Family Futures

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dvancing

ocial

ntegration

and

ntergenerational

olidarity

individual is to achieve the highest possible level of partici-

pation from the parents attending the session, helping them

to define the problems presented in the case in order to

maximize the learning experience.

The moderators are not only leaders, but also parents who

are experts at facilitating and guiding these debates in small

groups. They are professionals from different sectors, trained

in moderation and communication techniques. Each profes-

sional moderator has a broad knowledge of the contents of

all programmes. The courses are developed with a strong

commitment to cooperation: parents educating parents,

families educating families.

Another key element of the case method is that the other

participants act as co-creators of the learning process. They

are responsible for preparing the case in advance, first individ-

ually, and then often in small study groups. Ideally, learning

should continue after class as students reflect on the discus-

sion and apply insights and lessons in the broader context of

their academic, professional and personal lives.

The case method in the context of family training is

known as the ‘family system’, in recognition of its specific

characteristics. In addition to the traditional three stages

of the case method – individual analysis, discussion of the

case in small groups and general discussion – an inter-

mediary stage is added: the discussion of the case by the

couple. This means that the family system is made up of a

total of four stages: individual analysis, discussion of the

case by the couple, discussion of the case in small groups,

and general discussion led by an expert. The family system

is more focused on the couple than on the subject, and is

based on the following principles.

Parents as primary educators of their children:

The speciali-

zation that so often occurs in contemporary life can lead

parents to relinquish control of their children’s education to

others (teachers, educators, nannies etc). However, it is the

parents themselves who are in the best position to educate

their children, as they are the ones who receive all the infor-

mation about them from different sources. Family Enrichment

courses highlight this reality and provide parents with the

tools they need to develop their own philosophies and goals,

both in terms of education and character. The methodology

– discussion of case studies by the couple, in small groups,

and in larger general sessions led by an expert moderator –

dissuades parents from the temptation to develop a child’s

education system according to a single external perspective.

Professionalization and anticipation:

Through individual

study of the technical notes and discussion of the case studies

in three phases, couples develop their ability to analyse the

reality of a situation, to distinguish facts from prejudices and

judgements, and to get to the root of a problem. The cases

provide an opportunity to anticipate and learn how to deal

with situations that will, sooner or later, arise in family life.

Commitment:

The case method, by virtue of analysing an

external situation, ensures the involvement of both partners

and allows them to rediscover the richness they each bring

to their shared role as spouses and parents. This balance

is critical in the family. On the one hand, for the children,

whose temperaments are generally more aligned with one or

other parent, and for whom it is important to recognize both

parents’ contributions and roles. However, it is also essential

for the couple, who learn to externalize their own ideas, put

them together and manage any differences of opinion effec-

tively. To educate is to teach love, and strengthening the bond

between spouses helps ensure a solid foundation on which

children can grow.

Friendship and definition of common standards:

The

contrasting views of different couples during small group

discussions and general sessions help couples to maintain

objectivity and constantly review their own values. The

cooperative climate surrounding the courses encourages

couples to explore their desires, goals and concerns, thus

providing the basis for long-lasting friendships between

couples. The mainstream climate is not always family-

friendly, and the relationships formed naturally during

Family Enrichment programmes provide a welcome – and

nourishing – change of pace.

Fun and simplicity:

Courses are developed according to the

age of the children and/or the length of the marriage. The

specific problems of a particular period of personality devel-

opment of the children or the evolution of a marriage are

discussed among those experiencing them first-hand, favour-

ing a simple and informal exchange of stories and lessons

learned. The atmosphere, rather than being strictly academic,

is more like a gathering of friends interested in improving and

helping each other with care and affection, while maintaining

a strong level of professionalism.

The courses focused on children cover the main academic

frameworks and the basic habits that children acquire at

each stage of their development. The Marital Love course

concentrates on the most important aspects of a marriage,

A small group discussion, one of the four stages of the family system

Image: IFFD