Frequently Asked Questions

What is Families in Balance?

Families in Balance is a voluntary research program at the University of Michigan that is evaluating two different approaches to help support parents with young children find balance in their lives.

One approach is a 6-week online (Zoom) parenting group led by parents in your community and the other approach is 6 weeks of informational and supportive emails. Families will be randomly assigned to participate in one of these approaches.

Both Families in Balance programs aim to help parents with three key family routines that are important for children's social, emotional, and academic success: 

1. Having healthy and enjoyable family meals

2. Implementing consistent bedtime routines

3. Setting and enforcing screen time limits

Who can join Families in Balance?

Parents with children between the ages of 2 and 5 who live in and around Ann Arbor and metro Detroit are invited to join. Children must be eligible for public health insurance based on income. 

What do I have to do if I join Families in Balance?

• Parents and children participating in Families in Balance will complete two in-person appointments, one before the program starts and one 3 months after finishing the program. At these appointments, parents will complete surveys that ask about themselves, their children, and their families. Parents and children will have their height and weight measured. 

• These appointments can be completed in Ann Arbor, Detroit, or your home. Parents will receive a $50 gift card after each of these appointments.

• After the first appointment, parents will be randomly assigned to participate in one of the Families in Balance 6 week programs - either the online (Zoom) parenting group or receiving informational and supportive email newsletters. Parents will receive $5 for every session attended or newsletter read, up to $30. 

• If you are randomly assigned to participate in the online (Zoom) program, you will be asked to attend 1.5 hour sessions, on Zoom, with other parents once a week for 6 weeks. You will also be asked to complete 3 individual sessions with a parent leader, each lasting about an hour, and scheduled according to your availability.   

• Parents will also be asked to complete an online survey immediately after finishing the program. They will receive a $25 gift card for completing the online survey.

Will I get paid for participating in Families in Balance?

Yes, you will receive a $50 visa gift card after you complete each of the 2 in-person study appointments. You will also receive up to $30 for participating in the program ($5 per session or newsletter), and a $25 visa gift card after you complete the online survey.  In total, you can receive $155 for participating in Families in Balance. 

How do I know that my child and I will be treated fairly and respectfully by Families in Balance?

Families in Balance has been approved by the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRB Number: HUM#00263046). All of our staff have been trained in research ethics and have many years of experience working with children and families. Parents and children will be provided with detailed information about the research activities before they enroll in the study. Parents can choose to not participate in Families in Balance at any point. 

Who can I contact if I have more questions about Families in Balance?

You can reach our staff by calling or texting (734) 480-8501‬ or emailing FamiliesinBalance@umich.edu. 

Who is in charge of Families in Balance?

Families in Balance is led by Dr. Kate Bauer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. You can reach her at kwbauer@umich.edu.

Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a family rhythm that works. Join us and start building your balanced, joyful family today!