15 August 2006

UC psychologists help parents do most important job

Canberra's parents won't need to turn to Supernanny or the Honey we're Killing the Kids team for help with their children thanks to a new program at the University of Canberra that aims to equip parents with the skills they need.

Run by the University's psychology clinic, Enhancing Family Strengths through Positive Parenting will teach parents how to cope with tantrums, eating problems and misbehaviour. Psychology researchers will evaluate the program so it can continually improve.

"Being a parent is one of the most difficult and challenging roles a person can perform, yet parents do it with no training and little guidance," psychologist Dr Angela White said.

"In a town like Canberra where the population is transient and mums and dads may not have their own parents on hand to offer guidance things can be particularly difficult.

"The popularity of TV shows like Supernanny demonstrates people are interested in tips to help with parenting.

"At the University of Canberra we're giving parents access to psychologists and the latest research to empower them with the positive parenting skills to make raising a family the pleasurable experience parents and their children deserve."

The program is for parents/guardians with child/ren aged 2-12 years. Five sessions will be conducted addressing: positive parenting, causes of child behaviour problems, managing misbehaviour, enhancing parental strengths, planning ahead, encouraging children's independence and developing problem-solving skills for parents.

The approach is through participation in small group work, with up to 12 participants in each group. Each program is run over five weeks, with each session running for two hours. The cost of the program is $75 per parent or $115 per couple.

The next program will begin in August/September 2006. Interested parents should contact the University of Canberra on (02) 6201 2883 to register to participate in this program.

UC Communications

Gaye Morrison
T: 02 6201 5855
M: 0409 470 755

Kaddie Pass
T: 02 6201 2681

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Copyright © 2005 University of Canberra

Last Updated on August 1, 2005