The Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Program is one of KARI’s initiatives run by the Early Intervention Team.
The classes went for two hours on the 5th and the 26th of September.
This program ensures that parents are taught techniques that will allow them to respond better to behaviours.
The participants in the classes were taught a variety of mindfulness techniques. This allowed parents to obtain a sharper focus on thoughts as well as feelings.
Some of the tips that were given to parents included:
- Learning how to be a mindful parent, which involves taking a pause to know how you’re feeling instead of acting before knowing
- Mindfulness exercises, such as ‘Stop, Pause, Play’. This exercise involves stopping what you’re doing, pausing to focus on your breath and responding to your child in a healthy manner.
- Realising that the messages from your past may be impacting the way you’re raising your child.
The parents were also taught different ways to improve their child’s positive self identity. This was done by using the ‘Stop, Pause, Play’ method as well as thinking about how your child feels.
The class gave the opportunity for parents attending to reflect on the ways that they raised their children. It also allowed some parents to realise that the experiences they had while growing up are impacting the way that they are raising their child.
One parent said:
“There are some experiences from my childhood that I want my child to have too, and others that I want to change. My Dad didn’t spend much time with us as kids and I never felt very close to him. I want to be more involved with my children.”
