The demands placed on families have increased dramatically in recent years. Our world is changing rapidly, and global crises, economic uncertainties and the ever-present pressures of everyday life are taking a noticeable toll on family life. Many mums and dads are feeling increasingly exhausted and face the challenge of balancing work, household responsibilities and looking after their children. Added to this are modern parenting issues that previous generations did not have to deal with in the same way: How do we, as a family, deal healthily with the ever-present use of media? Where do we set boundaries in the digital world, and how do we at the same time maintain a loving relationship based on mutual respect?
Amidst these pressures, the Child Protection Association’s renowned ‘Strong Parents – Strong Children’ course, starting on 16 September, offers a safe space and guidance. The course is deliberately aimed at mothers and fathers of children of all ages – from toddlers to teenagers. For even though the specific everyday worries change over the years, the core questions of parenting remain the same across all stages of development: How do we communicate without resorting to violence, how do we resolve conflicts without constantly telling our children off, and how do we boost our children’s self-esteem?
A central feature of the course is the in-depth exchange amongst participants. Parents today are often left to their own devices and experience similar worries in isolation within their own homes. The course breaks down this isolation. Through shared discussions with other participants, it quickly becomes clear that no one is alone with their worries. This trusting exchange of experiences not only provides emotional relief but also offers practical, real-life insights for real-life situations. Guided by expert input from the course leaders, participants work together to find ways to bring greater calm, structure and ease back into their individual family lives.
District Administrator Frank John, himself the father of a daughter, is familiar with the challenges families face today thanks to his involvement in the district’s social services: “Coping with everyday life can be quite difficult for families. Discussing these issues with other parents and experts and working together to find solutions takes the pressure off and therefore often benefits the whole family. This parenting course provides a reliable framework for this.”
The course comprises 10 sessions and takes place every Wednesday from 9.30 am to 11.30 am at the Psychological Counselling Centre in Homburg. To register or for further information, please contact the Saarpfalz District Psychological Counselling Centre, tel. 06841 104-7222, email: [email protected].