Parents Paper
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APRIL / 2021
PUBLISHED BY THE KIDS IN PERTH TEAM / EST 1994
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School Prospectus Feature
School Holiday Guide
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Mothers Day Gift Guide
Donate to make a difference
Quick to judge
By Cassie Hart, Editor - Kids in Perth
By Cassie Hart, Editor - Kids in Perth
W
hen David made a young student smile and laugh, he didn’t realise how significant that moment was. Then a staff member told him that it was the first time they had ever seen the child’s face light up like that, and he realised how much of a positive impact he was making. David is a volunteer mentor for EdConnect, a not-for-profit organisation that aspires to change lives and re-connect generations. They do this by training, supporting and placing volunteers into local primary and high schools to work with vulnerable and at-risk students. There are many ways a volunteer can contribute: They can become a Mentor and work face-to-face with one student on an ongoing weekly basis to offer guidance, support and encouragement; They can provide Learning Support in the classroom to assist teachers and work with students in small groups; Volunteers can assist at school libraries, canteens, breakfast clubs and school events; Or, they can assist staff with gardening and minor school improvements.
the students and teachers, it is also a rewarding experience for the volunteer. “Being with my student from primary school through to graduation of high school, being asked to his presentation, and getting a card from him thanking me for the past 9 years and not giving up on him - this was a very rewarding experience [and] one I will always cherish,” explains Russell, a volunteer mentor. Being a not-for-profit charity, EdConnect welcomes donations which can be made directly through their website or through the Containers for Change initiative. They are also inviting people who are interested in becoming a volunteer to get in touch with them. According to Annemarie, volunteering for EdConnect is a valuable experience. “It is so rewarding for yourself as a person, but also to know you are helping a child grow in school and helping them with education for their future.” edconnectaustralia.org.au
EdConnect placements not only benefit
W
hen I became a mum, one thing that I was quite taken aback by is how judgemental of parents some people can be. Whether it is a disapproving glare from a stranger at the shops because your child is throwing a tantrum, or a friend lecturing you about nutrition because you fed your child a salty cracker, it seems that some people can’t help but judge parents for being less than perfect. And it isn’t just parents judging other parents, 88% of nonparents say that they judge parents, with 30% saying they do so often. The numbers come from a study conducted by market research company Ipsos who also found that 84% of parents feel judged by others, with 44% reporting feeling that way often. The top reasons given by parents for why people are judging them were: their child’s behaviour and how they manage it (54%), things their children can/can’t do (37%), how they speak to their children (31%), their child’s screen-time/use of technology (31%), and how they look (29%).
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When someone casts a disapproving look or comment, they may not be aware that that moment of judgement could stick with the receiver for a long time. It can even lead to a parent feeling low selfworth which can flow-on to impact their child. “Feeling judged has the potential to impact parents’ mental health, which evidence has shown to impair children’s development,” Ipsos Australia Director David Elliott said. “Given these detrimental outcomes, feelings of judgement experienced by parents pose a real risk to children’s development.” At the end of the day, none of us are perfect. We all judge and we all get judged. But, if we collectively try to be more open minded and understanding of each other, that is certainly a step in the right direction. “Like so many issues in society, if we started from a place of empathy not judgement we would all find ourselves in a more positive, supportive environment.”
DISCOVER YOUR SON’S GREATNESS AT CHRIST CHURCH
Motivating boys to become successful learners at home, in school and beyond
Little Learners
At Christ Church Grammar School, we understand what it takes to make boys happy
Christ Church Grammar School’s Little Learners is a program to develop our
and engaged learners. Join our panel of experts for an insight into the amazing
youngest community members’ love for learning. Aimed at boys up to 3 years of age,
learning journey at Christ Church.
Little Learners brings families together to share stories and discuss aspects of early childhood development.
DATE
Wednesday 28 April
TIME
6.00pm to 7.00pm
DATES
Monday 3 May and Monday 31 May
TIME
9.30am to 10.30am
Places for both events are limited. Register at ccgs.eventbrite.com.au Building good men
Queenslea Drive, Claremont, WA 6010 | T (08) 9442 1555 | E info@ccgs.wa.edu.au | ccgs.wa.edu.au | CRICOS 00433G
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