Being a parent is the hardest job that you will ever have. There is no training, no pension, you are on call 24/7, there is no salary and children do not come with a user’s guide. Your little bundles of joy can make you laugh, cry, frustrate you, keep you up all night, refuse to eat, answer back, behave badly (especially in public), break your treasured belongings and then give you the biggest, cheesiest smile as if to say ‘sorry Mum, you love me really’. Would you put up with these working conditions in any other job!?
All is not lost! Mrs Docwra and Mrs Easty run the most amazing group for parents at Burlington Infant and Junior schools. The course is 10 weeks long and runs twice a year. It is a free, fun, nurturing course that gives you ways to make the most of your children and even more important helps you to enjoy your precious years with them. If you are interested in attending, please email the school office on admin@burlingtoni.org.uk
Here is some detailed feedback from one parent who recently attended the parenting course:
Taking part on the parenting course has absolutely changed my whole life to the positive. I can’t thank Terri and Michelle enough, for doing such an amazing work. You have changed my children’s life for good. Now I feel like I can be the parent that I wanted to be but didn’t know how to do it. Like Terri said, no one has a baby and thinks right, I’m going to spend the next 20 years being stressed out. That’s where I was heading.
Before I signed up for the course, I was doubtful. I thought that my kids behaviour was so bad and found it so difficult to cope, that I thought maybe nothing can help me. Maybe I’m just a bad parent and I shouldn’t have had kids at all. On the first session, I remember thinking that my biggest fear is that things will carry on the way they are now, and my kids will grow up resenting me. I didn’t feel like I’m doing a good job being a parent.
During the course while we were self reflecting, I realised that the problem wasn’t my kids behaviour, but the problem was me. I was stressed out, tense and tired. Once I saw that, I started making small changes. I started sleeping more, exercising regularly, seeing my friends more. I started to feel happier with myself, and this had a massive effect on my children. I had more energy and patience for them, and felt calmer with myself. Around week 7, I suddenly had the thought that “I’m actually happy now.” That was a beautiful moment. I realised that I am actually doing a great job with the kids- it just got a bit too overwhelming at some point and I missed out in seeing the positive. Now I can confidently say, that I am a good parent, and my children are amazing. I’m enjoying spending time with them in a way that I had forgotten how to do.
People around me have noticed a change in me, but find it hard to pinpoint what has changed. My husband said that I’m opening up more and sharing my thoughts. Our communication has definitely gotten better. My friend asked if I’ve lost weight, (I haven’t), because I looked so radiant. I think that’s just the happiness shining through. This doesn’t apply on Monday mornings though so don’t be surprised if you see me then!
The course offered many useful tools in dealing with the kids behaviour. They can be a bit wild at times, but now we have connected in a way that I know I can get them to listen to me and to respond in a positive way. Instead of dreading the summer holidays, I’m now looking forward to having a fun holiday together.
So thank you, thank you, thank you. I am amazed on how wonderful the school is, and appreciate all the hard work you do.
Parent of child in Year 1 who attended the course in Summer term 2019
Below is some other feedback from parents who have attended the course:-
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I have come on such a huge journey and I feel so much has changed.
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I now understand that we all need help with parenting.
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I came away every week feeling supported and optimistic, I was not alone and change is possible.
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The course has taught me that kids are kids and not to expect too much of them.
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My confidence has grown massively, I no longer feel out of control.
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My relationship with my husband is back to what it used to be, lots of love and affection. We are not just ‘Mum and Dad, family life is so much calmer.
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The course turned me into a happy parent who now knows how to have fun with my child, I feel so sad that the course has now finished.
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We now talk, not shout and scream at each other.
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I now enjoy being with my children and feel blessed that I have them. I am determined to enjoy every minute of their childhood as time goes so quickly and they will be adults before I know it.