A local program aims to help parents connect with each other and discover positive ways of parenting.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is offing the Nobody’s Perfect parenting program for parents of children aged zero to six years. Six sessions will run on Wednesdays from Feb. 15 to March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, at 200-601 Sixth St. (Childminding is not provided.)
The free program for caregivers of children aged zero to six gives participants a chance to meet with other parents of young children, share questions, concerns and ideas about parenthood and learn about child development, safety, health and behaviour. It’s also a chance to discuss real-life parenting situations and discover positive ways of parenting.
“Parents want to do the best for their kids, but most probably in their journey they made mistakes and that might trigger some insecurities, especially for those who feel more isolated. But getting the right supports, learning how to be kind to oneself and learning tips on positive discipline and how to cope with undesired behaviours allow them to become better problem solvers and will be more likely to use other supports and resources in our community,” said Maylen Crespo, FSGV’s community programs manager. “Feeling much better equipped to deal with those mishaps and with whatever life has in store.”
Crespo said Family Services has offered the program in the past, but this year is more special as it’s partnering with the Lower Mainland Purpose Society, which has also provided this program in the city.
“It allows us to share knowledge of best practices and capacity building in how to engage parents with other resource programs as well,” she said.
Crespo said the program was developed in the 1980s by Health Canada and the Departments of Health of the Atlantic Provinces and is now owned by the Public Health Agency of Canada. She noted the program is now delivered in communities all across Canada.
To register for the Nobody’s Perfect parenting program, call 604-368-2154 or email ceds-nw@fsgv.ca.
