Like Father Like Son: Evaluation of a National Online Parenting Program

***Brief name*** ParentWorks ***Intervention development*** This program is based on the Integrated Family Intervention for Child Conduct Problems developed by Professor Mark Dadds and Associate Professor David Hawes (Dadds & Hawes, 2005), and examined in previous research studies (e.g., Hawes & Dadds, 2005). The program has been adapted for an online, self-directed delivery format (through a dedicated website: www.parentworks.org.au) and designed to appeal particularly to fathers (a group that has in the past been difficult to engage in parenting programs). In addition, although the program was originally designed for parents of children with conduct problems, it has been modified for a broader community sample of parents who may have more general concerns about parenting and child behaviour. ***Intervention summary*** There are 5 core modules, 3 optional modules, supplementary information sheets, practice exercises and typed summaries of module content. The modules are presented as videos and contain a male clinical psychologist presenting the material (speaking to camera or as a voiceover); role plays of parents and/or psychologists demonstrating main skills/strategies (with or without voice over); bullet points during the video that summarise the main points; in session exercises/worksheets (approximately 3 per module). ***Detailed intervention description*** Module 1: Getting Started and Setting Up for Success - Discussion about how the program works - Causes of child behaviour - The important role that fathers play in their children’s upbringing - Barriers to completing the program and how to overcome these - Setting goals for the program Module 2: Encouraging Positive Behaviour - The importance of when and how parents give children attention - The importance of parents spending quality time with children - Parents will learn the different strategies to reward children for positive behaviour, including descriptive praise, tangible rewards, physical affection and spending quality time with them Module 3: Responding to Misbehaviour - Information will be presented on the following strategies: Setting family rules, giving instructions, using time out - Trouble-shooting tips for using time-out will be presented Module 4: Managing Challenging Situations and Sibling Conflict - The psychologist will begin by explaining what high risk situations are (e.g., car rides, morning routines and going shopping with children) - Parents will be provided with practical strategies on how to manage high risk situations by giving them step by step instructions on what to do before, during and after an event. - Parents will learn about practical strategies they can apply in order to manage sibling conflict, such as rewarding/ disciplining siblings as a team Module 5 (Optional Module): Working as a Team - Common sources of disagreement between parents will be outlined - Parents will be given practical advice about: 1. what they can do when their child misbehaves whilst two adults are present; 2. How to have brief discussions together; 3. problem solving discussions - The importance of spending quality time together and practical ways to achieve this will be discussed - The psychologist will provide tips to separated/divorced parents Module 6: Review and Preventing Future Problems - Information presented on key strategies to maintain changes - Parents will be provided with a summary of the key points and strategies provided in modules 2 to 5 - Parents will then be reminded that they have the option to complete the additional modules and download the tip sheets available - Parents prompted to complete the post-assessment and reminded they will receive feedback on this when they have done so - Next, parents will be informed that they will receive a text and/or email reminder regarding the 3 month questionnaires they will be asked to complete Module 7 (Optional Module): Encouraging Child Development through Quality Time and Play - Information will be presented about what spending quality time with children involves - The developmental benefits of playing with children (e.g., cognitive, social, emotional and physical) will be outlined - Parents will be provided with information about, and practical strategies to carry out, Child Directed Play Module 8 (Optional Module): Bully-Proofing Your Child - The various forms of bullying will be defined (e.g., verbal, psychological and social) - The effects of bullying on the victim, bully and witnesses will be discussed - Strategies parents can use to reduce the chances of their child being bullied and what they can do if their child is being bullied will be discussed - How to carry out problem solving discussions with children if they disclose that they are being bullied - Parents will then be provided with strategies they can use to reduce the likelihood that their child will bully others - Signs that may indicate that their child is bullying others, why children might bully others as well as what parents can do if their child is bullying others ***Mode of delivery*** All online with option to print physical copies of some materials if desired. No face-to-face contact. Parents can choose to complete the intervention alone or with their partner (or other adult who is involved in parenting). ***Intervention dose*** The 5-8 modules will be completed over a 4-8 week period at the parents' own pace. Parents can take as long as they like to complete the program and can also put the program on hold for as long as they choose. Each module takes 20-30 minutes to complete. Modules 1 and 2 can be completed on the same day. There is a one-week break in between each of Modules 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. During the one-week breaks, there are practice exercises to be completed, which relate to the module content. After Module 6, Modules 7 and 8 become available immediately and can be completed at any time. All intervention content can be revisited at any time until three months post-intervention. ***Location*** The intervention can be completed online at locations of the participants' choice. ***Personalisation of intervention*** The content of the modules will not differ between individuals completing the intervention. However, based on participants baseline questionnaire responses, participants might receive a recommendation to complete the optional Module 5. This recommendation will occur if parents indicate that they experience disagreements surrounding childrearing issues. ***Fidelity*** Fidelity is not relevant as it is an online intervention.