Program for Parents with Adolescents Failing In School

Created by Diana Boland, Janet Borchers, Julie Devore, and Angelique Waltimyer

Objectives and Factoids:

  1. Recognizing Warning Signs of Adolescent Failure
    1. Discipline problems and academic failure are sometimes related
    2. Trends and inconsistencies in performance could be seen as warning signs
  2. Understanding the Negative Impact of Social Isolation
    1. Social isolation and withdrawal may indicate identity confusion
    2. Peer groups can be positive or negative
  3. Clarifying Parenting Styles
    1. Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive as Neglectful, Indulgent Parenting Styles
    2. Faulty Parenting Styles can be changed
  4. Identifying Personal Parenting Style
    1. Authoritarian = firm limits and controls
    2. Authoritative = encouraging, warm and nurturing, encourages independence
    3. Permissive
      1. Neglectful = uninvolved, few demands
      2. Indulgent = highly involved, few demands
  5. Understanding the Impact of Personal Parenting Style on School Performance
    1. The Authoritative Parenting Style promotes independence and sets boundaries
    2. Authoritarian and Neglectful/Indulgent Parenting Styles are associated with social incompetence
  6. Emphasizing Open Communication Between School and Home
    1. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model
    2. Open communication encourages better support
  7. Utilizing Peer (and Sibling) Influence for Positive Impact
    1. Adolescent friendships serve six functions
      1. Companionship
      2. Stimulation
      3. Physical support
      4. Ego support
      5. Social comparison
      6. Intimacy and affection
    2. Less Differences between siblings in adolescence than in childhood
  8. Choosing your Adolescent Battles
    1. Issues of independence and responsibility
    2. Partners in parenting
  9. Understanding the Complexity of Adolescent Autonomy
    1. Adolescent autonomy promotes self-direction and independence
    2. Secure attachment to parents is related to adolescents positive attitude
  10. Identifying Strategies for Success
    1. Show them warmth and respect
    2. Demonstrate sustained interest in their lives
    3. Recognize and adapt to their changing cognitive and socioemotional development
    4. Communicate expectations for high standards of conduct and achievement
    5. Display authoritative, constructive ways of dealing with conflict and problems

 

Paragraph on program

The goal of parenthood is to promote competent development in adolescents. Our program helps parents to identify problematic practices and teach strategies for improving school performance.