Strategy

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP)

What is it?

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) is a parenting intervention program that aims to improve parent-child relationships and overall family dynamics. STEP teaches parents how to identify goals of misbehaviors, encourage cooperative behavior, improve dysfunctional parent-child relationships, and use effective discipline methods. STEP is conducted in groups of 6 to 12 parents. A facilitator guides parents through lessons, videos, discussions, and role-playing activities. 

What is the evidence base?

Parents that participate in STEP gain parenting knowledge related to children’s misbehaviors, encouragement, and discipline. Mothers that participate decrease their use of authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. 

• Jonyniene, Kern, and Gfroerer_2015_Efficacy of Lithuanian Systematic Straining for Effective Parenting (STEP) on Parenting Style and Perception of Child Behavior