“Strengthen a strength”. The primary focus of this program is on strengths, not weaknesses. In Growing Better Families—Becoming a Stronger Parent-Leader, we believe that growth is maximized when the emphasis is on the positive. Strengths are a fact of life; everyone has strengths. These strengths are the primary building blocks for growing stronger. We identify areas of strength and then work to “strengthen a strength”. This theme is continuously in play and one which we always keep in the forefront of our thinking.

“Strengthening a strength” is usually a very efficient process and the benefits are often quickly apparent. When the primary focus is to strengthen a strength, the weaknesses seem to become weaker, playing a less prominent role in daily life.

More on How to Strengthen a Strength.

Weaknesses are also a fact of life and everyone has weaknesses. We would be remiss to ignore our weaknesses, but we would be just as remiss to focus more on our weaknesses than on our strengths. Weaknesses are not ignored however. In the programs of Growing Better Families you will discover some unique ways of dealing with weaknesses.

More on What to Do With a Weakness.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

Narcissism has no place in the life of a strong Parent-Leader.

Egotism has no place in the life of a strong Parent-Leader.

Strong Parent-Leaders lead by leading, not by pushing, shoving, manipulating, coercing, threatening, bribing, begging, pleading, cajoling or controlling.

Strong Parent-Leaders lead with understanding.

Strong Parent-Leaders know that to become stronger they need to continue to learn.

Confidence gradually increases when leadership skills are Knowledge Based and Truth Based.

 

A strong Parent-Leader does not take advantage of a weakness in the other person.

A “take charge” person may not be a strong Parent-Leader if that person is manipulative or controlling.

Strong Parent-Leaders lead by:

• Example
• Serving others in love
• Teaching where teaching is the best method for learning
• Training where training is the best method for learning
• Seldom giving advice
• Providing guidance where and when it will be accepted
• Bringing out the best in every family member
• Controlling the situation, not controlling people
• Resisting competitiveness, adversarialism and an entitlement mentality as they try to creep into the family way of life
• Understanding it is not about me, it is about us.

If, after completing either the SINGLE PARENT FAMILY LEADER REVIEW or the 2 PARENT FAMILY LEADER REVIEW and checking the Study Outline, you wish to participate in this program to become a stronger Parent-Leader, it is recommended that you become a member of the GreenHouse.

There are several important advantages to becoming a member:

1. You will gain full access to the Family Resource Library where you will find much helpful material that is geared toward your becoming a stronger Parent-Leader. You will frequently be referred to the Family Resource Library during the course of this program.

2. As a member you will gain access to the Family Web Forum where you can participate with other members in giving and receiving assistance.

3. Also on the Family Web Forum you can demonstrate leadership by sharing your solutions and wisdom for the benefit of others as they too work to become stronger Parent-Leaders.

To continue, print out either the Single Parent Family Leader Review or the 2 Parent Family Leader Review. (Print out by clicking on the PDF icon on the respective review pages).

After you have completed the Review, go to the Study Outline where you can select an area of interest or concern. You will be well on your way to becoming a stronger Parent-Leader.

I would recommend, if at all possible, that you participate in this program with other parents. Start by checking out the group that you usually are a part of, i.e. church school class, Bible study group, neighborhood group, etc. If that is not possible, start a new group with the focused purpose of Becoming Stronger Parent-Leaders. Since change is always a challenge, the support, encouragement and perspective that can come from other group members will be invaluable.

Just think what could happen if group members in the future would start their own groups to focus on becoming stronger Parent-Leaders.

As you grow and become a stronger Parent-Leader, I would encourage you to consider enrolling in Family Co-Mentoring™, a training and educational program sponsored by Growing Better Families.

Your comments, suggestions and questions are welcome.

Lowell E. Becker, M.D.
Child and Family Psychiatrist
Founder and President, Growing Better Families