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 Toddlerhood Transition, (Parenting Your 18 to 36 Month Old). Designed specifically for parents starting their adventure into the toddler years, this nine part presentation continues where the Preparation for the Toddler Years leaves off. The emerging toddler has his own peculiar and helping parents understand the toddlerhood transition is a ‘must’ obtain goal. We recommend parents enroll in a toddler class when their child is between eighteen and twenty months of age. We also recommend that they take the class again when their child is approaching thirty months of age. The reason for this is basic development. The thirty month old toddler is not the same child Mom and Dad parented at eighteen months. Thus the principles presented ten to twelve months earlier have an entirely new meaning to Mom and Dad and child, at this next stage of growth.
Finally, as was the case with Preparation for Parenting, and The Babyhood Transition series, the course 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 Toddlerhood Transition class.
2. We find it helpful to have a designated place in your home where class members can pick up their name tags. 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 name tags at the end of the class.
3. Activities before DVD presentation should include:
a. Ask how previous week principles were applied during the week
b. Review chapter questions from previous week’s reading.
c. Answer any questions tied to previous week.
4. Activities after DVD presentation include:
a. Reading through summary check points.
b. Answer class questions relating to the presentation.
c. Always go around at the end of the class and ask, “What one thought are you taking away from tonight’s lesson?”
- (As a leader try to make note of these answers because they become a great conversational starting point for the following week’s visit. For example, Kara responded to the question in Visit Three when stating: “I really appreciated being reminded of the importance of my personal quiet time.” When the class meets again, you might ask: “Kara, how did you do this week with your personal devotions?” The more you are able to reach back to their personal comments, the more conversational the entire class becomes.)
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 question to: Ministrysupport@gfi.org