Parenting Week - 24th-30th August 2009

Wasn't it a fantastic week?

We are getting great feedback. Sorry to all who missed out on workshops or seminars that got booked out early.

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Below is the list of some of the speakers we had this time:

Celia Lashlie, a well-known researcher and social commentator. She worked for 15 years within the prison system culminating in managing the Christchurch Women’s Prison until September 1999. In September 2004, she completed the ‘Good Man’ project, facilitating discussion within and between 25 boys’ schools throughout New Zealand, aimed at creating a working definition of what makes a good man in the 21st century. There were some significant insights, which challenged women in particular to rethink the way they interact with the men in their lives if they want to see their sons become the good men they wish them to be.
Sophie Gray, better known as ‘The Destitute Gourmet’, is based in Auckland. Her workshop was packed with practical information, loads of tricks, techniques and suggestions for healthy cost-effective cooking.
Helen Mann is well-known in Christchurch as a parent educator and particularly through facilitating the highly effective GAIN programme. Her seminar, entitled, ‘Now how many times have I told you?’ will have a familiar ring for many parents. Helen says, ‘Good communication is the key to successfully managing all children’s behaviour. The focus of this session will was practical ideas on how parents can better talk so children will listen, and listen so children will talk.’
Full-day workshop presented by Jenny and Graham Purkis focussing on ‘Tools for Merging Families – how to make step-families really work’. The latest New Zealand statistics reveal that step-families make up about 45% of kiwi families. It is therefore a cause for concern that these families are failing at the rate of up to 80% within the first three years. Jenny and Graham understand the particular stresses merged families face and give the tools to equip you to form the bonds between your family which help it to stay together.
'The Importance of Play' - Nathan Mikaere-Wallis from Brainwave Trust gave the rundown on the the latest research in brain development in the under 3s and Tiffany Hamilton gave tips on putting fun back into parenting this young age group.
Seasons for Growth was a 2-hour seminar at Christchurch North Apostolic Church, 19 Thames Street on Wednesday 26th August, 7.30 - 9.30pm. It introduced parents/carefivers to the issues related to grief, loss and change, offering you the opportunity to understand how you can best support your children through dificult times such as death or divorce. Presented by Lyn Wilson, a trained course facilitator and counsellor. Good to know about how to deal with this before it happens in your family.
Making the Family Dollar Go Further - a taster and introduction to the highly popular 4-session course, Beating the Budget Blues. Presented by Paul Webb of Kingdom Resources, this session gave practical tips on how to better manage your family's limited finances in tightened economy.
Tough Love seminar on Mon 24th August, 7.30pm at St Albans Baptist Church, 64 McFaddens Road. Good tips and support from presenters Tracey and Marc Coulthard.

All these top-line presenters were brought to you by Neighbourhood Trust at low cost courtesy of sponsorship from the Shirley/Papanui Community Board, the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board, Dove Charitable Trust, Archer Memorial Trust, David and Noelene Diggs and promotional assistance from the Community News.