The Power of a Small Group
While a couple can enjoy the full benefit of this course in the quiet of their own home, many will become part of a small group experience. One unique and exciting thread that follows each of the new curriculums is the improved small group dynamic. The shortened curriculum with specific age related content allows parents who start together in Preparation for Parenting to stay together as they move through each of the subsequent series. This not only increases continuity of leadership but also helps build a growing sense of community among class participants.
As class members interact together with each new phase of their child’s life, they are simultaneously interacting with other parents of common interest and like-mindedness – parents who will share a small group experience for the next three years. Out of common need comes a common bond of friendship and support.
The Preparation for Parenting series, (Parenting from Birth to Six Months). Designed specifically for parents just starting their journey into mother and fatherhood, this five part series provides the critical foundation for baby and parents. This is more than an infant-management concept; it is a mind-set for responsible parenthood. The principles presented will help any parent develop a plan that meets both the needs of a new baby and of the entire family. This plan will not leave mom ragged at the end of the day nor in bondage to her child. Nor will dad be excluded from his duties.
Healthy growth, contentment, good naps, playful waketimes and the gift of nighttime sleep are achievements to valuable to be left to chance. They need to be parent directed and managed. These are attainable conclusions because infants are born with the capacity to achieve these outcomes and equally important, they are born with a need to achieve them. Our goal of every lesson is to show parents how this is done but only after we demonstrate why it should be done.
Finally, as is the case with the entire GFI curriculum, Preparation for Parenting can provide trustworthy ideas and workable solutions, but not every possible answer to every unique salutation. As you lead parents through each lesson, it’s become vital to think in terms of principle. Helping them understand the ‘principle’ derived from their hierarchy of beliefs and goals, is a greater asset than just giving them a list of ‘how-to’ answers. Principle parenting is wisdom parenting extended.
Simple Suggestions for a Successful Class
1. Review the various ‘Class Forms’ found within the tab to the right. Many of the general “sign-up’ forms can be adapted for the Preparation for Parenting class.
2. We find it helpful to have a designated place in your home where class members can pick up their nametags. A card table can serve this purpose. The location is also where you can leave any articles of interest or additional handouts. This will be the last place your students visit to drop off their nametags at the end of the class.
3. Activities before DVD presentation should include:
a. Ask if there are any questions from the previously weeks lesson.
b. Review chapter questions from previous week’s reading.
4. Activities after DVD presentation include:
a. Start by going around the room asking “What one or two thought are each class member taking away from today’s lesson?”
b. Respond to any general questions.
c. If leaders elect to do so, review summary statements found in the workbook.
5. If you are asked a question that you do not feel comfortable answering or are not sure what the answer might be, let your class know that you will direct that specific question to GFI and hopefully will be able to give a response within a weeks time. (Because of there are thousands of parents sitting in GFI classes and any given time, our office can only take questions from GFI Leaders and not class participants.) Please direct your questions to: Ministrysupport@gfi.org