Skills Courses Under the PMTO Banner for 25 years

Hafnarfjörður is leading in PMTO in Iceland

“Congratulations on the 25th anniversary,” said Mayor Valdimar Víðisson as he delivered his address at the educational seminar and anniversary celebration of the PMTO approach at the Nordic House recently. A large group of specialists attended the event.

“When we look back over these 25 years, it becomes clear that this was not just the implementation of a method, but a decision that has shaped the culture in schools and municipalities across the country. It was a decision to respond to children’s challenges with support and preventive measures instead of constantly putting out fires,” he said, adding that Hafnarfjörður had been both fortunate and bold to be among the first municipalities to embark on this journey.

“That is something we are extremely proud of. But such pride also comes with responsibility. When we choose to adopt this approach, we are not only implementing new procedures but also deciding which values should guide our interactions with children, parents and each other.”

100 attended PMTO parenting-skills courses last year

A total of 100 parents attended PMTO parenting-skills courses in Hafnarfjörður last year. Parents receive instruction and training in supportive methods in their parenting role. They learn, among other things, how to set clear limits for their children in a gentle manner. Kolbrún Sigþórsdóttir, PMTO project manager for the municipality, explained the approach earlier this year. “Parents are given the right tools and taught how to use them so that the results are as good as possible.” She attended the seminar together with representatives of Hafnarfjörður.

In his address, Valdimar said that PMTO and SMT had been transformative as guiding philosophies that had influenced all aspects of the work. “How we talk to children, how we address challenges, how we give praise and how we set boundaries without breaking anyone down,” said the former school principal. The impact can be seen in small moments during the day, in a classroom where a teacher manages to keep calm without raising their voice, in a child who was once described as “challenging” but is now “a student who succeeds when given the chance,” in a parent-teacher meeting that becomes a collaboration instead of a confrontation. “These are the moments that show why this work is so important,” he said.

“When schools speak the same language, when specialist services support the same approach, and when parents feel they are part of the solution, something significant happens. Behavioural challenges stop being the private issue of a child or family and become a shared project. That is the real change this system brings: not just teaching specific steps but changing how we think about children, responsibility and cooperation.”

No quick fixes to changing challenges

Valdimar said it is important to acknowledge that challenges have changed over the past 25 years and that it is tempting to constantly search for new miracle solutions, new programs or new systems.

“But this 25-year history and experience from PMTO and SMT shows us that we need to nurture what works. We must take care of the foundations: communication, parenting, cooperation between home and school, clear boundaries and warmth. These are timeless values that we need now more than ever.”

He expressed special thanks to the pioneers who began this journey. “I want to thank all the PMTO and SMT specialists who have kept the momentum going, trained others, guided them and stood firm even when facing headwinds.” He also thanked school staff, parents and children who have participated.

“The core message is that this work has taught us that children who show difficulties are not troublemakers but children in difficulty. It reminds us that behaviour is a language and that solutions emerge when we stand together: schools, families, municipalities and specialist services.” He said it is important to continue on this path.

PMTO parenting-skills training has been implemented and taught in Hafnarfjörður since the year 2000.