Just one idea can make the world of difference to your parenting skills. This is the belief behind Toolbox Parenting Groups. Toolbox Groups are a unique approach to parent education, offering practical skills and strategies that you can implement immediately. These strategies can make a huge difference to the harmony of your family and set a course to maximise your children’s potential.

The first of a series of Toolbox Parenting Groups will run in partnership with Guyra Central School on August 18 2008. The decision to do this was based on a recommendation from the School Chaplain, Lee Martin who has become one of three volunteer facilitators in Guyra.

Lee states that he has had a long term passion for families and believes that wise parenting is the key to successful individuals and communities.

Toolbox Parent Groups offer three different courses; one for early childhood, then middle years and teenage years. The groups meet in a relaxed and fun environment over six sessions to equip parents with the tools they need to form great relationships with their kids while developing them into mature and successful adults.

You start in the age group of your children. For instance parents of teenagers would get no advantage from doing the other age groups unless they also had children of that age.

The first of the Toolbox Groups in Guyra will commence at the School on Monday August 18 2008. This group will be for parents of children aged 0-6. It is available to the whole community not just members of Guyra Central School community. Numbers are limited and registration is essential.

Topics covered by the course are: Parent Types, Developmental Stages, Tools to Engage Cooperation, Discipline, Making Memories and finally Being the Parent Your Child Needs

The course will run over six consecutive Mondays from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Guyra Central School. There is a fee $45.00 to cover costs. This includes your copy of a comprehensive Parents Manual which you will find a useful reference tool throughout your years of child raising.

To register or obtain more information phone the school office on 6779 1844 or after hours phone Lee on 6779 1988.

A group for parents of middle year children and also a group for parents of teenagers will be available in third term. You can register for those courses now and avoid disappointment.