Understanding Parents. OBJECTIVE Explain the benefits of positive parent involvement in 4-H activities. Why should parents be an active part of the 4-H

4-H 201

4-H 201Understanding Parents

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Understanding Parents

OBJECTIVE

4-H 201

Explain the benefits of positive parent involvement in 4-H activities.

• Why should parents be an active part of the 4-H Program?

• What benefits result from positive parent involvement in 4-H activities?

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4-H 201

Benefits to 4-H Members• Gain support and confidence from working with interested adults

• Participate with their parents in a common interest 4-H becomes a family activity

• Receive more individual attention and guidance

Parents with positive, enthusiastic attitudes are contagious!

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Benefits to Parents• Opportunity to help their children learn and grow• Chance to share experiences with their children• May improve relationships with their children• Opportunity to contribute to youth in the community• Able to get to know their children’s friends• May make new friends and acquaintances • Can show love and concern for their children through their

involvement

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Benefits to 4-H Volunteers• Can delegate jobs to responsible parents volunteer can focus on

club development• Able to more effectively reach each member with positive adult

influence• Experience greater satisfaction from watching parent/child

relations grow

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Benefits to 4-H Clubs• Club is strengthened, larger, and more active• Club activities may be expanded and enriched

Favorable attitudesParent Interest

Parent Cooperation

SUCCESSFUL 4-H CLUB

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OBJECTIVE

4-H 201

Describe four general types of parents.

• What types of parenting have you observed?

• How can we help all types of parents participate in the 4-H program?

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4-H 201

Types of ParentsParents can be classified into four general types:

• Balanced• Overindulgent• Overstrict• Unconcerned

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Balanced Parents…• Share planning, decision making and project work with their

children

• Think of 4-H as part of their family

• Teach children the self-discipline necessary to do 4-H projects

• Are kind but firm and consistent

• Self-directed, but want to be informed of program activities and opportunities

• Value learning over specific awards or recognition

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Overindulgent Parents…• Protect and pamper their children

• Enroll children only because they think 4-H will be “good for them”

• Do much of the project work and record keeping for their 4-H members

• Find it easier to do the work than to help children develop self-discipline

• Have children who may lack initiative

• Hinder the development of their child’s imagination and creativity

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Overstrict Parents…

• Are “fault-finders” who give very little constructive criticism • Do not praise or recognize youth for their achievements • Force adult standards on young people• Have children who may be insecure, frustrated or rebellious• Lead children to fear that they are not “good enough”

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Unconcerned Parents…• Give their children little or no encouragement

• Have children who tend not to join clubs at all or have limited involvement

• Provide little guidance or encouragement to children

• May need frequent contact, reminders, and reports from club leader

• May need encouragement to develop interest and involvement in child’s 4-H activities

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Challenges for Parents• Why did you want your child to join 4-H?

• So your child can win? You will be disappointed

• So your child can learn and grow? You will be satisfied

• Recognition comes from doing the best your child can do

• Be a supportive parent and help your child and 4-H volunteers to “Make the Best Better!”

• Remember…the development of your child is the priority!

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Challenges for 4-H Professionals & Volunteers

• Each parent and family is different

• Each will require various assistance to be involved positively

• Remember these differences as you facilitate the program and encourage parent involvement

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ACTIVITY

4-H 201

Spinner Activity

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REFLECTION

4-H 201

• What do you see as the primary benefits of parent participation in the 4-H program?

• Which of the four types of parents do you believe is the most prevalent in the 4-H program?

• Balanced• Overindulgent• Overstrict• Unconcerned

• What implications does this type of parent have for your 4-H club?

Reflect

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REFLECTION

4-H 201

• What goals can your program reach with parent involvement?

• What steps can you take to ensure that the parents of your 4-H members are positively involved in the club?

• What strategies will you employ to work with each type of parent in the 4-H program?

Apply

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CONCLUSION

Key Concepts• With positive parent involvement:

• 4-H members gain support and confidence • 4-H parents build relationships with their children• 4-H volunteers can reach each member more effectively• 4-H clubs are strengthened and more active

• 4 types of parents we may encounter include balanced, overindulgent, overstrict, and unconcerned.

Refer to the Understanding Parents Fact Sheet for more information.

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REFERENCE

4-H 201

• “Involving Parents in 4-H,” 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Series, University of Arkansas Extension.<www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/4HCG1.pdf>

• Kress, C. Essential Elements of Youth Development.

(n.d.) Retrieved January 30, 2007 from <www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/library/4h_presents.htm>

• Lerner, R.M., Lerner, J.V., Phelps, R., and Colleagues.

“Waves of the Future: The first five years of the 4-H study of positive youth development.” Tufts University.

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REFERENCE

4-H 201

• McKinley, S. 2007. Essential Elements of Youth Development Lesson Plan. Purdue University Cooperative Extension.

• Osborne, L.J. (2004, November). “Plan to Involve

Parents.” Seminar conducted at 2004 North Central Region Volunteer Forum, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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For more information, visitwww.4-hmilitarypartnerships.org

Documents

Understanding Parents. OBJECTIVE Explain the benefits of positive parent involvement in 4-H activities. Why should parents be an active part of the 4-H