Empowered! (parenting with respect and dignity)
Date
1999
Authors
Watson, Judith Evelyn
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1999
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to examine the efficacy ofthe 1-2-3 Magic (Phelan, 1995)
parenting program. This project involved 13 parents who were interested in participating in a six
week study of the program. These parents were presented with an outline of the program, a brief
description of the philosophy behind the program, and an opportunity to discuss questions or
concerns. The parents then completed a pre-test of the Parenting Stress Index (Abidin, 1995).
The participating parents attended six sessions during which the 1-2-3 Magic program
was examined in detail. The parents were also asked to keep a journal detailing interactions with
their children - recording specific thoughts, ideas and concerns. As well, they were asked to use
the SUDS (Subjective Units of Discomfort Scale) to record the level of emotion in each of their
interactions. This information was used as anecdotal support for the conclusions in the study.
The PSI was used as a pre- and post- measure of the parent's perception ofthe child's
behavior, and the stress involved in dealing with the behavior. After the post-tests of the PSI's
were scored, all tests were returned to the respective subject with a written summary of the
results.
The results of this study suggest that the 1-2-3 Magic program was influential in
reducing parent stress and child-related family conflict. The parents reported overall
improvement in their children's behavior and improved family dynamics. Several of the parents
indicated that they felt an increased sense of self-control and self-esteem in addition to a more
positive approach to parenting. Anecdotal data reported in the daily journals kept by all parents and the pre- and post- test measures done with the Parenting Stress Index lead to the conclusion
that the 1-2-3 Magic program can be used to reduce misbehavior in children ages 2 - 12. This
suggests that the program could be a valuable tool to offer to parents through school groups,
family centers, or mental health workers.
Description
ix, 123 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Discipline of children , Child rearing , Parenting