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 😉
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