Extension to Families
Success Stories
Great Beginnings for Families
Problem:
Parenting children of any age is a challenge. Parents of young children are eager to create a healthy family environment and get their children off to a good start. They want to learn how to deal with common parenting issues early before there are major problems.
Response:
Two Great Beginnings for Families programs were held in Adair County during spring 2008. Great Beginnings for Families helps parents develop the skills and understanding needed to raise healthy young children. Adair County Extension offered the program through the existing Nest structure in Greenfield. Empowerment, Decat and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa provided funding for the series of five classes. The classes were co-led by a parent educator along with an experienced parent. All facilitators had participated in Growing Strong Families and Great Beginning for Families facilitator training. Twenty adults representing 15 families participated in one or more of the classes. Child care was offered for the children including infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Impact:
Adults completed an evaluation at the conclusion of each session. They rated the items on a 1-5 scale. Eight adults responded. The results are as follows with the percentage and number in parentheses representing good (4) or very good (5) both now and before the program.
| How you rate your parenting knowledge and skills | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| My understanding of activities that help my child grow and develop | 38% (3) |
100% (8) |
| My understanding of where to seek help if I think my child has a developmental delay | 38% (3) |
100% (8) |
| My understanding of how to teach my child what to do and how to behave in a responsible way | 38% (3) |
88% (7) |
| My ability to use rules and stick to them | 13% (1) |
88% (7) |
| My understanding of how play and encouragement can decrease or prevent behavior problems | 25% (2) |
100% (8) |
| My understanding of ways to help my child cope with anger | 13% (1) |
75% (6) |
| My understanding of what makes a strong family | 25% (2) |
100% (8) |
| My ability to share my feelings and needs with my family | 13% (1) |
63% (5) |
| My ability to listen to my family’s feelings and needs | 13% (1) |
100% (8) |
The results are as follows with the percentage and number in parentheses representing almost always (4) or always (5) both now and before the program.
| How you rate how often you did the specific behaviors | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| I think about what to say to my children to encourage learning. | 25% (2) |
100% (8) |
| I plan activities to help my children learn specific concepts or skills. | 25% (2) |
100% (8) |
| I play with my children. | 75% (6) |
100% (8) |
| I do or say specific things to praise and/or encourage my children. | 38% (3) |
100% (8) |
| I consider my children’s feelings and needs when disciplining them. | 38% (3) |
100% (8) |
| I use strategies to control my anger. | 25% (2) |
88% (7) |
| I plan time for my family to be together. | 88% (7) |
38% (3) |
Additional ISUE Staff:
Deb Hall
Adair County Extension Education Director
641-743-8412
dhall@iastate.edu
Contact:
Donna Donald
Decatur County Extension
309 N. Main
Leon, IA 50144
641-446-4723
ddonald@iastate.edu