VILSECK, Germany -- When it comes to raising kids, everyone has an opinion. So how do you know what really works?

Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program is taking the guesswork out of parenting with the Triple P -- Positive Parenting Program.

Triple P is a simple, effective parenting tool which military families in USAG Bavaria, Grafenwoehr now have the opportunity to use.

Chosen as a pilot community, USAG Bavaria will be the first military community where parents have access to the Triple P Program.

Through online resources and a large provider network, families now have the opportunity to receive immediate help to manage big and small problems -- without a referral.

Problems like toddler tantrums or teenage rebellion, self-esteem issues, bedtime battles, disobedience, or aggression can all be helped through Triple P.

Triple P offers two approaches for parents to get help online at www.triplep-usag.net or through a local provider.

Through online resources parents can research behavioral issues, watch helpful parenting videos, listen to podcasts, review testimonials and see how other parents are using the program, or search out a local provider.

Providers are equipped with a wide range of support tools including books and other materials. They are able to offer specialized seminars, and individual services -- all at no cost to parents in USAG Bavaria.

Every location that conducts child-related business such as schools, health clinics and youth program locations will have a person certified in the levels of Triple P.

These certified providers create a solid network of positive parenting for military families in the USAG Bavaria community.

Research shows that a united method of parenting across agencies and throughout the community leads to military family success. In addition to providing a larger framework of support, a community based approached leads to a higher degree of flexibility.

Flexibility is a key component of effective parenting techniques when dealing with the ever-changing stressors faced by the average military family.

"Triple P is the only research-based parenting program that provides the flexibility to adapt to the needs of families and to a variety of service settings," said John C. Duby, M.D., director, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Akron Children's Hospital, Ohio.

Flexibility is also one of the attributes that makes Triple P so user friendly.

Parents are able determine the level of support obtained through Triple P. When parents register for seminars, they choose from a variety of topics and programs based on their personal family needs, which can include individual support.

Parents can then decide how to implement Triple P techniques and address the behavioral needs of children in real-time using information gained from Triple P resources.

Parents can access information about Triple P seminars, workshops, services and providers through the Triple P website under the Get Help link or call ACS at 09662-83-2650.

Editor's Note: Salem Whalen is the Information & Referral Intern at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria's Army Community Service.