Parents make the connection

PARENTING is something most mums and dads will find is beyond the scope of books, theories and information in the media.
To combat the problems and issues many parents face, Connected Families – Strong Communities and Anglicare are offering two parenting programs to support local families in Cranbourne.
Program coordinator Debbie Nobbs said the great thing about attending a parenting group was that group members could meet other ‘real’ people who had many of the same skills, fears, challenges and joys as they did.
“Theories come and go, and everyone has an opinion about how we should discipline children,” she said.
“With so much information and so many different views being pushed, it’s no wonder that many parents feel confused or lack confidence in their own parenting ability.”
Ms Nobbs said there had been much positive feedback from those who had attended the groups so far.
One parent said: “Anglicare and its members helped me build up my confidence as a parent and made me feel okay, even when I made mistakes because I knew our next group meeting wasn’t far away and I could offload my issues and it helped to find a solution that was right for me.”
Another said: “I love the way that the group environment gave me the ability to trust in others, to listen and share opinions, learn lots of parenting skills, but mostly I love the fact that I was ‘so-called normal’.”
The first program is for parents and carers of children aged up to 12 years and runs at Anglicare Victoria at 38 Bakewell St, Cranbourne, on six subsequent Tuesday nights from 8 May to 12 June from 7pm to 9pm.
Tea, coffee and light supper is supplied and the course is free but bookings are needed. Contact Sue on 5995 0866.
Talking about Adolescents runs for four weeks on Mondays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm from 14 May to 4 June. For information call Debbie Nobbs on 5995 0866.