Lesson 1.2: Parent's Strengths

Lesson Summary

This lesson emphasizes the importance of parents laying a sturdy foundation for their child's development.

Key Understandings

Parents understand their own strengths and competencies as a parent.
Parents will become familiar with four positive parenting competencies that support laying a sturdy foundation for their children.

BEFORE: Engage in Learning

Just as you are your child’s first teacher, your parents were yours. Things they said and did, their way of being and relating to you and others, laid the foundation for many of your beliefs, values, attitudes, and parenting practices. These attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors impact a child's development.

In the previous lesson, you read the following article to learn more the impact of your childhood experiences on your parenting. We will build on what you read in this lesson.

The Past Is Present: The Impact of Your Childhood Experiences on How You Parent TodayThis article encourages parents to reflect on experiences they had growing up in order to make conscious decisions about what practices they want to repeat, and not repeat, with their own children.

Children's Brain Development

As you watch the video, reflect on the following question:

“What impact do the actions by parents and others have on their child’s development?”

DURING: Explore new concepts

The first years of development in a child’s life is a critical period – not only for the child, but also for the adult. The parent’s knowledge, attitudes and practices are strongly associated with healthy child development.

Research shows that certain parenting practices help children achieve. Visit the website below and explore the five strengths that research shows benefits families.

AFTER: Extend your learning

From the time the child comes into this world, there is a continuing need to learn about the world around her, the people that surround her and how she can control what's happening to her.
The most important thing to remember is that your involvement as a parent is directly linked to your child’s future success and development (Sparks, 2014).

Parenting as Children Grow

Watch the video to hear from parents and grandparents about their parenting experiences.

Exit Ticket: Final Reflection

This lesson discussed the importance of laying a sturdy foundation through believing you are an effective parent and your confidence as a parent.

Use the following stem to reflect on what you learned today:

My strengths as a parent are _____________________________________________

Write your statement down and be ready to share with your peers.