Possibility Parenting was written as a companion curriculum to Keys to Innervisions because strengthening the family unit, however it is defined, impacts the most powerful influence on children and youth. The family unit is a critical part of the KIV Empowerment Team, who must surround youth with the feedback and support needed for change. When adults understand how to change and empower themselves, then they can teach and role-model these concepts with their children. Many parents have beliefs, habits, attitudes, and comfort zones that limit the options they have with their children. Possibility Parenting expands options and intervenes in the cycles of failure that can be perpetuated in vulnerable families. The purpose of this curriculum is to expand their possibilities in a respectful and safe learning experience.

Goal

The fundamental goal of Possibility Parenting is to reduce risk factors, such as school drop-out, family violence, child abuse, unemployment, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and by enabling and enhancing the ability of caretakers to role-model and to raise children who have the internal defenses of high self-esteem, internal locus of control, and balance in emotions. Therefore, the focus of the curriculum alternates between participants examining these issues for themselves and discovering ways to enhance these qualities in their children. Participants learn the use of the KIV ToolBox to connect practical, everyday situations to the KIV content.

Participants

This curriculum was designed to be used with the caretakers of children and teens - any person who is in a position to influence the thinking of youth. These may include any member of an extended family, foster parents, institutional staff, pregnant teens, teen parents, or it can be used as a preparatory course for potential parents. Implementation sites include: school parent groups, programs focusing on family services, pregnant minors, foster parents; HUD; juvenile probation/parole offices; alternative schools; community-based intervention; juvenile and adult corrections.

Content

Possibility Parenting follows the format and teaches the same content that is in the Keys to Innervisions series, focusing on cognitive restructuring skills. Many of the exercises have been altered to address specific issues of parenting, such as:

• Recognizing how thinking shapes self-image and creates behaviors
  
• Decision-making skills
  
• Optional approaches to setting boundaries and discipline
  
• Consistent behavioral approaches that produce healthy change
  
• Empowering children with decision-making opportunities
  
• Identifying and managing emotions in safe, healthy ways
  
• Understanding and altering the dynamics of family violence
  
• The use of language that promotes responsibility and accountability
  
• Drug abuse information and interventions for parents
  
• Family goal achievement