ABSTRACT
In today’s world, parents/caregivers are inundated with information on how to raise children. Parents/caregivers are told the best ways to communicate with their children to get them to listen. Many are aware of the four general types of parenting styles. They are generally referred to as authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. Parental/caregiver engagement in the school life of their child or adolescent is seen as an encouraging, promising, and reassuring protective factor. This chapter discusses the ways in which counselors in training can empower and encourage parents/caregivers, as it is critical to remember that when parents/caregivers are unsupported and feel devalued, they often struggle to assist their children. It provides some resources for many techniques to teach parents and caregivers positive discipline and support them in meaningful ways. Multicultural implications and advocacy work are essential to address barriers to mental health services.
