Support for Parents

Parenting often has many challenges. Usually in Gateshead parenting programmes are offered to give support and advice but due to the current pandemic they have been put on hold. The information below can also be accessed at gateshead.gov.uk.

If you have other concerns about your child there are services that can be accessed. Speak to your child’s classteacher or contact Mrs Preece via the school office or by email- andreapreece@gatedu.org.

Families First

An introduction to healthier family relationships

Behaviour
The importance of good communication both talking and listening

Firm and fair parenting, feelings and self esteem

Rewards

Using appropriate rewards to promote positive behaviour
The foundation of all good family relationships.
Non-verbal communication includes eye contact, facial expressions and body language.
Don’t give unnecessary instructions – give one instruction at a time.
Use praise and encouragement.
Give clear and helpful reminders.
Understanding that feelings underpin behaviour is important – for stress.
Distinguish the behaviour from the child.
Use choices and consequences. Make consequences age-appropriate and immediate, short and to the point.
Choose your battles, set clear rules and avoid power struggles.
Set and use realistic expectations.
Use time-out and thinking time as a strategy to manage unwanted behaviour

Behaviour continued

Implement a good daily routine, structure and clear boundaries.
Negotiate, compromise and give a second chance.
Use encouragement and praise.
Recognise a good attitude.
Use positive reinforcement.
Give positive feedback before highlighting negatives.
Remember – children cannot always regulate their feelings.

Feelings

Some of the most important things you can communicate to a child are that feelings are okay, mistakes are fixable and there’s nothing they could do to push you away or make you love them less.

Behaviour is not perfect, it is communication.

Embrace the imperfect and show children they are worth holding close to your heart, no matter what.

Parenting style – ‘Firm and Fair’

Firm, fair and consistent parenting styles are most effective.
Listen to your child and encourage your child to talk and listen.
Set balanced, clear boundaries.
Rules need to be clear, basic and phrased positively.
Give praise and allow a degree of choice to your child.
Promote security and support any problematic behaviour.
Keep talking to a minimum and try not to become emotionally involved. This can be difficult , but if you can do it there will be less arguing.
Negotiating and responsibility
Once a reward has been achieved it should never be removed for unacceptable behaviour.
Examples – read a book together, watch a movie, extra screen time, behaviour charts, give a treat
Take 3 deep breaths
Tense and relax your muscles
Listen to music
Draw a picture
I can handle this
Think Happy
I will do better next time

Nurturing Ourselves

A car can run on fumes for only so long, it needs to be refilled or it will stop running altogether. You as a parent cannot continue to be everything to everybody. Eventually you will break-down. You need to take time for yourself to rejuvenate. To make sure you are not lost while trying to hold everything together.

Parenting can be one of the most demanding jobs there is – we (parents) need to look after our own wellbeing. If we neglect ourselves we may become stressed, irritable and exhausted. Parents need to maintain strength and resilience and be kind to themselves in small, every-day ways.

Gateshead Children’s Centres

https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/2695/Gateshead-Children-s-Centres

Growing Healthy Gateshead

https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/services/childrens-services/growing-healthy-gateshead/

Gateshead SENDIAS (0191 478 4667)

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/dais-gateshead-sendias

Gateshead Early Help Service – Online Advice for Families https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/15674/Advice-for-families

Article 2: All children have rights. No child should be treated unfairly.

Article 12: you have the right to an opinion and to be listened to.

Article 14: You have the right to choose your own religion and beliefs. Your parents should help you decide what is right and wrong, and what is best for you.

Article 17: You have the right to get information that is important to your well-being, from radio, newspaper, books, computers and other sources. Adults should make sure that the information you are getting is not harmful, and help you find and understand the information you need.

Support for Parents

Parenting often has many challenges. Usually in Gateshead parenting programmes are offered to give support and advice but due to the current pandemic they have been put on hold. The information below can also be accessed at gateshead.gov.uk.

If you have other concerns about your child there are services that can be accessed. Speak to your child’s classteacher or contact Mrs Preece via the school office or by email- andreapreece@gatedu.org.

Families First

An introduction to healthier family relationships

Behaviour

The importance of good communication both talking and listening

Firm and fair parenting, feelings and self esteem

Rewards

Using appropriate rewards to promote positive behaviour

The foundation of all good family relationships.

Non-verbal communication includes eye contact, facial expressions and body language.

Don’t give unnecessary instructions – give one instruction at a time.

Use praise and encouragement.

Give clear and helpful reminders.

Understanding that feelings underpin behaviour is important – for stress.

Distinguish the behaviour from the child.

Use choices and consequences. Make consequences age-appropriate and immediate, short and to the point.

Choose your battles, set clear rules and avoid power struggles.

Set and use realistic expectations.

Use time-out and thinking time as a strategy to manage unwanted behaviour

Behaviour continued

Implement a good daily routine, structure and clear boundaries.

Negotiate, compromise and give a second chance.

Use encouragement and praise.

Recognise a good attitude.

Use positive reinforcement.

Give positive feedback before highlighting negatives.

Remember – children cannot always regulate their feelings.

Feelings

Some of the most important things you can communicate to a child are that feelings are okay, mistakes are fixable and there’s nothing they could do to push you away or make you love them less.

Behaviour is not perfect, it is communication.

Embrace the imperfect and show children they are worth holding close to your heart, no matter what.

Parenting style – ‘Firm and Fair’

Firm, fair and consistent parenting styles are most effective.

Listen to your child and encourage your child to talk and listen.

Set balanced, clear boundaries.

Rules need to be clear, basic and phrased positively.

Give praise and allow a degree of choice to your child.

Promote security and support any problematic behaviour.

Keep talking to a minimum and try not to become emotionally involved. This can be difficult , but if you can do it there will be less arguing.

Negotiating and responsibility

Once a reward has been achieved it should never be removed for unacceptable behaviour.

Examples – read a book together, watch a movie, extra screen time, behaviour charts, give a treat

Take 3 deep breaths

Tense and relax your muscles

Listen to music

Draw a picture

I can handle this

Think Happy

I will do better next time

Nurturing Ourselves

Parenting can be one of the most demanding jobs there is – we (parents) need to look after our own wellbeing. If we neglect ourselves we may become stressed, irritable and exhausted. Parents need to maintain strength and resilience and be kind to themselves in small, every-day ways.