Module 3: View Of Self as a Parent
Module 3 of the Parents Under Pressure program aims to help
parents reflect on their view of themselves as parents and help
find and believe in evidence of their parental competency.
Many parents who are in contact with child protection agencies or
drug and alcohol services feel as though they have failed in their
parenting role. Bringing about a shift in this negative view of
self as a parent requires time and support.
The module includes exercises that help the parent believe "I am a
good parent". Parents are helped to understand that no one is a
perfect parent. The concept of the good-enough parent is useful
here. Specifically, a good-enough parent is one that helps a child
develop to their potential (physically, socially, emotionally,
behaviourally, and cognitively).
Parents may have unrealistic expectations of their child and
expect greater maturity than the child is capable of. An important
component of this module is to find out whether the parent's
expectations of their child are realistic.
Parents who have suffered adversity during childhood (abuse and
neglect) are often very clear that they do not want their child to
have a similar childhood but may not be able to provide alternative
models of parenting. This module encourages parents to
consider the impact of childhood adversity on their current
parenting and to consider alternative strategies.
In addition to the specific exercises in this module, realistic
goals are identified and worked towards throughout the PUP program.
Part of the therapeutic process is to acknowledge that each step
towards goal attainment provides evidence that the parent has the
strength to make meaningful changes.