Most current parent education programs tend to involve parents who are proficient readers, who are capable of thinking abstractly, and who have had sufficient social experience to behave constructively within a group. Yet, there are large numbers of parents whose motivation may be less obvious, who often lack emotional support, and who tend to see their lives as a series of crises. The more traditional method of a structured group study and discussion of child rearing practices and problems does not appear to be the most effective approach in working with this "hard-to-reach" population. A more effective approach is through an expanded group discussion format which addresses total life concerns as well as parenting issues. The group leaders must be adept at integrating all of this material for group participants. Because group leaders may themselves be the recipients of inadequate parenting, they must be positive and accepting even when confronted with destructive life styles and limit-testing behavior within the group. Small long-term groups with co-leadership appear to be most successful in working with "hard-to-reach" parents. (Author)