Free workshop to help build family harmony

An invitation is being offered to those in the Kaipara community who would like to create a more peaceful atmosphere within their family this year.

Social services organisation, SOS Kaipara, are now taking bookings for ‘Building Peaceful Family Lives’ (BPFL), a free three-day parenting workshop.

SOS Kaipara Group Facilitator, Wendy Laird says the programme is specifically designed to enhance family life and harmony in the home.

“Parenting young children and teenagers is one of the most demanding jobs a person can do,” Laird says. “This course will provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to feel more confident and secure about their parenting.”

Participants will have a chance to share ways of effectively dealing with children, understand how anger and conflict in the family can have a negative impact on children’s behaviour, develop and strengthen skills in listening to children and learn new ideas on managing difficult behaviour.

SOS Kaipara have been supporting people struggling with family violence since 1984 and provide a variety of educational programmes addressing issues concerning sexual and family violence.

“Like most social programmes that aim for ongoing change, education, support and encouraging self-awareness are key factors,” Laird says, who is also a trained teacher and counsellor. “The BPFL course offers a safe place for parents and carers to explore their parenting style and their attitudes and expectations towards their children.”