About 100 people attend PMTO parenting training each year

“Research shows that parents who have received PMTO services are very satisfied. They feel more confident in their parenting role and notice positive changes that can be crucial for the future of the child and the family,” says Kolbrún Sigþórsdóttir, PMTO project manager.

PMTO education helps parents support positive behavior in their children and deal with challenging situations. The main goal is to teach parents/guardians to use supportive parenting methods to improve their children’s adjustment, behavior, and well‑being, and to prevent further difficulties from developing.

What is PMTO?

PMTO parenting training is an evidence‑based treatment for parents of children with communication or behavior difficulties. It has proven highly effective both in Iceland and internationally. PMTO stands for Parent Management Training – Oregon.

In Hafnarfjörður, PMTO courses and individual therapy are offered, and more than 100 parents receive PMTO services each year. Many schools also benefit from the school‑based version of the method, SMT school skills.

The PMTO philosophy is one of many tools used by Hafnarfjörður to support children’s well‑being.

“Increased willingness to cooperate, better communication, more security, and improved well‑being for the children grow. It is also common for cooperation and unity between parents to increase,” Kolbrún says about the results of the courses.

On average, five PMTO parenting courses are taught each year and eight PMTO individual treatments. There is currently no waiting list for PMTO courses, thanks to strong PMTO practitioners who lead the education.

Children’s Prosperity Week underway

Children’s Prosperity Week is currently taking place in the capital area. The goal is to raise parents’ awareness of the new ways municipalities work together for the benefit of children. Specialists from different fields now work together to ensure each child receives the right support.

PMTO parenting support is for parents/guardians of children aged 4–12. Applications for this service are made through Hafnarfjörður’s preschools and primary schools.

PMTO parenting course (first and second‑level support). The course is taught once a week for 8 sessions. Each group has 20 participants.
PTC group therapy (second‑level support, but may also be first or third). PTC stands for Parenting Through Change. The course is taught once a week for 12 sessions, 1.5 hours each. Parents receive homework that the practitioners follow up on with weekly phone calls. Each group has 16 participants.
PMTO individual therapy (third‑level support). Sessions take place during working hours, once a week for one hour over 20–30 weeks. Parents receive homework that practitioners follow up on with weekly phone calls.