Resources

Connect Parent Group

There is growing research evidence that emphasizes the need to include and support parents in our efforts to help troubled youth. Over many years The Maples has developed and refined the Connect Parent Group program. This program integrates research on parenting effectiveness, adolescent development and attachment.

The Connect Parent Group takes a different approach than most other parent group formats. Rather than focusing on behavioural management techniques, the Connect Parent Group focuses on enhancing the building blocks of attachment, enhancing the parents’ ability to reflect before acting, and their ability to regulate their feelings so they respond more constructively to conflict.

The Connect Parent Group program format is a series of 10 one hour sessions delivered over 10 weeks. Each session begins with the presentation of an attachment principle that helps parents understand attachment issues underlying challenging interactions with their adolescent. Parents learn, for example, that conflict is part of attachment and is particularly acute during times of transition in the relationship, such as the transition through adolescence. Parents also learn to ‘step back’ in emotionally charged situations, recognize and modulate their own feelings, and consider the possible meanings behind their adolescent’s behaviour. Throughout the sessions parents are also encouraged to reflect upon their own experiences — when they were adolescents as well as their present circumstances.

Helping parents be (and feel) more competent in these areas helps them ‘reframe’ their adolescent’s behaviours and needs. This reframing allows parents to keep their emotions in check when dealing with difficult situations and mindfully use parenting strategies that clearly sets limits and expectations but does it in a way that maintains relationships.

Connect Parent Groups are becoming available in communities throughout the province. Contact your local Child and Youth Mental Health office to find out if there is one near you.