The Family Strengthening Kits can be described during orientation to prepare parents to receive them during the year from cadets or mentors. We have found that offering incentives for the return of the video and evaluation form work well. Assign cadets to take a video and view it during furlough. Incentives can play a very useful role in this method. Issue the Family Strengthening Kits to each cadet prior to the last furlough with the option for a parent to return it at graduation.
Viewers mark responses and take notes using the parent brochures that accompany each tape.
The notes and responses are private. We have observed that honesty and privacy go together. The more honestly the program is presented, the greater likelihood for positive results. For this reason, we recommend the videos be viewed and discussed by those who enjoy a degree of trust and confidence. When the videos are presented with a facilitator to lead a discussion, there is an opportunity for some excellent teaching and learning to take place.