FAQs About the Parent Child Journey Program

What is Parent Child Journey based on?

Parent Child Journey combines the wisdoms of many different programs and schools of thought. Starting in 1985, Dr. Shapiro ran parent groups in his general pediatrics practice based on the parent training programs of Forehand/ McMahon and Barkley. Over the years, he has modified his course to include the ideas in Ross Greene’s The Explosive Child, Martin Seligman’s Learned Optimism, William Carey’s work on temperament, B.F. Skinner’s behaviorism, Phillip Kendall’s cognitive-behavioral therapy, Mel Levine’s A Mind at a Time, Carol Dweck’s Mindset – and more. While the material presented in this course is based on the work of these innovative researchers, Dr. Shapiro’s Parent Child Journey Program provides a unique integration of these time-tested approaches. The result: an approach that’s comprehensive, practical and effective. For more about the history of Parent Child Journey and Dr. Shapiro, CLICK HERE.

Is the Parent Child Journey program effective?

At the beginning and end of every course, participants complete behavior rating scales. Over the years, about 75% of class participants have reported substantial improvement in their children’s problem behaviors and problem situations. A much higher percentage report that they feel better about their relationship with their children and their ability to handle challenging situations. These results have held true across socioeconomic groups and have not depended on whether the course is offered in person or online.

How is Parent Child Journey different from other parenting courses?

Parent Child Journey is an individualized approach. One size does not fit all. This is what separates Parent Child Journey from other parenting programs. First, parents are taught how to answer one fundamental question: What is it about your child that causes problem situations and problem behaviors? Second, parents are introduced to a tool kit; including a large set of time-tested proactive strategies for problem situations, and reactive strategies for problem behaviors. Then, well-equipped, parents are guided on how to choose and use the right tool for their child and their family in different situations.

Do you recommend completing all ten miles of the self-paced material before joining a live Journey Discussion Group? Or should we do “each mile” in the at-your-own-pace video course and the live discussion group, week-by-week, at the same time?

Most parents will want to do the At Your Own Pace Video Course along with the Interactive Live/Zoom Discussion Group. This means getting through the course material and starting to implement the homework strategies during the week before each group meeting. Although this is not completely at your own pace, you can still watch the video modules at your convenience. Advantage: You get the benefit of the discussion group while the material is fresh. This can help with troubleshooting and motivation. However, some parents will want to complete the At Your Own Pace Course first, then join an Interactive Zoom Discussion Group the next “semester.” Advantage: You can truly go at your pace; for example, take a few weeks with each “mile” instead of one week. It’s entirely up to you.

When will the next Interactive Live/Zoom Discussion Groups be offered?

We plan to offer live Discussion Groups three times per year. Start dates are usually in October, January, and April. These dates will be posted on this webpage and announced via our Newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page.

Can I register for an Interactive Zoom Discussion Group that is currently in progress?

We recommend joining a live discussion group from the beginning. But you can join a live discussion group any time. If you do register after a course begins, just catch up by viewing the video course content for the missed live sessions. You can use the recorded online video course or read the book. If you choose to wait for the next semester, again, a new group usually starts every January, April, June, and October of each year. Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page for regular updates.

What if one parent can’t participate in all ten sessions? What if one parent doesn’t do any of the course?

For two-parent households, it’s always best if both parents participate. Whether you are co-parenting or a single parent, you can include others who are regularly involved in your child’s care; grandparents, nannies, daycare providers, etc. If the key players cannot participate in the live discussion groups, at least they can access the online video course or book. The main thing is implementation of strategies at home. You can set aside a time each week to share strategies and discuss homework with your co-parent or other childcare providers. In this way, those who are not participating in the live discussion groups can still collaborate and implement the program together.

What if one parent is not interested, does not think there is a problem, has a very different approach, or has been difficult to work with in the past?

It is not unusual for parents or other adults to be out-of-sync. Sometimes there is significant marital tension. Sometimes parents are divorced or separated. Sometimes there is blame, shame, anxiety or anger. This kind of conflict is all the more reason to work through Parent Child Journey. In this program, we move past sweeping generalizations about your child, yourself, and your co-parent. The approach here is practical. What is it about your child and the situation that explains the problem behaviors? Taking one problem situation at a time, what practical strategies will be most effective? By focusing on specific solutions, parents often find they are not so far apart as they thought. At the end of the course, it’s not unusual for conflicting parents to find that they are better able to work with each other.