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Becoming a nicer parent by leaving frustration behind

Parenting six children between the ages of 14 years and 18 months is not an easy task. Just ask Angela.

Five of her children are very close in age and understandably, by the time the sixth was born, Angela was tired and unable to think clearly. That's when she turned to Abbotsford Community Services Family Education programs for help.

"I wanted new and fresh ideas to help me steer my children's energy in the right direction."

 

"I wanted to be able to parent nicely instead of in frustration. I wanted new and fresh ideas to help me steer my children's energy in the right direction," says Angela. She found out about the programs from a friend who had been attending some parenting classes. "It was so nice to go somewhere and get unbiased input, help and advice on raising my kids."

The classes helped Angela gain the confidence to recognize that as a parent she was actually doing a pretty good job. She recognized that with a little bit of help, she could even do a better job. "I wouldn't mind taking some of the classes again," ahe admits.

Angela loved the non-judgemental and open-mindedness of the program leaders. She also had a strong sense the staff at the ACS Family Education programs truly cared about how they were doing.

She remembers one interaction from class very vividly. Another participant was frustrated about her baby crying so often through the night. The class instructor commented, "Oh how lucky you are! Your baby needs you!" That really struck Angela and it influenced her greatly. Even today, when one of her children cry for her attention ahe reminds herself "I get to spend individual time with little one all by ourselves."

ACS Family Education Programs Angela used were:

 

Raising Your Spirited Child - based on the philosophy that "spirited kids are like roses" - they need special care, and sometimes you have to get past the thorns to truly enjoy their beauty.

The Incredible Years - promotes parents self-confidence and competence in using positive parent management skills with children aged 5 - 12.

Parent Project - this is an intensive experiential parenting class for parents of preschool age children.

Anger Awareness - teaches skills for managing anger in a healthy way, how to make anger work for you, not against you.