Hello Everyone,

Welcome back to school! I hope that you all had an amazing Spring Break, that you found it restful and full of opportunities to connect with family.

Today, I wanted to highlight some free parenting workshops and support groups available to our community that will be starting in April. Parenting workshops are excellent ways to learn new approaches to parenting that may be helpful in your household. Support groups are equally useful ways to expand your emotional support and share best practices.

Let’s be real. Parenting can be invigorating, rewarding, and inspiring. Sometimes however, it can also feel exhausting and seemingly impossible to do well. Burnaby Family Life programs can help and they come highly recommended. I have heard from numerous parents that their workshops have been truly worth the time and have transformed the way they approach parenting. During Covid all of their current workshops will continue to be offered online. 

Registration for any of the following workshops or groups can be completed by clicking HERE

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (“STEP”) is a program for parents of children older than 4 years old. Learn about different parenting styles and approaches to better understand:

  • Why children misbehave and how to respond, when to intervene in sibling rivalry and when to ignore misbehaviour,

  • How to use effective discipline to establish and maintain boundaries,

  • How to use communication to build respect and cooperation to encourage the development of your child as a positive, contributing member of your family.

TUESDAYS, 6-8 P.M. | APR 13 – MAY 25 (7 SESSIONS)

or

SATURDAYS, 1:30-3:30 P.M. | APRIL 10 – MAY 22 (7 SESSIONS)

Nobody’s Perfect

An educational and support program for parents with children up to 5 years. Do you feel you don’t have enough time for yourself and sometimes you are just too exhausted to be patient with your child? Do you wish you could understand your child better and be a more effective parent? Remember, no one is perfect. Join other parents and explore parenting ideas in a group setting. This program helps you to get to know your child and provides you the skills to build your confidence as a parent.

TUESDAYS, 12:30-2:30 P.M. | APRIL 13 – JUNE 1 (8 SESSIONS)

or

FRIDAYS, 12:30-2:30 P.M. | APRIL 16 – JUNE 4 (8 SESSIONS)

Calm and Confident Parenting

Raising children in a new country without your support networks can be a difficult and stressful task. Join other parents in these weekly sessions to share strategies and ideas that will help create calm and joyful moments. Learn how to build life-long skills and habits for your preschool and elementary school aged children. Topics are kept flexible in order to meet the specific needs of the attending parents/caregivers but might include: mealtimes, bedtime, and screen time.

WEDNESDAYS, 12:30-2:30 P.M. | APR 14 – JUNE 2 (8 SESSIONS)

Fatherhood, a Journey

Come and meet other fathers to learn about raising children in today’s world. Topics include modern parenting techniques, how to notice and provide encouragement, modeling affection through communication, and age-appropriate expectations. We will also look at some effective strategies for positive discipline and communication. Other topics may be included to meet the specific needs of the attending fathers.

WEDNESDAYS, 6-8 P.M. | APR 14 – JUNE 2 (8 SESSIONS)

Copy of Rainbow Stripes Gay Rights Social Media Graphic (1).png

Are you a parent who identifies as LGBTQ2SIA+ and who is looking for a safe space to discuss parenting?

You are invited to join in meaningful dialogue with other parents, discover helpful resources and share the joys and trials of parenting unique for people who identify with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community.

Participants will explore parenting ideas and build a respectful community of support and compassion. With the guidance of a facilitator, the group will determine weekly discussion topics relating to parenting–these may include meal times, screen time, challenging behaviours and personal struggles. Together, participants will explore issues, and share experiences and resources.

WEDNESDAYS, 7-9 P.M. | APR 14 – JUNE 2 (8 SESSIONS)

Parenting for Immigrants

Raising children in a new country is a difficult task. Come and learn useful information on child development, the Canadian school system, child-care options, positive discipline, healthy nutrition and much more while meeting other parents and sharing your experiences.

THURSDAYS, 12:30-2:30 P.M. | APR 15 – JUNE 3 (8 SESSIONS)

Have questions? Feel free to reach out and speak with me or contact Burnaby Family Life at the contacts below.