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Parents helped in challenging circumstances

Parents facing difficult family issues attended The Parenting Challenge – an annual weekend organised by national charity Care for the Family at Hothorpe Hall in Leicestershire last month.

The weekend was divided into three streams covering the areas of ‘invisible illness’, parenting children with disabilities and the particular issues faced by stepfamilies.

Richard and Maggie Stapleton, whose adult daughter suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, led the sessions on ‘invisible illness’. “Many parents feel that they are alone in this situation,” explained Richard. “Often parents can feel that they have become invisible too. It’s very important for parents who care for their ill children to meet together for support and encouragement.”

One of the strengths of The Parenting Challenge is bringing parents together. Richard explains: “The parents who attended the weekend each had their own stories to tell and also their own insights to share with others. By learning from one another, we find the strength to carry on, knowing that other people have overcome obstacles like those we might be facing. We heard from parents who had been through an awful lot, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and yet those parents could turn around and say to someone else: ‘I’ve been there. I’ve survived – and you can too.’ It’s an immense privilege to see that happen.”

Parents who attended The Parenting Challenge were greatly helped. One parent, who attended the series on ‘invisible illness’ said: “I found the most helpful thing was listening to people who have real-life experiences and so genuinely understand.”

Another parent, this time of a disabled child, commented: “I found it both inspiring and helpful and very well organised. I count it as a real privilege being with people in similar situations.”

The Parenting Challenge is scheduled to run in November 2005 at the same location. More information on Care for the Family’s year-round work can be found at www.careforthefamily.org.uk

Relate challenge political parties to formulate family-friendly policies

Mothers and fathers could win new rights to paid parental leave after the general election, under controversial plans floated by Labour according to The Times.

Patricia Hewitt, the Trade Secretary, said that "a package of support for hard-working families" would be one of the key features of Labour's election manifesto. Commenting on this in a press release, Relate called on political parties to see the wider picture.

Head of Policy Cheryl Turner said: "Relate warmly welcome the DTI Minister’s announcement today that Labour’s next manifesto will focus heavily on improving maternity and paternity rights. But, our view at Relate is that the obstacles to the wellbeing of families and children is not the lack of paid parental leave, although hugely welcome, but the fundamental lack of support, services and advice to parents so they can improve and develop new relationship and parenting skills. One of the key challenges Government face when supporting as they say hard-working families is to ensure their policies see this wider picture."

Relate is exhibiting at all political conferences with a message that behavioural problems such as anti-social behaviour, truancy and emotional problems in young people can be tackled through the building of new parenting and relationships skills to deal with the modern age.

Relate would like to see all election manifestos contain specific pledges around strengthening families and building parenting skills to be able to better cope with everyday stress and family changes. The charity is also calling for the mainstreaming of the development of relationships and new parenting skills across all areas of public policy, because it believes the best framework for parenting is a healthy adult relationship.

And further that the impact of negative parental behaviour on a child’s life can be long-term leading to emotional problems involving aggressive, abusive and anti social behaviour.

Hallowe’en launch for updated version of ex-witch testimony book

31 October will again be a day of contention between those who charge the Church with overplaying its significance and those who staunchly guard against the pagan ‘celebration’ of spirit appeasement.

For Audrey Harper the night holds significance as she was initiated into a coven on Hallowe’en. This year she tells her story afresh in the updated version of Dance with the Devil, her testimony of release from witchcraft and drug addiction. Reachout Trust will release the book at the end of September.

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		NEWS Parents helped in challenging circumstances Parents facing difficult family issues attended The Parenting Challenge – an annual weekend organised by national charity Care for the Family at Hothorpe Hall in Leicestershire last month. The weekend was divided into three streams covering the areas of ‘invisible illness’, parenting children with disabilities and the particular issues faced by stepfamilies. Richard and Maggie Stapleton, whose adult daughter suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, led the sessions on ‘invisible illness’. “Many parents feel that they are alone in this situation,” explained Richard. “Often parents can feel that they have become invisible too. It’s very important for parents who care for their ill children to meet together for support and encouragement.” One of the strengths of The Parenting Challenge is bringing parents together. Richard explains: “The parents who attended the weekend each had their own stories to tell and also their own insights to share with others. By learning from one another, we find the strength to carry on, knowing that other people have overcome obstacles like those we might be facing. We heard from parents who had been through an awful lot, emotionally, mentally and spiritually and yet those parents could turn around and say to someone else: ‘I’ve been there. I’ve survived – and you can too.’ It’s an immense privilege to see that happen.” Parents who attended The Parenting Challenge were greatly helped. One parent, who attended the series on ‘invisible illness’ said: “I found the most helpful thing was listening to people who have real-life experiences and so genuinely understand.” Another parent, this time of a disabled child, commented: “I found it both inspiring and helpful and very well organised. I count it as a real privilege being with people in similar situations.” The Parenting Challenge is scheduled to run in November 2005 at the same location. More information on Care for the Family’s year-round work can be found at www.careforthefamily.org.uk Relate challenge political parties to formulate family-friendly policies Mothers and fathers could win new rights to paid parental leave after the general election, under controversial plans floated by Labour according to The Times. Patricia Hewitt, the Trade Secretary, said that "a package of support for hard-working families" would be one of the key features of Labour's election manifesto. Commenting on this in a press release, Relate called on political parties to see the wider picture. Head of Policy Cheryl Turner said: "Relate warmly welcome the DTI Minister’s announcement today that Labour’s next manifesto will focus heavily on improving maternity and paternity rights. But, our view at Relate is that the obstacles to the wellbeing of families and children is not the lack of paid parental leave, although hugely welcome, but the fundamental lack of support, services and advice to parents so they can improve and develop new relationship and parenting skills. One of the key challenges Government face when supporting as they say hard-working families is to ensure their policies see this wider picture." Relate is exhibiting at all political conferences with a message that behavioural problems such as anti-social behaviour, truancy and emotional problems in young people can be tackled through the building of new parenting and relationships skills to deal with the modern age. Relate would like to see all election manifestos contain specific pledges around strengthening families and building parenting skills to be able to better cope with everyday stress and family changes. The charity is also calling for the mainstreaming of the development of relationships and new parenting skills across all areas of public policy, because it believes the best framework for parenting is a healthy adult relationship. And further that the impact of negative parental behaviour on a child’s life can be long-term leading to emotional problems involving aggressive, abusive and anti social behaviour. Hallowe’en launch for updated version of ex-witch testimony book 31 October will again be a day of contention between those who charge the Church with overplaying its significance and those who staunchly guard against the pagan ‘celebration’ of spirit appeasement. For Audrey Harper the night holds significance as she was initiated into a coven on Hallowe’en. This year she tells her story afresh in the updated version of Dance with the Devil, her testimony of release from witchcraft and drug addiction. Reachout Trust will release the book at the end of September. © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.