It’s a simple and practical advice that could make all the difference to your kids’ happiness and well-being.
But there’s a catch: The advice may not be enough for everyone.
The Canadian Family Therapy Association’s (CFTA) parenting plan is an idea that has been around for a while and it’s still being studied.
It’s been around since 1984, but now it’s gaining momentum with a growing number of parents who are taking part in the study.
“There’s a big difference in understanding how to raise kids in an environment where they can actually do something, and parenting in the modern world where they have to work hard to be successful,” said CFTA spokesperson Rachel Maclean.
“It’s about getting your kids to have a good time, being creative and learning to do things in their own way, and not worrying about the results.”CFTAs parenting plan focuses on three pillars: social skills, independence and social support.
These include a well-rounded schedule, positive peer support and an opportunity to be involved in activities and activities outside of school.
Maclean says it’s important to understand what’s being taught to kids, and to help them to understand why they’re doing what they’re supposed to do.
“What they’re learning is that the best way to achieve something is to make something happen, and the best ways to learn something is by doing it,” Maclean said.
“So there’s an opportunity for parents to share their experiences with their children, because they can give them a better understanding of what it is they need to do in order to get ahead in life.”
The CFTAs plan also outlines how to support and encourage kids to be active, which includes things like going to the gym, volunteering or even participating in activities like music or arts and crafts.
“A lot of these things are just things that can be done without a lot of effort, and it can actually help your kids,” Macneill said.
The plan also includes an outline for how to meet family needs, and how to create and maintain relationships.
“We’re trying to be really inclusive in that way, so that the parents feel that their children have the space to get to know each other, and that they’re supported,” Macleann said.
She said it’s not uncommon for parents in the program to find themselves feeling overwhelmed with all of the things that are happening to their kids, especially during times like Christmas and New Year.
“You know, they’re not the most active, they don’t do much, and they’re really stressed about it,” she said.
MacLean said parents need to feel comfortable with their choices, and be prepared to be supportive of their kids in the future.
“If you feel like there’s some kind of tension or something, you can just say, ‘I know I don’t want to, but let’s do this, because it’s what’s best for them,’ ” she said, adding parents can talk about what they’ve done to prepare for the future and what it means to them.
It also includes a list of rules for parents, which include not being disrespectful to others and being mindful of how much time and attention your kids spend with you.CFTs parenting plan also encourages parents to make their children aware of their emotions, as well as to be more accepting of themselves and others.
“As a parent you have to accept yourself and your child as they are and that it’s all part of a process,” MacLean said.
“It’s not something that you can control.
And I think that’s a really good message.”
To read more on parenting, visit www.cfta.ca/family-therapy-plan.
Follow me on Twitter: @MackayTroy
