This new dynamic program by the author of The Nurturing Father’s Program, Mark Perlman, MA, facilitated by Ronald Shepard, MA, offers a group experience in which couples are given the opportunity to strengthen their relationship through a shared exploration of parenting values, attitudes, skills, and practices.

Like The Nurturing Father’s Program, Ma and Pa (as the program is affectionately called), is created on an experiential learning model, which provides activities that stimulate thinking and feeling in a supportive group process. A screening process to determinate the appropriateness of participation in this program is provided. The program is open to couples who are working together to parent their children (you do not need to be a married couple). It is important to note that couples with current or untreated history of Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, or Alcohol and Drug Abuse are inappropriate for this program.

The attitudes and skills contained in this 10-week Marriage and Parenting Program represent many of the foundational blocks upon which successful marriages (relationships) and families are built. Most of us parents come to realize that, as our children grow, their needs and relationships change, as do our own needs and relationships as parents. It is important to recognize as these changes take place, our continuing education in parenting is not only valuable, it is essential to good parenting.

PROGRAM OUTLINE (ADAPTED):

• Relationship Roots: Becoming Married, Becoming Parents
  
  
• Family Her-story, His-story
  
  
• Self-Nurturing: “The Power to Meet My Own Needs”
  
  
• Family Leadership: “Harmonizing Different Needs and Wants”
  
  
• Feelings: The Spice of Relationships
  
  
• Developing Better Communication Skills
  
  
• The Power to Nurture: “Relationships Without Violence or Fear”
  
  
• Discipline and Teamwork
  
  
• Balance: Successfully Juggling Time and Family Life
  
  
• Developing Family Meetings