Parenting course popular

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 19, 6 October 1987, Page 5

Parenting course popular

"Being a parent doesn't need to be a battle," says one mother who has completed a "P5" course, run by Ohakune Kindergarten teacher Vera Donnelley and public health nurse Leigh Berry. "I hardly ever hit my child now, but before it was the only way I could handle him," she said. A "P5" course aims to show parents ways of communicating successful-

ly with their children, the practical skills of child care and an understanding of child behaviour. "P5" stands for participatory programme promoting pleasurable parenting. Parents gain confidence throughout the course with the ultimate aim of making parenting more rewarding which in turn benefits the children. "You start to look at the kid's behaviour in a different way" says another 'P5' mother. "Kids do most things to learn something, so if you're always saying

'don't do that' you're always fighting them. I've found through the course that it's better to give more responsibility to my child. For example now I tell him if he wants to have toys he has to look after them, I'm not buying new ones every time he wrecks one. He's learning!" she said. Parents attend the courses with their children for the two-hour weekly sessions. The next Ohakune 'P5' course starts this week. For details call Ohakune Kindergarten 58383.