Parental Skills Workshop

In March 2015, the counsellors and social workers of the Boys Training Centre (BTC) embarked on a new approach to rehabitation; not only the boys but their natural caretaker- parents and families tha they return to after their tenure at the BTC. Entitled “Parental Skills

Training Program” this program is geared towards assisting parents in acquiring the necessary skills needed to make them better and

more involved parents. It is being held bi-weekly from 10:00 - 1:00 pm on Wednesdays at the Carielle Garden Human Resource Devel-

opment Centre (HRDC). It will be moved to Boys Training Centre conference in the second phase. The program adopts the National Parenting manual, which is designed specially to educate and guide parents on some of the best practices, that can enhance their quality of parenting. The parent skills training program is being facilitated by the staff of the Social Work and Counseling Department. However, professionals from other fields are brought in to support the quality of the training. After successful completion of a twenty (20) week program, parents will receive a certificate of participation and attendance. They are also encouraged to continue with their participation in an effort to offer support to new parents and to build on their acquired skills.

Parenting is one of the most difficult and complex task. Parents, even the most knowledgeable ones, can easily become frustrated and overwhelmed with their chil-

dren’s maladaptive behaviours if

PARENTAL SKILLS WORKSHOP by Mrs. Priscilla Jean Nelson

they do not have the necessary or effective coping skills. This training provides the avenue for support, education and socialization in a non -threatening environment. It is very interactive and parents learn from each other’s mistakes and strengths. The program covers a wide range of topics to encompass the demands of work, personal, professional and family obligations. It teaches the

importance of positive interactions with children using skills that promote positive parent-child interactions demonstrating enthusiasm, following child’s interests, offering appropriate recreational options and providing positive

attention.

It also teaches parents how to respond with sensitivity to child’s emotional and psychological needs (e.g., soothing); providing developmentally-appropriate physical contact and affection. It gives clear and developmentally- appropriate di¬rections; setting limits and rules; stating behavioral expectations and consequences. Parents learn new skills through role-play, modelling and group discussions. They are also given behavioural assignments to complete between sessions.

Some aspects of the training will focus specifically on strengthening the parent self awareness. Topics such as, “Who Am I” will be ex-

plored. Self Care is also a critically aspect of the training. In a nutshell “being the best parent that you can be, when nothing seem to be working.”