The single most important job a parent has is the nurturing and raising of happy, healthy children. A big part of that parenting role is to help children learn to behave in a variety of situations as they grow and mature.

However, children don’t come with a how-to manual, an expression often heard by parents, especially when a child develops a new and challenging behaviour. While preschoolers having tantrums when shopping and uncooperative teenagers can be upsetting, making some small changes can make a big difference in behaviour.

The Positive Parenting Program, also known as Triple P, aims to give parents the confidence and problem-solving skills to promote positive behaviour in children and help prevent some problems from developing in the first place. The program is based on a core set of skills that emphasizes plenty of encouragement for behaving well, with the belief that catching kids being good is key to reinforcing desired behaviour.

Triple P offers support, practical suggestions and a plan of action for parents in the way that they need it, whether that’s by talking to a trained person over the phone, in individual or group sessions or with additional help. The program was developed in Australia and is widely used there, as well as around the world. Triple P is available in Simcoe Muskoka from a variety of community agencies, including the health unit.

An example of a Triple P approach to a preschooler who has tantrums in the grocery store would include a reminder to parents that they need to be realistic. The child may find shopping boring so planning some activities and getting them involved in collecting grocery items may be in order.

A Triple P plan of action for a rude and disrespectful teenager would include understanding why the young person is behaving that way, modeling and encouraging positive communication, staying calm and patient, setting rules at home and following through with consequences.

If you’ve ever wondered if you were doing the right thing as a parent, if you’ve ever struggled with your child’s behaviour or if you’ve ever wanted to improve your relationship with your child or teenager, you’re not alone. Raising children and teaching them the positive attitudes, skills and behaviours to develop their full potential isn’t always easy, but Triple P can help.

For more information about Triple P or other parenting programs in your area, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and speak with a public health nurse or check the website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Dr. Surry is one of Simcoe Muskoka’s associate medical officers of health and a pediatrician.