'Caring Families' programme for parents of children aged 2–9 years
Why parenting programmes?
Being a parent is a great joy but can also be stressful. It is not easy to build a good relationship and life with a child. There are no ideal circumstances, and nothing is perfect along the journey. There is lots of laughing and crying, ups and downs, sudden a-ha! moments, tenderness, and arguments. Sometimes, our knowledge about how to be a good parent is not enough. We easily accept ideas about parenting, but to change our behaviour – well, that is something different. That is why the workshops were designed for you: responsible parents and caring families.
How can these workshops help?
- Thanks to professional support, the workshops teach practical skills that parents can apply in everyday situations.
- Parents share their experiences and dilemmas with other parents and thus are able to analyse their own actions more easily.
- Parents improve their knowledge and skills, thus becoming more satisfied in their parental role.
- By applying what they have learned, parents can reduce stress and enjoy more support and love with their children.
What makes this programme unique?
The “Caring Families” workshops for parents of children aged 2–9 years are based on the international “Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children” programme, which was developed and rigorously tested in cooperation with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and universities in Great Britain and South Africa. The programme is being implemented in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It encourages positive relationships between parents and their children by building on the parents’ strengths. So far, the programme has helped more than 700 families in Montenegro, and thousands of families around the world.
Parenting is taught simply in this programme through a symbolic representation of the House of Support. The basis of good parenting is the foundation and supporting walls of the house; time spent with children in play, showing support, strengthening the child’s language skills, and talking about feelings. Once they reach the roof, parents focus on setting boundaries and household rules and dealing with bad behaviour. The more time we spend with our children building positive relationships, the less time we will need to control their bad behaviour, and the more fulfilling our life with children will be. Sometimes, a child only needs to spend more time in the sunshine of positive attention!
What can parents expect at the workshops?
- A relaxed and supportive atmosphere
- Collaborative approach and counseling
- Individual meetings before the beginning of the programme where parents can get to know each other
- Twelve workshops over a 12-week period
- A certificate-awarding ceremony at the end of the programme
Where and when are the workshops held?
Workshops are currently available in seven municipalities in Montenegro. However, 11 municipalities are expected to implement the programme by the autumn of 2022. The workshop cycles generally follow the school semester schedules to ensure easier access for parents.
During the spring of 2022, the programme was implemented by Berane Primary Healthcare Centre and the NGO “Iskra” in Berane, Bijelo Polje Primary Healthcare Centre and the “Dušo Basekić” kindergarten in Bijelo Polje, the “Bašta mašte” kindergarten in Cetinje, the “Radost” kindergarten in Kotor, the “Dragan Kovačević” kindergarten in Nikšić, the “Đina Vrbica” and “Ljubica Popović” kindergartens in Podgorica, as well as by the “Savo Pejanović” elementary school in Podgorica, and the Parents’ Association in Tivat.
Ask the institutions in your local community if they offer this programme or check this article in the Bebbo app which will be regularly updated at the beginning of each new programme implementation cycle.
What do Montenegrin parents say about the workshops?
Over 700 parents have enrolled in “Caring Families” programme workshops so far. Read about their experiences!
E.K., a mother of two from Bijelo Polje
“We all want the best for our children, but sometimes we, as parents, also need help solving certain problems in a way that is proper and good for the child’s development.”
A.M., a single father of four from Bijelo Polje
“I am calm now. There is plenty of anger in our environment, but now we are calm, we communicate easily and we do everything as a team.”
A.B., a mother of a child with developmental disabilities from Berane
“The decision to join the positive parenting programme is one of the best I have made in my life.”
B.V., a mother from Podgorica
“This parenting school made me a better, more stable parent. So now my love is more relaxed and serene.”
N.B., a father of seven from Nikšić
“I signed up for the workshops because I wanted to find out how I could become a better parent. And doing so was no mistake. I looked forward to every workshop because I learned a lot about myself, which was reflected in the whole family.”
