialized to the specific developmental needs of children of different ages.

Here’s what you’ll be learning:

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