Parenting in 2 Worlds

Parenting in 2 Worlds (P2W) is a culturally grounded, evidence-based curriculum co-created with American Indian communities to strengthen family relationships, build parenting skills, and support the health and well-being of teens.

Overview

Parenting in 2 Worlds (P2W) is an evidence-based curriculum created by and for American Indian and Alaska Native families with teenagers ages 12 to 17. The program strengthens family relationships and builds practical parenting skills that support youth well-being and help reduce risks related to mental health challenges, substance use, and other risky behaviors.

P2W was adapted from the Families Preparing a New Generation curriculum through a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) process in partnership with urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities in three Arizona cities. The adaptation centers American Indian worldviews, cultural traditions, and parenting values, with a strong emphasis on nurturing healthy family relationships. P2W is currently being evaluated through a multi-site, multiregional effectiveness trial in four diverse urban American Indian communities. This phase of research expands the focus to adolescent outcomes and examines how urban Indian centers can effectively deliver, adapt, and sustain P2W in their communities.

How the Program Works

The P2W curriculum is culturally and ecologically tailored to the strengths of multi-tribal urban AI/AN communities. Topics covered include:

Identification of family values
Child-rearing traditions
Sources of support for parents
Communication skills
Substance use prevention
Strategies to prevent other risk
behaviors

Outcomes

Studies show that families who participate in P2W experience:

an adolescent boy of native american heritage laughs with father

Adapted to American Indian Culture and Learning Styles

P2W is culturally grounded and adapted to American Indian learning by:

Integrating intertribal cultural values, including spirituality.
Building on community and traditional culture as a source of strength.
Reflecting an American Indian worldview of parenting as a community responsibility.
Incorporating circular, rather than linear, approaches to learning.
Using modern-day storytelling and hands-on activities to engage learners in the content.

Information

To explore collaboration opportunities or implement P2W in your organization, please email us at [email protected].