Communication's Key: Be Your Child's First Teacher

Following the local news started communicating more on teenage drug abuse. When I read this story I thought not only about the teens, but how the parents would be feeling about their children being involved with recreational drugs. It got me thinking about how I would feel if my daughters got caught up in drug use and how we can communicate with our children to help steer them away from such temptations.

Sabrina Coppola is the manager of Care Plus NJ, based in Fair Lawn. Care Plus offers "Parenting with Common Sense" programs to help parents learn valuable skills on communicating with their kids, and avoiding power struggles through the use of positive attention and praise.

I asked Coppola about the program and how she would advise parents on addressing issues such as communication and discipline not only in teens, but from those at an earlier age.

Getting my four-year-old to listen, wash her hands before eating meals, or put her shoes on can be a struggle, so imagine a talk on drugs. I read that the "naughty" step is no longer advised, so what’s the best way to deal with such issues?

Coppola highlighted, “Coping skills and strengths developed in childhood carry into adult life, helping individuals reach their full potential. We strive to deliver a strengths-based approach to parenting. You are your child’s first teacher.

"Your goal is to educate, instruct and encourage your children," Coppola continued. "So that they do develop positive coping skills and character strengths."

Coppola stresses that effective praise is a valuable tool increasing the likelihood that your children continuing will exhibit positive behaviors.

"Parents that have completed the Parenting with Common Sense program report that their families experience better communication…fewer power struggles… increased self-control amongst their children and better relationships with their children,” she said.

I agree that we are the first teachers for our children, but sometimes some of us need a little extra help. Common Sense Parenting provides us parents with options. If we cannot handle things alone, support services like this can act as an independent source of information and support to help us deal with critical issues.

Right now I will continue to use positive praise and when needed, the naughty step, but I feel this resource is one that we should not be afraid to call on and use if necessary.   

Feel free to contact Sabrina Coppola to inquire more about Care Plus NJ’s Parenting with Common Sense program. Groups are offered Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. – noon and Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Two hour workshops are also provided in the community. The next workshop has yet to be announced.

You may reach Sabrina at: 201-797-2660 ext. 150 or via e-mail at: SabrinaR@Careplusnj.org.

How do you hope to instill discipline into the lives of your children?