Positive Parenting Skills Training

“I have learnt a lot about myself. I didn’t realise how hurtful and rude I could be. At this workshop I studied myself and learnt to manage my behaviour and I became more selective about the way I spoke to them [my children]. Now my husband tells me that he loves me and my children feel loved. I can see changes in their art; it is filled with colour and love. The home is calm and filled with love. I became a better child towards my parents. They are more willing to help me out. This training has improved my character.”

“I was more of a military belt man. I would beat you up and have no time to talk, cause growing up your parents beat you up and never had time to talk to you. I followed that way of life, where children were not allowed to talk and be outspoken. I was in the Navy and very disciplined. After the Course, I now give them [my children] an opportunity to talk, to express themselves.”

“Behavioural problems with learners over the years have become worse. The strategies that my staff and I were using were not effective. Fortunately, one of the parents at the school, Kaashifa King, happened to be working at The Parent Centre who agreed to conduct the Child Behaviour Management Training with all our staff. As a result of the training, the staff have developed a deeper understanding of and respect for each other and the learners. One teacher, as a result of the training, decided to adopt a more positive attitude towards a particular learner who had been very troublesome and had developed a rather negative reputation at the school. She saw a 360 degree turn in his behaviour and a change in the class as well. The boy himself has remarked “I’m not naughty anymore. I’m good.”

“My one patient was a result of incest rape. A gang member in their community raped all his daughters, and one daughter fell pregnant with my client, who was the only child that survived into adulthood. Attending The Parent Centre’s support group [in Retreat] weekly changed his parenting style completely and he was assisted with counselling as well.”

“I married a few years ago and it did not work out. A child was born who is only 2 years old now. The court has given me custody to care for my child, but I soon realised that parenting is difficult. I appreciate this training so much. The phone call I received after training just made all the difference as I felt heard and encouraged to do better for my child.”

“I had given up trying to get my son away from the gang he’d joined. I tried to fetch him many times but he just ran back to them. When I attended The Parent Centre parent support I got the courage to try again. This time he came home. I told him that I am fetching because I love him. I was so glad to have him back. I also learnt in the support group that I must stop criticising him. He has changed. He now helps me at home, and even brings me a cup of tea!”