Introduction to Parent Management Training 

Welcome to BE HAPPY, we are glad you are here!  Kids do not come with manuals, and many parents struggle to manage childhood behaviors. You are not alone! The goal of this program is to improve your relationship with your child by increasing positive interactions, decreasing problem behaviors, and improving effective discipline. The strategies you will learn about are called Parent Management Training (PMT). PMT is evidence based, which means it has been researched and shown to help with difficult childhood behaviors like tantrums, aggression, not listening, and more. Parenting is stressful- BE HAPPY aims to reduce stress and improve positivity for your whole family!  

How to get the most out of BE HAPPY

• Engage with the modules: We encourage you to set aside time each week to read through the information, watch the videos, and reflect on how the techniques can be helpful for your family.
• Practice makes progress: At the end of each module, we will provide action steps to try at home. To get the most out of this program, practicing at home is vitally important. Just like you would practice a new sport or instrument, we ask that you try out the skills as much as possible.
• Be consistent: It will take time for your child to adjust to new boundaries and new discipline strategies. We encourage you to stick with the skills consistently; don’t give up when it feels challenging!
• Give yourself grace: We recognize that it is hard to learn and implement new skills on top of already busy lives. 

What is Parent Management Training (PMT)?

Parent Management Training or PMT is an evidence-based set of skills designed to help children overcome behavioral challenges and to build stronger family relationships. Below we will discuss the core of what PMT is: 

• Skills-Based: PMT is not about putting the blame on parents or children, but instead views parenting as a set of skills to learn and refine. It is like a bee learning which flowers have the best nectar. At first, they explore and try different flowers. Eventually they learn which flowers work the best and they get better at gathering the nectar to make honey.  
• Proactive: The goal is to create an environment at home that encourages good behavior. This is done through positive attention and direct expectations. In turn, this reduces the need for constant correction.  
• Collaborative: This approach is adaptable to meet you where you are. You are the expert on your child. PMT provides the tools, and you will learn how and when to apply them to fit with the unique needs of your family.  

Who is it for?

Parent Management Training is designed to be helpful for anyone who interacts with children. Parents, grandparents, foster care families, and any guardian can benefit from learning these skills. We will use the term “parents” in our modules, but we want all caregivers to be included!  

Why is it Helpful? 

PMT was developed by child psychologists in the 1960s and has since been improved by research over the last 50 years to what it is today. It is one of the most effective treatments for children with disruptive behaviors such as defiance and aggression. It works because it adjusts the interaction between you and your child. It focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors to reduce problems, build self-esteem, and improve your relationship. 

Now that you have a better understanding of what PMT is, let’s get started!