30th December 2004 

Parents make a valuable contribution to the lives and future health and well being of their children every day, while dealing with the many and varied pressures of their own lives.  This contribution can sometimes be invisible and undervalued by both parents and children.  This can leave parents in need of support and encouragement to value themselves and feel joy as they parent.  

To support parents in the good job they are already doing the South Eastern Health Board is offering a parenting course called Family Communications and Self-esteem.  The course focuses on enhancing parents relationship with their child and improving family communications.  Good communication and healthy self-esteem are key ingredients in enhancing relationships between parents and children.  Good relationships can help prevent problems such as the misuse of drugs and alcohol in the long-term.  As well as helping parents guide and support children as they grow and become independent. 

In this 10 week course parents get an opportunity to share experiences, gain information and practice skills.  Each week new information and skills build on those learnt in the previous weeks.  The course is for all parents, mothers and fathers, of children of all ages.