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Getting Through The
Day was developed for younger children in 1994 with
a group of parents. It has since been developed for
parents whose children are at Primary School.
Being a
parent can feel hard work at times so this course
brings parents together to share ideas and worries
so they can get support from each other, because
parents are, after all, the experts on their own
children.
The
course gives ideas on how children grow, and why
they behave the way they do. It looks at ways we
can get on better with our children, and how we can
say “No” and stick to it with a minimum of hassle.
It also
looks at how we can help our children at school, and
work together with the teachers to make sure our
children are getting the most they can from school.
AIMS
OF THE COURSE
Overall
aims of the course are:
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To
provide a forum for parents where they can share
concerns and help each other.
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To
improve parent-child/child interactions.
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That the overall aims serve to improve the
children’s life chances and address issues
troubling the children.
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To
empower parents in their relations with Social
Work and with Education.
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To
build confidence in the parents.
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To
help build an “internal toolkit” that parents
can use to resolve issues with their children.
So parents develop problem-
solving skills.
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To
help parents find ways to respond more
thoughtfully (rather than react emotionally) to
their children’s behaviour, so as to be more
effective in changing behaviour.
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To
improve relations between the parents and the
teachers and the school.
Who is the course for?
As it says in the title, it is for parents with
children at Primary School. Both mothers and
fathers can attend, although we have sometimes run
courses for mothers only, or fathers only. We also
have run courses in the evening, for those parents
who are unable to attend during the day.
Where are the courses run and is there a charge?
The courses run all over West Lothian, mainly in
schools or Community Centres. The courses are
free. We may be able to offer transport if needed.
How do I get on a course?
Contact
West Lothian Council's Children and Young People
Team - Tel. 01506 776929 - and find out where the
nearest course is for you, and when it runs.
Parents seem to learn best when they meet in groups
to do the course. But if you are unable to attend,
there is a website where you can access handouts for
the course.
What
parents say about the course
“I loved this course. It helped me a lot with
myself and my kids”.
“It covered everything and was very helpful”.
“It makes you feel you can do anything when you set
your mind to it”.
“I was such an angry mum before (doing Getting
Through The Day), now I am calmer and it has changed
the way I live my life”.
“You have to change, not the child. You have to
change your behaviour, not the child’s”.
(The course) “helps you get through a lot and builds
a better relationship with your kids”.
“What a difference it has made to me. I have more
confidence and I stick up for myself more”.
“I think this group has helped me immensely with
confidence and keeping calm (less stressed)”.
“It helps you realise that you are not the only one
and the support you can get from the others in the
group. The tips you get help you understand your
child”.
Related
Documentation:
Handout for "Getting Through The Day - Primary
School Children"
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