Working with 4-H Parents

1. 4-H 101 CES Staff Development Series Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:00 a.m. Steve McKinley Carl Broady mckinles@purdue.edubroady@purdue.edu 765-494-8435 765-494-8435 Working with 4-H Parents

2. To access PowerPoint slides, visit: • U: drive, “State YDAE” file folder, then “4-H 101” file folder • “Save as”, then close to allow others to access the file • Lower left hand corner of your screen To ask questions during presentation, type in the Chat box:

3. 4-H 101 Series • 4-H Purpose, History, and Structure (10/15/09) • Effectively Utilizing Volunteers (11/10/09) • Starting and Maintaining 4-H Clubs (12/10/09) • Expanding 4-H Opportunities (1/12/10) • Working with 4-H Parents (2/18/10) • Characteristics of Positive Youth Development & Life Skill Development (3/9/10)

4. “Working with 4-H Parents” resources include… • “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What” • 8 separate modules to help staff and volunteers better work with parents • 4-H 101 Parent Orientation Meeting • Method to introduce parents to the 4-H program • County-based materials that can be adapted for local use

5. Uses of Materials • Extension Staff Development • Volunteer Training • Orientation program for new parents

6. “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Resource for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership/Volunteerism, mckinles@purdue.edu, 765-494-8435 Originally presented January 19, 2006

7. Background… • Parents are an important part of the 4-H program. • The 4-H program has a unique culture that can be confusing. • This series of modules includes information that can help Extension Staff and Volunteers to orient and involve parents in the 4-H Program in a positive way.

8. Module #1: Benefits of Positive Parent Involvement in 4-H Activities “Parents and members learn together – the excitement of mutual discovery.” “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Parent Resource Series for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership & Volunteerism

9. Objective: Explain the benefits of positive parent involvement in 4-H activities. Questions to answer: Why should parents be an active part of the 4-H Program? What benefits are gained as a result of positive parent involvement in 4-H activities?

10. Benefits to 4-H Members • Members gain support and confidence from working with interested adults. • Members are able to participate with their parents in a common interest helping 4-H to be a family affair. • Members receive more individual attention and guidance. • Parents with positive, enthusiastic attitudes are contagious. They create the same attitude in the club members.

11. Benefits to Parents • Parents help their children learn and grow. • Parents share experiences with their children. • Parents improve relationships with their children. • Parents make a contribution to youth in the community.

12. Benefits to Parents • Parents get to know their children’s friends. • Parents make new friends and acquaintances within the community. • 4-H provides an atmosphere in which parents can show love and concern for their children by maintaining an interest in their activities and helping them to meet their goals.

13. Benefits to 4-H Volunteers • Volunteers are able to delegate jobs to responsible parents to allow the volunteers time for development of additional club events. • Volunteers will be able to more effectively reach each member with a positive adult influence. • Volunteers will experience greater satisfaction from watching parent/child relations grow within the 4-H Club setting.

14. Benefits to 4-H Clubs • The 4-H Club is strengthened, larger, and more active. • More club activities may be offered and expanded. • Favorable Attitudes + Parent Interests + Active Parent Cooperation = Successful 4-H Clubs

15. Module #2: Methods to Gain 4-H Parent Support “If I participate in planning a program, I will work harder to make it a success.” “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Parent Resource Series for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership & Volunteerism

16. Objective: Identify methods to gain parent support. Question to answer: How can volunteers gain the support of parents?

17. Background • North Carolina Survey of 458 parents: • 3/4 were willing to help with 4-H, but only 1/8 to 1/2 of the parents actually did. • The most common response parents gave when asked why they did not help with 4-H was, “nobody asked me.” • Parents need to be asked to assist with the 4-H Program. And, they need specific information related to the task at hand.

18. Methods to gain parent support • Ask! • Many parents are willing to help but are unaware that they are needed or wanted. • Become acquainted with the parents. • Find out where they would like to help - determine parent interests and abilities by having them complete a short questionnaire • (e.g., 4-H Parent Interest Survey)

19. Methods to gain parent support • Be specific about the requests that you make of the parents, including tasks and time involved. • Invite parents to a special meeting at the beginning of the 4-H year • Inform them of general 4-H procedures • Introduce them to the volunteer leadership and other parents • Request the parents’ assistance

20. Methods to gain parent support • Keep parents informed of upcoming activities and events • Send newsletters, information sheets, calls, e-mails, Facebook posts, etc. • Let parents know the expectations of them and their children as 4-H members. • Encourage parents to attend 4-H Club Meetings. • Recognize members and their parents.

21. Methods to gain parent support • Lead a 4-H Scavenger Hunt at one of the early meetings with parents and children, using the local 4-H program book as a source for the questions and answers. • Conduct at least one family activity with the 4-H Club (e.g., pitch-in dinner, picnic, challenge relay games, etc.) • Involve parents in meaningful activities so they can see the value in their assistance.

22. Roadblocks to parent support • Lack of communication • Lack of understanding of 4-H program • Do not understand educational value of program or program objectives • Consider 4-H as recreation or babysitting service

23. Overcome roadblocks with… • Clear communications • Avoiding last-minute requests • Support and assistance • Encouragement • Thank you’s

24. Module #3: Roles 4-H Parents Can Perform in the 4-H Program “I am more eager to do my share if others are also helping, if I have chosen it, and if it fits my time and skill.” “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Parent Resource Series for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership & Volunteerism

25. Objective: Identify roles parents can perform in the 4-H Program. Question to answer: What roles can parents perform within the 4-H Program?

26. Parent Roles in 4-H • Help, cooperate, and smile often! • Offer your time & services to assist the 4-H Club volunteer. • You have knowledge, skills, and abilities that are needed in 4-H. • Attend 4-H meetings to provide assistance with crowd control. • Pick up and/or drop off your children – on time! • Consider helping with the operation of the 4-H Club.

27. Parent Roles in 4-H • Serve on committees to help plan and conduct events. • Share your expertise in projects with club members. • Share ideas for possible future programs. • Help secure other qualified adults to assist with projects and activities.

28. Parent Roles in 4-H • Serve as a judge for an event. • Support the 4-H Program in the community. • Promote 4-H among friends and acquaintances. • Provide refreshments. • Encourage accurate and complete record-keeping.

29. Parent Roles in 4-H • Read the information sent to your home about 4-H to keep up-to-date on activities. • Know that “help” is guidance and support; “do with” rather than “do for”. • Follow expectations of a 4-H parent (see next module). • Consider volunteer service in the 4-H program. Applications are available in the County Extension Office.

30. Module #4: Expectations of 4-H Parents “Extension educators and local leaders may kindle the flame in youth, but it takes the good will and help of parents to keep the fire burning." “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Parent Resource Series for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership & Volunteerism

31. Objective: List expectations of 4-H parents. Question to answer: What are the expectations of parents within the 4-H Program?

32. Expectations of 4-H Parents • Make a sincere effort to have your children at 4-H Club meetings and activities. • Pick up your children from 4-H Club meetings and activities promptly. • Advise your children in selecting 4-H projects that are appropriate for them. • Learn about 4-H with your children.

33. Expectations of 4-H Parents • Keep informed about 4-H through information that comes to members of your family. • Help your children learn responsibility by encouraging them to complete their 4-H projects. • Be a guide, advisor, teacher, and counselor to your children as they work on 4-H projects and activities …BUT, don’t do the job for them.

34. Expectations of 4-H Parents • Be a good example! Help your children be good sports and appreciate the successes of others. • Encourage your children when they succeed & even more when they fail. • Help them see progress; not just the end result. • Children will gain confidence and a sense of security when they know their parents approve of their work.

35. Expectations of 4-H Parents • Help children learn to make choices and decisions. • Help children understand their capabilities and reach their potential. • Support your 4-H Club with your time and talents. Be a positive, active parental influence.

36. Module #5: 4-H Parents, Volunteers, and Extension Staff Working Together “Every member needs significant other adults as he grows up." “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Parent Resource Series for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership & Volunteerism

37. Objective: Share methods to help Parents, 4-H Volunteers, and Extension Staff work together. Question to answer: How can parents, 4-H Volunteers, and Extension Staff work together more effectively?

38. Importance of Parent Involvement to Volunteers and Extension Staff • Understand the benefits of parent involvement to the members, parents, volunteers, and overall 4-H Club program. • Establish a mind-set that positive parent involvement is preferred to no or negative parent involvement. • Work to involve parents more fully in the 4-H Program.

39. Ask parents: • For their consent when their child first joins 4-H. • To meet occasionally to discuss the club’s program. • To attend club meetings whenever possible. • To identify their interests and abilities in helping with 4-H. • If they are interested in participating in a “Family Buddy System” so each new family has contact with an experienced 4-H family.

40. Keep parents informed about 4-H. Help them understand… • The basic 4-H objectives and benefits to youth. • The essential elements of positive youth development. • Opportunities available through 4-H. • Expectations of 4-H members. • Names of 4-H Volunteers and Extension Staff.

41. Keep parents informed about 4-H. Help them understand… • Materials and resources needed for project completion. • Financial costs of 4-H participation. • Time, date, and location of 4-H meetings and activities. • Methods used to promote 4-H and club activities to parents.

42. Involve parents: • Invite them to club events; be sure they know they are welcome. • Provide them with opportunities to assume responsibilities within the club. • Provide those interested in volunteering with a task description that lists all of the things that need to be done.

43. Involve parents: • Use a rotation system so that no one person or family carries the majority of the workload. • Express appreciation for their assistance publicly and privately. • Provide opportunities for parents to offer constructive feedback and suggestions on the 4-H program.

44. Module #6: Types of Parents “Your pleasant presence matters quite a lot." “I’m a 4-H Parent…Now What?” Indiana 4-H Parent Resource Series for Extension Educators, Volunteers, and Parents Compiled by Steve McKinley, Extension Specialist, Leadership & Volunteerism

45. Objective: Describe four general types of parents. Questions to answer: What are four general types of parents? How can we help all types of parents participate in the 4-H program?

46. Types of Parents • Parents can be classified into four general types: • Balanced • Overindulgent • Overstrict • Unconcerned

47. Balanced Parents… • Share planning, decision making and home project work with their children. • Encourage 4-H to become part of the family. • Teach their children the self-discipline necessary to do 4-H projects.

48. Balanced Parents… • Use a kind but firm hand. • Need less guidance than some of the other types, but want to be constantly informed of any new developments, projects or activities that are available. • Are more concerned with the educational value of 4-H than with the specific award the member’s project receives.

49. Overindulgent Parents… • Protect and pamper their children. • Have boys and girls who join 4-H only because their parents think it will be good for them. • Frequently do much of the project work and record keeping for their 4-H members.

50. Overindulgent Parents… • Find it easier to do the work than to guide and teach their children the self-discipline necessary to complete the work. • Have children who may lack initiative. • Hinder the development of their child’s imagination and creativity.