Ok, a little different to what I normally blog about but hell, it’s something that I feel strongly about so felt the need to share it, and it has a little bit to do with work too.
So, if you’ve been watching the news, reading the papers you’ll see that David Cameron is introducing vouchers etc to use towards parenting classes. There’s been a lot of people Tweeting, talking on TV, on Facebook saying they think it’s not a good idea, can’t understand why he’s doing it, parenting won’t use it blah blah.
Well you know what, I think it’s about time he stood up and offered parents support!
When you think about having a baby, or when you’re pregnant, you read the glossy mags, see celebs on the TV all with their perfectly formed, well behaved, charming children, and you think that’s how it’s going to be.
What happens when that’s not the case? what happens when you have a child that doesn’t sleep? what happens when you have a child who has difficulty listening, aggressive behaviour? what then? where does a parent go for support?
I’ll tell you, because I’ve been there.
When I started my business back in 2007, I thought it would be great staying home with the kids, working with them in the house, listening to their laughter whilst I worked. Well wasn’t I fooled?
During 2007, my youngest son was born, my father in law passed away suddenly, and my eldest felt it hard. He lost his best friend and gained a stranger, and boy didn’t he want us to know it!
Depression sinked in, and I struggled through for nearly two years. Until I plucked up the courage to ask for help. BUT the only route was via the school and then only when I got a letter from the school would my GP listen. I then had to go through sessions with a parenting counsellor at the hospital and then referred onto a parenting course.Why is it so difficult for a parent to get help and support with their child when classes are offered freely to every pregnant woman even before the child is born?
At first I thought, a parenting course? really? I need help now! Not for a million years did I think a 12 week course would work.
But it did! we met with other parents who were in the same situation as us, so finally I wasn’t alone! We were given strategies to use to manage his behaviour and also identify areas we were going wrong. After all, we’re not perfect right?
Then a couple of years back I had the greatest pleasure of getting to know Sue Atkins who is THE best Parenting Expert! I started to work with her as her VA and I became to realise that there are so many parents out there that do need help, but have no idea where to go, who to go to and because mums are supposed to cope they feel like they shouldn’t ask.. Well I did!
Things are not perfect still, but then I think that is normal. My beautiful little boy is perfect to me, and because of the parenting course, there are boundaries, strategies and lots of fun.
So, if you’re a parent (mum or dad) and not sure if it’s the right thing for you, then head over to Sue’s site to see what parents are struggling with, talking about, because I can assure you you’re not alone.
oh and well done David Cameron for doing SOMETHING right! makes a change 😉
Hi, my name is Kelly and I am your Tech Angel. I am a multiple award winner for the UK and North East of England.
I work with Female Entrepreneurs who are simply overwhelmed with technology to help them start enjoying their business.
Hi
Very well said,i totally agree, its awesome & kudos to you that you asked to learn early. Your kids will totally benefit!I always say if I ran the world no one could become a parent unless they got a degree in parenting & learned how to teach kids emotional intelligence. sue atkins rocks too!
Parenting the most important job in the world only job doesnt require a license. Parents ask other parents for advice instead of a professional. Would you go to a lawyer without a law degree!
Thanks Ava!
We all have children but really no idea how to bring them up. It’s a breeze I guess if your child is a model child, the ones you see in movies. But if you have a child that always tests the boundaries, why be ashamed if you have to consult an expert?
When we have a bad heart, we consult a specialist, if we’re poorly we consult our doctor, why should it be different with our children?
We certainly benefited from our course and would recommend it to anyone! usually the problem isn’t your child, it’s you 😉
Very well said Kelly
I find it bizarre that you need a 4 hour training course to go up a ladder these days but are almost abandoned in the critical role of bringing a new person into the world. We are all expected to be able to do it by instinct but the erosion of social support systems such as close family and neighbours means we are often left to struggle alone.
The stigma around parenting and its difficulties is a huge barrier to those needing help actually asking for it. Hopefully the new parenting classes will break that stigma.
I love the blog, Kelly, it is so true that the failing is huge part of the learning, and we often rationalize this away, don’t we! Just witness people learning to play a musical instrument – a lot of people never try because they are too afraid of the beginning when it doesn’t yet sound very good or feel comfortable – but those who stick with it gain the joy of musical expression, better listening skills, patience, time management, so many amazing qualities. It is kind of hard to know what is real progress in our online pursuits, and what makes more sense to farm out and pay someone to do, especially in the beginning stages of business. Great blog and thanks again!
Thanks Bonny and you’re right! Of course anything that feels hard will always scare us, but if it was easy then we won’t ever grow. We have to keep pushing ourselves to be better person, a better business, to gain experience to pass onto others, and all of that in face of fear because we’ve never been to these places before. Newness is terrifying as is change, but it’s blooming amazing at the same time! X