Parenting Skills Relevant To Parental Decision Making

The Formula 4 Parenting approach depends upon ten parenting skills. Each parent or carer will posses these to a greater or lesser extent. When the parent or carer uses the Decision Tree they are informed which of the skills they are using as they make each choice. The appropriateness of the eventual outcome will depend upon how proficient the parent is in each of these ten skills.

A tenet of Formula 4 Parenting is that these skills can be developed and strengthened. Indeed, the very act of using the Decision Tree can help in the development of these skills. However, it is also acknowledged that professionals and support workers, who work with parents and carers, may well want to develop programmes around these skills. The authors of Formula 4 Parenting would encourage this and any other innovative way in which the approach can be given greater life and utility in helping children's participation in family decision making.