‘Enjoy Your Children’ Course

• What is the Enjoy Your Children Course about?
• What topics are covered on the course?
• What happens in the sessions?
• How long does the course last for?
• Who can attend?
• Is child care provided?
• Where/when do the courses take place?
• Who runs the courses?
• Is there a charge for the course?
• Have other parents found the course useful?
• How do I get a place on the course?

The clue’s in the title! The feedback we get from parents tells us that the courses are really helpful. Click here to read what people say. Our course is based on the Webster Stratton Parenting Programme (you can find more information at www.incredibleyears.com), chosen for its reputation as a well-researched course. Interested? Read on!

Our aim is to equip you with the tools needed to help you become a more confident parent and enable family life to run more smoothly. The topics covered include….

You’d be surprised what we cram into 2 hours! There’s a lot to cover so we follow a plan for each session, but don’t worry, it’s not like going back to school! We are careful not to bombard people with information or move too quickly. We will provide you with a file and during each session, you will be given helpful handouts summarising what we have covered. Every parent’s views and experiences are valued and a joint approach to resolving difficulties is encouraged, so it’s not just about what you can learn but what others can learn from you. The sessions involve small and large group discussions and activities, as well as watching video clips. You will be encouraged to try out strategies at home and will then have the opportunity to discuss your progress with the group. We try to make sure the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and we believe everyone gets more out of the session when they are having fun!

The course lasts for 12 sessions, each session lasting 2 hours. Sessions are not held within school holidays. We realise that we are asking for a big commitment from you, but we can assure you it’s worth it. It takes time to make changes, and over the 12 weeks, we can look at each topic in detail and give you the time you need to try things out at home.

As long as you are a mum, dad or key carer of a 3 to 12 year old and you live in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, then you can apply. Remember, we run courses all year round, so if now is not a good time, perhaps one of our future courses would suit you better.

We understand how difficult it can be to find childcare. Free crèche places may be available for those attending the daytime courses. If we are unable to provide childcare we will do our best to assist you with making alternative arrangements.

We want all parents in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to have the opportunity to attend our courses without having to travel too far. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transport to and from our courses. However, if this is difficult for you, we are always prepared to discuss other possibilities. We run our courses at various venues in Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot, such as community centres, schools, church halls and children’s centres. We appreciate how busy life as a parent can be and so we offer a mixture of both day and evening courses so that you can find one that fits in with your family’s diary. See our calendar for details of forthcoming courses.

Family Friends has a team of facilitators who are trained to deliver our courses. Each course has two facilitators. If you decide to apply for a course, you will have the opportunity to meet one of the facilitators face to face before the course starts who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

No; our courses are free. However, as we are a charity, any donations are always gratefully received and help us to continue to deliver our courses to more parents just like you.

Yes! We’ve had some fantastic feedback from parents, both in terms of the difference it’s made to their family, and their experience of being on our course. Click here to read what parents say about our courses.

In January 2008 one parent spoke to ‘Families’ Magazine about her experience of the ‘Enjoy Your Children’ course. To read the article in full click here.

Please contact the office.

We understand that our course is not for everyone and some people feel more comfortable receiving support on a one-to-one basis.