Raising a Thinking Child

Raising A Thinking Child  (RTC) is an Evidence-Based parenting program for parents of children 4 to 7 years, that was developed and researched by Myrna Shure. RTC has demonstrated effectiveness in developing interpersonal cognitive problem solving skills in young children, improving parenting skills and parent-child communication, and in decreasing both impulsive and inhibited behaviors in young children.

 RTC has been listed as a model evidence-based program on the Strengthening America’s Families  and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention  model programs websites.

What are Wisconsin parents saying about the program?  Based upon local evaluations from Green County, parents report an increase in how frequently they use new parenting behaviors and strategies after completing the eight-week program.  Parents comment that: “I now ask [the child] how things could be done differently”; “[I’m] asking more ‘thinking’ questions”; “I am much more patient and understanding and less ‘jumpy’”; and “[I’m] asking our daughter what is going on and her point of view”.  Children also learn and use new prosocial behaviors, according to parent reports, by the end of the eight-week series.  Parents have said the following about their children: “He can stop and use the dialogues to diffuse the situation”; “He is much better at handling his emotions and communicating better”; and “He thinks more ahead of time”.

RTC is a train-the-trainer program. Facilitators who participate in the day-long training and who then complete at least one 8-session program with parents will be eligible to teach the program to other community partners. As an Evidence-Based program, colleagues who choose to implement the program are expected to adhere to the 8-session format. For more information contact us.

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