- Analysis of the book "STAR Parenting" - Explanation of the purpose of STAR Parenting - Application of STAR Parenting to course material - Review of STAR Parenting as applicable to real-life scenarios

1. STAR Parenting Program Review
By: Julia Baughn, Millie Bergey, Aubrey Brinkley, Myers Clark
What is STAR Parenting…
and why should I care about it?
STAR Parenting is a step-by-step approach to help
parents guide their children. It is practical for day to day
scenarios as well as for very serious, larger situations.
Main elements for guidance include the following:
1) Developing an attitude of respect and
reflection to sustain year-long parenting
goals for children
2) Four-step process for responding to
unwanted behavior
3) Fifteen specific tools organized into five
groups or points
A further break down of the four-step process:
S.T.A.R
S- Stop and focus
On yourself, the child and the problem. Reflect on
the scenario before taking action. Assess momentary
needs and focus on expectations as a parent.
T- Think of ideas
Free your mind to think of different ideas. These
can be silly and new. Ideas can be thought of in the
moment or later when things are really calm.
A- Act Effectively
Choose several ideas, make a plan and use it.
Following through on the plan is essential. Friends and
family can be used as accountability partners.
R- Review, revise and reward yourself
Evaluate what is working and what needs to be
changed in the ways you guide your children.
How is STAR Parenting connected
to course material?
BE A NURTURING, ATTENTIVE PARENT
In class, we discussed topics similar to those found on page 14 of
STAR Parenting in Table 1-1. This portion of the book specifically
walks parents through scenarios of temper tantrums. The main
points state that the parent should actively listen, acknowledge
their child’s feelings, and help them learn new ways to cope when
they get upset. These tools represent a parent who is attentive and
warm towards their child and is cohesive with course material.
CHILDREN HAVE DIFFERENT TEMPERAMENTS
STAR Parenting teaches parents that when a problem arises, they
should “consider how [the problem] might be affected by [their]
child’s temperament” (Crary, 18). These teachings are presented in
chapter two and discussed in depth in chapter three. Crary also
explains how different children will respond to the same stimulus
due to certain temperaments. The material presented in the text
supported the material learned in class. As seen in the course
material, it is evident that parenting can be transformative when
parents understand their children’s personality types and work with
them accordingly..
PARENTAL SELF CARE
Crary provides examples of negative consequences that can arise
from a parent’s lack of self care in the midst of child rearing. She
encourages honesty by stating that problems “can be avoided if
[the parent] is realistic about [their] needs” (Crary, 59). Further,
she explains the significance of a support group which lines up with
research studied in class. Both the text and material encourage
parents to engage with family and friends who can walk alongside
them throughout child rearing.
How is STAR Parenting
disconnected from course
material?
SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS = LIMIT CHILD
The text states that the solution would be to hide the eggs
from the child in a place that the child cannot reach (Crary,
68). As I read this portion of the book, it felt as though the
child was being limited by the parent. Overall, STAR
Parenting teaches to avoid problems by putting the child in
a setting where the “problem” is out of sight. In contrast,
the lectures promoted socializing the child to understand
what they desire and fulfilling those desires in an
acceptable, responsible way.
DO NOT INCLUDE CHILDREN IN RULE MAKING
There are five steps to create rules which includes
“mak[ing]” a clear, simple rule,” “choos[ing] an effective
consequence,” “clarify[ing] the child’s choice,”
“follow[ing] through with the consequence,” and finally
“deal[ing] with the child’s distress constructively” (Crary,
154). Therefore, the STAR Parenting gives a guide to what
it looks like to be in charge and set boundaries, but the
lectures provide a guide to what it looks like to be
explanatory and work together to meet goals and
expectations with children.
Should a parent read STAR
Parenting?
Yes, a parent should read STAR Parenting. It is practical and
can be applied to all types of situations.
1. STAR Parenting is based on stories and scenarios from
parents’ real-life experiences. This gives the reader a
sense of relatability and can help parents feel
understood in their hardships of parenting. STAR
Parenting highlights circumstances of parents with
children of all ages; therefore, parents with children in
different stages are able to find applicable, realistic,
and helpful tools.
2. This book is highly interactive and engaging. It offers
many tools for parents to apply to their parenting and
to use in a wide range of scenarios with their children.
The explanations are in depth and elaborate. Tables
found throughout the text consist of personal
information that can be used to implement material
into real life situations.
A few pushbacks…
1. Due to a variety of approaches, STAR Parenting can
sometimes result in a lack of conversation between the
parent and child. Sometimes this can occur in
situations where the child may need more assistance
and understanding. While boundaries are important, it
is crucial to maintain conversation between parent and
child.
2. STAR Parenting gives forward information that does
not always include the child in the discussion;
therefore, reinforcing closed communication between
parent and child.