Parent Training & Your Family

Home
How To: Parent Training & Your Family

Parent Training & Your Family

A group of adults sit in a circle talking. A Black American woman is in focus and has turned toward the camera, smiling.

What is Parent Training?

Parent training teaches parents and caregivers how to use rewards and consequences to improve a child’s behavior. There are different parent training programs, including:

Behavioral and Emotional Skills Training (BEST)
Kazdin Method
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent Management Training (PMT)
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
The Incredible Years

Reasons why some families choose parent trainng

Parent training programs can be used with children of all ages, ranging from babies and toddlers to teens.
Some parent training programs may be offered free of charge. For example, Triple P Online is available to all Ohio families at no cost. In-person sessions of Tripe P are also available to families living in Cuyahoga County.
Parent training programs can be used alongside other therapies, like cognitive and behavioral therapies, to give caregivers tools and maintain progress.
Insurance companies may cover parent training even if they don’t cover behavioral therapies for a child’s diagnosis.
Many parent training programs are delivered in a community-based group setting. This allows caregivers to network and support each other.
Parent training is evidence-based and culturally relevant.

You can find parent training providers in our directory by selecting “Caregiver Centered Care” in the first column. You can also contact one of our Family Resource Specialists for help.

Reasons why some families choose other therapies

Parent training is usually focused on the caregiver, not the child. Families who need professionals to work directly with their children sometimes choose cognitive or behavioral therapies.
Most parent training programs meet for 8-10 weeks, which may be difficult for some families. Some families use cognitive therapies because more flexible scheduling is available, or complete virtual parent training, like Triple P Online.
Parent training uses compliance-based methods, which may not work with all children. Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) can help families to solve problems together with their child.
Parent training can improve behavior, but may not focus on a child’s needs. Family-oriented therapies can help families to recognize and support differences.

You can find other professionals in our directory too – or ask a Family Resource Specialist for help.

To learn more:

Connecting for Kids (CFK) encourages families to learn as much as they can before choosing therapies. In addition to working with your child’s primary care provider, families should:

Ask adults who share a diagnosis with your child.

The CFK community includes many parents and caregivers with disabilities.

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.
Learn from other disabled adults using the Voices section in our Disability & Inclusion guide.

Ask other parents or caregivers who use parent training.

The CFK community includes many families who use parent training

To meet other parents/caregivers, join a Facebook group or attend a Share & Support Group program.

Ask a professional who uses parent training.

Before starting with any new professional, it’s a good idea to learn about their practice. These questions can help you to find a good fit for your family.

Explore resources.

CFK Podcast: Modify Your Child's Behavior Using The Proven Kazdin method
Child Mind: Choosing a Parent Training Program
U.S. Government: Child Welfare Brief on Parent Training

Choosing your path:

It’s normal and natural to have strong feelings about the choices we make for our children. We want what’s best for them and we tend to agree with people who make similar decisions.

Our strong feelings can also mean that we struggle to listen to people who make choices that are different from our own. We encourage you to listen to different voices so you can learn more. And remember, no matter what you decide, your voice is an important part of the CFK community.

Back to Treatment Options List

Website supported by a grant from Parker.

Call, text or email:

Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Post Office Box:

30628 Detroit Rd. #252
Westlake, Ohio 44145