Investing in Parents is a unique program devised by Dr. Michael Bernard and one of a number of programs that comprise the You Can Do It! Education initiative, (of which Dr. Bernard is the founder). Currently this initiative is being adopted for implementation by schools across Australia and New Zealand. Based on the principles of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Dr. Bernard has identified seven parenting capabilities or sound practices of parenting that exert a positive impact on children's achievement and social-emotional well-being outcomes.

These are:

  • Positive parent-child relationships
  • Communication of high expectations for achievement and behaviour
  • Being interested and involved in children's education
  • Involving children in decision-making and providing them with special responsibilities
  • Accommodating children's interests
  • Providing motivational support
  • Modelling and communicating positive attitudes, values and life skills

The Investing in Parents program consists of 10 modules covering different topics. Each is designed as an extended teaching lesson, with master copies of handouts and overhead slides. Teaching methods include role modelling, rehearsing and practising parent skills; journal keeping, re-runs of events leading to 'rough spots' and opportunities for parents to discuss ways to solve achievement-related problems.

Because Investing in Parents is a program for parents, parents are encouraged to become session leaders. The program is also designed to be used by a variety of people, including teachers, counsellors, psychologists and training consultants. The 'Investing in Parents' program also advocates the establishment of a committee, consisting largely of a representative group of parents from the surrounding community, as essential. This committee would be given the task of developing ways to reach parents in their community. The School Audit for self-assessment that comes with the program, helps schools to determine the current level of their investment in parents.

The Investing in Parents program, or the 'You Can Do It! Education' initiative is sponsored by the Australian Scholarships Group.