DDPS - Parent Connect

Parent Connect is a group of parents who aim to create connections between caregivers within the school community, in order to empower one another, make friends and support each other. This will be done through social gatherings, as well as structured sessions hosted by volunteer parents.

Upcoming Sessions

The group currently utilize resources offered by the charity Care For The Family, and are able to host the following workshops and courses:

• A Mind of Their Own
• Left to Their Own Devices
• ParentTalk - The Primary Years
• Time Out for Parents - The Primary Years

A Mind of Their Own

A Mind of Their Own is a one-session, group resource to inform, encourage and equip parents and other significant adults to strengthen children’s emotional wellbeing.

We know that children are navigating the complexities of an ever-changing society, full of both opportunity and risk. The good news is that we can prepare our children to meet life’s inevitable challenges head-on.

Target audience

This resource is accessible for all, but particularly aimed at parents of children aged 7 – 14 years. However, parents of younger children are also likely to find this a useful resource.

Topics include:

• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Resilience
• Brain development
• Body-confidence
• Role models

Upcoming Sessions: 14th June 2023

Left to Their Own Devices?

This 90-minute session is made up of video clips and discussion time which will allow parents to gain an understanding of the online world that our children inhabit.

• We’ll explore the impact of the digital world on teenagers and younger children
• Give practical advice on screen time, social media and consumer culture
• Tackle some of the more serious issues such as online bullying
• Key themes and topics explored:
• The advantages of the online world
• The challenge of time and money
• The challenge of gaming
• Conduct, content and contact
• The challenge of pornography
• Passing on your wisdom and values

Parentalk – The Primary Years

Parentalk is a 6 session course that provides parents with the opportunity to talk about the day-to-day challenges they face, as well as looking at valuable principles and easy to apply techniques throughout the parenting journey.

Key themes and topics explored in Parentalk – The Primary Years:

• The busyness of family life
• Understanding children’s ‘Love Languages’
• Communication
• Setting boundaries
• Preparing children for the outside world
• The importance of family time 

Upcoming Sessions: September 2023

Time Out For Parents -The Primary Years

What's in the course?

The primary years are an exciting time when children are developing friendships and discovering more about who they are and what they can do. The course helps parents to support their child’s emotional wellbeing through understanding their temperament, meeting their needs and communicating well.

We explore how our parenting approach influences family relationships and consider a toolkit of behaviour strategies to allow parents to decide what best suits their family situation. We discuss helping children make good choices and understand friendships both in the real and online worlds. Finally we look at how to deal well with conflict and the importance of enjoying family time together.