Becoming a Glad Dad and a Top Pop: A Study Guide for Inmate Fathers--Learning Parenting Skills for the Return Home

• NCJ Number: 217840
• Author(s): David Jackson
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 76 pages
• Sale Source: Aardvark Publishing Co.
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Curriculum
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This workbook was designed to teach parenting skills to male inmates.

Abstract

The workbook is divided into eight lessons: (1) love, structure, and other basic needs; (2) discipline and anger management; (3) child development basics; (4) puberty; (5) adolescence; (6) your child’s education; (7) specifics on teaching self-reliance; and (8) make a "father plan." Chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of showing love for the child and teaching children resilience. Chapter 2 focuses on how to use discipline and provides ideas for helping children learn to manage their anger. The differences between discipline and punishment are described and the research on physical punishment is presented, which indicates that physical punishment increases maladaptive behaviors among children. Chapter 3 offers information about physical, mental, and emotional child development, ranging from the prenatal period through the 11th year of a child’s life. Chapter 4 focuses specifically on how to handle the puberty years, which can begin as early as 8 years old and signals the beginning of many developmental and physical changes. Chapter 5 moves on to a discussion of the adolescent period, when children are on the verge of adulthood and are increasing their independence. The differences between adolescent boys and girls are reviewed and the topic of dating is discussed. Chapter 6 addresses a child’s education, focusing specifically on the importance of parental involvement in education and the problems caused by bullying. Chapter 7 offers tips on teaching children to become self-reliant, self-confident, and acquiring good self-esteem. These tips underscore the importance of good communication and working together. Chapter 8 presents an outline for making a “father plan.” Fathers are encouraged to plan how they will greet their children upon their arrival home and to think of fun games. Included in the workbook is a facilitator’s guide for individual or group study of the parenting workbook.