Simply put, parenting is hard. Every parent — whether it's a biological, adoptive, foster, grandparent, or legal guardian — can use support to help manage everyday issues with their kids in a positive way. As a nurse practitioner in a pediatric practice, I’m proud to support and partner with our Children’s Wisconsin Child and Family Well-Being team on an important initiative: Triple P, the Positive Parenting Program.
Triple P can help you learn why kids misbehave, understand your struggles, identify goals for change and create solutions to benefit your kids in a positive way.
What is Triple P?
Triple P is a parenting program — free seminars, workshops and discussion groups held virtually and in both English and Spanish — but it does not tell you how to be a parent. It is more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose from strategies (based on more than 35 years of research) that fit your needs. You choose the way you want to use them. It is all about making Triple P work for you.
What does Triple P do?
The three Ps in Triple P stand for “Positive Parenting Program,” which means your family life is going to be much more enjoyable.
Triple P helps you:
- Raise happy, confident kids
- Manage misbehavior so everyone in the family enjoys life more
- Set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows
- Encourage behavior you like
- Take care of yourself as a parent
- Feel confident you’re doing the right thing
Who is best suited for Triple P?
Triple P is designed for kids up to age 12 who have had the problem behavior for a relatively short period of time, is mild to moderate in severity and has otherwise met their developmental milestones. Some clinics may even offer specialty Triple P, including Teen Triple P for children older than age 12 and Stepping Stones Triple P for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Where do I start?
Your child’s pediatrician is the best source for all matters concerning their health and well-being, and that includes parenting advice. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about getting started with Triple P. The Children’s Wisconsin website also offers information about this program. Triple P is offered on many different levels, ranging from general parenting advice on everyday problems to in depth one-on-one visits. In addition to therapists in the community, Children’s Wisconsin primary care offices have 18 nurse practitioners that are accredited Triple P providers.
What is offered?
What I love about these seminars and workshops is parents learn they aren’t alone in their parenting challenges. Parents find support and are able to share stories, struggles and successes. Through these events, parents are able to come up with a plan that suits their family’s needs. As a bonus, it’s done right from the comfort of your home.
Seminar series (90 minutes)
- Power of positive parenting
- Raising confident children
- Raising resilient children
Informed workshops (90 minutes)
- Connect with families.
- Talk about parenting challenges and learn from other parents' successes.
- Balancing work and family
- Behavior at school
- Bullying
- Coping with stress
- Tantrums
- Self-esteem
Discussion Groups (120 minutes)
- Meet with other parents in these small-group sessions. Talk about misbehavior that may be upsetting your family life.
- Deal with disobedience
- Manage fighting and aggression
- Create good bedtime routines
- Shop with your children, hassle-free
Parents can easily find a list of local events on the calendar on the Triple P page of the Children’s Wisconsin website. Events are updated often, so check back to see what new events have been added.
If you feel like your particular needs would be better served in a one-on-one setting that can be accommodated. It can be done virtually or, in some practices, in the office. This comes with a cost that is billed to your insurance. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about getting set up with an accredited Triple P provider.
Parenting can be one of the most difficult jobs, but undeniably the most rewarding. Let us help you navigate your parenting struggles using the Triple P approach to ensure smoother sailing and more positivity in the days ahead. Check out the website or talk with your child’s pediatrician about how Triple P can help your family, or send us an email at tripleP@childrenswi.org.
