Resources

RESOURCES

Parentalk - making parenting easier

Katie Paxton from Ashby, Leicestershire, has run several Parentalk courses and explains why they are so popular with parents who attend.

"We wanted to bridge the gap between the mums who came to our Parent and Toddler group and the wider church community," explains Katie. "The mums don't really know who we are as a church, so Parentalk is an ideal way to introduce them in a non-threatening way. Lots of people who wouldn't necessarily come to church are happy to be part of a group of this kind."

Katie adds: "If people see something in us, or in our lives, that attracts them, they might come to Parentalk to find out what it is. Some of those who came on our first course went on to an Alpha course."

Katie and her team invited five people from their Parent and Toddler group to participate in their first Parentalk course. These were people with whom they already had conversations about parenting issues, such as eating and sleeping problems. Initially, some people had their reservations and group leaders had to be ready to respond. Katie comments, "I think some people thought the course was something for people who are having real problems and aren't coping very well. This was a myth we had to dispel - all of us need support with parenting. Others, though, were really interested and welcomed the opportunity."

Catch phrases

"I think the Parentalk catch phrases, such as 'Love them and let them know' and 'Defend the boundaries', are really helpful and form a good basis for the course. These key principles really stuck with me," says Katie. "Another good thing is that Parentalk is just so encouraging. It contains good advice, but you don't feel as though you're being told what to do. There's a good combination of clear teaching and encouragement. Rob Parsons, one of the presenters, makes you feel as though you're doing a good job as a parent, and that's a rare gift."

Several other parents have been encouraged and inspired by the course too. They have taken hold of Parentalk's parenting principles and have been able to handle different aspects of parenting in a new and refreshing way: "Parentalk made me feel good about being a parent - that I was doing a good job and, at the same time, it gave me pointers for doing things differently."

Another parent said: "It's good to have a chance to stop and think about what you're doing as a parent. To be in an environment for an hour each week, where you think about what you're putting into your relationship with your child is invaluable."

One of the main aims of the course is, without doubt, to enable parents to see that they're not alone. Other mums and dads struggle with the same challenges and concerns - whether it's teething, tantrums, or teenage rebellion. Parents can get together with other mums and dads to share their joys and to laugh together - laughter being one of parenting's vital ingredients!

Community

Groups often meet in homes, but can just as easily be run in a community centre. They can be held in the daytime or the evening - whatever suits the mums and dads best. One Parentalk group leader is considering adapting the material for a Church family weekend away, with separate activities for the children. Katie agrees that there is scope to combine the Parentalk course with a social activity: "A couple of times we've had lunch together afterwards, so that if people wanted to talk more they could. It also gave us a chance to get to know each other better."

Parentalk has great potential for local churches and their communities, and the benefits extend far beyond the initial aims of supporting parents in their role as mum or dad. Please contact us if you've used Parentalk, or been part of a group and have a story to tell - we'd love to hear how you got on.

Get parents talking ... with Parentalk

Parentalk is an eight-part, video-based parenting resource which focuses on small group discussion and is based on 'catch phrases', all related to positive parenting. Parents will feel at home with the 'on screen' Parentalk team - Rob Parsons, Steve Chalke, and comedienne Kate Robbins.

Go for it!

Each Parentalk pack contains a video, an easy-to-use group leader's guide and ten copies of the Parentalk magazine, one for each participant. Extra materials are available so that the course can be run again and again.

If you feel you need that extra bit of support, Care for the Family has set up a new department - Real Life Training - to help you develop the skills you need to take Parentalk and other Care for the Family courses into your community.

To order 'Parentalk' (£49.95 C006536) order on website www.care-for-the-family.org.uk, or telephone (029) 2081 0800 with your credit/debit card details.

Taken from Care for the Family magazine Autumn 2002

© 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.


		RESOURCES Parentalk - making parenting easier Katie Paxton from Ashby, Leicestershire, has run several Parentalk courses and explains why they are so popular with parents who attend. "We wanted to bridge the gap between the mums who came to our Parent and Toddler group and the wider church community," explains Katie. "The mums don't really know who we are as a church, so Parentalk is an ideal way to introduce them in a non-threatening way. Lots of people who wouldn't necessarily come to church are happy to be part of a group of this kind." Katie adds: "If people see something in us, or in our lives, that attracts them, they might come to Parentalk to find out what it is. Some of those who came on our first course went on to an Alpha course." Katie and her team invited five people from their Parent and Toddler group to participate in their first Parentalk course. These were people with whom they already had conversations about parenting issues, such as eating and sleeping problems. Initially, some people had their reservations and group leaders had to be ready to respond. Katie comments, "I think some people thought the course was something for people who are having real problems and aren't coping very well. This was a myth we had to dispel - all of us need support with parenting. Others, though, were really interested and welcomed the opportunity." Catch phrases "I think the Parentalk catch phrases, such as 'Love them and let them know' and 'Defend the boundaries', are really helpful and form a good basis for the course. These key principles really stuck with me," says Katie. "Another good thing is that Parentalk is just so encouraging. It contains good advice, but you don't feel as though you're being told what to do. There's a good combination of clear teaching and encouragement. Rob Parsons, one of the presenters, makes you feel as though you're doing a good job as a parent, and that's a rare gift." Several other parents have been encouraged and inspired by the course too. They have taken hold of Parentalk's parenting principles and have been able to handle different aspects of parenting in a new and refreshing way: "Parentalk made me feel good about being a parent - that I was doing a good job and, at the same time, it gave me pointers for doing things differently." Another parent said: "It's good to have a chance to stop and think about what you're doing as a parent. To be in an environment for an hour each week, where you think about what you're putting into your relationship with your child is invaluable." One of the main aims of the course is, without doubt, to enable parents to see that they're not alone. Other mums and dads struggle with the same challenges and concerns - whether it's teething, tantrums, or teenage rebellion. Parents can get together with other mums and dads to share their joys and to laugh together - laughter being one of parenting's vital ingredients! Community Groups often meet in homes, but can just as easily be run in a community centre. They can be held in the daytime or the evening - whatever suits the mums and dads best. One Parentalk group leader is considering adapting the material for a Church family weekend away, with separate activities for the children. Katie agrees that there is scope to combine the Parentalk course with a social activity: "A couple of times we've had lunch together afterwards, so that if people wanted to talk more they could. It also gave us a chance to get to know each other better." Parentalk has great potential for local churches and their communities, and the benefits extend far beyond the initial aims of supporting parents in their role as mum or dad. Please contact us if you've used Parentalk, or been part of a group and have a story to tell - we'd love to hear how you got on. Get parents talking ... with Parentalk Parentalk is an eight-part, video-based parenting resource which focuses on small group discussion and is based on 'catch phrases', all related to positive parenting. Parents will feel at home with the 'on screen' Parentalk team - Rob Parsons, Steve Chalke, and comedienne Kate Robbins. Go for it! Each Parentalk pack contains a video, an easy-to-use group leader's guide and ten copies of the Parentalk magazine, one for each participant. Extra materials are available so that the course can be run again and again. If you feel you need that extra bit of support, Care for the Family has set up a new department - Real Life Training - to help you develop the skills you need to take Parentalk and other Care for the Family courses into your community. To order 'Parentalk' (£49.95 C006536) order on website www.care-for-the-family.org.uk, or telephone (029) 2081 0800 with your credit/debit card details. Taken from Care for the Family magazine Autumn 2002 © 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.