Single Parent Families - Life Skills 4 My Family: A Home Based Video Life Skills and Anger Management Program

The 4 My Family anger management and life skills program is equally effective for both single parent and two parent homes. It’s ideal if a single parent can work jointly with their previous partner so both parents are using the same approach and techniques. With both parents working from a common toolbox, disagreements can be minimized and joint parenting is more effective. However, if working cooperatively with a previous partner is not possible, a single parent can successfully implement the program in their own home.

What Will My Family Learn?

Kids Learn To::

Manage feelings of anger and control aggressive behaviour.
*
Use anger constructively, rather than destructively.
*
Challenge maladaptive thinking and improve self-regulation and self-control.
*
Deal effectively with sibling rivalry, bullying, and anger provoking situations.
*
Communicate and express feelings without disrespect.
*
Work independently, cooperate with household routines, and take responsibility for their own behaviour.
*
Appreciate their positive traits leading to improved self-esteem and self-confidence.
*
Tackle homework independently, stop procrastinating, and develop a positive attitude toward homework and studying.

Parents Learn To::

Promote anger management skills while discouraging or even eliminating temper tantrums, disrespect,and sibling rivalry.
*
Identify different types of anger and the appropriate ways to intervene.
*
Communicate effectively as a family and encourage children to identify and express tough feelings and underlying issues.
*
Use praise, reward programs, and consequences effectively.
*
Celebrate a child’s success and identify their positive traits leading to enhanced self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
*
Promote cooperative, independent behaviour such as helping out with chores, completing homework, getting to bed, and getting out the door in the morning.
*
Recognize and avoid common pitfalls which cause traditional parenting techniques to fail.

Who is Dave Ricketts?

I have a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Manitoba, worked several years as a child and family psychologist in a community mental health clinic in Calgary Alberta, and was employed 10 years as a senior child and family psychologist in the Mental Health Program at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

In 1996 I moved into full-time private practice and for the next 15 years provided individual and family therapy and developed and ran group treatment programs for children and families. These unique group programs focused on teaching anger management and social communication skills to over 1,000 youth and their families.

After retiring from active clinical practice several years ago, I embarked on a "retirement project" to develop “Life Skills 4 My Family”. I hope families can complete these workshops from the comfort of their own home, and that both parents and children will continue to learn and benefit from these important life skills.

Do My Kids Need to Buy-In?

Most children will willingly participate in the program if other family members have a positive attitude, seem to be enjoying the program, and are committed to learning new skills. Sessions include magic, games, humour, and fun family activities designed to capture a young person's interest and motivate them to put new skills to use. Children, however, don't need to buy-in. Parents can implement the skills independently, and they'll learn strategies to overcome a child's initial reluctance or refusal to cooperate.