Yesterday, a group of excited parents gathered in a big room for a Better Parenting Skills workshop. Some of the parents were also teachers at the nearby Upper Mt Gravatt State School, one was the principal, one was from the Lions Club, who sponsored the event, and the rest were parents from the school community.
I started by asking them why they were there and what they wanted to learn. Here are some of things they said:
- How to handle kids’ behavioral problems
- How to support kids with their academic and emotional development
- How to feel well-equipped for parenting
- How to feel like good parents who do the right things by their kids
During the day, there were many “aha” moments. Parents learned about using positive language, recognizing communication styles and love languages and focusing their parenting on the things that are truly important to them.
For example, one parent told the group he’d had friction with his son for spending too much time on specific details, while he’d just wanted “to get on with it”. During the parenting workshop, he found out his son wasn’t being picky but may in fact be digital. With a bit of patience and an understanding of communication styles, this parent can now improve the communication with his son a great deal.
When asked what she would tell a friend about this workshop, Terri Schneeberg said:
It was like looking in a mirror… Very interesting. I like the way Ronit explains things. Take the time to attend. Invaluable!
Another parent said:
I found Positive Thinking useful. It was fun playing games. It’s great to be here with other parents to share and learn in this skill to change yourself to do a good job as a parent.
Derek Brady, the principal of Upper Mt Gravatt State School, summarized by saying:
This workshop was thought-provoking and had a significant meaning for my work life and home life. A fantastic experience that shifted my thinking.
I am happy to know there is now another group of inspired, focused parents out there, making the world a better place, one child at a time.
Ronit