(Excerpt from materials provided by Birth to Three.) 

Make Parenting A Pleasure is comprehensive group-based positive parenting curriculum for stressed parents of children birth to 8. This curriculum is designed for professional parent educators and does not require additional training, although training is recommended.

Parents learn:

• The importance of taking care of themselves so they can better care for their children
• Practical stress management and communication skills
• Effective parenting skills and positive approaches to discipline

Parents gain:

• Greater understanding of their children
• A social support network that can continue after groups end.

This curriculum is built on the following assumptions:

• Parenting is the most important and challenging job there is.
• Parents are their children's first and most important teachers.
• There are many right ways to be a parent or a child.
• Parents are the foundation of the family.
• Getting and giving support is essential for parents.

Birth To Three is the parent organization that created the Make Parenting a Pleasure curriculum. Birth To Three programs and curricula are designed for a broad range of parents with infants and young children (0-8 years of age). Birth To Three's mission is to strengthen families and promote the well being of children through parent education and support. Programs include:

• First 3 Years Program (for families with infants, one and two year olds)
• Make Parenting a Pleasure (for parents with children ages birth to eight who are experiencing a higher level of stress)
• Teen Parent Program (for pregnant and parenting teens and their partners). This program uses the Make Parenting a Pleasure curriculum.
• Parenting Now! (for the general population of parents of children ages birth to six).
• Haga de la Paternidad un Placer (for Spanish speaking parents of children birth to eight). It uses the Spanish adaptation of Make Parenting a Pleasure (currently in draft form).
• Healthy Start and Welcome Baby (for first time parents of newborns).

Birth To Three began in 1978 and brought together new parents into groups to share their parenting experiences, learn about normal early childhood development, develop a support network, and learn about other community resources available to them. Birth To Three has grown considerably since that time in response to the changing needs and dynamics of the family. However, its philosophy and mission have remained unchanged.

This best practice comes with an evaluation tool that can be used when implementing this strategy. The curriculum includes a pre- and post-test developed with assistance from Oregon State University. There is also a mid-course evaluation to help guide parent educators in conducting the class.

Evaluation Tool Cost: There is no cost as the tool is included in the curriculum. 

The following are suggestions of areas you may want to assess if you implement this best practice.  For assistance on creating an evaluation plan, refer to Step 7:  Evaluation.

• Assess the increase in family management skills.
• Assess the number of suspected child abuse cases.  

The curriculum has been evaluated in two empirical studies and found to have significant effect on the reduction of parenting factors that may lead to child abuse such as parent stress levels, harsh parenting and increased parents' feelings of competence.

Results include:

• Less parental stress and less stress between partners, as measured by the Parent Stress Index (PSI)
• A decrease in abuse potential, in parental stress, in parenting rigidity, and an increase in unhappiness, as measured by the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI)
• An increase in parents' sense of efficacy, self-esteem, and satisfaction in their parenting.
• A decrease in inappropriate discipline practices by parents.
• Those parents who scored in the clinical range on having problems with their child(ren) at pretest reported a significant reduction in overreactivity, verbosity, and laxness when interacting with their children after the completion of the MPAP class.

Training Time:  2 eight-hour days. Longer or shorter individualized trainings can be arranged.
Training Cost:  At program site: $3,800.00 plus airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and per diem for 2 trainers. At Birth to Three Site: $250 per person

Note:  Training is not required for successful implementation of the Make Parenting A Pleasure program, although it is recommended. Each training is limited to 25 participants. Please see Special Considerations below.

Curriculum Cost: $899
Curriculum package includes:

• Facilitator Guide
• 13 Individual Modules
• General Appendix
• 10 Individual Videos in DVD and VHS Formats
• 15 Parent Booklets
• Evaluation Materials

Strategy Implementation:
The cost of implementing this practice includes the following budget areas:

• $899 for curriculum package
• Staff to implement the program
• Room or site rental
• Access to a TV-DVD player or VCR
• A nutritious snack for the group and for children of childcare
• Supplies such as flip charts, etc. for parents
• Optional supplies for door prizes or other incentives
• Childcare costs, if childcare is offered

The following should be taken into consideration before selecting this strategy to be implemented in your community:

• Birth to Three strongly advises that each group leader should adjust the pace, presentation style, and amount of material presented in a session to the individual group.
• Program materials for parents are written at 4th grade level and can be adapted for parents who are non-readers.
• Make Parenting A Pleasure groups are offered in schools, churches, community centers, service club and agency sites across the country. The critical elements are that the site be accessible, inviting, and comfortable, and that staff is welcoming and non-judgmental.
• Group sessions may be offered in evening or day times.
• MPAP can be adapted to be used for home visitation programs.

For training, technical assistance, and materials contact:
Connie Rose
Birth To Three
86 Centennial Loop
Eugene, Oregon 97401

E-mail:  connier@birthto3.org or birthtothree@birthto3.org  
Web-site:   http://www.birthto3.org       
Phone: (541) 484-5316   Toll Free: (886) 310-4601     Fax: (541) 484-1449