Connecting with others, practising English and getting support are some of the reasons parents have embraced parenting programs from Family Services of Greater Vancouver.
Parents are invited to register for programs that are set to get underway in the coming weeks.
“We limited the numbers due to COVID, and all need to wear masks and follow all the CO guidance, like not attending if they feel any symptoms,” said Sima Sajjadi, facilitator and outreach worker in community education and development services. “We thought it is better to start in person as people need the social part and it is very important also for children.”
Here are some of the Family Services winter programs that will soon be getting underway:
Creative Explorations allows families to explore young children’s creative self through arts and crafts, songs and stories. It’s being held at Olivet Church (613 Queens Ave) on Mondays from Feb. 7 to March 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Bus tickets will be provided and child-minding is available.
Parents Connect is for parents of children zero to six years of age and allows them connect with other parents and participate in guided discussions. Six sessions are being held at Olivet Church on Fridays from Feb. 4 to March 11 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Bus tickets will be provided and child-minding is available.
The Single Moms support group provides support for moms who are raising children on their own, and helps them to connect with other moms about the joys and challenges of solo parenting and to learn about community resources. Five sessions will be held at Olivet Church on Wednesdays from Feb. 9 to March 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Bus tickets will be provided and child-minding is available.
Parents of children aged zero to six years of age are invited to attend a Community Kitchen program, where they will learn food skills. Participants will also learn how to cook healthy recipes o a budget, while developing valuable interpersonal relationships that build healthy, resilient families and communities. Six sessions will take place on Wednesdays (Feb. 2 to March 9) from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. at École Qayqayt Elementary, 85 Merivale St. Bus tickets will be provided and child-minding is available.
Positive Discipline Parenting workshops are being held for parents and grandparents of children aged zero to six years of age. These informational workshops will include experiential activities, guided discussions and sharing, where participants can learn how to help children develop self-discipline, problem-solving skills, responsibility and self-esteem. Five sessions will be held at the New Westminster Schools Welcome Center (in New Westminster Secondary at 820 Sixth St.) on Wednesdays from Feb. 9 to March 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Bus tickets will be provided.
On the last Saturday of the month, Raising Exceptional Children, a support group for parents of children with special needs, will take place on Zoom at 10 a.m. Parents can connect with other parents, share the challenges of parenting exceptional children and learn about community resources.
To register for any of these programs, call Family Services of Greater Vancouver at 604-368-2154 or email [email protected].
