Parent meetings

[dmhawk]

Dear East Dulwich families, I've promoted this group on FB but in case you've missed it, I wanted to promote it here as well.

Please join us for our official launch of The Parents? Network: South East London (formerly SE23 Parents Club). We?ll be meeting at The Honor Oak Pub from 8pm on Wednesday 24 August.

We?ve amended the name of the group to explicitly welcome parents from neighbouring postcodes in SE London but the ethos of the group is the same. It?s an opportunity for parents to discuss discipline techniques share your experiences and problem solve.

I started this group because I had ideas in my head about the kind of parent I didn't want to be. But I didn't know what discipline techniques existed or the best ways to talk to my daughter. I know there's no right way to parent but there's a lot of helpful evidence based theory on positive parenting. I didn't have the time or the money to take on parenting classes which also strangely felt shaming to me.

So, I read a lot and it was helpful but I wanted to discuss some of these techniques I was learning about with other parents. I think we can learn a lot from each other's experiences and online forums are great but in person meetings felt even more appealing.

Our August meeting will explore best practice ways of ?how to say no?. We?ll cover saying no to adults and toddlers and we?ll have plenty of time for problem solving and action learning. We also need our group constitution passed so that we may be recognised as an official community group and apply for funding for events. We?re thinking of a mindfulness event for parents and we?re going to bid for funds to screen a film. If you have other ideas or want to join the committee please let us know.

The idea is that our group will cover a range of topics including:

-How to deal with tantrums

-Developing empathy

-Managing conflict with your child

-Assertiveness with your partner/other adults

-Effective praise

-How to say no

-Cooperation between siblings

-Starting school

-Discussion on gender norms

-Managing screen time/online safety

And more?.

You?re welcome to attend all our meetings or just those that appeal to you. We?ve got a website that you can check for more info (http://separentsnetwork.wordpress.com/) and also a mailing list.

The sessions will vary with some basic theory and best practice and may feature interactive role play or case studies, action learning/problem solving, book reviews, a film screening with discussion or guest speakers.

The idea is this will be a community space to help build confidence in parenting. Every session is free to attend. All are welcome including: LGBT parents, mums, dads, adoptive parents, etc. This will be a very inclusive group and although theory and expertise will be focused on gentle/positive parenting, all are welcome.

Hope you can join us.

Diana

[dmhawk]

Just a reminder that we are meeting this evening. Hope to see some of you there.