Families Component

Families

Because a healthy family life is so critical to a child’s development, G.R.E.A.T. also offers a six-session, research-based, family-strengthening training program.  It is designed to help families develop skills and strategies that will foster a healthier home environment.

G.R.E.A.T. Families complements the middle and elementary school curricula and is targeted toward parents/guardians and children aged 10 to 14.  The primary goal is to strengthen communities by strengthening families.  To accomplish this, parents and youths are engaged in cooperative group activities, facilitated group discussions, and skills practice.  Families are also given resources they can reference after the training.

Each session is approximately two hours in length and is facilitated under the guidance of a G.R.E.A.T. instructor who is specially trained as a G.R.E.A.T. Families Facilitator.  The instructor works closely with one or two cofacilitators to guide as many as ten families through the program.

Sessions are usually held on evenings or weekends to avoid conflict with work schedules. The sponsoring agency may offer child care for younger children of participating families.

The G.R.E.A.T. Families Curriculum consists of the following sessions:

Session 1: You Are G.R.E.A.T. Families—We Are a G.R.E.A.T. Community

  • Impact of violence and gang involvement
  • Family roles in safe and healthy communities
  • Addressing family obstacles and solutions

Session 2: Improving Family Relationships

  • Spending quality time as a family
  • Making family a priority
  • Family goals and decision making

Session 3: G.R.E.A.T. Communication

  • Types of communication
  • Effective communication techniques
  • Overcoming communication barriers

Session 4: Rules, Limits, and Discipline

  • Meeting everyone’s needs
  • Importance of clear, consistent rules and limits
  • Role of effective discipline and monitoring

Session 5: Reducing Bullying by Developing Personal Character

  • Addressing bullying
  • Positive role models
  • Developing positive character attributes
  • Addressing common personal dilemmas

Session 6: Families in the Electronic Age

  • Influence of technology
  • Internet safety for families
  • Family monitoring plan