Inaugural parenting course for Dads proves popular

A Circle of Security (COS) parenting course offered to Dads in the Busselton region has generated overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Jill Rogers, Community Health Nurse with WA Country Health Service's Naturaliste Community Health and one of the course facilitators said the 'Dads only' evening group was held for the first time in response to requests from the community.

The course facilitators were impressed with the insight of the group as well as the open and honest discussions each week, according to Ms Rogers.

"We saw how much the Dads enjoyed not only connecting with each other but also developing confidence in their parenting skills," Ms Rogers said. 

"Attendance was excellent and the networking that developed (between the Dads) throughout the course was astounding," she added.

Ms Rogers said the Dads often stayed back and chatted further with each other about different aspects of the course and then continued their conversations in the carpark.

"One of the many positive outcomes of this group was the Dads formed a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and have since met up for a catch-up," she said. 

Based on the success of this course the Naturaliste Community Health team is keen to explore how FIFO dads could link in to a similar group while they are away, considering they face extra challenges in relationship building with their children and family.

The COS group program is offered free to parents/carers of children under five years, who want to understand their child’s emotional world and help develop their child's self-esteem.

Ms Rogers said parents are encouraged to see the world through the eyes of their child and to remember in the difficult moments that your child is not giving you a hard time but having a hard time.

“Parenting is tough sometimes and we under estimate how important connection is,” she said.

Another Dads COS group will be offered later in the year.

To register your interest please call 97568386 or 97521935