Brandon Twp.- Meet people from your community, in a similar stage of life, and possibly facing familiar challenges this week in an ‘Early Childhood Parent Cafe.?
Parents of children who are in preschool all the way up to third grade in the district are invited to attend the ‘cafe,? from 2-3:30 p.m., Sept. 22 and 24, at the Oakwood Elementary cafeteria. The events are hosted by Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance and Great Start Oakland.
‘The idea is that most parents can really benefit from cooperation and support from people in the same stage of life and experiencing the same challenges,? said Deb Hyde, parent educator. ‘The cafe gives parents solid tools about parenting and helps them develop support systems and friendships in their own network.?
Hyde, who facilitates the group, said it is more of a guided discussion between parents, with topics including issues like children’s emotional development? what is normal, what is not, and how to foster healthy development at every stage, negotiating various challenges. Typical problems in early childhood include lying, fighting, or inability to share, all of which Hyde said must be taken in context of a child’s age.
‘Lying can be way overblown if you’re talking about a preschooler? their concept of what is real and not real is very primitive,? she noted. ‘As they get older, there are stricter expectations. It’s important to understand development before you know how to react. A lot of people want to discuss tempers, sibling rivalry, bedtime problems, these are all universal issues and people like to share their experiences and what works for them.?
Parents can discuss with each other how they handle various problems, as well as what they are doing that is helping them raise happy, successful children. Hyde says parents may also discuss how they themselves were raised and what they are replicating and avoiding with their own children.
‘Were you afraid of your parents? Were you angry with your parents? Were they angry with you? All that influences what kind of relationship you have with your child and how we foster the discussion,? said Hyde. ‘What I have found is the cafe really attracts people who are new in a community and gives them access to other parents whose children will be friends.?
The Early Childhood Parent Cafe is free, with refreshments, door prizes, and childcare available. To register, call 248-627-1855.