Wednesday, January 07, 2015

No parenting method is scientifically proven

A local paper announces:
First 5 Santa Cruz County, which manages the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, today announced that January 2015 has been proclaimed Positive Parenting Awareness Month by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. The proclamation notes that, while parenting is very rewarding and enjoyable, it can also be challenging and exhausting, and yet it is often the most important role an adult will play. Research shows that the quality of parenting is one of the most powerful predictors of children’s social-emotional health. Families come in many forms, and parenting is provided by parents, grandparents, family members and other caregivers. Positive parenting helps parents and caregivers develop warm, nurturing relationships with their children, become more confident as parents and ensure greater well-being for their families.

As noted in the proclamation, “in Santa Cruz County, families can take advantage of various positive parenting programs, such as the scientifically-proven Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, which is offered at low- or no-cost, in English and Spanish, by many local organizations and individuals, thanks to a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (via the Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department.”
No parenting method is scientifically proven. I am sure the County just copied some unverified claims when making this proclamation.

The positive parenting people are the kind to not keep score at a soccer game, because declaring everyone a winner will raise their self-esteem.

Maybe this organization helps people. I don't doubt that. I just object to claims that their methodology is scientific proven to be better. Some of it seems nutty to me.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It's a partnership between the Health Services Agency (via the Mental Health Services Act) and the Human Services Department. It's a marriage of first cousins under the auspices of Santa Cruz County.