 Parenting Courses
Successful parenting is vital for the future of our nation. Seeing trends towards breakdown in family relationships, increased stress from changing societal values and work patterns, increased rates of child homelessness and youth suicide and riding rates of anxiety and depression across all age groups, the Total Health and Education Foundation developed parenting courses to strengthen parents in their role of creating a positive and stable family environment. The philosophy underlying the courses acknowledges that parents know their children better than anyone else. Improved parenting comes first of all from appreciating each parent’s own strengths. A sense of optimism and confidence in themselves gives parents greater confidence in their role within the family. Many parents have reported changes in their family life arising from making changes in themselves. Parents are encouraged to see life through the child’s eyes. Whilst acknowledging the child’s perspective, parents must still be leaders within the family and give clear guidance and limits to children as they grow whilst steering them towards independence. Parents need to find a balance between the child’s needs and their own. This happens more easily when parents value their relationship with their children yet maintain their own growth and integrity. The Parenting Courses are based on the work and writings of Vijay Yogendra, author of “Parenting for Everyone”. Dr Maurice Balson, author of “Becoming Better Parents” and former professor of education at Monash University has also contributed to approaches to assist parents in the management of children. Course OutlineCourse leaders introduce a range of key issues which are relevant to all families. These are blended with topics and questions raised by participants. The course recognizes that no two families are the same, just as no two children in a family are identical. There are no “pat” answers that work the same for everybody when it comes to children and parenting. The course builds each parent’s self-confidence and skills to reinforce their own aims and efforts. Topics include: Understanding Your Children: The pre-schooler, the young child and the adolescent; the role of observation in understanding children. Teaching Your Children Values: How do children learn values; the importance of the parent as an example; how to handle negative influences on your child. Creative Discipline: Striking a balance between freedom and control; nurturing self-discipline. Letting Your Children Be Children: The “little adult” syndrome; parental expectations; children’s needs and expectations; encouraging a child to be open. Communication in the Family: When, where and how to communicate; positive and negative communication. Family Interactions: Sibling rivalry; the extended family. Being the Parent You Want to Be: How to achieve your goals; handling stress. Course DetailsThe Parenting Course is one hour a week for six weeks. The cost is $125 per couple or $100 per individual. Concession fees of $100 and $75 respectively are available for parents who are unemployed, on pensions or supporting benefits. Courses are limited to 14 participants so that individual needs can be catered for. Bookings can be made by ringing the Centre for Healthy Living in Warwick on 4661 3340. OutreachThe Centre specializes in tailoring programs to the needs of individual parents and groups. Course leaders are available for taking courses in Brisbane and Toowoomba by arrangement. As well as conducting parenting courses for the general public, over the past 15 years the Foundation’s parenting course leaders have made inputs to families and professionals in Queensland through:
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