Common Sense Parenting (CSP)
The goal of Common Sense Parenting (CSP) program is to develop or enhance parenting skills that encourage positive behavior, discourage negative behavior, and teach alternatives to problem behavior in children. Participating parents learn and practice techniques that address issues of communication, discipline, decision-making, relationships, self-control, and school success. CSP is based on a social learning/behavioral model that aims to enhance the role of parents as teachers. The program content is adapted from effective childcare methods developed by Girls and Boys Town, a leading nonprofit organization specializing in the treatment and care of abused, abandoned, and neglected children. The program has been used effectively with children from all age groups and diverse populations, including children with significant behavior problems. Girls and Boys Town has evaluated CSP for evidence of effectiveness over the past five years. Outcome studies have shown that parents report significantly fewer child behavior problems and improved parent and family satisfaction after participating in the program.
Parents raising children.
Spanish versions of CSP are available.
Professional parent trainers lead two-hour parenting sessions held once a week for six-weeks. The training model used in all CSP classes emphasizes experiential learning. The five training components
Girls and Boys Town offers a three-day comprehensive training program for trainers to prepare them to teach in their own communities. There are no qualification requirements for becoming a trainer. This training is offered in the Village of Boys Town in Omaha, and Grand Island in Nebraska. Onsite training is also available.
Girls and Boys Town USA
14100 Crawford St.
Boys Town, NE 68010
Phone: (800) 545-5771
Web site: http://www.boystown.org/
Contact Person: Linda Schuchmann
Email: schuchmannl@boystown.org
The cost of this training is $675 per participant and includes a trainer
In a study of 379 parents from 25 U.S. Air Force bases offering CSP, results indicated a decrease in behavioral problems (as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist), an increase in family satisfaction (as assessed by the Family Satisfaction Scale), and a decrease in the risk of physical child abuse (as indicated by the Child Abuse Potential Scale). These results were maintained at follow-up six months after class completion (Thompson, Ruma, Brewster, Besetsney, & Burke, 1997).
A study of 206 children, ages 2 through 16, showed that CSP is effective with children in all age groups and with children who have significant behavior problems. Three groups were examined: early childhood (ages 2
There is no required evaluation component to CSP. While Girls and Boys Town evaluates their own trainers and staff, most of the program evaluation has been carried out in the research phase through large pilot programs (such as the US Air Force study listed in the references below). Feedback is not required of program implementers. If requested, an evaluation can be carried out by Girls and Boys Town.
- Rated
Burke, R., & Herron, R. (1996). Common sense parenting: A proven, step-by-step guide for raising responsible kids and building happy families. Boys Town, NE: Boys Town Press.
L. Temple-Plots, T. P. Stricklett, C. B. Baker, & M. N. Sterba (Eds.). (2002). Practical tools for foster parents. Boys Town, NE: Boys Town Press.
Ruma, P. R., Burke, R. V., & Thompson, R. W. (1996). Group parent training: Is it effective for children of all ages? Behavioral Therapy, 27, 159
