Comparison Chart Between the Strengthening Families Program Classes (& Home-Use DVD)

The Strengthening Families Program, developed by Dr. Karol Kumpfer in 1982 for families with children aged 6-11 (SFP6-11), trains both parents and children in research-proven family relationship skills, thus increasing positive outcomes. Later SFP for ages 12-16 was added (SFP12-16), followed by SFP for ages 3-5 (SFP3-5). In 2012 an inexpensive SFP Home-Use DVD teaching the same SFP skills for ages 7-17 was created. A class curriculum for parents with multi-age children (SFP 7-17) with Teen and Child lessons was created. Video clips of key skills were added. Children and teen lessons were adjusted to cover the same topics as parents. This chart shows lesson content of the different SFP versions. (Dr. Kumpfer also helped create Iowa SFP 10-14 – sold by Iowa State University)

Strengthening Families Program for ages 6-11
Parent Lesson are listed in bold; Kid Lessons in italics

  1. Introduction, Power of Play and Praise
    – Welcome, class rules, why we’re here
  2. Kids’ Abilities by Age and How To Manage Stress
    – Social Skills 1: Listening
  3. Using Social Rewards (effective praise)
    – Social Skills 2: Speak With I-Messages
  4. Goals and Objectives Help Create Good Behavior
    – Praise to Create Good Behavior in Others
  5. Noticing and Ignoring: Reward Charts & Spinners
    – How to Say “NO” to Stay Out of Trouble
  6. Communication: Better Relationships
    – Communication: Better Relationships
  7. Communications: Family Meetings
    – Communication: Family Meetings
  8. Alcohol, Drugs and Families; Risk Assessment
    – Harms of Alcohol and Drugs
  9. Solving Problems and Giving Directions
    – Problem Solving
  10. Setting Limits 1: Getting Kids Back on Track
    – Following Instructions (Parent’s Game)
  11. Setting Limits 2: Practice Setting Limits
    – Coping Skills 1: Recognizing Feelings
  12. Setting Limits 3: Solving Behavior Problems
    – Coping Skills 2: Dealing with Criticism
  13. Building and Using Behavior Programs
    – Coping Skills 3: Coping with Anger
  14. Getting and Keeping More Good Behavior
     – Graduation, Resources and Review

Strengthening Families Program for ages 12-16
Parent Lesson are listed in bold; Teen Lessons in italics

  1. Intro, Group Building, Noticing teens’ positives
    – Class Rules; Having Goals & Dreams
  2. How to Handle Stress
    – Communication, appreciating parents
  3. Encouraging Good Behavior using Rewards
    – Dealing with stress, conflict, anger
  4. Goals and Objectives for Teens
    – Rewarding & ignoring
  5. Communication for Better Relationships
    – Speaking & Listening
  6. Communication and Family Meetings
    – TEENS Communication, Family Meeting
  7. Helping Teens Handle Peer Pressure
    – Peer pressure and temptation
  8. Alcohol, Drugs and Families; Risk Assessment
    – Harms of Alcohol and Drugs
  9. Problem Solving & Giving Directions
    – Problem Solving
  10. Relationships, Love, and Sexuality
    – Friends, dating & sexuality
  11. Setting Limits – Noticing and Ignoring
    – Managing Emotions
  12. Setting Limits – Consequences & Punishments
    – Handling Criticism
  13. Contracts for Changing Behavior
    – Coping with Anger
  14. Review and Graduation
    – Review and Graduation

SFP for ages 7-17 Curriculum (& Home-use DVD)
Parents and kids study same subject; “kid” emphasis in italics

INTRO: Power of play; how Brain develops, Mindfulness
– Use Mindfulness to replace negative thoughts; play
“One-on-One” with parent – youth picks activity

  1. Notice and Compliment the Good; Stress Reducers
    – Look for & compliment the good; avoid criticism
  2. Good Communication Skills & Fun Family Meetings
    – Listen, Understand, Validate; respectful I-messages
  3. Make Family Rules & Rewards; give Responsibilities
    – Follow family rules; choose rewards; do your chores
  4. Positive Discipline & Effective Consequences
    – Accept “no” Nicely; Follow Instructions; Stay Calm
  5. How to Solve Problems, Negotiate, Avoid Problems
    – Identify potential trouble; use refusal skill to say “no”
  6. Reduce Stress, Develop Good Anger Management
    – Ways to reduce stress; identify feelings; track anger triggers, re-program brain with pro-social responses
  7. Make Goals and Contracts to Change for the Better
    – Make goals, contracts to change; homework routine
  8. Harms of Alcohol & Drugs; How to Avoid Addiction
    – Alcohol & drugs harm the teen developing brain
  9. Help Choose Good Friends; Monitor Kids’ Activities
    – Identify qualities of a good friend; be a good friend
  10. 10. Share Values, Enjoy Traditions, Give Service
    Pro-social values, giving service helps us feel happier
  11. BOOSTER Joint lesson: How to Keep Our SFP Skills
  12. BOOSTER Joint lesson: Reduce Conflict at Home
  13. BOOSTER Joint lesson: Creating Stable Families
    (SFP 7-17 can be taught in 10, 11, or 14 sessions)