Caregivers in Humboldt and area can now get an upgrade to their parenting skills if they so desire with the introduction of the Triple P parenting program.
The program is run by PARTNERS Family services, though Triple P is a separate program that has been running for awhile and is offered in about 20 different countries.
The program is meant for anyone who takes care of a child aged 0-12. This includes parents, caregivers, and grandparents and is offered at no cost.
It has four different options for parents and caregivers. The primary care option is a four-week program that is designed to help parents one on one with any specific issues they may have. The discussion groups are a two hour session with possible topics ranging from disobedience to aggression, and more. The group program is an eight-week option that helps parents learn tools for use at home, and lets parents learn from each other. The seminar option is for parents interested in one or more of three possible topics: The Power of Positive Parenting; Raising Competent, Confident Children; and Raising Resilient Children. Parents can choose which program works best for them.
“We’re really lucky to have been given the opportunity to run this program in the community. It is an asset. Not all communities in Saskatchewan are able to deliver this program,” said Karen MacCarville, prevention and support program services manager at PARTNERS. “It allows parents to learn from other parents. That’s huge too.”
MacCarville said one of the assets of the program is that it can be personalized to whatever each individual caregiver wants help with. Other than the age restriction, there are no requirements for signing up for the program.
“If you feel you want to increase your parenting skills and change your parenting style a little bit, you are more than welcome to refer yourself to the program,” she said.
Three instructors from the community completed a course to become accredited to run the course. To enroll in the course, interested parties just have to call PARTNERS. They will talk to Teryn Ulriksen, the Triple P Parenting co-ordinator, who will assess what their needs are in order to place them in the best program. PARTNERS asks that people sign up in advance because there’s a sign up process.
“We seem to be having more people sign up for the one on one assistance, but we’ve had a good turnout for the first seminar, and I’m sure that turnout will only increase in the second seminar,” MacCarville said. “We’re pleased with the turnout for all aspects of the program.”
The first three seminars are on May 7, 28, and June 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Humboldt Public School.
Free childcare is provided during the program.
“Any parent can struggle from time to time. We all need a little bit of help and advice from time to time as parents,” MacCarville said. “I think this program serves a great purpose in providing that to parents in our community.”
